Keena Graham hosts the Americana Open Mic Spotlight — Red Light Café's Wednesday showcase for the best Bluegrass, Roots Rock, Country & Western, Folk, Blues, Jazz, and all other things Americana. We're looking for Atlanta's Best Americana — we're looking for YOU.
THIS WEEK'S SPOTLIGHT @ 9:30 PM: Eric Sommer! Eric will bookend the night with a short set at 7:30pm and a full set at 10pm. Open Mic'ers begin performing at 8pm sharp with 8 participants getting a 15 minute slot. A winner will be determined by crowd response, our gracious host Keena, and the RLC Staff, and will receive a $25 RLC gift certificate.
Eric started his musical career in the Boston area and has been a regular player on many national tours and showcases. He worked in Europe for two years with Nick Lowe and acts Bram Tchaikovsky and Wreckless Eric on Danish, German and British rock stages, returned to Boston and formed The Atomics, a cult power-pop band in South Boston. His influences are as diverse as Townes Van Zandt, Steve Earle, Steve Howe and The Ramones. Mr. Sommer's current project with power trio "The Solar Flares" shake up Chet Atkins and David Bromberg influences with those of Randy Travis and British Rocker Elvis Costello - a remarkable mix.
He has been on the road, in the studio, on stage, in front of or behind Jerry Douglas, Leon Redbone, John Mayall, Dr. John, David Bromberg, Andy McKee, John Hammond Jr., too many to name...
With open tunings, slide guitar, lap-slap tone guitar and a remarkably aggressive fingering style approach, watching Eric Sommer will make you jump out of your seat and holler for joy! There are very few players who have maintained this authentic American style of guitar and Eric Sommer is one of the very best.
Eric Sommer Official Site
Eric Sommer on Facebook
Online sign ups begin at noon on the Monday before each show.
$5 Performers / $3 General Admission
Doors @ 7 PM
Online sign ups end at 6pm day-of-show. Good luck, and make us proud!
Americana Open Mic Spotlight FAQ
- No tracks — all performances must be live, i.e., no pre-recorded music
- Solo performers OR bands are a-ok; we welcome all Americana acts
- Participants will receive a recording of their performance within 48 hours (be patient!)
- Online sign ups will receive an email response (with time slot, if available) prior to the show