Vibes & Virtuosity! A Night with Damien Escobar

Atlanta showed up and showed out for Damien Escobar and he did not disappoint. The energy at Center Stage was electric, with a packed house full of fans ready to vibe with the violin virtuoso himself.

From the moment he stepped on stage in that bold red look and white hat, Damien had us all locked in. His performance was soulful, emotional, and straight-up powerful. He played a mix of his original songs each one filled with passion and precision, and then took us on a ride with some unforgettable covers.

One of the standout moments of the night? When he played “Before I Let Go” by Frankie Beverly and Maze. The crowd lost it, singing, swaying, and soaking in every note. Then he followed it up with “For the Love of You” by The Isley Brothers, and it was pure magic. Smooth, heartfelt, and beautifully arranged.

Damien had the crowd hanging on every note. Pure Magic

There’s something special about the way Damien connects with his instrument and the audience. It’s more than music—it’s a feeling. And capturing that vibe through the lens was a dream. From quiet, intimate moments with his violin to commanding the stage under blue beams of light, every second felt like art.

Check out some of my favorite shots from the night below.

A Night of Soul and Magic

With every note, Lalah Hathaway wrapped the audience in a soulful embrace.

Atlanta Center Stage was buzzing with anticipation as fans gathered to witness the incomparable Lalah Hathaway.

There are voices, and then there’s Lalah. The kind that doesn’t just sing a note but lives in it, stretching it out like Sunday morning. At Center Stage, she didn’t just perform—she testified, in overalls and hoops, with her fist raised like a quiet revolution. Draped in a cozy yet stylish ensemble, Hathaway stood beneath moody stage lights that shifted between deep blues and purples, setting the perfect atmosphere for her timeless sound. The crowd swayed as she moved seamlessly through classics and new favorites, her signature tone resonating through the venue.

I stood in the pit, camera pressed to my face, heart full. This wasn’t just a concert—it was communion. The lighting hit like moonlight, the bass wrapped around your ribs, and Lalah? She floated above it all, grounded and ethereal.

Eyes closed, heart open—Hathaway delivered every lyric with deep emotion.

One of the most captivating moments of the night was her interaction with the audience. Whether it was through a knowing glance, a smile between lyrics, or the effortless way she engaged with her band, Hathaway proved once again why she remains a force in R&B and soul music.

As the final notes filled the venue, the audience erupted in applause, reluctant to let the moment end. Hathaway left the stage, but the energy lingered—a testament to the power of live music and an artist who continues to define what it means to sing with soul.

Greenwood Rye: Modern Bluegrass Reimagined

Greenwood Rye brings a fresh twist to bluegrass, blending traditional roots with a contemporary energy that resonates with today’s audiences.

Captured during their performance at Vinyl in Atlanta, the photos showcase a band in full swing—each member exuding passion, precision, and a commitment to musical storytelling..

They played with the kind of ease that only comes from deep respect for the music. Dressed in a way that felt both relaxed and thoughtful, their presence matched their sound: rooted, but never stuck. Each member brought something unique, and together, they moved as one—tight, focused, and completely in tune.

From behind the lens, I caught quiet moments of connection—between the band, between the music, and between them and the crowd. There was a warmth in the room, the kind that only comes when the music hits just right. The candid shots reveal moments of interaction with an enthusiastic crowd, illustrating the band’s ability to create an intimate and electrifying atmosphere.

Greenwood Rye isn’t just playing music; they’re redefining what bluegrass can be. Their performance at Vinyl is a testament to modern bluegrass done right—rooted in tradition yet unmistakably forward-thinking.

Cat McDonald

The Sweet Lillies: A Harmonic Fusion of Americana and Bluegrass

A harmony of talent- The Sweet Lillies bringing their signature Americana/bluegrass sound to life.

The Sweet Lillies captivate audiences with heartfelt storytelling and foot-stomping rhythms.

The Sweet Lillies are a dynamic Americana/bluegrass band that weaves together heartfelt storytelling, high-energy instrumentation, and rich harmonies. Known for their captivating live performances, the band seamlessly blends traditional roots music with contemporary influences, creating a unique sound that resonates with a diverse audience.

With a lineup featuring upright bass, guitar, fiddle, and tight vocal harmonies, The Sweet Lillies bring an infectious energy to the stage, drawing from folk, blues, and jam band elements. Their ability to fuse intricate musicianship with raw emotion makes each performance an intimate and uplifting experience.

Whether playing festival stages or intimate venues, The Sweet Lillies continue to carve out their place in the modern bluegrass and Americana scene. Their music is not just about technical prowess—it’s about connection, community, and the timeless power of storytelling through song.

Pure joy - The Sweet Lillies’ bassist lighting up the stage with rhythm and soul.