The Amplify Decatur Music Festival is set to make a significant mark this year, with the Last Waltz Ensemble headlining a free outdoor concert on April 26 at the Decatur Bandstand, which is soon to be demolished as part of a transformation project for Decatur Square.
The Last Waltz pays homage to a legendary concert produced by Bill Graham at the Winterland Ballroom in San Francisco, uniting some of the most iconic musicians of the era, including Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, Neil Diamond, Joni Mitchell, Van Morrison, Ringo Starr, Muddy Waters, and Neil Young.
Martin Scorsese’s documentary on the event was hailed by Rolling Stone as the ‘greatest concert movie of all time,’ which only adds to the allure of the tribute band.
In a serendipitous exploration, Gloer, the band leader, initially set out to determine the originality of his idea for a Last Waltz tribute. With limited internet access at the time, he uncovered only one acoustic set tribute that had taken place at a folk school in Chicago, suggesting a gap in the market for tribute shows in those days.
After pitching his concept to Bryan Cole, the booking agent for the now-closed blues and funk venue Fuzzy’s on North Druid Hills Road in Atlanta, Gloer received a warm reception. Cole provided slots for Gloer and the Hound Dogs over Thanksgiving weekend, and to their surprise, both shows sold out.
Reflecting on that successful weekend, Gloer recalls, “It was nuts. It was oversold both nights. People were standing in the parking lot trying to get in … We had a big old time.”
The success did not end there; the band quickly revived the show multiple times that spring, with each performance selling out, prompting Gloer to plan a six-city tour to gauge national interest.
The response was overwhelmingly positive; in Charlotte, the show caught the attention of a booking agency that would help rebrand the band as the Last Waltz Ensemble. They began performing around 100 shows a year across the country for the next six years.
Unlike other tribute acts that often replicate original performances, Gloer and his ensemble brought a fresh improvisational style to the songs, reflecting their formation as a jam band. Gloer states, “We’re not like a wax museum. We jam on the songs.”
This unique approach has allowed the Last Waltz Ensemble to resonate with audiences unfamiliar with the jam-band style. Even for fans of classic rock, the familiar hooks and riffs from beloved tracks by Dylan or The Band present an inviting entry point to appreciation.
Over the years, the Last Waltz Ensemble has had a rotating roster of notable guest performers, including Susan Tedeschi, Col. Bruce Hampton, Rick Richards of the Georgia Satellites, and Oliver Wood from the Wood Brothers. The ensemble has shared the stage with renowned acts like the Dave Matthews Band, Hootie and the Blowfish, and the Zac Brown Band.
However, as some of the band members began to start families by 2012, the pace of their touring began to slow down. Today, the Last Waltz Ensemble reunites for approximately three to five performances each year.
Recently, the group played at a Searchlight Pictures party at Eddie’s Attic, coinciding with a screening of “A Complete Unknown,” the Bob Dylan biopic.
The upcoming concert at the Amplify festival could indeed be a poignant farewell for the Decatur Bandstand, given its impending demolition.
This event marks the first time that the Amplify headliner will perform free of charge, providing an exceptional opportunity for community members.
Festivalgoers are encouraged to bring picnic blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy the music. The festival will feature pop-up stages around the square, along with free live music at participating venues, including Marlay House, Brick Store Pub, Trackside Tavern, O’Sullivan’s Irish Pub, and the Reading Room.
Local restaurants, such as Raging Burrito and Mother’s Best Fried Chicken, have partnered with the festival to offer food discounts for attendees, creating a communal atmosphere.
Festival director Christine Mahin expressed her excitement, stating, “We’re excited to have a last stand at the bandstand with our Last Waltz performance.”
Event Details:
The Amplify Decatur Music Festival featuring the Last Waltz Ensemble will occur from 5-11 p.m. on April 26, and it will also showcase performances by Hope for Agoldensummer, Andrew Holley, Eric Toledo of Quiet Hounds, and Polly Holliday.
For more information, visit amplifydecatur.org.
Additional Amplify performances include The Core and Buffalo on Friday at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets are priced between $25-$30 at the Avon Theater, located at 106 N. Avondale Road in Avondale Estates.
For tickets and further details, visit amplifydecatur.org.
image source from：https://www.ajc.com/2025/04/atlantas-last-waltz-ensemble-pays-tribute-to-the-legendary-1976-concert/
