Atlanta musician Buddy Red’s 11 Good Things

In this series, ArtsATL asks a member of the Atlanta arts community to share 11 things on their mind. We hope you enjoy getting to know these people better.

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Vocalist, guitarist and songwriter Buddy Red draws from a wide range of influences, blending the psychedelic grandeur of Pink Floyd, the unrelenting energy of James Brown, the mystique of Hendrix and the spirit of traditional Delta blues into a sound that is both deeply rooted and radically current. A fixture at the Northside Tavern’s legendary jam sessions, he’s become a standout voice in Atlanta’s underground live music scene, known for his passionate storytelling, impromptu solos and unforgettable stage presence. His 2025 single “Sold His Soul” marked a new chapter in his evolution. The emotionally charged blues-rock confession cemented his reputation as a modern-day blues revivalist with cinematic vision. He was among ArtsATL’s Ones to Watch in 2025, and he’ll be opening this year’s Atlanta Jazz Festival on May 23. Before that, you can catch him at Smith’s Olde Bar on February 20 with Billy Allen + The Pollies.

Here, in no particular order, are his 11 Good Things. 

1. Smith’s Olde Bar. They do an open mic night every Monday, and the host band, Edgewood Heavy, really kicks the night off right every time. I also love to perform on their upstairs and downstairs stages. I’ve met many great musicians here. There are also great networking opportunities within the music business here.
2. Northside Tavern. Northside has a certain charm that is unmatched elsewhere. They also do an open mic night on Monday’s called Lola’s Jam. Randall is usually the host and always has something funny to say when he sees local artists like myself hanging out. This place on a Monday is the only other place to be, AFTER Smith’s. There are local bands that play here weekly.
3. Piedmont Park. Such a beautiful park Piedmont Park is. You never know when something special is going down here. I’ve been to a random DJ party a few summers ago, joined friends for a picnic and even busked a few times. This park is also the location where the Atlanta Jazz Fest is held every year.
4. The Beltline. A fairly recent development in Atlanta’s history, the Beltline is an extended walkway where bikers, joggers, skaters and cute couples all share the same path, literally. It stretches for miles in the heart of Atlanta, and it is lined with shops and restaurants along the way. I used to busk here every summer and create quite the spectacle from time to time! This is a great place to be when you want to clear your mind a bit. 
5. Atlantic Station. This is where I loved going when my parents loosened my leash a bit and allowed me to hang with friends without so much supervision. Atlantic Station is a hub within the area of Midtown that has everything from clothing stores and restaurants to a movie theater and bowling alley. During the winter, Atlantic Station becomes an area to ice skate. This is the ultimate date place.
6. Krog Street Market. Krog Street Market is one of the many markets touched by the Beltline. I love coming here to eat at its many restaurants. I used to go here in-between classes at GSU to get chicken dumplings, and I’ve never stopped going. Occasionally, there will be small bands in the middle of the eating area, playing music for the patrons.
7. Ponce City Market. Ponce City Market is yet another market connected to the Beltline. Like Krog, there are many restaurants, but, unlike Krog, there’s a rooftop with activities like minigolf. It also isn’t far from City Winery, where artists often perform.
8. Red and Terry’s Tavern. Red and Terry’s is a bit out of the way, located in Smyrna, but, if you’re like me and you’re looking for some live music on a Wednesday evening, this is the place to be! They have an open mic night on Wednesdays, and the locals here couldn’t be sweeter. I’ll go one week, play on their stage, then come back months later, and everyone remembers me from last time. I swear, Red and Terry’s feels like a time machine in the best ways possible; you’ll know what I mean.
9. R. Thomas Deluxe Grill. R. Thomas is such a gem of a restaurant! I remember coming here at all hours of the night whenever I couldn’t sleep, just to order French toast and a coconut smoothie! They have pretty birds outside the establishment that complement the overall “vibe” of the place. The colors, decor, menu and even the music take you outside of Atlanta, and put you … well, I’m not sure where it puts you, but it’s quite a trip!
10. Super Sound Studio. I love this studio! I remember coming here as a kid with my father and meeting many celebrities by chance. I now come here as a musician whenever I want to lay down some drums, conceptualize some ideas or just hang with family that walk in and out of the doors. The “A Room” is my favorite, but “The Cut” and “Suite A” are close favorites!
11. Treesounds Studio. Goodness, Treesounds is a phenomenal studio. EVERYONE has been here before, it seems. The label Dreamville has had a few “writer camps” here that I had the pleasure of witnessing. They have a room called “The Cave” that has this huge ceiling and would be perfect for a live show. Their “Live Room” is beautiful as well. This is my personal favorite studio in Atlanta – hands down, bar none.