A sold out Variety Playhouse was the scene of a great show this past Saturday night (12/16) in Atlanta. Doc Watson is a Playhouse favorite and always packs in plenty of loyal fans when he visits. Everyone was treated to a fantastic opening act, The Lovell Sisters Band. This was my second time to see these young girls and they keep getting better and better. Displaying great stage presence and skillful chops on thier instruments, Jessica, Megan and Rebecca Lovell performed excellent versions of Bela Fleck’s Spanish Point and the AKUS instrumental Choctaw Hayride. These girls are young and already so good it’s scary. Also in the band on guitar is Jake Stargel who at 15 plays way beyond his years, and on upright bass is Andy Nall. You can read all about them at lovellsistersband.com.

Doc took the stage with grandson Richard and delivered plenty of crowd favorites like Summertime and Shady Grove, all in his usual down home style. Doc was later joined by the skillful Jack Lawrence who is always a hoot. It’s always a thrill for me personally to see artists like Doc Watson, or an Earl Scruggs or a Ralph Stanley. These guys are the real deal. These guys are the foundation of the music we all love. Seeing the young Lovell Sisters just starting out and Doc Watson on the same show was a great experience. May the circle be unbroken.