Oct 1 2011

09.30.2011 Rhythm Raiders

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


Sep 30 2011

09.29.2011 Darwin’s Blues Jam

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


Sep 29 2011

09.28.2011 Ross Pead Solo + John McKnight 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


Sep 28 2011

09.27.2011 Little G Solo + Lola Gulley Blues Jam

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


Sep 19 2011

09.15+16.2011 Darwin’s Blues Jam + Graham’s Number

Darwin’s Blues Jam was great as always. Ira Malkin was a fantastic fill-in for Maurice Nazzaro! It was great seeing some new faces coming out and enjoying the music, keep spreading the word!

Ira Malkin @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Danny Vinson @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Eric Pullen, nice shirt! @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Ira Malkin @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Jacob Holliday @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Jim Nicolletta @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

@ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Mark Slyman @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

@ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Jim Nicolletta @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

@ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Tamara Nicolai @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

@ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Hobo @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Mark Slyman @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Dave Cunningham @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Hobo @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

@ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Mark and Jim @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

@ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Mike Holley @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Danny Vinson @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Eric Pullen @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Ernie and Ellen @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Dustin Sargent @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

@ Darwin’s Blues Jam

@ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Jen Kasten @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Jim Nicolletta @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Graham’s Number was an interesting band. They were a mix of reggae, rock, and funk who covered 90’s alternative songs in a reggae style. I wasn’t too happy with my shots, but their management pulled me aside and asked me to stay out of the way so I only had a few minutes to shoot. It was a little weird being asked to stop shooting at my own bar, but I obliged.

Nic Sanders of Graham’s Number @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Nic Sanders of Graham’s Number @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Brandon McKinney of Graham’s Number @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Andy and Nic of Graham’s Number @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Andy Scherm of Graham’s Number @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Andy Scherm of Graham’s Number @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Graham’s Number @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues


Sep 16 2011

09.14.2011 Winter Ransom + Novakord + Ross Pead

Ross Pead @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues My night started out with a nice chill acoustic set with Ross Pead. It’s been a nice change of pace having some relaxing acoustic music in the evening these past few days, but now I was ready for some heavier music!

Ross Pead Every Wednesday @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Ross Pead Every Wednesday @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Ross Pead Every Wednesday @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Ross Pead Every Wednesday @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Novakord: I grabbed a chicken salad sandwich and chili cheese fries and headed down to Atlanta! I popped in my Cazanovas cd hopped on the freeway own to East Atlanta. First up was Novakord. I’d met these guys several times at various other shows, but was never able to catch their set until now. I made it a point to get there on time so I could see their act! It was well worth it, this 3-piece set produces a rich soundscape! All 3 of them have laptops within reach to add another layer of sounds to the music, very cool stuff!

Johnny Cunningham of Novakord @ Eastside Lounge

Wes Daniel of Novakord @ Eastside Lounge

Wes Daniel of Novakord @ Eastside Lounge

Billy Snyder of Novakord @ Eastside Lounge

Johnny Cunningham of Novakord @ Eastside Lounge

Novakord @ Eastside Lounge

Winter Ransom: Next up is Winter Ransom. This time Homer stayed on for the whole set, and they played several new songs! I’m not sure if it was the sound system, or the addition of another guitar but some of the heavier parts got a bit muddled. Matt’s drums, Drew’s bass, and Jordan’s vocals really stood out and was able to break through the wall of guitars. All in all, Homer’s guitar noodlings really help round out the band’s sound.

Andrew Longino of Winter Ransom @ Eastside Lounge

Jordan Williams of Winter Ransom @ Eastside Lounge

Josh Longino of Winter Ransom @ Eastside Lounge

Jordan Williams of Winter Ransom @ Eastside Lounge

Nice Shirt! Homer of Winter Ransom @ Eastside Lounge

Jordan Williams of Winter Ransom @ Eastside Lounge

Matt Donald of Winter Ransom @ Eastside Lounge

Matt Donald of Winter Ransom @ Eastside Lounge

Homer of Winter Ransom @ Eastside Lounge

Andrew and Homer of Winter Ransom @ Eastside Lounge

Jordan Williams of Winter Ransom @ Eastside Lounge

Jordan Williams of Winter Ransom @ Eastside Lounge

Jordan Williams of Winter Ransom @ Eastside Lounge

Josh Longino of Winter Ransom @ Eastside Lounge

COMING SOON: Thursday Blues Jam Pictures from Darwin’s Burgers and Blues.


Sep 15 2011

09.13.2011 My past week. (LONG post)

I’ve been getting very behind on my posts on my personal site, everything recently has been posted directly to darwinsburgers.com. Today I’m going to play a bit of catch-up and show you guys what I’ve been up to.

09.07.2011 – Homer’s Acoustic Set – We didn’t have anyone playing this night, so Homer was nice enough to come out and play for us for only some food and a little booze. I brought out my loop pedal and him jam around with that. That kid is sick, after 10 minutes of fiddling, he was playing it like he’d owned one for years! I hate you Homer, and I can’t wait to see you play again.

Homer Wed. Acoustic Set

Homer Wed. Acoustic Set

Homer Wed. Acoustic Set

09.08.2011 – Thursday Blues Jam – Thursday Blues Jam is my new favorite night of the week. It’s so much fun every time, I can’t wait for the next one! I’d like to thank the Cazanovas for signing their framed pictures!

Cazanovas @ Thursday Blues Jam

Danny and Jake @ Thursday Blues Jam

Jake @ Thursday Blues Jam

Eric @ Thursday Blues Jam

Danny @ Thursday Blues Jam

Cazanovas @ Thursday Blues Jam

Jim @ Thursday Blues Jam

Cody and Jim @ Thursday Blues Jam

Rodger Wasserman @ Thursday Blues Jam

Joe Clover @ Thursday Blues Jam

Tamara @ Thursday Blues Jam

Cindy @ Thursday Blues Jam

Hobo @ Thursday Blues Jam

Cindy @ Thursday Blues Jam

Cody @ Thursday Blues Jam

@ Thursday Blues Jam

Katie Martin @ Thursday Blues Jam

@ Thursday Blues Jam

Katie Martin @ Thursday Blues Jam

09.09.2011 – Truett Lollis – Truett was amazing! Rhetta Akamatsu gave a fantastic review of Truett Lollis and Darwin’s in The Examiner. She liked our food!

Truett Lollis @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Truett Lollis Trio featuring Jeff Baker

Truett Lollis and Jeff Baker @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Theron Peterson of Truett Lollis Trio

Truett Lollis @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Listen to that video crowd! @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

I spent too much time getting this shot. @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Truett Lollis and Jonathan Norwood @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Jonathan Norwood of Truett Lollis Trio

Jonathan Norwood of Truett Lollis Trio

Cody Matlock is an amazing little ball of talent. At 15, this young man is already jamming with the best players in town and soaking up advice and pointers from Truett, Little G, Danny Vinson and anyone else who happens to be in the room. Seeing Cody and Truett play together was history in the making!

Love the shirt! Cody Matlock @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

History in the making. Truett and Cody @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

09.10.2011 – The Cazanovas – It was great to finally see the Cazanovas do a full set! I’m used to just seeing them in small chunks while hosting the Blues Jam. Maurice Nazzaro, Danny Vinson, Eric Puller and stand-in bassist Harold Pattillo did a great job! Towards the end of the night, they were joined by Frankie Robinson, Little G, Cody Matlock, and Matt Smart for a bit of a jam session.

Maurice Nazzaro of The Cazanovas

Harold Pattillo

Danny Vinson of The Cazanovas

Eric Pullen of The Cazanovas

Maurice Nazzaro of The Cazanovas

The Cazanovas @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Matt Smart @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Saturday Night Jam @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Frankie Lee Robinson @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Frankie Lee Robinson @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Little G. Weevil @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Little G. Weevil & Cody Matlock @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

School of Blues w/ Little G, Danny Vinson, and Cody Matlock

09.12.2011 – Jim Ransone – Jim Ransone of The Breeze Kings played a nice chill set where you can come in and enjoy some food and conversation with some light acoustic blues in the background.

Jim Ransone Mondays @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Jim Ransone Mondays @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Jim Ransone Mondays @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Jim Ransone Mondays @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Jim Ransone Mondays @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

09.13.2011 – LITTLE G – WOW! I can listen to this guy play all night, oh wait I just did that! I had so much stuff to do last night, but I ended up sticking around for the entire set! I’m going to love having Little G here every week. You will too, just come out and watch him for a night. Here’s a little taste of what he’s bringing:

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

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

Little G’s Cigarbox Guitar Every Tuesday @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Making of a Mammoth – Now for a bit of food porn. Little G ordered a Mammoth burger and I decided to document the making of it.

2 Big Bang Patties w/ Cheese and fried jalapenos. Mammoth Burger

First patty topped w/ Bacon. Mammoth Burger

2nd patty, fried jalapenos, then chili. Mammoth Burger

Sprinkled with chopped onions. Mammoth Burger

Toasted bun on top. Mammoth Burger

Little G’s Mammoth Burger and Fries @ Darwin’s Burgers.

“Ok. To me, Darwin`s is the best blues club in the ATL area. That`s bottomline. The staff is so friendly, makes everyone feel like family. Bottomline. But where on earth have these chefs been? The Mammoth burger is so good i`m totally speechless. You want a bar burger? Well, try elsewhere. This is serious soulburger my friends!” – Little G Weevil

COMING SOON: Novakord + Winter Ransom + Ross Pead + Darwin’s Burgers Case Study


Sep 6 2011

09.02.2011 Bobby Messano @ Darwin’s Burgers

Bobby Messano put on an amazing show Friday! A little Blues, a little Rock, a whole lot of guitar bad-assery! I loved seeing these guys wind down their set. After their break, it was all fun on stage. Just Bobby and the band playing whatever they felt like jamming on. Check out the pictures!

Steve Gellar and Bobby Messano

Bobby Messano and Steve Gellar

Bobby Messano

Bobby Messano @ Darwin’s Burgers

Bobby Messano Band

Bobby Messano Band

Bobby Messano and Joey Banks

Steve Gellar

Steve Gellar

Joey Banks


Sep 2 2011

09.01.2011 Darwin’s Opening Night and Blues Jam

Thanks to everyone who came out last night! I had a blast meeting many of you and shooting pictures of the musicians. Expect to see more framed pictures of your favorite performers around the bar.

Tonight we’re excited to have Bobby Messano, a Grammy Nominated Guitarist, Singer, and Writer!

We strive to serve you guys, so please let us know if you have any questions, concerns or suggestions. You can either comment here on the blog, on our Facebook page, or email us info@darwinsburgers.com.

Danny and Jake @ Darwin’s Burgers

Darwin’s Blues Jam @ Darwin’s Burgers

Jake @ Darwin’s Burgers

Darwin’s Blues Jam @ Darwin’s Burgers

Darwin’s Blues Jam @ Darwin’s Burgers

Cody @ Darwin’s Burgers

Darwin’s Blues Jam @ Darwin’s Burgers

Darwin’s Blues Jam @ Darwin’s Burgers

Darwin’s Blues Jam @ Darwin’s Burgers

Darwin’s Blues Jam @ Darwin’s Burgers

Darwin’s Blues Jam @ Darwin’s Burgers

Fresh House Coleslaw @ Darwin’s Burgers

Roger @ Darwin’s Burgers

Darwin’s Blues Jam @ Darwin’s Burgers

Truett Lollis @ Darwin’s Burgers

Darwin’s Blues Jam @ Darwin’s Burgers

Chef Jonathon Akin taking a breather. @ Darwin’s Burgers

Darwin’s Blues Jam @ Darwin’s Burgers

Darwin’s Blues Jam @ Darwin’s Burgers

Lola @ Darwin’s Burgers

Little G @ Darwin’s Burgers

Maurice Nazzarro @ Darwin’s Burgers