This week Paul McDonald premiered his new music video for his single "Bright Lights." The catchy song and emotional video are a sign of exciting forthcoming music from the southern rocker. In an effort to quell his fans need for more music, McDonald has been busy finalizing his first solo album. The album's fate is relying on a Kickstarter campaign that has less than a week to go. For more information or to contribute to the cause, click here. Check out the new video below!
November 04, 2014
April 27, 2011
Rebecca Loebe on The Voice
This season, some of Mixtape Atlanta's favorite artists are sharing their talent with all of America via TV reality music competitions. First, Paul McDonald (frontman of The Grand Magnolias) finished in the Top 8 of American Idol; and now, Rebecca Loebe is advancing on NBC's new show The Voice. Rebecca has charmed Atlanta audiences for years with her original folk-rock music, and last night she won over Maroon 5's Adam Levine, who she chose to be her celebrity mentor on The Voice.
Tune into NBC Tuesday nights at 9PM to see Rebecca's journey. Also check out Rebecca's newest music video for her song "Bees and Zombies," which was filmed in Atlanta.
March 03, 2011
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
August 31, 2010
Hightide Blues Amps Up Unplugged
Nashville rockers and Atlanta favorite Hightide Blues headlined August 29's 99x's Unplugged in the Park at Park Tavern. The night featured performances from several talented performers including the Americana acoustic act of Lauren St. Jane, Life 'n Limb, and The Delta Saints. Hightide really cranked up the volume and energy with their southern rock jams. Playing a diverse group of songs off their previous album Love Come Easy and their upcoming album, the band also got the crowd rocking out to several covers. Although the band was joined by the night's earlier acts on the closing crowd stirring cover of Oasis's "Wonderwall," they also had the crowd in hysterics over their clever cover of the popular YouTube news story clip featuring Antoine Dodson's famous lines: "hide your kids, hide your wife, hide your husbands."
Check out Mixtape Atlanta's photos from the night here.
July 03, 2010
AthFest 2010
AthFest 2010 kicked off Thursday, June 24 with The Flagpole Music Awards at the Morton Theatre. Flagpole has been the must-read magazine for Athens’ vibrant music scene for years, but the live show didn’t quite live up to the interesting content found on its pages. Opening act and award showhands, Mr. Blank’s Carnivale of Black Hearts set an eccentric vibe to the show but the longwinded performances and lack of in-house award recipients made the initial excitement quickly fade. Chris Patton and TJ Edmond did a fine job of hosting and were the perfect hometown emcees for the event. However, the multiple song performances especially by Elite Tha Showstoppa and Los Meesfits made the awards show feel unnecessarily long. With the influx of excitement and AthFest goers rapidly filling the streets looking to start the weekend, the Morton Theatre and the Flagpole Awards Show felt confining.
Several blocks from Morton, Team Clermont and New West Records had a must-see showcase that proved to be the much-needed AthFest fire starter. Futurebirds, Roadside Graves, and Atlanta’s own Ponderosa got the crowd rocking and drinks flowing at 40 Watt for a rowdy night of rock ‘n roll. Friday, the outdoor stages started live music sets at 5PM, but thunderstorms settled above as soon as several of the most anticipated acts (Reptar, Spring Tigers, Packaway Handle Band, and Modern Skirts) took the stage. The non-stop rain and intermediate strikes of lightening created a dramatic yet enthusiastic collective mood from the crowd and artists. Although some shows were delayed and shortened, the audience stayed steady throughout. Due to increasing rain, it seemed uncertain that Pulaski Stage headliners Modern Skirts would take the rain soaked stage but they did. Not only did they perform their full set, but the rain worked to their advantage adding theatrical intensity to all of their songs, especially the newer one off of their upcoming EP, Happy 81. When the quartet performed beat driven “Bridges and Overpasses” and the closing “DUI,” rain sprayed from the deconstructed drums adding more strength to their set. After the outdoor sets finished, BMI hosted an impressive indoor showcase at The Melting Point featuring Trances Arc, Part Bear and Hightide Blues. For photos from the first two days of AthFest, click here.
May 11, 2010
Night 8- Come Together
Night Eight of 500 Songs for Kids brought together many talented established groups as well as some newly formed ones. Golden and Hightide Blues kicked the night off with assemble versions of songs by Dave Matthews Band and The Who, respectively. Jungol created a large sound with just a keyboard and guitar to recreate Peter Gabriel's "Sledgehammer." The Well Reds brilliantly tackled Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" nailing all the vocal and musical notes. Athens' Five Eight rocked Smith's Olde Bar as if it were a stadium to perform Kiss' "Rock and Roll All Nite" complete with costumes and effects. Gareth Asher closed out with a talented group of musicians that he gathered in between songs to perform a spirited bluesy rock cover of Elvis Presley's "That's All Right."
Check out all of Night 8's photos!
April 20, 2010
On a Roll
Have you bought your tickets for 500 Songs for Kids 2010? What are you waiting for?! Avoid having to carry cash for cover and buy your nightly tickets in advance! Purchase tickets here. Every day at noon, Mixtape Atlanta is bringing you 500 Songs for Kids updates and band announcements. Below are today's addition to the lineup as well as previously confirmed bands. You will not want to miss a night of 500 Songs for Kids' music marathon as each night musicians perform one song off of the list of 500 Greatest Era-Defining Songs of All Time.
Paul Warner (April 29, Night 1)
Michael Magno (May 2, Night 4)
Please PleaseRock Me (May 3, Night 5)
The Lost Boys (May 5, Night 7)
Romeo Spike (May 6, Night 8)Previously confirmed performers:
Rantings of Eva (April 29, Night 1)
The Serenaders (April 29, Night 1)
Stellate (April 29, Night 1)
County Line Strangers (April 30, Night 2)
Dead Confederate (April 30, Night 2)
StoneRider (April 30, Night 2)
The Orkids (April 30, Night 2)
Oh Dorian (May 1, Night 3)
The Julia Dream (May 1, Night 3)
The Falcon Lords (May 2, Night 4)
The Greater Vavoom (May 3, Night 5)
Dukes of Daville (May 3, Night 5)
Today the Moon, Tomorrow the Sun (May 3, Night 5)
Sun Domingo (May 3, Night 5)
The Yacht Rock Revue (May 3, Night 5)
Rebecca Loebe (May 4, Night 6)
Weapons of Audio (May 5, Night 7)
Dirty Pollyanna (May 5, Night 7)
Sam Thacker (May 5, Night 7)
The 54 (May 6, Night 8)
The Swear (May 6, Night 8)
Gareth Asher (May 6, Night 8)
Hightide Blues (May 6, Night 8)
Jimi Cravity (May 6, Night 8)
Golden (May 6, Night 8)
Five Eight (May 6, Night 8)
Pico Vs. Island Trees (May 7, Night 9)
The Coathangers (May 7, Night 9)
Sonia Leigh (May 7, Night 9)
Young Orchids (May 7, Night 9)
Wild Sweet Orange (May 7, Night 9)
April 16, 2010
The Countdown Continues
Since Monday, Mixtape Atlanta has released the names of over 20 confirmed artists for 500 Songs for Kids 2010. Here are 5 more artists you'll want to add to your list as they perform one song off of the list of the 500 Greatest Era-Defining Songs of All Time.
Rantings of Eva (April 29, Night 1)
The Julia Dream (May 1, Night 3)
Hightide Blues (May 6, Night 8)
Jimi Cravity (May 6, Night 8)
The Coathangers (May 7, Night 9)Check back with Mixtape Atlanta on Monday for more 500 Songs for Kids announcements!
January 11, 2010
Weekend Blues Cure: Photos and Free Music
Atlanta’s 2010 concert calendar started off with a great lineup of artists performing at local venues this weekend. Alabama natives and Nashville residents Hightide Blues returned to Smith’s Olde Bar’s stage with their energetic well-seasoned hybrid of rock, country and classic jam band style grooves. While Blues is working on their much anticipated new album, download their last EP Love Come Easy off the band’s website. Also check out photos from their concert last Friday here.
Death on Two Wheels’ shows are known for being riotous in the best definition of rock ‘n roll and Saturday night was no exception. The Atlanta band was joined by former bandmate Mike Williamson for their show at 529. If you have yet to make it to one of their performances, what are you waiting for? To make sure you are fully ready for the next Death on Two Wheels show download their The Past & The Present EP here. See Death on Two Wheels’ latest concert photos here.
January 04, 2010
Ride the Tide Into 2010
Hightide Blues is starting 2010 with a killer show and special offers. The popular band is headlining at Smith's Olde Bar Friday, January 8 and wants to make sure you are there. The band is giving away ten pairs of free tickets; just email [email protected] for your chance to win. Also to insure that you really have a great time, the band is giving away free beer starting at 10PM until the keg is tapped. How can you beat that?
July 29, 2009
Smith's Showcases the Best
Smith’s Olde Bar hosted one of Atlanta’s finest concert lineups of the summer on July 25. Nashville’s The Four Kicks started off the night with their blend of radio friendly rock hits with catchy pop hooks. Even though it has been a while since the band played in Atlanta, Kicks’ garnered a respectful sized crowd for an opening band. Their harmonies were spot on and their orchestration impressive live. Performing songs new and old, Kicks’ gave a tantalizing preview to their new album, which is set for release this fall.
Y.O.U., local rock stars known by several aliases, followed Kicks with an impressive set showcasing their mastery of any genre they tackle. Displaying a more laidback sound and style than their fans might be used to seeing, they illustrated that you don’t have to be loud to grab an audience’s attention. Seamlessly vacillating between rock, blues, jazz, and pop, Y.O.U. smoothly moved from one song to the next adding keys, horns and extra percussion on certain tracks and minimizing instruments on others. By the end of their set there was a line of fans ready to purchase their new EP, The Long-Playing EP.
Hightide Blues compounded the room’s elevated energy with their always-entertaining stage show. Going over their original set time, Blues proved that they could continue to perform if the audience was just as into it; they were. The crowd danced and sang along to many of Blues’ original songs as well as paid close attention to their new songs. Although Blues is known for being a band that has and brings a good time, on several tracks they also proved that they have the talent to establish themselves as skilled musicians. Jonathan Pears easily rotated through several instruments and managed to keep a different musical line altogether, when him and Paul McDonald played off of each other for an impressive mix of The Verve’s “Bittersweet Symphony” and Buffalo Springfield’s “For What It’s Worth;” one of the top highlights of the whole night. See photos of all three bands in action.
July 24, 2009
Catch the Tide this Saturday at Smith's
Hightide Blues headlines an amazing lineup, including Y.O.U. and The Four Kicks, at Smith's Olde Bar this Saturday and Mixtape Atlanta wants to make sure you are there. We are giving away several pairs of show tickets with copies of Hightide's recent album Love Come Easy. Enter now by sending an email with your name to [email protected]. Also visit the band's website to download their new song "Please Believe Me." See you at the show!
June 09, 2009
Summerfest Sizzles
The hot summer sun and a lineup of sizzling music acts heated up the 92.9 Dave FM stage at the 26th Annual Virginia Highlands Summerfest. Saturday’s lineup started early and the crowd was sparse for Jackson County Line, but as the day continued the crowd increased. Hightide Blues’ feel good rock and the acoustic sounds of Matt Hires and Gareth Asher provided great summer songs to help the audience both dance and relax. As the heat intensified so did the crowd and energy onstage. By the time Cowboy Mouth started their manic set, a dense standing crowd had consumed the fenced music area.
Sunday’s lineup started off with an audience comparable to the day before; however, each act transitioned so well into the next that it seemed like an alt-rock opera. The newly formed County Line Strangers performed alt-country tracks off of their upcoming Heartbreak Motel as well as the Tom Petty classic “American Girl.” Ponderosa compounded the alt-country vibe with their classic rock and untouchable style. The Constellations moved to the other end of the alternative rock spectrum with their signature sexy punk songs that dared the crowd not the dance. Their recent radio hit “Felicia” had many singing along, and crowd favorite “Step Right Up” successfully recruited new fans and late night partiers. Manchester Orchestra expertly wrapped up the day with their unique mix of indie-rock and alt-country performed with energetic jam band fervor.
Don’t miss the next must see Atlanta summer musical festival on June 20 at Candler Park for Midsummerfest with Guster and Rusted Root.
Check out Mixtape Atlanta's photos from Summerfest here.
June 05, 2009
Don't Miss Summerfest!
It’s that time of year again! The 26th Annual Virginia Highlands Summerfest returns to the trendy neighborhood with an impressive line up of musicals acts. The festivities kick off Saturday morning with The Summerfest 5K run at 8AM. The 92.9 Dave FM main stage will heat up at 11:30AM with Jackson County Line as the first band and other musical acts performing throughout the afternoon into the evening. Sunday’s musical lineup will be just as entertaining with County Line Strangers getting the music started at 12:30 followed by Ponderosa, The Constellations and Manchester Orchestra closing the night by 6PM. Did we mention it's free? Don't miss the fun!
SATURDAY, JUNE 6
11:30 am - 12:20 pm: Jackson County Line
12:40 pm - 1:20 pm: Hightide Blues
1:50 pm - 2:35 pm: Matt Hires
3:00 pm - 4:00 pm: Serena Ryder
4:30 pm - 6:00 pm: Davey Knowles & Back Door Slam
6:30 pm - 8:00 pm: Cowboy Mouth
SUNDAY, JUNE 7
12:30 pm - 1:15 pm: County Line Strangers
1:30 pm - 2:30 pm: Ponderosa
3:00 pm - 4:00 pm: The Constellations
4:30 pm - 6:00 pm: Manchester Orchestra
Mixtape Atlanta will be out there and so should you. See you in the Highlands!
May 22, 2009
Memorial Day Weekend Music Events
If you are not heading to the lake or beach this holiday weekend, don’t feel left out. This weekend, you have the opportunity to check out some great shows that many would be jealous for missing.
Friday. May 22- Catch Eric Hutchinson with Serena Ryder at Vinyl. This show is sold out so try to find a friend with an extra ticket so you don’t miss it.
May 08, 2009
NIGHT 8- Under Pressure
The passion is rapidly intensifying as we near to the final 100 songs of the 500 Songs for Kids countdown. Thursday night was full of moving and entertaining performances. The Judies fused their own personal style with David Bowie’s signature flair on the Bowie & Queen classic “Under Pressure.” Bain Mattox made Madonna’s pop anthem “Like a Prayer” into a rock love song. Power pop group Stellate keep the energy up on The Outfield’s “Your Love.” Gareth Asher’s stirring acoustic take on Jeff Buckley’s “Last Goodbye” held the entire room’s attention. Although the artist genres and performance styles were vast, the caliber of talent on display was impressive. If you have not yet come to Smith's to participate in this great event and cause, what are you waiting for? Join the fun Friday and Saturday for the final two nights. Check out all of 500 Songs for Kids: Night 8 photos.
