The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Friday, May 26, 2006

While most of the North-side has yet to discover the live music series behind Matilda's Art Gallery, word has reached the college set. They turn out loyally on Friday nights to hear local bluegrass and jazz bands jam in the Alpharetta gallery's backyard.

"We want to appeal to young Alpharettans and families," said Mary Jane Potter, who owns the folk art gallery with her husband Mark.

The series, dubbed "Makin' Music at Matilda's," runs through Sept. 8. Bands play from dusk to 11 p.m. on the back porch of the small "Hen House," one of the gallery's three houses.

The 1-acre yard sets up a relaxed concert-in-the-park atmosphere. People picnic on blankets or sit at tables and on benches scattered on the lawn. They can also walk through each gallery during the night.

Last week the Armageddon Trio, a jazz fusion group, performed. Their instrumentals of Bill Withers' "Aint No Sunshine" had the laid-back crowd groovin' to the music.

After Matilda's Art Gallery opened in 1999, Mary Jane Potter dreamed of live music at the gallery, but didn't know how to make it happen.

Turns out the folk art gallery attracts a lot of musicians, she says. For more than two years she pitched her idea to every musician who came in. Finally last summer, Chuck Sitero of bluegrass band Barn Rat, told Potter he knew lots of musicians who'd want the gig. Sitero started booking groups right away.

The Barn Rats frequently play to large crowds at Matilda's, Potter says. The group's banjo player is featured in tonight's performance when his band, the Jody Hughes and Friends trio, plays. Hughes won the Bluegrass Banjo Championship at the Merle Watson Festival last month.

Music admission is $7. Pets are allowed. Smoking is permitted in a designated area away from the music.