By Max Stewart
As the holiday season takes hold in Atlanta, Kevin Scott’s All-Star Holiday Revival returns to the renowned Variety Playhouse on Thursday, December 18 for one of our favorite events of the year. Marking a decade of one of the city’s most festive and eclectic musical traditions, bandleader Kevin Scott (Gov’t Mule, John McLaughlin, and Jimmy Herring) once again brings together a rotating cast of top-tier musicians for a night where groove, surprise, and celebration collide. What began years ago as a spirited annual blowout has grown into a beloved concert experience that combines deep musical chops with joyful improvisation and a generous holiday spirit. Get your tickets now!
True to that tradition, this year’s event features an expansive ensemble of artists pulled from across the worlds of rock, funk, blues, jazz, and beyond. On the bill are dynamic players like the virtuosic Marcus King and the quickly-rising bluesman Eddie 9V, alongside fan favorites and standout contributors including Charlie Starr and Benji Shanks (Blackberry Smoke), Mark Lettieri (Snarky Puppy, The Fearless Flyers), Duane Trucks (Widespread Panic), and Kevn Kinney (Drivin N Cryin).
Anchoring this extraordinary roster are a host of versatile instrumentalists and vocalists whose collective credits span a wide catalog of acclaimed acts. The list includes Jelly Joseph (Galactic), T. Hardy Morris, The Greyhounds, King Baby, Emil Werstler (Dååth), Rick Lollar (Jimmy Herring, King Baby), Lamont Landers, Jontavious Willis, Mark Raudabaugh (Sierra Hull, Donna the Buffalo), Matt Slocum (Warren Haynes Band, Aquarium Rescue Unit, Railroad Earth), Ryan Scott, Rhett Huffman (American Aquarium), Jordan Shalhoup, Danny Wytanis (Ghost Note), Mark Rivers (Tedeschi Trucks Band), Art Edmaiston (Gregg Allman, Bobby “Blue” Bland, Little Feat), Marc Franklin (Aretha Franklin, BB King, Justin Timberlake), Rafael Pereira, Amanda Joy, Tiffany White, and Spencer Pope.
The beauty of this show is, yes, it is around the holidays and generally is focused on Christmas tunes. But that is not the only theme, as it truly revolves around fantastic musical collaboration and fellowship of artists from Atlanta and beyond. But the holiday classics that were performed were unique and not your run-of-the-mill, FM holiday hits. And last year’s raised $15,000 for the Georgia Music Foundation (supporting programs of music education, preservation and outreach while fostering an appreciation for the state’s rich music heritage) and Backline (connects music industry professionals and their families with mental health and wellness resources). Now that’s the holiday spirit.
For a taste of year’s past, check out our review of the 2024 and 2022 event. If those shows are any example, attendees can look forward to a night that blurs genre boundaries, with classic soul, blues, funk, rock, and even some seasonal standards reimagined through the collective creativity of this all-star ensemble. From high-energy grooves to expansive jams and vocal highlights, the evening promises to be as surprising as it is soulful, all in service of supporting great causes.