Blues Clubs: Blind Willie's

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Blues Clubs: Blind Willie's
December 9, 2009
Rhetta Akamatsu
Examiner.com

Blind Willie's, on North Highland Avenue in the Virginia Highlands section of Atlanta, is a beloved institution among Atlanta blues lovers.

Opened in 1986, the club has hosted local blues artists and Chicago legends alike. Eric King and Roger Gregory literally built the club, with local musicians supplying carpentry and painting labor. They named the club after Georgia blues legend, Blind Willie McTell. It was and is a true labor of love.

The house band, Houserocker Johnson and the Shadows, has been with the club since the beginning, and has backed many legendary musicians over the years. Blind Willie's has fostered many great local talents, such as the late Sean Costello and Sandra Hall, and has made a habit of bringing in older musicians to get a taste of the recognition they deserve, as well. Local cultural paper Creative Loafing has chosen it as the Best Blues Club in Atlanta multiple times, and it was recognized as one of the Top Ten Blues Clubs in America by E! Online.

In addition to the music, Blind Willie's has a menu that features, according to the website, "the best of Chicago, Memphis, and New Orleans," both bottled and draft beer, wine, coffee and soft drinks.

Don't expect a lot of personal space..the tables are jammed together and things can get a little crowded. And don't expect to carry on a conversation when the music is playing, but who goes to a blues club to TALK? If you come to eat, drink, and be merry, this is your place!

This year, on December 22nd, Blind Willie's is hosting the Virginia Highlands Musicians and Friends Annual Christmas Party and Fundraiser, with multiple bands performing. Admission is a $5 donation or at least 10 canned goods. The money and canned goods beneift the Atlanta Community Food Bank.

On New Year's Eve, there will be a New Year's Eve party with Sandra Hall and Houserocker Johnson and the Shadows that should be a rocking good time! There will be a $50 charge for the party, and tickets are on sale at the website.