Escape and Enjoy People Keeping Music Local

With the metropolis of Atlanta to the south and numerous renowned musical venues peppered across the metro area, Marietta's music scene is often lost amid the din. But as any Marietta music lover knows, the local scene here remains vibrant and essential. Marietta Patch is here to help you navigate it.

1.Darwin's Burgers and Blues knows how to bring the Blues to Marietta. Friday, Stoney Brooks with Atlanta Boogie get the weekend started. This group of talented peeps won the Atlanta Blues Society "Blues Challenge" and will be heading to Memphis in February to represent Atlanta in the National Competition. Saturday, Seminole Jackson and friends roll into town. Darwin's is host to open mic nights during the week; grab your favorite instrument and come on out. $5 cover on the weekends.

2. Johnnie MacCracken's is part of historic Marietta Square. Nestled into a space that is rich with history, they offer tasty Irish treats as well as an extensive beer selection. Friday at 9 p.m., come in and relax to the acoustic stylings of Huey and The Man. Huey Hester and Eric "The Man" Matthews play a wide variety of cover tunes that you can sing along with. The back bar is always rocking on Friday night with Trish, and the fire pit out back is a great place to eat, drink and be merry. They even have a non smoking bar and restaurant area. 

3. The Local at Sidelines is right up from the Big Chicken. The stage area is non smoking. Friday, Truett Lollis Trio takes the stage with some rocking blues. Saturday, More than Gone, Soylent Red, Year's of Sorrow and 22's at 7 bring their hard driving rock to the lighted stage. Always a cover charge, varies from show to show, contact the venue for details.

4. Hamby's Clocktower Tavern is keeping it real local and bringing Marietta a Cosmic Weekend and place to drop off toys for children in need. Friday, Cosmic Gypsies bring a mix of originals and cover tunes, loud, proud and in your face! The Cosmic Americans will be ticking away on Saturday. Hamby's is a drop off location for the U.S. Marines Toys for Tots Foundation. Saturday night, alumni of will be gathering at 7 p.m. This weekend kicks off the expansion that includes a large non smoking area where the bands will now perform. Admission this weekend is an unwrapped toy for a boy or a girl or $5 at the door. Tuesday nights are acoustic open mic nights with Atlanta Blues legend, Bill Sheffield.

5. Even the Baby Rockstars need a place to perform and hang, Swayze's offers just that. This Saturday is host to the Swayzes's Battle of the Band Finals with a $1000 prize to the top band. Competing finalists: Stage Fright, Stamped 86, The King in Yellow, Cosomosope, Temple 38, Oaklynn, Go Robo Go!, Skullpaca and Edge of Mercy. Doors open at 4:45 p.m, $12 cover.