Raymond Chang Photography & Design

Northside Tavern – Wednesday I actually did not start at Darwin’s. I was about to leave when Lindsay showed up back at the house and offered to cook dinner. She made us a great spaghetti dinner and came out with me to Northside Tavern to meet Mary Raindrop to check out Mudcat’s set.

Wow, another incredible musician, Danny “Mudcat” Dudeck was phenomenal! He was just man-handling that old beat up acoustic guitar of his. It was an old, unlabeled acoustic guitar that looked like he screwed the pickup in himself. I saw him busting out some pretty cool note-bending techniques like de-tuning his guitar midsong, bending the neck, and even just shaking his guitar vigorously. It all sounded GREAT!

On top of that, he was just an incredibly entertaining performer. He’s so animate and personable on stage that I got my best shot of him within the first minute of shooting! From telling jokes, stories, and singing funny songs to “choreographed dancing” and smoking weed on stage…Mudcat is awesome. I would really love to get him out to Darwin’s!

Danny “Mudcat” Dudeck @ Northside Tavern

Hobo @ Northside Tavern

Mudcat and Hobo @ Northside Tavern

Mudcat and Dan Francis @ Northside Tavern

Darwin’s Burgers and Blues – Last night I decided to just hang out at Darwin’s and enjoy Little G’s set. Dustin Sargent came up and jumped on stage with his Bass for a bit. Lots of people came out for Ernie’s Birthday, we ended up with 3 whole cakes! It was a wonderful evening, and I had a blast hanging out with everyone.

While I was there I decided to do a promo shot for our Wednesday $5 Burger and a Beer special.

$5 Burger and a Beer Every Wednesday @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Little G Weevil Every Tuesday @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Little G and Red @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Dustin “Red” Sargent @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Ernie’s Birthday Boogie!t @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Darwin’s Burgers and Blues – Garlic Grilled Cheese stuffed with Chicken Salad. My new favorite dish at Darwin’s. My evening started with a sandwich and some Jim Ransone backed by bassist Tamara Nicolai!

Garlic Grilled Cheese w/ Chicken Salad @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Jim and Tamara @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Jim and Tamara @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Tamara Nicolai @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Bella’s Pizzeria – Between sets, Tamara told me I should check out Lefty William’s jam over at Bella’s Pizzeria. So off I went. I was immediately greeted by my buddy Johnny Cunningham, drummer for Novakord! Soon after that I was blown away by Lefty’s guitar skills! The drummer from Def Leppard’s got nothin’ on Lefty! I had a blast and got to meet lots of folks while I was at Lefty’s. I hope to see some of these great musicians at the Darwin’s Jam soon!

Lefty’s Monday Jam @ Bella’s Pizzeria

Lefty Williams @ Bella’s Pizzeria

Lefty’s Monday Jam @ Bella’s Pizzeria

Lefty’s Monday Jam @ Bella’s Pizzeria

Lefty’s Monday Jam @ Bella’s Pizzeria

Lefty’s Monday Jam @ Bella’s Pizzeria

Lefty’s Monday Jam @ Bella’s Pizzeria

Bryan Hall @ Lefty’s Monday Jam

Lefty’s Monday Jam @ Bella’s Pizzeria

Josh Thane @ Bella’s Pizzeria

Lefty’s Monday Jam @ Bella’s Pizzeria

Erik Kaszynski @ Lefty’s Monday Jam

Lefty Williams @ Bella’s Pizzeria

Lefty’s Monday Jam @ Bella’s Pizzeria

Johnny Cunningham @ Lefty’s Monday Jam

Lefty’s Monday Jam @ Bella’s Pizzeria

It still amazes me when I get to see these older musicians performing. A year ago I was shooting pictures of local rock shows in Atlanta, younger high-energy guys who are absolutely great musicians! Here comes Joe Clover. I was reminded of the set I saw with John McKnight…these older experienced musicians who just make it look so easy! Immediately I could tell, “These guys have been playing together for a LONG time.” Several times I had to double check to make sure I wasn’t listening to a CD, they were just so in-tune and together!

I’ve seen Joe Clover in the past perform at the Blues Jam, but this was my first time seeing his whole band! It was an amazing set and I can’t wait to have them back!

The Mighty Joe Clover Band @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

The Mighty Joe Clover Band @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

The Mighty Joe Clover Band @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

The Mighty Joe Clover Band @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

The Mighty Joe Clover Band @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

The Mighty Joe Clover Band @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

The Mighty Joe Clover Band @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

The Mighty Joe Clover Band @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

The Mighty Joe Clover Band @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

The Mighty Joe Clover Band @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

The Mighty Joe Clover Band @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

The Mighty Joe Clover Band @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

The Mighty Joe Clover Band @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

The Mighty Joe Clover Band @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

I had a bit of a slow night last night. It took me forever to put my guitar down and get ready to leave. When I finally got to Darwin’s it was almost 10pm and I realized I’d forgotten to put the battery back in my camera! I watched the Rhythm Raiders finish up their first set and made the trek back home to get my battery. I managed to get a few shots of the last set.

Rhythm Raiders @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Rhythm Raiders @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Rhythm Raiders @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Rhythm Raiders @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Rhythm Raiders @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Rhythm Raiders @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Rhythm Raiders @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Rhythm Raiders @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

We had a great Blues Jam last night, so many great musicians in one setting! As always, the Cazanovas rocked it out. Truett Lollis was awesome as always. We had great return performances from Stoney Brooks, Mary Raindrop, Hobo, and several other regulars.

Maurice Nazzaro @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Jacob Holliday @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Eric Pullen @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

The Cazanovas @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Danny Vinson @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Mark Slyman @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Bob Coyle @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Blues Jam @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Sandra Senn @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

I was quite surprised by newcomers Allen, Lyle, and Wes…these young musicians came last week and showed up for a slightly nervous performance. Speaking to them after the show, they told me they were more nervous about performing in front of other musicians rather than the audience. I can relate to that, as I’ve YET to get up onto that stage! They stepped up and rocked it out this week, good job guys!

Allen, Lyle, and Wes @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Wes @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Lyle @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Wes and Allen @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Truett Lollis @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Truett Lollis and Jonathon Norwood @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Jonathon Norwood and Eric Pullen @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Darwin’s Blues Jam @ Darwin’s

Hobo @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Gary Dixon @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Darwin’s Blues Jam @ Darwin’s

Tamara Nicolai @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Stoney Brooks @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Mary Raindrop @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Michael Bradford @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

@ Darwin’s Blues Jam

@ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Jacob Holliday @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Last but not least was Katie Martin, who closed up the night with a solo acoustic performance. I could listen to Katie sing all night, I love her voice! Keep your eye on this up and coming artist, she’s just getting started!

Eric, Jacob and Katie @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Katie Martin @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Katie Martin @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Backyard Fun – I was on my patio and saw this grasshopper hanging out on the rail. I decided to play with my macro-lens attachment that I bought on ebay for $10. It’s essentially 4 magnifying glasses screwed together…but it works…

Grasshopper Macrohe jumped away before I could get closer.

Leaves on a tree macro

Hole in the wood macro

Darwin’s Burgers and Blues – As usual, my night started at Darwin’s. After I posted the pictures of my Garlic Grilled Cheese w/ Chicken Salad yesterday, one of the regulars came up with his own concoction: The Chicken Salad Cole-Trane. That is a chicken salad sandwich topped with chili and slaw!

Mark’s Chicken Salad Cole-Trane @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Ross Pead came out and played a great acoustic set with his buddy on harmonica. The perfect accompaniment to my sandwich.

Ross Pead & Co. @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Ross Pead & Co. @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Ross Pead & Co. @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

John McKnight Jam @ Nick’s Place – I hung out at Darwin’s for a few hours and then made my way over to Nick’s. This was my first time seeing John McKnight play. Wow, what an incredible drummer! He made everything look so easy and effortless, I think I even saw him checking out his watch in the middle of a fill. I saw some great acts jump on stage from John Rose to Truett Lollis and Jonathon Norwood! I hope to see more of these guys come play at Darwin’s someday.

John McKnight Jam @ Nick’s Place

John McKnight @ Nick’s Place

John McKnight Jam @ Nick’s Place

John McKnight Jam @ Nick’s Place

John Rose @ Nick’s Place

Jonathon Norwood @ Nick’s Place

Jonathon Norwood and John Mcknight @ Nick’s Place

John Rose @ Nick’s Place

Steve @ Nick’s Place

John McKnight Jam @ Nick’s Place

John McKnight @ Nick’s Place

Truett Lollis @ Nick’s Place

Truett Lollis and John McKnight @ Nick’s Place

Truett, John, and Jonathon @ Nick’s Place

Truett Lollis @ Nick’s Place

Jonathon Norwood and John Mcknight @ Nick’s Place

Darwin’s Burgers and Blues – As usual, my night started at Darwin’s. I wanted to make sure I caught at least one set of Little G before I headed out for the night. G was brilliant as always!

Little G Weevil Every Tuesday @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Little G Weevil Every Tuesday @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Little G Weevil Every Tuesday @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Tonight for dinner I came up with the best sandwich I’ve ever had at Darwin’s. A Garlic Grilled Cheese stuffed with Chicken Salad…I inhaled it in about 20 seconds! Just a protip: you can absolutely order things off the menu!

Garlic Grilled Cheese stuffed w/ Chicken Salad @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Zuffy’s – So I’m branching out on my photography. I figure you guys come to see me at Darwin’s, now it’s my turn to come see you! First on the list was Lola Gulley’s Blues Jam @ Zuffy’s Place.

I was really interested to see a Jam Session headed up by a keyboardist. Lola is an incredibly entertaining front-woman and was cracking jokes all night with the patrons. Using topics thrown out by the audience, at one point Lola improvised a hilarious song about “boobies”. What can I say, I love Lola’s voice. Even when she’s just singing “boobies” repeatedly, she still sounds amazing!

Lola Gulley’s Blues Jam @ Zuffy’s Place

Chad Shefield @ Zuffy’s Place

Lola Gulley @ Zuffy’s Place

Jacob Holliday @ Zuffy’s Place

Lola Gulley’s Blues Jam @ Zuffy’s Place

Lola Gulley’s Blues Jam @ Zuffy’s Place

“Happy Birthday Chad!” @ Zuffy’s Place

“Dude, Elvis has entered the building.”

That’s the first thing that was said to me the first time I met Rod Hamdallah. It was nice having Rod out at Darwin’s these past 2 weeks. He’s a phenomenal musician, but his set made me a little sad. Such talent on stage yet it was nearly an empty room last night. I guess it’s hard to compete with Monday night football these days.

In any case, it was awesome to get an intimate set where Rod played anything we requested; Black Keys, White Stripes, Nirvana, Slayer, whatever! I can’t wait to see your full band Rod!

Rod Hamdallah @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Rod Hamdallah @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Rod Hamdallah @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

09.17.2011 – Atlanta Blues Society Meeting – We hosted the Atlanta Blues Society meeting on Saturday afternoon at Darwin’s. The whole thing is pretty much a big excuse to have a big jam session during the afternoon, hosted by The Cazanovas!

Danny Vinson @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Eric Pullen @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

ABS Meeting @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

ABS Meeting @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Jacob Holliday @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

ABS Meeting @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

ABS Meeting @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

ABS Meeting @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

ABS Meeting @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Lola Gulley @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Tamara Nicolai @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Lola Gulley @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Lola Gulley @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Sandra Senn @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

09.26.2011 – Rod Hamdallah – Due to prior engagements, Jim Ransone was unavailable this week and next. Rod Hamdallah was nice enough to come fill in for Jim for the next two weeks.

I showed up a little late for the set. As I walked up the back steps I thought, “Is that the Black Keys?” Sure enough, Rod was on stage jamming out on an older Black Keys song. Next was Muddy Waters followed by White Stripes! I knew in the first 5 minutes I’d really enjoy this set. He even mixed in a little blues version of Nirvana!

Jim Ransone showed up at the tail end of Rod’s set and performed one song for us on Rod’s guitar!

Rod Hamdallah @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Rod Hamdallah @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Rod Hamdallah @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Nice Tie! Jim Ransone @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

This one is a picture of my dinner, it was phenomenal! Akin’s Hot Honey Mustard is AWESOME!

Hot Honey Mustard Wings @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

09.20.2011 – Little G Weevil – We love Little G! Not only is he a fantastic musician, but he’s just a fun guy to have on stage. G wanted to have fun with some friends tonight, so he did a duet with Danny Vinson as well as the young Cody Matlock. You’ve got to come out and check this guy out, he’ll be with us every Tuesday!

Little G Weevil @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Little G and Danny Vinson @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Cody Matlock @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Little G and Cody Matlock @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Little G and Cody Matlock @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Little G and Cody Matlock @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Patio Break @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

PRODUCT SHOT: We will be cross-promoting with Sweetwater 420 and we needed a way to tie in Darwin’s and Sweetwater in a single image. BOOMSAUCE! Beer. Wings. Little G. Can’t make a better ad than that! I’ll be gussying this one up in Photoshop.

Sweetwater/Darwin’s Print Ad @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Finished Ad. Sweetwater/Darwin’s Print Ad

By the way, the wings were DELICIOUS!

09.22.2011 – Darwin’s Blues Jam – I love the Blues Jam, and you know it’s going to be a good night when Truett shows up with Theron and Jonathon to play. Despite the rain, we had a great turnout! I’d like to thank everyone who came out in the rain to support us and we hope it was well worth it!

Maurice Nazzaro @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Jacob Holliday @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Danny Vinson @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

The Cazanovas @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Alan @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

@ Darwin’s Blues Jam

@ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Cody Matlock @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

@ Darwin’s Blues Jam

@ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Jim Nicoletta @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Sandra Senn @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Jam Session @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

@ Darwin’s Blues Jam

@ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Tamara Nicolai @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Truett Lollis @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Jonathon Norwood @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Truett Lollis @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Theron Peterson @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Full House @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Dancing to Truett @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Corndog Bites @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

@ Darwin’s Blues Jam

@ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Roger Wasserman @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

@ Darwin’s Blues Jam

@ Darwin’s Blues Jam

@ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Hobo @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

@ Darwin’s Blues Jam

@ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Jonathon Norwood @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

09.23.2011 – The Hollidays – came out and played a great set last night! It was nice to finally meet Art after Jacob had talked him up so much! We had a great crowd and I hope everyone had a blast!

The Hollidays @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Art Holliday @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Jacob Holliday @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Art Holliday @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

The Hollidays @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

The Hollidays @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Art Holliday @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

09.23.2011 – FYN – I left The Hollidays a bit early so I can go see my friends play over at North River Tavern. FYN knocked it out as usual! Chris Love sounded great, despite being sick.

Siraaj Aziz of FYN

Homer of FYN

Chris Love of FYN

Homer of FYN

Chris Love of FYN

Daniel Harper of FYN

Siraaj Aziz of FYN

Adam Griffis of FYN

Homer of FYN

Drew and Harper @ North River Tavern

Homer of FYN

Adam Griffis of FYN