I grew up in the northern suburbs of Atlanta. I picked up the guitar in middle school, and when I had developed my talent to the level where I was ready to play shows, there weren’t many options for venues. So in the beginning, I got stuck playing shows at Starbucks. It was a good experience – my friends came to see me play, and we had fun – but it didn’t really give me any perspective on where I stood in my developing music career.

When I felt ready for a bigger and more critical audience, I knew that I had to venture down to Eddie’s Attic in Decatur. Eddie’s Attic is all about the music. You don’t go there to get drunk and wild and talk over the artists – you go there to listen. The venue is intimate and charming, with tables surrounding the stage and dim lighting filling the space with a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Prior to all shows, a host comes out on stage to remind attendees to turn off all cell phones and to introduce that night’s act with a glowing review.

Eddie’s Attic holds weekly open-mic nights that were known – and are still known – to bring out some of the best new talent around. Artists like John Mayer, Sean Mullins and Jennifer Nettles all got their start at Eddie’s Attic. Playing my first open-mic night there helped me to gain confidence in my musical abilities. Getting positive feedback from people outside of my friend group, including other artists, meant a lot to me. I actually gained a lot of musician friends through the experience.

Open-mic nights are only a part of the appeal of Eddie’s Attic though. The venue also plays host to shows for traveling artists – as well as CD release parties for local artists – which is what brought me to Eddie’s Attic the other night. Gareth Asher held his CD release party at Eddie’s Attic and played his new CD front to back for a full audience.

I was introduced to Gareth Asher through a friend of mine, Michael Tolcher. The three of us went out to play a round of golf one Thursday afternoon, and I could tell then that Gareth has a real passion for music – he hummed and sang all the way through the 18 holes that we played. He also talked and joked around like we had known each other for years. His love for music and his laid-back, fun spirit shows in his performances, too. He treats the audience like family, and it’s obvious that there’s no where else he would rather be than on the stage performing. He has a soulful, acoustic rock sound that draws in the audience. His new album, Between the Smiles and Tears, perfectly shows off his style and skill – and is a great listen all the way through.

So, head out to Eddie’s Attic and catch an open-mic night or see one of your favorite artists. And make sure to give Gareth Asher a listen. You won’t be disappointed!