Going to the 11th annual Atlantis Music Conference & Festival to catch rising stars? Here are the acts to not 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.
Part of Hot 107.9's urban showcase at the Loft. Doors open 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 18. The Loft, 1374 W. Peachtree St., Atlanta 30309. 404-885-1365, www.theloft-atlanta.com.
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.
12:30 a.m. Thursday night (Sept. 18)/Friday morning. $10. Smith's Olde Bar, 1578 Piedmont Ave. N.E., Atlanta 30324. 404-875-1522, www.smithsoldebar.com.
Groove Stain
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.
11:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 19. $10 advance. The Masquerade — Heaven, 695 North Ave. N.E., Atlanta 30308. 404-577-8178, www.masq.com.
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.
12:30 a.m. Friday night (Sept. 19)/Saturday morning at Smith's Olde Bar. $10. Smith's Olde Bar, 1578 Piedmont Ave. N.E., Atlanta 30324. 404-875-1522, www.smithsoldebar.com.
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.
9:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20. $10. Smith's Olde Bar, 1578 Piedmont Ave. N.E., Atlanta 30324. 404-875-1522, www.smithsoldebar.com.
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.
12:30 a.m. Saturday night (Sept. 20)/Sunday morning. $10. Smith's Olde Bar, 1578 Piedmont Ave. N.E., Atlanta 30324. 404-875-1522, www.smithsoldebar.com.
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