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| Chicken Raid Music Festival 2011 in Atlanta The Chicken Raid offers a range of high quality local, regional, and national musical talents. Proceeds from this year's festival will be shared between the Edwards' estate and Music Maker Relief Foundation (MMRF). MMRF is a non-profit committed to helping pioneers of American music meet their daily needs. 2011 performers include Music Maker artists Beverly "Guitar" Watkins, Roy Lee Johnson, Essie Mae Brooks, Robert Lee Coleman, Sweet Betty, Mudcat, Brandon Reeves, Chickens and Pigs, I Want Whiskey, Just This Second, Little Brother, Little G Weevil, Lola, Rod Hamdallah, Shelton Powe, Skye Paige, Snave and the Grass, Sol & Funk Root, Stevie B, Stoney Brooks & the Hooch, The Bareknuckle Betties, Breeze Kings, The Radio Ramblers, The Rockaholics, The Tony Bryant Band, Tommy Brown, Uncle Sugar, and What the...? Born in Washington County, GA, Frank Edwards left home at 14 to play guitar and harmonica alongside Tampa Red and Tommy McClennan. He recorded eight sides for OKeh in 1941 with Washboard Sam and upon being discharged from the Army in 1949 he recorded several sides for Regal. Frank spent the next few decades playing on street corners, juke joints and restaurants before hitting the festival circuit during the folk revival of the 1960?s. In 1972, Edwards recorded the album "Done Some Travelin' produced by Pete Lowry for the Trix label. When not onstage, the iconic "Mr. Frank" was a familiar face at the clubs, supporting other blues musicians in Atlanta. In 2002, Edwards recorded a CD of new songs and set favorites, "Chicken Raid" for the Music Maker label. Essie Mae Brooks of Perry GA was born in Houston County in 1930. Her father was a performer in the nearly-forgotten drumbeat tradition. Her grandfather was a harmonica player, and as a young girl, Essie Mae sang to accompany him. She began writing gospel songs soon after, and shares her joy of music with the family members who comprise her band. musicmaker.org Robert Lee Coleman of Macon GA has performed behind many of the R&B greats that called middle Georgia home. He played guitar in Percy Sledge's touring band for 5 years, and then had a 2 year stint in James Brown's band before returning to Macon. Robert Lee now plays both solo and as a supporting musician with many local and regional acts. myspace.com/robertleecoleman Additional Chicken Raid Festival musical alumni include: Eddie Kirkland, Willie King, Sean Costello, Cootie Stark, Sue Foley, Abe Reid, Albert White, Neal Pattman, Atomic Boogie, Blonju, Chicago Joe Jones, Cora Mae Bryant and JJ, Donnie McCormick, Eddie Boyd, Eddie Tigner, Essie Mae Brooks, Joe McGuinness, King Johnson, Little Pink Anderson, Motor City Josh, Precious Bryant, Roger Hurricane Wilson, Sammy Blue, Sol, Slick, Slim Fatz, Smokestack and the Foothill Fury, Tim Duffy, Tommy Brown, Willie Alvarez, and many more. write your comments about the article :: © 2011 Jazz News :: home page |