Paul Atkinson & Friends at Charlotte's Evening Muse

Feb 17th 2010 - Since Sept 2009 local singer-songwriter Paul Atkinson has been hosting a songwriters "show" at the Evening Muse on the 3rd Wednesday of each month.  The format is simple - a special guest does an opening set followed by a set from Paul.  It gives each an opportunity to test out new material and/or reminisce through an old favorite. 

For audience members the show has additional depth.  Not only do we get to enjoy the music of some very talented local artists, but we also get to expand our friendships through the fellowship that comes from an evening of music within an intimate setting like the Evening Muse.  It's also time friendly as the show starts at 8PM and is completed by 10PM.  Home in time to watch the news and get plenty of sleep for the business day that follows!

Last night was just like that.  Simply fun - pure and honest - as well as a time to meet new friends and spend time with old ones whom you don't see on a regular basis.  Nothing like face to face interaction over a cold beer while great music is in the air.  Songwriter Julia Dixon and son Chad Dixon were in attendance along with a few of Paul's friends and family.  It's warm, it's relaxing, it's informal - it's fun!

Paul's special guest tonight was none other than Jeff Luckadoo - a local singer-songwriter who most recently was recognized as the Best Country Music artist by the Charlotte Music Awards organization in Nov '09.  Jeff shared some older tunes as well as newer material.  Through his set there were times when you wanted to cry, times when you wanted to revenge a wrong, and other times when the cold beer in your hand was all you needed.  He also had his brother Joe join him on the stage as they did a duet of a song that Jeff wrote and Joe "fixed".  The song we heard was a very cool rocking song with a bluesy twist!  It was really cool to see Jeff doing an acoustic set up close and personal like!

Link to photos of Jeff's performance here.

Paul Atkinson followed Jeff with an acoustic set of his own.  A prolific songwriter, Paul has a large repertoire of songs to choose from.  Tonight he kept the theme light and airy with an upbeat tone and catchy lyrics.  The inherent beauty of Paul's songs is that they easily transcend genres, lending themselves to the emphasis the performing artist would want to inflict.   From folksy to blues, the lyrics tell a story - usually born of Paul's love of life, adventure and music.

Link to photos of Paul's performance here.

Tonight was also a bit special as it was a preview of one-third of the artists who will be performing at the Charlotte Music Awards singer-songwriter showcase event at the Elwood Music Hall on Feb 25th.  Paul and Jeff are two of the featured performers of that event.  Another performer, Janet Barnes, will be performing Saturday evening at Iron Thunder in Concord, NC with her band "Southern Fire".  A chance to catch up with another Charlotte songwriting talent prior to the showcase event!

Keepin' it Live...

Carolina Music Connection * Evening Muse * Paul Atkinson * Jeff Luckadoo * Charlotte Concert Photography * Charlotte Music Awards

Not a subscriber?  To get a heads up on Charlotte music news, reviews and performance photos use the subscribe button at the top of the article!