On March 21, Gordon “Doc” Stovall, the 74-year-old Western singer, cowboy poet and Entertainment and Sponsorship Manager at the Booth Western Art Museum, died in a tragic car accident. Honored in 2002 as Georgia’s Official Cowboy Balladeer by the Georgia State Legislature, he entertained audiences both young and old as he strived to keep alive the history of the West in music and song. In 2009, the Cowboy Keeper Award from the National Day of the Cowboy Association was bestowed upon Stovall for his contributions to the preservation of Western heritage and cowboy culture.

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February 1, 2012 -  The Atlanta Opera has added four performances of its newly commissioned children’s opera, Rabbit Tales, to its 2011-2012 schedule. The additional performances will be on Sunday, February 26, 2012 at 3:00 p.m. at the Decatur High School Theatre; Wednesday, March 21, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. at The Atlanta Opera Center; and Saturday, March 24, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at Fulton County Arts & Culture's Southwest Arts Center. Tickets are $6.00, and can be purchased online at atlantaopera.org. For more information, or for group sales of 25 tickets or more, please call 404.892.3132 or email education@atlantaopera.org.

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February 1, 2012 -  Women, put down your laptops, grab a guitar and get into the groove Feb. 17-19 at Ladies Rock Camp, the annual fundraiser for Girls Rock Camp ATL. The event is a three-day rock and roll fantasy experience where women learn to play an instrument, form a band, write a song together, and play a big rock concert finale. Beginners are absolutely encouraged to attend! Atlanta-bred roots rocker Michelle Malone will lead the songwriting workshop and serve as a floating band coach, giving participants tips, tricks, and pointers along the way. Legendary blues artist Beverly "Guitar" Watkins will play a private lunchtime set, making for a once-in-a-lifetime musical experience. The unique weekend of learning and making music includes lunch and dinners by the Peasant Bistro, Mellow Mushroom, and Doc Chey's, and continental breakfast will be served in the mornings.

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January 18, 2012 -  Straits, the Asian fusion restaurant owned by Atlanta rapper Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, is shutting its doors and turning off its lights after a four-year run in midtown Atlanta. Ludacris and his business partner, Chris Yeo, made the decision to close Straits after finalizing a contract-deal with Atlanta Restaurant Partners, on Jan. 3^rd, to open a new restaurant—Chicken N Beer—in the new addition of Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. “As I continue to learn and evolve as a businessman, I am extremely excited to put my restaurateur footprint into a new venture inside the busiest international airport in the United States, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport,” Ludacris said in a release. “Straits was a great segue into the industry and with Chicken N Beer I can create my own concept. I look forward to expanding my creativity and driving to a much higher plane.”Chicken N Beer, which is coincidentally the name of Ludacris’ third album, will serve comfort food and specialty beer made from locally grown ingredients. The expansion of Hartsfield-Jackson is not set for completion until the Spring of 2014.

January 18, 2012 -  Casting Crowns dropped the new album, Come to the Well, in October of 2011 and within the first week sold nearly 100,000 copies. Shortly thereafter they kicked-off their North American Tour which featured 15 sell-out shows and included performances by special guests Matthew West, Royal Tailor, and newcomer Lindsay McCaul. In light of the tour’s success, Casting Crowns has announced that they will be extending the Come to the Well Tour through the spring, adding 44 new tour dates to their itinerary, including First Baptist Church in Woodstock, Ga. on April 27.

December 12, 2011 -  The B-52s have announced plans to bring their cosmic dance party back to the town where it all began, Athens, GA. Nearly 35 years to the date of their first-ever show, Valentine's Day 1977, "The World's Greatest Party Band" will mark the occasion with an all-out call to dance in a party out of bounds that will be a celebration of the band's longtime and venerated career. Tickets go on sale Friday, Dec. 16 at 10 a.m. at The Classic Center box office located at 300 N. Thomas Street in Downtown Athens. Tickets can also be purchased by phone at 706.357.4444 and online at www.ClassicCenter.com.

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December 9, 2011 - Bassist Shonna Tucker announced this week that after eight years, she’s leaving Athens-based rock band, Drive-By Truckers. David Barbe, producer and director of the Music Business Program at the University of Georgia, will fill in until a permanent replacement is named. DBT singer Patterson Hood wrote on the band’s website, “We all love and respect her and wish her all of the best in everything she sets out for…Her charm and spark will be irreplaceable and her part in our last decade of this band’s history is indisputable.” (Photo by Karl Walter/Getty Images)

December 8, 2011 - “Carry On Wayward Son” and “Point of Know Return” are certain to be on the set list when Kansas, the rock band who ruled the airwaves in the 70s, headlines the Annual Peach Drop in Atlanta on New Year’s Eve at Underground Atlanta. Several of the members are longtime Georgia residents.

December 7, 2011 - The reality series, T.I. and Tiny: The Family Hustle, debuts on VH1 this month. Early episodes candidly shares with viewers the story behind T.I.’s recent release from federal prison, follows the rapper and his family on their outing to Cinebistro, in Atlanta’s Brookhaven neighborhood and tags along with T.I. to Philps Arena, where he meets and performs with Taylor Swift.

December 6, 2011 - Atlanta’s Grammy-winning musician/actor Chris “Ludacris” Bridges has expanded his already impressive philanthropic activities with the launch of a new website, KarmasWorld.com, dedicated to his 10-year-old daughter. The interactive site features original songs and games that teach lessons in academics, including math, science and geography and shares with kids the meaning of “karma,” which is “how doing good deeds can bring good into your life.” Check out infectious ditties like “Let’s Talk About Fractions.”

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December 5, 2011 - City National Bank has opened its first banking office in Atlanta to concentrate on the growing entertainment and music industry. The company’s offices in Los Angeles, New York and Nashville serve a variety of clients in film, music and entertainment and its confidence in the Atlanta market bodes well for the city’s creative sector. David Innes, who has 20 years experience in the financial services and played music professionally when he was younger, will mange City National’s Atlanta office.

December 1, 2011 - The Savannah Music Festival has announced a stellar lineup for its 2012 city-wide musical arts event to be held March 22 – April 7, 2012. Download a digital brochure at www.savannahmusicfestival.org. The city-wide musical arts event showcases renowned performers in jazz, classical, Americana and world music against the backdrop of one of America’s most enchanting historic districts.

November 29, 2011 - Singer/songwriters Elizabeth Elkins and Vanessa Olivarez, the duo who perform as Granville Automatic, were selected as the 2012 Composers in Residence at Seaside, Florida’s prestigious “Escape to Create” program.

November 10, 2011 - Decatur, Georgia - Legendary concert promoter, Alex Cooley, and his business partner and long time friend, former Delta Captain, Dave Mattingly, will be purchasing Eddie's Attic effective December 1st, 2011.

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On Sept. 21, 2011, R.E.M. posted the following notice on its website:"To our Fans and Friends: As R.E.M., and as lifelong friends and co-conspirators, we have decided to call it a day as a band. We walk away with a great sense of gratitude, of finality, and of astonishment at all we have accomplished. To anyone who ever felt touched by our music, our deepest thanks for listening." The post was followed by comments by members of the band. On behalf of Georgia Music magazine, we thank R.E.M. for 31 years of music, passion, artistic integrity and dedication to its fans, friends, staff and the community of Athens. Read more: http://remhq.com/news_story.php?id=1446

Atlanta's own Placement Music Creative Team recorded the musical track in the opening scene of the season finale of Drop Dead Diva!!! Kudos to Tammy Hurt, Mark Dannells, Derek Murphy, Vanessa Olivarez and Nick DiDia on a great sounding session!! See it here: http://www.mylifetime.com/shows/drop-dead-diva/video?cmpid=Social_Facebook_DropDeadDiva_09262011_1

With 40 monumental prints by renowned photographers including Jim Marshall, Dannay Clinch, Harry Benson, Joel Brodsky and more,  Sound and Vision: Monumental Rock & Roll Photographs captures some of rock and roll’s most notable and memorable artists. Organized by Columbus Museum and guest curated by Christopher Murray of Govinda Gallery in Washington, D.C., the exhibition runs Dec. 10, 2011 through April 1, 2012 and features images of artists including Little Richard, Jimi Hendrix, David Bowie, Bob Dylan, Tupac Shakur, Janis Joplin, Patti Smith and Bob Marley, among others. Look for upcoming details on related programming and events. - posted July 28, 2011 Tupac Shakur, New York City, 1993 Archival Inkjet Print by Danny Clinch

Georgia’s premier attraction, Callaway Gardens, presents its inaugural Harvest Moon Festival Oct-9, 2011, in Pine Mountain with over a dozen acts including the B-52s, The Gin Blossoms, John Hiatt, Shawn Mullins, Mat Kearney, Big Head Todd and the Monsters and more. The four-day festival combines great music with Food Network chef Claire Robinson, farm-to-table foods, eco-centric ventors, cooking and gardening demonstrations and educational activities for kids. Don’t miss the early bird price of $69 for a weekend pass. - posted on July 28, 2011

After delivering another year of outstanding box office results and critical acclaim, the Savannah Music Festival announced it would be producing a small series of 6-8 concerts between mid-October and late April. It will also be expanding its youth education programming to include a year-round initiative that will service over 21,000 students during the 2011-2012 school year. More details coming soon and meanwhile, mark your calendars for Savannah Music Festival 2012 – March 22 – April 7.

Chet Atkins, the sideman, studio musician, performer, recording artist, producer and record executive who grew up in Georgia, will be honored with the biographical exhibition, Chet Atkins: Certified Guitar Player, which opens in Nashville at the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum on Aug. 11, 2011 and runs through June 2012. Savannah’s own Gretsch Company, which manufactured several Chet Atkins models including the 6120, Country Gentleman, the Tennessean and the Super Axe, is the lead sponsor of the exhibit and the primary curator, Mick Buck, is also a Georgian and graduate of the Public History MA at the University of West Georgia.

After the commercial breakthrough that was sophomore album Need You Now, breakout Nashville act Lady Antebellum (featuring Augusta natives Charles Kelley and Dave Haywood) has set its sights on remaining at the top. Third album Own The Night is due Sept. 13 on Capitol Nashville. It follows single “Just A Kiss,” which was released May 2 and hit #7 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #8 on the country charts. Need You Now sold more than three million copies and landed five Grammy awards, so expectations are high for the follow-up. No pressure, folks.  

After a reported bout with writer’s block, Azure Ray singer (and former Athens resident) Maria Taylor will release her fourth solo outing, Overlook, Aug. 16 on the Saddle Creek label. The nine-song album follows Azure Ray’s Drawing Down The Moon, released last year, and was reportedly self-produced in Taylor’s hometown of Birmingham, Ala. A single, “In A Bad Way,” preceded the album’s release. Taylor spent the spring and early summer on the road, supporting Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit.

Atlanta’s Little Horn, an indie act built around the songs of Keith Forrester (who originally founded the band as a one-man enterprise), will release its sophomore album and full-band debut Twelve. The album, due July 26 on White Heart Records, is the first to feature Steve Brown on drums, Rob Bellury on bass and DJ Highum on electronics.

They re-released Gyrate and Chomp a few years ago and now, on July 19, influential label DFA will present the newest Pylon record—or at least the newest Pylon-related record. In a continuing effort to catalog and memorialize the band‘s considerable legacy, the new seven-inch features Deerhunter covering Pylon’s first single, 1980’s “Cool.” Side two...

After a number of buzzed-about EPs, Perry’s Ernest Greene—better known by his musical alias, Washed Out—will release his full-length debut on Seattle independent label Sub Pop. The album, called Within and Without, is due July 12 and is produced by fellow Georgian Ben Allen, best known for his work with Gnarls Barkley. Recently, the Washed Out song “Feel...

The parade of reissues continues for Athens icon R.E.M. On July 12 an expanded, two-CD (and digital) 25th anniversary edition of 1986 album Lifes Rich Pageant will hit shelves and online retailers. The new edition features the digitally remastered original album, plus 19 previously unreleased demo recordings cut prior to the album’s studio sessions. The...

On June 28, folk-flavored Athens ensemble Efren will release its first full length, full band album, Rise On Up And Melt. The recording was a personal, hands on experiment and was recorded and produced by band members in their respective homes. Efren began as Scott Low, who wrote and recorded the debut album Thunder and Moan in spring 2009. Low reached out to...

EG Kight, the Dublin, Ga.-based electric blues artist, is releasing Lip Service (on the Vizz Tone label) on June 28. The album, which follows It’s Hot In Here, her well-received last outing, features several southern rock luminaries, including producer/keyboardist Paul Hornsby (Marshall Tucker, Charlie Daniels), keyboardist Randall Bramblett (Sea Level, Bonnie...

Athens sweetheart Madeline released her latest, Black Velvet, June 21 on new hometown label This Will Be Our Summer. Inspired by Neil Young producer David Briggs’ work, Madeline and backing ensemble Black Velvet Band followed the strategy of On The Beach and Tonight’s the Night—recording whenever and wherever they could find a couple of microphones, and...

They re-released Gyrate and Chomp a couple of years ago and now on July 19, influential label DFA will present the newest Pylon record. In a continuing effort to catalog and memorialize the band‘s considerable legacy, the new seven-inch features Deerhunter covering Pylon’s first single, 1980’s “Cool.” Side two features a remix of “Yo Yo” by New...

The reissue of a new wave classic owes its look and feel to a Georgia-based team. The 30th Anniversary Edition of The Go-Go’s Beauty And The Beat can claim a Georgia Music contributor, Lee Valentine Smith, as its art director.

Add the Savannah Music Festival to the organizations turning to the innovative website kickstarter.com to raise funds for worthy causes. SMF sought $25,000 to fund its Swing Central Jazz high school big band program and at press time had nearly reached that amount. Swing Central Jazz was developed six years ago and has become “the Pro Bowl of high school jazz...

Slim Chance & the Convicts, the scene-making band led by Georgia Music contributor James “Slim Chance” Kelly, celebrated the 25th anniversary of its first live performance on June 4. The band played for the residents of the Georgia Retardation Center on June 4, 1986 and, as Kelly says, “the rest is Redneck Underground history.” The band is planning a...

Georgia Music Partners recently released a new study, “Economic and Fiscal Impact Analysis of the Music Industry in Georgia,” by noted economist B. William Riall, PhD. GMP sponsored the study, which is the first in-depth analysis of the state’s music industry since a 2006 Georgia State University study.