Kudos to Author’s Apology, truly a band of bleeding hearts, for displaying good form and sweeping their opening act last Tuesday.  Aside from the emo blend and sappy sound, the songs resemble more a prayer booth confession than an apology. Nevertheless, the boys deserve praise for their enthusiastic performance and their oft-expressed gratitude for sharing the stage with such esteemed acts as forgetters and Gentlemen Jesse and His Men.

Luciano Giarrano especially maintains the spotlight when Author’s Apology frontman’s pesky guitar string busted after the first song.  Giarrano banters for the crowd while technical errors are rectified.  With his guitar, keyboard, and tambourine skills, as well as his penchant for letting out an occasional yawp, Giarrano epitomizes the uniqueness and range of a star on the rise.

Gentleman Jesse and His Men, a headliner in their own right, are reminiscent of an edgier, unapologetic Beach Boys.  Blending punk lyrics and rock ’n’ roll doo-wop, these guys have a good-time singing about having a good time.  Atlantans don’t just love Gentleman Jesse’s stuff because of local pride but also because of the band’s relating to the young party set through carefree lyrics such as “All I need tonight is you.”

From their tatted-up bassist onstage, bumming a cigarette off his girlfriend, to their drummer’s inexplicable black eye, this band is the face of Atlanta’s new local hip boy.  Gentleman Jesse is a fresh return to happiness in indie rock, memorializing the good times just as they are in “Xmas Song”: “I’ll be getting over my hangover/on Christmas morn’/ and that’s the way I’ll celebrate the day Jesus was born.”

Before Gentleman Jesse’s star track has risen completely out of your humble native reach, this is definitely a band to get behind—or at least get a date with—if you’re feeling lucky.

The Drunken Unicorn reaches full capacity for forgetters.  The legendary Blake Shwarzenbach, formerly of the so-raw Jawbreaker, and Kevin, Against Me!’s first drummer, teamed up with bassist Caroline Paquita for a powerful new trio.  Gone are the days of Jawbreaker. Gone are the (good) days of Against Me! forgetters, true to their name, leaves little room for nostalgia.

In fact it is greatly due to their diminutiveness in number and in name (the “f” is purposefully lower-cased) that this band oozes understated swagger.  Mahon’s gangster trills and punctuated beats are the punch behind Shwarzenbach’s gravelly declarations.  When united with Paquita, who more than holds her own on the bass alongside two of modern music’s greats, forgetters pumps out one finely crafted punk anthem after another.

forgetters plays a respectably lengthy set, but the crowd still craves more.  Shouts of “When’s the album coming out?!” are finally met with a hesitant answer of February. Until then, this was not a show one could easily forget.

There are ticking time bombs in every city, ordinary people capable of doing great things. They wait tables, answer phones, sit in traffic. Unfortunately for some, they tick forever and never explode, but in the case of Ryan Stang and Kid Stuff, the fuse is hot and short. On the brink of blowing up, Kid Stuff already boasts a local draw more sought after than some of Atlanta’s more established bands just months after playing their first show.

…There are ticking time bombs in every city, ordinary people capable of doing great things…

Ryan is an Atlantan at heart, having spent the last few years in Alaska as a bicycle tour guide. He returned last year much to the delight of his friends and family. Since then he’s been a regular all over town at local rock and roll shows from the 529 or The Earl to The Highland Ballroom. A lover of music, Stang’s built friendships with devoted members of the scene including garage folk-pop group The North Trolls, Small Reactions, and This Piano Plays Itself. He calls himself a fan of these bands, but his passion lies in hip-hop and programming beats.

Before moving to Alaska, Ryan was squatting with Kyle Withrow, now in charge of booking at 529, at the Peachtree Hills apartments, which had supposedly been vacated to be leveled and replaced with new housing. While managing free rent, Stang built himself a make shift studio in one the bedrooms where he could program beats over which future Kid Stuff melody-man Tim Kohler would rap using his alias “The Electric Jew”, and record Withrow’s ongoing acoustic projects.

Perhaps because of the illegal nature of the operation, this whole project was kept secret from the world, and eventually was undone when Stang left the state.

… more sought after than some of Atlanta’s more established bands just months after playing their first show …

After returning, Stang struggled to settle back in, waiting tables at multiple restaurants, looking for a place to live with a nice big basement to make music in. Luckily for Atlanta, Ryan found his basement on the east side.

Tim Kohler of Hannah Barbarian soon after hauled his keyboards down to Ryan’s basement and put his contagious pop sensibility to work, writing hooks and vocal melodies over thumping beats. Sam Jacobsen, formerly of Small Reactions joined in with his synthesizer, adding another layer of swagger, dance moves, and impressive skill, never missing a note while wailing on the tiny keys of his Korg.

“The band is just about having fun,” Kohler says, “We just want people to forget about work, girlfriends, boyfriends, finals, and have fun”. The band’s first show was in the basement in which it was born, named, ‘The Funderdome’ by the group. Friends piled in wearing tie-dye t-shirts that had been homemade by Ruti Jones and friends especially for the occasion, and it was a complete mess of a success.

… “The band is just about having fun,” Kohler says, “We just want people to forget about work, girlfriends, boyfriends, finals, and have fun”. …

Ruti Jones became an official member at a Wonder Root show, their first performance outside of the Funderdome, when she was called up to sing back-ups on their cover of Aaliyah’s, “Are You That Somebody” (a 90’s classic). The dynamic between the four was completed as she added harmony, rhythm on tambourine, and most importantly, always a new idea to make the next show as much a visual experience as a musical one. The band makes and wears costumes. They bring in their own light show to venues. They put friends to work, gearing them up in homemade paper mache masks to wear in the crowd. They truly put on a performance.

Beginning the year, Ryan Stang’s social circle knew him as the guy who makes dance music in his basement. Now he’s quickly marking accomplishments off his list, having made people dance behind his mysterious box of beats at The Earl with Gil Mantera’s Party Dream, and 529 headlining a show with Living Rooms, and there’s more to come.

… will work together to make sure the event will force out the troubling emotions caused by real life …

The band is planning a show with The North Trolls to release a split on tape titled, “North Kids Trollin’ Fer Stuff”. The bands, each with an energetic live show, will work together to make sure the event will force out the troubling emotions caused by real life.

I have been lucky enough to know the members of Groove Stain for quite some time now, and therefore rarely miss a show.

Atlanta’s own 5-piece rock/reggae ensemble consistently brings a lively, engaging vibe to whichever venue they play, and their upcoming performance, this Thursday, December, 17^th, at The Masquerade is sure to be no exception. If you haven’t had the pleasure of attending one of their shows, then you are definitely missing out. These guys are in it to win it, which is why each performance brings a frenzy of thundering drums, powerful, precise guitar riffs and bass lines, all backed by superb trumpet playing.

… frenzy of thundering drums, powerful, precise guitar riffs and bass lines, all backed by superb trumpet playing…

Groove Stain has been a growing part of Atlanta’s local music scene since 1997, and through regional touring has made quite the name for themselves. They can be caught at various venues throughout the Southeast, with upcoming shows in Tennessee, as well as North and South Carolina. After years of catching this band in settings of all sizes and locations, I am thrilled at their return to the Masquerade. Groove Stain constantly packs the house and I, for one, am fighting for a place in the front row.

Groove Stain seems right at home onstage, especially when playing The Masquerade. With such a regular following, shows at this location exude a welcoming, affable atmosphere, and you are sure to leave wanting more. (Like possibly one of their CDs, which are available at their merchandise counter at their live shows, and also through iTunes, which offers not only their first two CDs, 2004’s The Other 9 to 5, and 2007’s self-titled, Groove Stain, but also several DVDs featuring live performances).

… yet another phenomenal collaboration by one of Atlanta’s hardest working and most fun-loving talents…

Groove Stain recently played Duluth’s Sweetwater Live, bringing their usual and remarkable energy to an eager audience. Jon Etheridge’s talent shines on the trumpet, and his obvious love of music is evident in his stage presence. Etheridge and frontman Eric “Erok” Patterson trade humorous banter with each other and the audience alike, which is just one of the many aspects that make Groove Stain shows so enjoyable. These guys are fun, friendly, and ferociously talented!

Patterson’s voice is both melodic and raw, his guitar playing fierce and seemingly effortless, and perfect for the slightly punk flavor of their songs. He combines personal, thought-provoking lyrics with thrilling, upbeat cadence. Mike Hatton’s thumping bass lines accompany Brian “Daggs” Daggett’s powerful drumming to set the tempo for the rest of the band. Each member gets his own time to shine with aptly placed solos, which is where we get earful of guitarist Chris Pope’s extraordinary skills.

… thrilled to watch their climb to stardom…

The band is currently putting the finishing touches on their third album, due for an early spring 2010 release. If this album is anything like their first two, both of which spend regular time in my CD player, it will be yet another phenomenal collaboration by one of Atlanta’s hardest working and most fun-loving talents. Groove Stain has nowhere to go but up, and I, for one, am thrilled to watch their climb to stardom.

Want to know what you are getting yourself into? Check out their MySpace page at www.myspace.com/groovestain and prepare to become an instant fan.  For ticket information on this weekend’s show, visit www.masq.com and www.groovestain.com

(Editor: initially this article came out with a wrong date for the Groove Stain’s appearance at The Masquerade. The correct date as corrected now is Thursday, December, 17^th. We apologize for the inconvenience. Please, always feel free to give us feed back in the comments area if you see a wrong fact and want us to correct us or are simply angry with us for messing up.)

Everybody wants to spend their vacation at a place that offers a lot of worthwhile events and activities. To really enjoy, you should be at the right place at the right time. Since there are a lot of holiday destinations around the world, you should be able to point out where you want to go. Why look any further when U.S.A alone is enough to offer you everything you’re looking for in a perfect holiday.

If you are planning to spend your vacation with your family but have no idea where to go, you are reading the perfect article. This is your ultimate guide to the top 4 states in the U.S.A where you can have the most memorable experience of your life.

1. Las Vegas

We’ve seen all the commercials about this city and truly, Las Vegas is the city of ultimate guilty pleasure, and whatever happens there actually stays there. This city is a neon playground for all types of adult fun. From posh nightclubs to wedding chapels, and one-of-a-kind shows to flashing slot machines, you can be sure that vacations Las Vegas have it all.

2. Atlanta

Atlanta has always been known as the city with rich history and culture. It is even called “the city not too busy to care.” This city is also referred to as a perfect example of a very successful urban growth and development and evidence of this can be seen in Atlanta hotels that are considered as some of the best in the country.

3. Los Angeles

The Paramount Studios, the Hollywood Sign, and the purple and yellow Lakers – these icons bring only one city to mind – LA! People visiting Los Angeles have different purposes in mind; however, whatever your purpose is, you can always find cheap hotel rates Los Angeles for a more practical trip and accommodation.

4. San Diego

Picture-perfect weather, miles of wonderful beaches, and the kindest people on Earth are what make San Diego really a popular tourist destination. This gem found in Southern California is actually one of the most beautiful cities in the country. San Diego combines the old-fashioned charm of Mexico added with the modern and contemporary edge. In a city where the sun resides, San Diego is indeed the best place to get away for stimulation and relaxation. Are you planning to go to San Diego for a holiday? If so, do your hotel reservations San Diego now!

About the Author

Your search for the most incredible holiday destination has now ended. Whether you are looking for perfect vacations Las Vegas, great Atlanta hotels, cheap hotel rates Los Angeles, or planning to do hotel reservations San Diego, www.5-STARHOTELS.ORG can help you! Visit the site now!

Atlanta, a city with rich culture and history, is touted as the “city that is not too busy to care.” It is also a perfect example of thriving urban growth and development. Evidence of this can be seen all over Atlanta from its skyscrapers to the many first class restaurants, shops and Atlanta hotels spread throughout the city.

Downtown Atlanta

Like other cities, the downtown Atlanta serves as the heart of the government and business. However, it is not the center of cultural or social scene because it closes it doors after the busy business hours.

Midtown Atlanta

The skyline of Midtown Atlanta is dominated by mighty Atlanta hotels standing side by side with the headquarters of giant businesses such as BellSouth and IBM. This part of the city is also the home to the cultural outlets such as the High Museum of Art, Fabulous Fox Theater, and the Woodruff Arts Center. Known for its cultural diversity, Midtown Atlanta is the home to the city’s gay community. You will also see lots of rainbow flags wind blown from the porches of the wonderfully restored Victorians between 10th Street and Ponce.

Atlanta Hotels

Presenting cozy suites and guestrooms in a vivacious atmosphere, Atlanta hotels are a great way to start a memorable and exciting holiday in Atlanta. Suites and guestrooms in these hotels are fully-equipped with the latest facilities to make sure that their guests enjoy a comfortable stay. The elegant atmosphere of the city as seen from these hotels offers the guests, from all walks of life with the panoramic view of the city skyscrapers. So whether you are in Atlanta for leisure or for business, Atlanta hotels have endless offerings to make the stay of their guests a perfect one.

The city of Atlanta boasts of its top sightseeing attractions, native and diverse culinary delights, shopping extravaganza, and luxury accommodations offered by Atlanta hotels. Tourists may also stroll along the midtown and downtown paradise dotted with souvenir shops and stopovers, evoking the essence of a really culturally diverse city. From arts, history, and religion to the amazingly beautiful hustle and bustle of city life, Atlanta indeed has everything to offer.

Major Atlanta hotels are ideally located close to entertainment and business districts and are very close to any mode of transportation. There are also a lot of popular tourist attractions as well as shopping malls close to the hotels, giving any guests all the convenience and luxury of life!

About the Author

Modern facilities, dazzling and great restaurants, and provision of world-class comfort, luxury, and hospitality – these are what you will get with the Atlanta hotels. Whatever your holiday plan is, www.5-STARHOTELS.ORG can help you! Visit the site now!