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: Sweetwater Creek Bluegrass Band! They'll 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.
The Sweetwater Creek Bluegrass Band was founded with a simple idea: have fun picking bluegrass music! The three members are Ernie Cole on stand-up bass, David Mold on mandolin, and Penn McClatchey on guitar. They feature tight three-part harmonies and a cohesive, driving sound. The band was founded in early 2012 but between them they have decades of experience making music in genres ranging from blues, singer-songwriter, to rock and roll. Today they enjoy playing primarily traditional bluegrass with gospel and even a few original bluegrass tunes.
Ernie's smooth vocals, solid back beat, and never-met-a-man he didn't like attitude are the soul of the band. David's smooth and consistently tasteful Mandolin work is a result of playing in several bands around North Georgia during the last ten years and his skill shines through with every performance. Penn has played guitar since the age of 12 but has only recently studied bluegrass. His newfound enthusiasm for the genre combined with his experience create an earnest and smooth approach to bluegrass guitar.
Once Bluegrass music gets in your blood it becomes a friend for life. The Sweetwater Creek Bluegrass Band wants you to have as much fun listening to them as they have playing for you.
Sweetwater Creek Bluegrass Band Official Site
Sweetwater Creek Bluegrass Band 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