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Article published Feb 12, 2009 East Tennessee Dirt: What's happening in the local music scene
By Steve Wildsmith of The Daily Times Staff Scott McMahan update
Remember singer-songwriter Scott McMahan, who used to host the open-mic night up at Brackins Blues Bar in downtown Maryville? We did a cover story on him a few years ago, and while his visits to his old hometown may be few and far between these days, he's doing well.
In fact, Monday night, you can check him out at Manhattan's Bistro and Bar, 101 S. Central St. in Knoxville's Old City, where he'll play as part of a "song-swap" with former "rival" Dylan Sneed.
The two are actually old friends. Sneed -- formerly from Dallas and now living in South Carolina -- competed against McMahan in the bi-annual open mic shoothout at Eddie's Attic in Decatur, Ga., back in November 2007. McMahan won that contest, but the two remain friends and continue to play shows together when they can. Check them out -- Sneed's blend of Townes Van Zandt Americana and Paul Simon folk will mix well with McMahan's folk-soul sounds. The show starts at 8 p.m.; the cover, if there is one, will only be $5.Strings for Valentine's
The Blount County Public Library will continue its annual tradition of holding a Valentine's Day Harp Ensemble Concert, with this year's event scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday. Up to 20 harpists will perform on eight to 12 full-sized harps under the direction of William Lovelace and Bill Robinson. It's the fifth year the library has hosted the concert, and this year organizers will offer complimentary hot chocolate as they incorporate the concert into "Love 2 Read" Day.
What's interesting about the concert is that it takes two to three days to set up. The harps have to be transported from all over East Tennessee to the library, then acclimated to the temperature of the room; after that, they're tuned and readied for the performance, and afterward, they're packed up and loaded back up for transport to their respective homes.
The concert is free, and the library is located at 508 N. Cusick St. in Maryville. Admission to the concert is free.Band battle at Big Daddy's
The Big Daddy's Battle of the Bands is now under way out at Big Daddy's Scoots and Sports Bar (2641 U.S. Highway 411 S. in Maryville, but they still have a few openings for competitors, if you think your band has what it takes!
According to "Big" Norm, last weekend Gun*Slinger won and moved on to the semi-finals; Saturday night, The Dirty Gunnz and Middle Finger are set to compete, but at press time, the venue was seeking two additional bands to round out the roster. Feb. 21, Empty Chamber and Better Daze are set to compete, but again there are two openings for prospective competitors. On Feb. 28, the bands Butt Ugly, Noise Under Construction, Zero Point and Deja Blue will battle it out.
The semi-finals kick off in March. Keep reading for updates on how it's going. Oh, and if you want to attend the Integrity Tattoo Bash set for April 4 at Big Daddy's, better buy your $10 tickets ASAP. With the country-rock outfit Rebel Son on the bill, they're going fast. Call Big Daddy's at 977-5057 for more information.Don't forget: 'Shed' shows coming up!
Be socking that cash away -- tickets for the spring and summer concert series at "The Shed" at Smoky Mountain Harley-Davidson, 1820 W. Lamar Alexander Parkway in Maryville, go on sale 30 days before each show -- and with the first concert slated for April 4, that means ticket sales are just around the corner!
For those who might have missed the April schedule: April 4 with be Unknown Hinson, "king of the country-western troubadours"; April 11 is the Guns N' Roses tribute band Use Your Illusion; April 18 is blues guitarist Damon Fowler; and April 25 is local hero Scott Miller and the Commonwealth. No word yet on ticket prices, but check back here or on the Web site for "The Shed" at www.smh-d.com/shed.php for updates.
Attention, local bands and musicians! We want YOUR information. Send it to us via e-mail to: steve.wildsmith@thedailytimes.com, or call us at 981-1144.