Atlantis Music Conference & Festival Picks

Arts and Culture

Now in its 11th year, the Atlantis Music Conference & Festival has always prided itself on being a place where unsigned bands could network with industry types in hopes of securing a record deal or endorsement. For music fans, it has become a great place to catch rising acts on their way to stardom or unsigned bands you may not have heard. Here are the acts that AJC music critic Shane Harrison says you shouldn't miss.

MELISSA YOUNG: This Atlantan is a terrific entertainer and a joy to watch. Young can dig down deep for heavy emotion or have a fun funking things up. She's at her best with the sweet, sexy soulfulness of a tune such as "Rock With Me, " which just makes you want to cuddle with the one you love.

BEN DEIGNAN: The buzz about talented singer-songwriter Ben Deignan is blanketing the metro area like sausage gravy on a big fluffy biscuit. John Mayer was getting this kind of chatter back when he played Atlantis as a virtual unknown, so catch Deignan on the way up.

KEN WILL MORTON: Former New Englander Ken Will Morton has been a Georgia resident for more than a decade, playing in bands such as Wonderlust and the Indicators. His rootsy pop-rock which should find favor with fans of Paul Westerberg or the Old 97s. He has two new CDs: "Devil in Me" showcases Morton the rocker and "Kickin' Out the Rungs" finds him in acoustic mode.

BLUE FLASHING LIGHT: In March, this Athens band did a mini-tour of China, which included areas of the Sichuan province that would, weeks later, be devastated by an earthquake. The anthemic rock quintet was selected to perform at the festival by the Atlanta-based U.S.-China Cultural & Educational Foundation.

GROOVESTAIN: It's always a party when Groove Stain hits the stage. If you're looking for a good time, this is your band. This rhythmic Atlanta band fires up reggae and ska in a blaze of punk energy. The audience is the real winner when the quintet's impressive vocal harmonies and big guitar chords tussle with the blast from the horn section.

Going to the Atlantis music festival and not sure who to check out? The AJC's Shane Harrison has six picks, starting with....PONDEROSA: Americana goes to the garage and discovers there's loads of fun in giving the roots a good rocking. These guys give the quieter Band-like rock classicism a fresh, new millennial sheen, too. Another local act that might be on the verge of a record deal.

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MELISSA YOUNG: This Atlantan is a terrific entertainer and a joy to watch. Young can dig down deep for heavy emotion or have a fun funking things up. She's at her best with the sweet, sexy soulfulness of a tune such as "Rock With Me, " which just makes you want to cuddle with the one you love.

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