By Richard Harker
Athens-based band Futurebirds take the stage at Historic Oakland Foundation’s annual Tunes from the Tombs music festival on Saturday, June 8 at Atlanta’s historic Oakland Cemetery. In its ninth year, Tunes from the Tombs has become one of the city’s most popular festivals and a distinctive Atlanta tradition.
“This year’s lineup is stellar, and Tunes from the Tombs promises to be a fun family day out in the most distinct venue in Atlanta,” said Richard Harker, director of programming at Historic Oakland Foundation. “With great local and regional music, an artist market, mini-tours of the cemetery, food trucks, and more, Tunes from the Tombs 2019 will be a fantastic way to celebrate the summer here at Oakland Cemetery.”
Futurebirds’ debut album was released in 2010, a year or so after the band formed in Athens, Georgia. Since then, Futurebirds has played shows across the country ranging in size from music festivals to intimate living room sets and they have released two more albums, Baby Yaga and Hotel Parties. Their fourth record is set to be released soon. Describing their sound as “a cross of country psychedelia and 90s alternative,” Futurebirds say their music has been influenced by songs from The Grateful Dead, Neil Young, Radiohead, Pavement, and others.
Futurebirds heads an evening lineup filled with southeastern and Georgia-based musicians, including Ruby Velle & The Soulphonics, The Artisanals, The Haraway Brothers, She Returns From War, Kylie Odetta, and others. In addition to homegrown musicians, Tunes from the Tombs 2019 will also feature a variety of Atlanta’s favorite food trucks, Georgia craft beers, and a local artists’ market. Tunes from the Tombs is the perfect family-friendly way to spend a summer day at an unbeatable price.
Advance tickets for both general admission and Rock in Peace (RIP) packages went on sale March 18 at Freshtix.com. RIP ticketholders receive access to a private VIP area next to the main stage, three drink tickets, and a gift pack including a commemorative tee, limited-edition poster, a koozie, free parking, and free shuttle transport within the Cemetery.
Advance general admission tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for seniors and kids 4 to17. Rest in Peace (RIP) VIP packages are $75. Tickets at the gate are $25 for adults and $20 for seniors and kids 4 to 17. Children three and under are free.Tunes from the Tombs runs from 12:30pm to 8:00pm, and gates open at noon. This is a rain-or-shine event, and the lineup is subject to change. No outside food, drink or coolers permitted. Attendees are allowed to bring blankets and low beach chairs only. For event updates, visit www.oaklandcemetery.com. All proceeds from Tunes from the Tombs benefit Historic Oakland Foundation’s preservation efforts for Oakland Cemetery.
