Roxie Watson isn’t that hot girl you dated when you were younger. Roxie Watson is Decatur’s own “alterna-grass” band that is selling out venues, playing with the likes of Amy Ray and keeping a full touring calendar this summer, including two June 9 shows at Eddie’s Attic in Decatur.
The members of Roxie Watson are veterans of Atlanta’s music scene, accomplished musicians, and oh yeah, they’re all gay. The band features Beth Wheeler on mandolin, Lenny Lasater on bass, Linda Bolley on acoustic and electric guitar, Sonia Tetlow on banjo, and Becky Shaw playing guitar, harmonica, button accordion and lap steel.
On the heels of the latest Roxie Watson release, “Of Milestones and Moon Pies,” Lenny and Sonia sat down to talk about their latest album, their diverse fan base and honoring their grandmas.
MondoHomo, Atlanta’s alternative queer arts festival, returns Memorial Day weekend to rock your face off with music, art and queer consciousness. But perhaps you’ve been too intimidated to attend in the past or are not sure what to expect. We interviewed organizer Jesse Morgan for a few tips and insights for those who want to experience MondoHomo but were too afraid to ask.
Here's what you need to know:
What exactly is a “radical queer arts and music festival?” What do you mean by radical or queer? Isn’t it bad to be called queer?
If anyone is an expert in road traveling, it’s Doris Muramatsu.
On the road for two weeks at the time with her band Girlyman since early 2001, Muramatsu has seen hundred of thousands of miles of America’s asphalt maze — with bandmates Ty Greenstein, Nate Borofsky and newest member JJ Jones in tow.
“We certainly know how to find the best route, how to find good food, and how to Priceline 3.5- to 4-star hotels for $35,” Muramatsu says. “When you travel as much as we do, you learn how to make the road work for you in a more streamlined fashion.”
Girlyman, the Atlanta-based vocal harmony pop/rock quartet, performs at Eddie's Attic for two shows on May 12 before heading for several tour stops throughout Europe.
Lead vocalist Doris Muramatsu says everyone in Girlyman would fit into the category of "queer," and that she and bandmates Ty Greenstein, Nate Borofsky and newest member JJ Jones are excited to to play a duo of hometown shows before heading across the pond.
Girlyman's fifth studio album "Supernova" was released on iTunes and other digital outlets May 1. Physical copies are due in stores June 19.
The eighth annual Women's Music in the Mountains festival returns to the North Georgia mountains this weekend, promising three days of camping, songs and fun.
Lesbian guitarist Ronnda Cadle organizes the festival each year at Swiftwaters, the "womanspace" campground near Dahlonega, Ga.
"If you have never been to Swiftwaters, you must plan to attend or camp at some point," Cadle says. "The Festival is rustic as well as the camping. Tents are the main source for camping and there are no RV hookups. But the spirit of the grounds, its vision and longevity are priceless."