NoogaPalooza shows off Chattanooga’s musical chops

NoogaPalooza organizer Jennifer Gregory is tired of hearing that Chattanooga doesn’t have a vibrant music community. Gregory, who books musical acts for Rhythm & Brews, got together with the guys from TheNoog.com to plan a full evening of local bands and singer/songwriters on November 6.

“NoogaPalooza will be a sampling from some of the Chattanooga area’s most talented musicians, some of whom you may have never even heard of. There will be seven hours of continuous music throughout the night, with two hours of singer/songwriters in the round, seven bands, additional punctuating acts, and special events presented by TheNoog.com,” said Gregory.

Two nights of scarily rockin’ music at Midtown Music Hall and JJ’s Bohemia

The night before Halloween just might be the best treat of the season.  Rock veterans Double Dick Slick will come out of their ever-elusive hiding places in the real world, to take the stage and rock our faces off. DDS has such a dramatic appeal due in part to their talent, but a lot of their mystique comes from the fact that these guys only appear in sporadic spurts, and then seem to vanish.  A few times a year, the Double Dick Slick crew seem to get a performing bug, and book several shows that pack our local venues with relieved fans who weren’t sure when they would get to see DDS again.

It must be that time of year, as Chattanooga is in for a two-night special!  DDS will be playing on Thursday at Midtown Music Hall, and on Friday night at JJ’s Bohemia.  I suggest you see both, because they will be two totally different shows.  Thursday night, the 30th, has proven in years past to be one of the most well-attended Midtown functions of the year.  Last year people had to be turned away.  From the portions I can remember, it was a lovely time.  Don’t be the only one to miss it this year, or arrive too late and miss out.  To accommodate the heaving crowd, doors will open at 8 p.m.

World music shakes its thing at Barking Legs and Zanzibar

Chattanooga is about to be overrun by a gaggle of gypsies!  The Mezmer Society is coming to town—specifically, to Barking Legs and Zanzibar this weekend.

The Mezmer Society is a high-energy world-music ensemble that bounces to the beat of its own handmade drum.  Consisting of Balkan music made by an accordion and a classic guitar, these musicians will have you dancing in your seat…or on the table, which they encourage.  They put on a show reminiscent of cabaret.  Onca O’Leary and August Hoerr are the two constant members, and they travel with an auxiliary band.  Chattanooga will have the benefit of having all four members for their weekend performance. Onca says that the show’s feel is, “kinda like the feeling you find at the bottom of a bottle of absinthe.”

3 Sisters, Wine Over Water and One Bridge Folk Art festivals festoon the weekend

It’s “Festivals R Us” this weekend here in Chattanooga, so get on your walking shoes.

3 Sisters Festival
Bluegrass lovers will not want to miss the free 3 Sisters Festival at Ross’s Landing on the Riverfront this weekend.
“We’ve got a really good lineup this year,” said George Quick, whose brainchild 3 Sisters was. “When I was in college, I heard about a bluegrass-by-the-river festival in Louisville, and I thought, ‘That would be a great idea for Chattanooga.’”