TURN IT UP
Amplify returns to Decatur
THERE’S SOMETHING MAGICAL about music drifting through a town—out of pubs, across sidewalks, into the rhythm of a community. That’s the heartbeat of the Amplify Decatur Music Festival, returning April 27–29 with a fresh new format. For the first time, Saturday’s main event is completely free, offering even more people a chance to join in the fun. And with Decatur Square undergoing renovations, the main stage moves to the community bandstand, right in the heart of downtown.
But while the setup may be new this year, the mission remains the same: harness the power of music to help people and organizations in need. Since 2010, Amplify has donated over $625,000 to local nonprofits—more than $385,000 right here in Decatur. This year’s proceeds benefit Decatur Cooperative Ministry and the Decatur Education Foundation.
Expect music everywhere—from festival headliners The Last Waltz Ensemble, to tribute shows at Avon Theatre and Eddie’s Attic, to intimate pop-up performances in downtown restaurants. Whether you’re dancing in the street or swaying inside The Marlay, Amplify is where music meets meaning. As co-Board Chair Drew Robinson puts it: “More music. More awareness. More good.”
Amplify is made possible through sponsorships by Lenz, Inc., Decatur Package Store, Savannah Distributing Co., Creature Comforts Brewing Co., Three Taverns Craft Beers, Natalie Gregory and Co., Visit Decatur, Iris and Bruce Feinberg, 97.1 FM The River, Plumb Works, Brick Store Pub, Trove, Scott Miller MD and The Caldwell Family.
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Photo credit: Kelly Thompson Photography
The Last Waltz Ensemble
Carrying the soul of a musical era
WHAT STARTED AS A one-night idea by Atlanta musician Karl Gloer has become a full-force concert celebration honoring the legacy of The Band and Bob Dylan. The Last Waltz Ensemble is an evolving, electrifying, tribute to one of the most influential musicians and eras in American music. But for Gloer and his bandmates, this isn’t about nostalgia—it’s about soul. From his days following Dylan and the Grateful Dead across the country, The LWEnsemble continues to chase the music that shaped them.
That same spirit now fuels every performance. The LWEnsemble has played sold-out shows across the South and beyond, sharing the stage with legends like Susan Tedeschi, Francine Reed and Colonel Bruce Hampton. Their setlist weaves reverence with originality—bringing a timeless catalog to life for new audiences with every show.
Their headline slot at the Amplify Decatur Music Festival is more than a gig— it’s a homecoming. “There is a hometown fire in this one,” Gloer says. Whether you’re hearing The Band’s classics for the first time or the hundredth, The Last Waltz Ensemble delivers them with heart, grit, and something undeniably real.
Saturday, April 26
9:30-11pm
Where the bands are...
Your stage-by-stage guide to the acts turning up the volume at Amplify - Click here to visit Amplify
AVON THEATER: Friday, April 25
The Core : 7:30 p.m.
The Core brings back the electric energy of the legendary ‘90s HORDE Festivals, with songs from iconic bands like Widespread Panic, Dave Matthews Band, Phish, Blues Traveler, Big Head Todd, The Allman Brothers, Spin Doctors, and more.
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Buffalo : 7:30 p.m.
Featuring band students from Decatur High School and other local-area schools, Buffalo specializes in performing a collection of high-energy rock classics.
MAIN STAGE: Saturday, April 26
The Last Waltz Ensemble : 9:30 p.m.
Eric Toledo (Quiet Hounds) : 7 p.m.
Last Waltz Ensemble specializes in progressively performing the music of Bob Dylan and The Band. Having explored the concept since 2004, the group is enjoying the current era of Dylan appreciation thanks to the Academy Award nominated biopic, “A Complete Unknown.” The band boasts a playlist of more than 150 Bob Dylan, The Band, and related tunes, covering music from all eras of the artists’ careers. From The Hawks to “The Basement Tapes” to “The Last Waltz” and beyond, the group takes listeners on a musical ride through some of the most fit, finished, and timeless music in history.
Hope for Agoldensummer : 8 p.m.
Hope for Agoldensummer blends rustic folk and experimental charm with jangly percussion, slide guitar and glockenspiel. The Athens-based band, fronted by Claire and Page Campbell, has released mulitple albums and EPs, and even scored a few indie films.
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Eric Toledo is a part of Atlantabased southern indie rock band
Quiet Hounds, the brotherly group of musicians who met at the University of Georgia. Growing up in Athens, he sang church hymns in Catholic school and started playing music at at six or seven.
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Andrew Holley : 6 p.m.
Atlanta-born indie artist Andrew Holley’s music embodies the rich tapestry of his Southern roots. With a sound that seamlessly blends the raw energy of rock and roll with heartfelt Southern soul, Holley’s artistry reflects the diverse musical heritage of his upbringing.
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Polly Holliday : 5 p.m.
Decatur-based Polly Holliday was formed in 2020 seeking solace and release from the pandemic. The group of neighbors and friends continue to pour out a unique brand of joy-fueled rock and roll.
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THE AMPLIFY POP-UP LINEUP:
Friday-Saturday
The Quaranteens
The Marlay House, 6:30 p.m., Friday, April 25
All current seniors at Decatur High School, The garage band, The Quaranteens, started playing their brand of classic rock classic and current pop hits during the pandemic, eventually moving to breweries, community events and parties.
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Reverend Hylton
Brick Store Pub, 6 p.m., Saturday, April 26
The Atlanta singer/songwriter Reverend Hylton spent the better part of the last decade touring the country sharing songs about heartbreak, addiction and traveling.
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Ansley Stewart Duo
The Reading Room, 3 p.m., Saturday, April 26
Combining the sound of the ’60's soul singers and the Athens college radio waves of the ’80s, Ansley Stewart has become a fixture of the Atlanta music scene. She also is a sought-after session vocalist, band touring performer and member of the ATL Collective family.
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Alex Brenner
Trackside Tavern, 3 p.m., Saturday, April 26
Starting in the clubs at 16, Alex Brenner has shared the stage with artists like Lucinda Williams, The Jayhawks, Drive By Truckers in Pittsburgh hometown. A veteran of 30-plus albums with several bands, he continues to gain critical acclaim for his honesty and depth.
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Morgan Rowe
O’Sullivan’s Irish Pub, 3 p.m., Saturday, April 26
Singer/songwriter Morgan Rowe conjures up some of the best female voices, from Amy Ray of the Indigo Girls to Margo Timmons of the Cowboy Junkies. Her distinctive, sultry acoustic power pop sound draws on her experience in small town America.
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EDDIE’S ATTIC:
Sunday, April 27 7:30 P.M.
The Bad Bitches of Country Click here for more information
Tracy Dunlap (The Dirty Truth)
Atlanta-based Tracy Dunlap has 20-plus years of experience lighting up stages with her soulful voice and magnetic presence. Known for blending classic favorites with her own style.
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Amber Humphries (Story Ghost)
Amber Humphries is a member of Story Ghost, the ever-shifting music project she fronts with her husband, Jared. The Decaturbased group combines a unique blend of rock, folk, drama, humor and protest.
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Robin Shakedown
Atlanta-based singer/songwriter Robin Shakedown’s upbeat glam rock sounds are inspired by the iconic stylings of Tom Petty, Patti Smith and The Police’s Stewart Copeland.
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Kristin Markiton
Kristin Markiton is a music educator, vocal coach and songwriter who has released two studio albums, Wandering Moon and Howlin’.
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Kate Coleman (Run Katie Run)
Kate Coleman is part of the band Run Katie Run, which she formed in Atlanta with her husband, Corey, Stephen Quinn, and Adam Ian Pendlington.
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Reverend Hylton
the Music?
Where’s the Music?
Where’s the Music?
Amplify
Amplify Decatur weekend is full of FREE music. Here's where to check it all out: FRIDAY, APRIL 25 The Marlay House
FRIDAY, APRIL 25 The Marlay House
p.m. - The Quaranteens
Where Should I Eat at the Fest?
Where Should I eat at the Festival?
These restaurants are the o cial partners of the Amplify Decatur Music Festival. They're o ering discounts on food and/or beverages to festival goers on Saturday, April 26. Check them out!
These restaurants are the official partners of the Amplify Decatur Music Festival. They’re offering discounts on food and/or beverages to festival goers on Saturday, April 26. Check them out!
The Marlay House Irish Pub 426 W Ponce de Leon Avenue
The Marlay House Irish Pub 426 W Ponce de Leon Avenue
AMPLIFY FAQ s
Mother's Best Fried Chicken 406 Church Street
O'Sullivan's Irish Pub 111 Sycamore Street
1. What is the festival doing to protect the safety and wellness of attendees?
The Reading Room 429 Church Street
Decatur and DeKalb Police will be present at the event on Saturday, April 26. The City of Decatur fire department will be on-site for first aid needs.
2. Will there be food and beverage for sale?
Beer provided by Creature Comforts Brewing Co., 3 Taverns Craft Brewery, wine, and soft drinks. Amplify has also partnered with local restaurants, who will be selling discounted food and drinks: O’Sullivan’s Pub, Raging Burrito, The Marlay House, The Reading Room, Mother’s Best, and Smiley’s Burger Club.
3. Are children allowed?
Yes! The mainstage concert is a free event, all-ages. However, there will be on-site alcohol sales and consumption.
Raging Burrito 141 Sycamore Street
Mother’s Best Fried Chicken 406 Church Street
O’Sullivan’s Irish Pub 111 Sycamore Street
The Reading Room 429 Church Street
Raging Burrito 141 Sycamore Street
Smiley’s Burger Club 310 E Howard Avenue
4. How should I get to the festival?
Smiley's Burger Club 310 E Howard Avenue
Parking is limited! We recommend taking MARTA to the Decatur Station on the East/West line. All major roads will be open and services such as Uber and Lyft are also smart options and can get you close to the festival gates.
You can find a guide to other parking options, click here to view from the City of Decatur’s website
5. Can I bring a camera, chairs, blankets, or strollers?
Cameras are allowed only if they DO NOT have interchangeable lenses. Please be courteous with the use of smartphones for photos and videos during the show.
You may bring strollers, blankets, and chairs. Placement is first come-first served, and Amplify staff cannot guarantee or hold spots for attendees.
For more FAQs, CLICK HERE
BENEFI T I N G