News of Blues and other stuff

May 2009

I know, I know..my news is lacking and slow. Thus far this year it's been crazed. Life has struck with a big 'ol hammer. But I'm correcting this. As you may have noticed..I hope, the website has changed with a completely new look. hopefully more traffic, and we'll be getting more content for you. If you have ideas for articles, content please drop us a line. In the meantime these blues are for you.

May the blues be with you!

September 2008

Fuzzy’s Place Reborn!

Folks who have been to Atlanta and know the music scene may have heard of the venerable, but well concealed Fuzzy’s Place located on the north side of Atlanta. This venue was a Mecca for bands, blues aficionados and locals alike. A place to relax, toss back a few drinks, enjoy some great food and music. Just last year we all heard the heartbreaking news that this icon of classic musical dives had closed it’s doors.

Fuzzy’s place wasn’t much to look at. The building could’ve been an abandon house or even a run down garage. The fixtures and furniture looked as if they were the originals from 1977. With it’s wood bar, cramped music room it resembled roadhouses of old. No one came for the aesthetics. The music, the unpretentious atmosphere and the food, from highly regarded Cajun chef Joe Dale were the highlights of Fuzzy’s.

Fuzzy’s was a special place, along with Blind Willies, and the Northside Tavern, Fuzzy’s was one of the few havens for roots music in Atlanta. Some of Atlanta’s hottest musicians would frequent Fuzzy’s. Tinsley Ellis, Francine Reed, Mike Veal, and Randall Bramlette to name a few.

Fuzzy Cawthon died of a heart attack on Oct. 24, 2006. Though the place remained open for a while, Fuzzy’s brother Chris Cawthon, who received a 75% share upon Fuzzy’s death, decided on Nov. 3 of the same year to close the doors after 33 years in business. When Fuzzy’s closed it came as a shock to the staff as well as the regulars. A hand written note stating closed for reorganization taped to the front door. Mr. Cawthon gave no notice to the employees of Fuzzy’s leaving them uncertain about the future.

Then the rumors started flying, could it be that this landmark of the Atlanta music scene was gone for good? We all heard the rumors that the staff was attempting to buy Fuzzy’s to keep it going. It turns out the rumors were true, in essence.

Keirsten Alexander, the former general manager of Fuzzy’s along with several investors and Fuzzy’s former partner Jerry Rook have reincarnated Fuzzy’s as Zuffy’s, located right around the corner from the old place at 1860 Corporate Blvd. The majority of the Fuzzy’s family have migrated to the new venue. Opened on Aug. 16th The grand opening celebration included music from 2 of Fuzzy’s regular attractions Mike Veal, and Java Monkey.

Zuffy’s will continue to offer the recipes of the late Cajun chef Joe Dale and the incredible mix of musicians it’s always attracted. Zuffy’s listening area is almost triple the size of Fuzzy’s, large enough to book national acts, which looks very promising.

Though Fuzzy’s is gone the soul of the place lives on in it’s staff, the customers, and the bands, just as Fuzzy would have wanted. Rest well old friend, your legacy carries on.

May the blues be with you!