Sunday Songwriters' Revival
Every Third Sunday of the month, "Mojo" Mark Wilmot hosts local and regional songwriters who showcase original songs and tell us the stories that inspired them. Mark is an Athens native who grew up singing the songs his Granny taught him on their rides through the hills of Northeast Georgia. He sings his own songs in the Athens area with the Redstone Ramblers, including many times at No. 3 Railroad Street. Please see the Events Page for details and the Photo Pages for images of their events. Mark is eager to help promote local songwriters through this monthly event.
This month, Donna Hopkins and Nathan Sheppard are featured.
Donna Hopkins
Donna Hopkins is the real deal. Born and raised on an Alabama farm, Donna witnessed life in the South first hand, channeling it into the soulful music that she creates and performs. Music runs in her family; her mother performed rock and roll in go-go boots and mini-skirts and her grandfather was a fine bluegrass musician in his own right. Following in their footsteps, Donna is a consummate seasoned performer with many songs and performances under her belt. As a young teenager, Donna recalls sneaking out to the MGM Grand in famous Muscle Shoals, Alabama to jam with David Hood, Roger Hawkins, and Harrison Calloway ... it's not many who can say they cut their teeth with members of Aretha Franklin's band!
Georgia Music magazine calls Donna Hopkins a "genuine triple threat" due to her prowess as a singer, songwriter and guitarist. In addition to her other talents, Donna also wears the producer's hat, working with and developing up-and-coming talent in the Atlanta area. As much at home in an intimate listening venue as she is on a giant festival stage, Donna Hopkins performs both solo and accompanied by the perfectly seasoned group of musicians who make up the Donna Hopkins Band, and is always a crowd pleaser.
National acts that Donna has opened for or performed with over the years: BloodKin, Big Bill Morganfield, Col. Bruce Hampton, Charley Pride, Chris Hicks (of the Marshall Tucker Band), Clint Black, Conway Twitty, David Allan Coe, Derek Trucks Band, Donna The Buffalo, Donnie McCormick, Emily Saliers (of the Indigo Girls), Francine Reed, Gatemouth Brown, George Jones, George Porter, Jr., Indigo Girls, Jeff Sipe, Joe Bonamassa, King Johnson, Lorrie Morgan, Lee Boys, Little Joe, Luther "Houserocker" Johnson, Martina McBride, Mel Tillis, Michelle Malone, Mudcat, Oak Ridge Boys, Oliver Wood, Rita Graham, Sammy Blue, Sean Costello, Robert Cray, Ronnie Milsap, Stevie Wonder, Tanya Tucker, Tinsley Ellis, Todd Nance (of Widespread Panic), Travis Tritt, Vince Herman (of Leftover Salmon). - From donnahopkins.com
Donna Hopkins and Band Websites:
donnahopkins.com;
ReverbNation;
Facebook Page
Nathan Sheppard
Nathan Sheppard is a singer/songwriter and entertainer/producer from the north Georgia area. He has been performing in the Athens/Atlanta area for 20 years, or so. He has shared the stage, as an opening act, with Leon Russell, The Neville Brothers, Jefferson Starship, David Allan Coe, Matthew Sweet, and several other national acts. His songs have been featured on the WB television network, and in the full length movie, "Blue Ridge Fall," starring Tom Arnold and Amy Irving. His strong voice and guitar style, coupled with his thoughtful lyrics and unique melodies have kept him working as a solo artist throughout the southeast for over two decades. Influences such as Donovan, The Moody Blues, Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, and Neil Young are part of his thousand song "cover" repertoire, but his original works (6 CDs) are the centerpiece of his performances. His original songs and his choice of cover material make his shows truly original. The "road less traveled" has always been his path, and the music he has created, and continues to create, is evidence that it "has made all the difference." - From nathansheppard.net
Nathan Sheppard Website:
nathansheppard.net
Time: 3 pm to 5 pm
Potluck
Basket for Donations
Parking on site is limited. Overflow parking is across the street in the church parking lot
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