"Uncorked & Unplugged"

Every Wednesday @ Melting Point

originally published January 10, 2007

The Melting Point's weekly "Uncorked & Unplugged" series aims to put today's songwriting pros in the spotlight. "For all of the great bands and performers out there breaking their necks and the listeners who love them," says Ken Will Morton, the series' host, "it still comes down to a good song, and this series focuses on that essence. Sometimes the featured performers collaborate on a song or two. I jump [in] and play some harp and sing with a few. It's intimate enough to get some good crowd interaction."

Melting Point booking agent Troy Aubrey came up with the idea for the series, says Morton, and handles all decisions as to who performs. "I'll throw a recommendation out here and there," says Morton, "but I pretty much just learn about who's booked and try and be a gracious host." Acoustic (although not exclusively) and up-close performances earn the "unplugged" tag, and "uncorked" refers to the venue's half-off discount for bottles of wine at the shows, which run from 8 to 11 p.m.

Bob Livingston, Paul Reeves and Gary Pfaff perform on Wednesday, Jan. 10. The following week's show on Jan. 17 sees Kyler England, Sam Shaber and Tin Cup Prophette's Amanda Kapousouz take the stage, while Sandra McCracken and Scott Miller visit Athens on Jan. 24. And later this year, expect performances from John Neff, David Barbe and Jack Logan, among others. "It'd be great to get a [Drive-By] Trucker in there," says Morton of hopes for future installments, "or maybe one of those writers who've had a hit by another performer singing one of their songs. Some songwriters who write on unconventional instruments would be good… Overall, I'm up for anyone!"

Chris Hassiotis