Mixtape Atlanta

BaconFest 2011

On Saturday, March 26 the annual celebration of Atlanta's favorite cured meat- BACON- returned to Dad's Garage. BaconFest, which benefits the famous improv theatre, not only had plenty of bacon, but several creative activities. From wheelchair races to Dr. Boobies guessing inquiring patients bra sizes, there was plenty of laugher while clouds and rain covered the festival.

Mike LaSage, noted bacon enthusiast and P'cheen's executive chef, performed about three songs with his band (Mike LaSage and The Stumbling Troubadours) before the rain prematurely ended their set. Luckily, there was an entire cooked hog for eating provided by P'cheen to help lift fans spirits. Whynatte was also helping to lift the mood by providing free cans of the popular drink. Perhaps the biggest bacon fan in attendance was Niki Wing, who for the second year in a row was crowned BaconFest Queen. Wing, wearing a bacon patterned dress at the event, campaigned hard for win by issuing over a 1,000 bacon-themed posts on Twitter, Facebook, and FourSquare.

Check out photos from BaconFest 2011, here.

SXSW 2011...Stay Tuned

Mixtape Atlanta has returned from Austin after another successful and memorable South By Southwest. Stay tuned for coverage and photos to come! 

Atlanta Gets Ready to Raise the Roof

On Saturday March 19, Mindzai Creative and Whynatte present some of Atlanta's best bands to the rooftop bar of Cheers Shot Bar. Don't miss this open SXSW showcase.

ATL Yeah! in Austin

Atlanta invades Austin again with another killer showcase at SXSW 2011. Download a sampler (mixtape!) of some of our favorite Atlanta bands here.

Shamrocked 2011

Saturday, March 5 thousands braved the rainy- or Irish- weather to party at Shamrock Fest at Park Tavern. A Social Mess kept the vibe fun and debaucherous, while the talented gents behind the Please Rock empire kicked off the live music with Uno Dos Tres Catorce, a U2 tribute band Please Rock style. After UDTC got the crowd warmed up and even more drunk, Please Rock returned to the stage as Yacht Rock for an amazing set few actually remember thanks to the drink specials.

Relive all the fun- minus the hangover- and check out all of Mixtape Atlanta's photos here.

See PAUL

Be one of the first to view Paul, the newest adventure-comedy from the makers of Hot Fuzz and Shaun of the Dead. Email [email protected] for your chance to win a pair of screening passes to this new movie starring Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Jason Bateman, Kristen Wiig, and more. The screening will take place on March 15 and Paul lands in theaters nationwide on March 18. All winners will be notified via email by March 14.

Lovett at 10 High, You'll Love It

Before they become one of the most buzzed about bands at SXSW, check out Lovett at 10 High on Sunday, March 13 with Young Orchids. The band is a furious circus of talent and musicianship crossing genres and even featuring some familiar Atlanta musicians. Doors are at 8:30PM and cover is only $5, so head to 10 High for night of amazing music. Trust us.

Check out Lovett's music video for the latest single "Heartattack," here.

 

Paul McDonald, Next American Idol?

From Smith's Olde Bar, Vinyl, Park Tavern, and more, Paul McDonald and his band The Grand Magnolias (formerly Hightide Blues) have been performing at venues and showcases across Atlanta for years. From original southern rock swing to intimate acoustic ballads, The Grand Magnolias, fronted by McDonald, never put on a dull show. Now all of America is witnessing McDonald's showmanship, energy, and talent as he competes to be one of the Top Ten American Idol contestants. While our money is on Paul to be THE American Idol, check out Mixtape Atlanta's coverage of Paul and his talented bandmates throughout the years. Don't forget to tune into American Idol TONIGHT (March 3) and see Paul advance (fingers crossed)!

Related articles and photo albums:
Hightide Blues Amps Up Unplugged
Night 8 500 Songs for Kids 2010
Hightide Blues at Smith's Olde Bar
Smith's Showcases the Best