Everybody knows you have to belt the blues.  And when the lights grow dimmer, and the mood becomes softer, you have to croon them.  Sue G. Wilkinson, along with her eight member band gets you high when you feel low, and when you’re low they get down with you.

A veteran musician, Sue G. Wilkinson tackles the keys at the Five Spot in a rousing performance, with a spunk equal to any barroom brawl.  But the Five Spot is no saloon, and this band is far from dive-ey.  Rather, they’re lively.  When joined with the bass, guitar, drums, trumpet, saxophone, not to mention the diva-licious backup babes, The Sue G. Wilkinson Band is an experience in jumpin’ and jivin’.

Sue G.’s vocals are as uninhibited as the classic Janis Joplin with the higher, uproarious melody of the more modern Duffy.  The song “Bitter Girl” evokes the 70’s during the era of Laura Nyro’s “Stoned Soul Picnic.”

With their swaying hips and lustrous harmonies, the backup singers, Rachel Nussbaum and Linda Jackson bring R&B, Funk and Fusion themes, and positively seduce with the song “Hold My Heart.”  Johnny Hibbert on sax and Miko (just Miko) on the trumpet, alongside Reese Harris on the drums summon the ghosts of the Big Easy with their New Orleans Brass style in “Work it out.”

The SGW Band brings the house down with “Big Black Woman,” wild and titillating as the after-church-basement-boogie-blues.  Lee Spivey on guitar and Mike Cady on bass both deliver a heavy dose of rockin’ blue-eyed soul.

It seems apt that SGW Band boldly traverses genres in a venue such as the Five Spot, a bar that is also in the business of uniting different elements.  The Five Spot pairs fine beers as well as a full bar with local art displays and live entertainment, performed on a stage backed by a giant movie projector for an engaging artistic experience.

The band attracts crowd of all ages, mostly hip with a significant number of admiring fellow musicians, and left standing room only to see The SGW band even though the performance fell in the midst of an ice storm.  But once The Sue G. Wilkinson Band takes the stage, they light a fire.  And it is hot!

For more info on The Sue G. Wilkinson Band as well as show dates:  sonicbids.com

The Sue G. Wilkinson Band’s performs next at Shorty’s on February 19th. Bring your stomping shoes!

Don’t let the title of this one fool you. He does do weddings, he is all Greek, but the man is definitely easy on the eyes! Constantine Varazo is a triple threat working the Atlanta entertainment circuit. An accomplished actor, model, and singer, Varazo relocated to our city from Pensacola, Florida in 2002 to polish his acting focus. However, he came to find himself submerged in this city’s popular independent music scene. Now, he is a commanding force on the small stage. I took in an open mic night hosted by the singer at a relaxed bar and lounge located in the heart of downtown on Peachtree Street. I left that evening satisfied by the live sets, but more so, surprised when I discovered that the musician picked up the guitar merely one year ago, and plays a bluesy harmonica, to boot.

… he came to find himself submerged in this city’s popular independent music scene …

Constantine performs a blend of top 40, Motown and classic rock covers, and accompanied on acoustic guitar by the very talented Rob Grater, the pair have a unique way of making the song’s “their own”. I was especially impressed with a version of Gnarls Barkley, “Crazy”, in which the use of a dropped tempo, along with the acoustic accompaniment, gave a haunting nuance to the familiar hit. A cover of U2’s, “One”, also went over well with me, as it is one of my personal favorites. The great thing about an open mic night is that it displays an array of other musical talents from around the metro area. That particular evening showcased an amazing mandolin player, an acoustic bass and guitar duo, and a young guitar and keyboard combo. Therefore, this is a call to all aspiring Atlanta musicians to check out Constantine’s open mic and show your skills, every Tuesday night from 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at Barley’s, which is located at 338 Peachtree Street, Atlanta 30309.

… great thing about an open mic night is that it displays an array of other musical talents from around the metro area …

Varazo puts his musical stamp on other venues across the city, as well. In a show designed for customized corporate entertainment, i.e. Christmas parties, Constantine and his band 5^th Element put on a rock history tribute, complete with costume changes. The performance highlights rock n’ roll’s progression, from the era of the Beatles, Elvis, and Little Richard up through current acts, like the Foo Fighters and U2. This blend of acting and musical performance is a rare treat to see outside of the Fox Theater. During our interview, Constantine sweetly reminded me, “My goal in music is to have fun and entertain the audience, not to promote my own agenda of stardom.” Upon hearing this humble side of the artist, it came as no surprise for me to learn that he got his start singing in his family’s church choir.

… blend of acting and musical performance … a rare treat … outside of the Fox Theater …

Finding Mr. Varazo’s displays of talent around town is not difficult. He is constantly finding new gigs and auditions, an entertainer for hire, so to speak. You can catch an early showing of his acoustic duo at St. Angelo’s Pizza off of South Atlanta Road in Smyrna on December 27^th from 5:30 to 8:30. To find further info, future performance dates, or if you’re just in need of a band to play your wedding, then look him up at constantinevarazo.com or 5thelemententertainment.com.