Events

Saturday, April 20, 2013 from 7:00PM – 2:00AM
Northside Tavern
1058 Howell Mill Rd NW, Atlanta, GA

In memory of Sean Costello’s birthday (April 16, 1979), Northside Tavern donates its use for an annual benefit in his name. This year’s lineup features some of Atlanta’s best! Chicago Joe’s Rock ‘N Blues Camp features young blues musicians. Stephen Duncan, a solo artist, plays traditional country blues. The Rockaholics perform an homage to the blues, rock and soul artists of yesteryear and today. The Georgia Flood, a young and upcoming trio, represented Atlanta in the 2013 International Blues Challenge (IBC). Little G Weevil, a Hungarian native, represented Atlanta at the 2013 IBC, coming home the Solo/Duo Winner, as well as best guitarist. The Cazanovas are an Atlanta favorite, who have been performing since 2004. They also made it to the semi-finals at the 2013 IBC, impressing blues fans from around the world.

Doors open and entertainment begins at 7:00pm.
$10 donation at the door.*

*The Sean Costello Memorial Fund for Bipolar Research is a 501c3 organization; donations are tax deductible according to IRS guidelines.

Beautiful Minds Lecture Series: The Impact of Bipolar Disorder on Loved Ones

Download Flyer (PDF)

Click address for directions:

1256 Briarcliff Rd.
Building A, 3rd Floor Auditorium
Atlanta, GA 30306

A panel of experts will take questions from the audience about living with a loved one who has bipolar disorder. The panel includes: Jeffrey Rakofsky MD (Psychiatrist and Bipolar Expert), Nadine Kaslow PhD (Psychologist and President-Elect of the American Psychological Association) and Yvonne DeBellotte (parent of a child with bipolar disorder)

Come with questions you would like answered about the challenges you have encountered as a caregiver. These may include:

• Coping with anger, frustration, grief, exhaustion
• Feeling unsupported by the mental health system
• Believing your loved one will never get better
• Blaming your self
• Wishing your loved one would take their medicine
• Wanting to hide the diagnosis from others
• Having financial difficulties
• Lacking effective coping skills

This seminar will offer the caregiver an opportunity to discuss feelings and pose questions to a diverse panel that may be able to offer insights and suggest available resources. The panel discussion will be followed by a performance from an individual with bipolar disorder.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Sponsored by The Sean Costello Memorial Fund for Bipolar Research and the Emory University Mood and Anxieties Disorder Program

Treatment in Tune – Acoustic Guitar Donations

Download Flyer (PDF)

The Sean Costello Memorial Fund for Bipolar Research is launching the program: Treatment in Tune. The Fund is seeking donations of new or gently used acoustic guitars. The guitars will be distributed to psychiatric and mental health rehabilitation programs in the Atlanta area. The purpose of the donation is to provide residents who are able to play, access to a musical instrument. There is evidence that creative outlets may help offset anxiety and increase a sense of self-worth in people with depression and bipolar disorder. A natural byproduct of the music they share may be stimulating the creativity of others. Often, people in these programs find themselves bored, or without activities that resonate with them.

Please consider donating to Treatment in Tune. In exchange for your donation of a new guitar, the Fund will place your logo on our website, if provided.

Please let our volunteer know if you are interested. Alternatively, please contact me at debbie@seancostellofund.org.

Thank you in advance for your participation.

Debbie Costello Smith (Sean’s Mom)
Founder and President of The Sean Costello Memorial Fund for Bipolar Research

THIRD ANNUAL ROOTS AND BLUES BENEFIT TO SUPPORT THE SEAN COSTELLO MEMORIAL FUND FOR BIPOLAR RESEARCH 
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Doors at 6:00 PM
North Atlanta High Center For the Arts
2875 Northside Drive NW, Atlanta, GA 30305

PURCHASE TICKETS NOW
$25.00 (plus applicable service fees) in advance
$30.00 at the door
Food and beverages will be available for purchase.
Donations are tax deductible according to IRS guidelines.

• For Volunteer Opportunities, please contact kelli@seancostellofund.org
• For Sponsorship & Silent Auction donations, please contact info@seancostellofund.org

Spring is here and it’s the perfect time for some blues, and to remember a dear musician who helped make this particular music scene so vibrant in Atlanta. The Northside Tavern will be hosting the 4th Annual Sean Costello Memorial Celebration on April 14th, from 7:30 PM-2:00 AM.

The event will include members of Costello’s band, some of which many local jazz fans might recognize from Matt Wauchope’s group the Mar-Tans. The night will also feature special guests who were friends and fans of Costello.

While the event always stands as an annual celebration of the life of the blues prodigy, this year’s affair will also serve as the official release party of Sean Costello At His Best- Live, which was released late last year. At His Best is truly the first and only major compilation of Costello’s live performances, and was collected from fans and venues alike, making it a true testament to both Costello’s loyal fan base and the type of stellar live performances that made him a true master so early in his life.

The 4th Annual Sean Costello Memorial Celebration is sponsored by The Sean Costello Memorial Fun for Bipolar Research, Barking Dog Blues, Photographic TOM, and of course, Northside Tavern. Tickets are just $10.

In the meantime, fans can take advantage of a free Mar-Tans show at Twain’s Billiards and Tap this Thursday, April 5th at 8:30 PM.

For more details or to learn about the Sean Costello Memorial Fund for Bipolar Research or bipolar disorder, please visit The Memorial Fund’s website.

Visit the Northside Tavern’s calendar often for the best in live blues, seven days a week.

- www.examiner.com

When Atlanta blues prodigy Sean Costello slipped away from his earthly life April 15, 2008, a day before his 29th birthday, confusion and sadness gripped his fellow musicians. Outwardly, Sean appeared quite normal. Only after his passing did his family reveal Sean’s battle with Bipolar Disorder and his struggle to stay alive.

“Sean acted professionally and was as normal as a musician could be. I think this factor makes people want to look closer at the circumstances.” says Debbie Ann Smith, Sean’s Mom and President of The Sean Costello Memorial Fund for Bipolar Disorder. “Although Sean obviously was fighting some serious demons, some of his professional friends didn’t even know that he drank. A person like Sean can maintain a professional exterior while fighting to keep themselves alive, literally. Performers often wear a public face that belies their private angst.”

In the years since Sean’s passing, Atlanta musicians have rallied around his family and dedicated themselves and their music performances to raising funds for continued research into Bipolar Disorder and its impact on artists.

“We were very much waiting on the right time to do something unique in honor of Sean for the Foundation.” remarks Kris Gloer, leader of The Last Waltz Ensemble, a group dedicated to progressively playing the music of Bob Dylan and The Band. “When I mentioned the idea of an event for The Foundation, Dan Nolen, owner of Smith’s Olde Bar was adamant that we do two nights and feature lots of special guests to honor our friend.”

“Sean played the Last Waltz as one of the last gigs he did. He came home so full of joy. I know he would cringe at the use of the corny word, but I can’t describe it any other way.” says Debbie. “He loved Levon Helm like family and was thrilled to honor him with his brother musicians, The Last Waltz Ensemble.”

- www.jambase.com

Sean Costello was a great young Atlantablues musician who we lost too soon. He suffered from Bi-Polar Disorder and the Sean Costello Memorial Fund is dedicated to helping educate the public about this disorder, find new and better treaments, and learn more about BD and the connection between it and creative people, especially musicians.

THe fund is non-profit, and on April 16th, they are holding their 3rd annual celebration of Sean’s life. I had the honor of helping out last year at a fundraiser, and it was a wonderful experience, Get the details in the release below, and please buy your tickets and go!

The Sean Costello Memorial Fund for Bipolar Research will hold its third annual celebration of the life of Sean Costello on Saturday, April 16th, 2011 at Northside Tavern, located at 1058 Howell Mill Rd NW, Atlanta, GA.

Doors open at 5pm and entertainment will follow from 6pm – 2am. Tickets are only $10 at the door! Donations are tax deductible according to IRS guidelines.

- www.examiner.com

The 22nd Annual Riverwalk Blues and Music Festival is one of the most nationally recognized Blues Festivals in the United States. It began in 1987 with John Lee Hooker, Buddy Guy, and John Mayall headlining, along with 8 local acts on 2 outdoor stages and one indoor stage. The festival maintains the original theme of the blues, but also incorporates many other styles of “American” roots music, including, zyedco, rock, swing, jazz, jam, rhthym and blues, soul and maybe even some latin influenced music and bands.
- http://www.artscalendar.com

Phone: 954-399-BLUE (2583)

www.riverwalkbluesfestival.com

A portion of the proceeds from the Riverwalk Festival will benefit The Sean Costello Memorial Fund for Bipolar Research.

The Sean Costello Memorial Fund is having its second annual benefit concert and silent auction October 10th at The Tabernacle’s Cotton Club,located at 152 Luckie Street, Atlanta.

Your ticket purchase benefits a great cause, The Sean Costello Memorial Fund for Bipolar Research. It was bipolar that took Sean from us too soon, and your blues examiner has a family member who suffers from this insidious disorder, so it is a cause near my heart. The press release explains that “The Sean Costello Memorial Fund for Bipolar Research is uniquely focused on the needs of musicians with bipolar disorder. The Fund supports and conducts research on bipolar disorder and creativity while promoting awareness, providing education, and serving as a resource for these musicians and their support systems in order to foster acceptance, functioning and health”

Sean Costello was most recently honored for his retrospective recording, Sean’s Blues, which was nominated for  Best Historical Album in the 2010 Blues Music Awards, and Best Contemporary Blues Recording in the 2010 Blues Blast Music Awards.

Don’t miss this fantastic benefit for a great cause.

- www.examiner.com

Tumbleweeds Presents Cookin’ at Mccooks BBQ & Boogie
-$10 Suggested Donation per person!! Kids under 12 FREE! $$$ pays to see 3 Kick Ass bands!! and keep this event alive!…any proceeds will be going to The Sean Costello Memorial Fund for Bipolar Research!
-Free Parking
-We will have food and sodas/water, Piggy Roasters BBQ, Booby D’s Pizza, Burke’s Tavern will be selling fruit cups, Kiefers Kettle Korn, Italian Ice, Deep river Snacks, and A Veggie Option will be made available too!
-We advise…NO Coolers…There is No Alcohol in the park. As well as underage drinking has ruined things for everyone…know where your teens are! If you Must drink…Use your common sense!! If you are out of control in any way I will personally ask you to leave (sorry! but it is my event, so I can do that). NO GLASS.
- ABSOLUTELY NO DOGS of any kind, size, or shape (sorry)-Activites for kids…facepainting, hula hooping, bubbles, and more!-CLASSIC CAR SHOW…Bring your car and you enter FREE!
-Bring chairs/blankets/bugspray/sunscreen…bathing suits and towels…there are 2 beaches!! Don’t forget your dancin’ feet!
- Message us for more info!

This benefit show included the raffle of a framed full-color chalk drawing (female nude) by the legendary Atlanta musician and artist Donnie McCormick. Donnie wrote and sang on Sean’s version of ‘Have You No Shame’ on Sean’s ‘We Can Get Together’ CD. The untitled drawing was a birthday gift from Donnie to Sean. Donnie’s drawings and paintings are highly valued by the owners and seldom (never) change hands.
http://www.northsidetavern.com/donnie.html

Benefit for The Sean Costello Memorial Fund for Bipolar Research
Presented by Blind Raccoon.

RAFFLE – ENTER TO WIN:
Saint Blues Bluesmaster IV Guitar
A set of Sean Costello CDs (six in each)
A set of Sean Costello Memorial Fund T-shirts (three in each)
Two framed photographs of Sean Costello
Seydel 1847 Stainless Steel Reed Harmonica
Seydel 14-slot Harmonica Case
Seydel Baseball Cap
$1 FOR ONE TICKET
$5 FOR SIX TICKETS

KING’S PALACE
162 Beale St.
901.521.1851
http://www.kingspalacecafe.com
11:30am-5pm

RUM BOOGIE
182 Beale St.
901.528.0150
http://www.rumboogie.com
11:30am-4:30pm

Family, friends and fans of the late blues recording artist Sean Costello, braved the snow Sunday to attend the First Annual Sean Costello Memorial Fund for Bipolar Research Benefit Concert. The event, held at Costello’s alma matter, the North Atlanta High Center for the Arts, featured an incredible lineup of blues musicians including Lurrie Bell, The Wood Brothers, King Johnson, Soul Shakers and Felix and the Cats with Jon Liebman. In addition to great music, there was also a live auction.

Costello, a blues recording artist praised as one of the main torch-bearers of the blues flame for the next generation, passed away in Atlanta, on Tuesday, April 15th, one day before his 29th birthday.

The man who wrote “I’ve got a light that keeps on shining” is doing just that thanks to his music and the work of the fund started by his mother, Debbie Costello Smith. Smith said the fund’s mission is to apply Sean’s celebrity and the love of Sean’s fans and fellow musicians to increase research for treatment of Bipolar Disorder.

-  atlanta.metromix.com (view slideshow)

Catch Sonia Leigh for her cd release party November 14th at Smith’s Olde Bar! VIP party to follow. Tickets $10 in advance. Purchase her cd “Angel on My Shoulder” with part of the proceeds going to the Sean Costello Charity.

- www.musicbabylon.com

Buy Sonia Leigh’s Angel On My Shoulder, dedicated to Sean Costello

One of the major fundraisers for community radio station WRFG-FM (89.3) featured performances from some of the best blues talent including: The Soul Shakers, Zydefunk featuring Charlie Wooton, Joe McGuinness and Oliver Wood, Joe Krown Organ Combo, Heaven Davis and the Breeze Kings. The event was dedicated to the late Sean Costello who died on the eve of his 29th birthday earlier this year. His mother, Debbie Smith spoke on his behalf and talked about the Sean Costello memorial fund for bipolar research.

Sadly, the world tragically lost this talented young musician on April 15, 2008, one day short of his 29th birthday. In his memory, his mom, Debbie Smith, established The Sean Costello Memorial Fund for Bipolar Research. Information about the foundation can be found on Sean’s website at www.seancostello.com.

This year’s WRFG Labor Day Blues Barbecue is dedicated to Sean Costello, marking the first time that this honor has been bestowed posthumously. He headlined the Barbecue back in 2006. All of us in the Atlanta blues community wish that Sean were still alive and could be here with us to enjoy this tribute. His parents, Debbie and Glenn Smith, do joinus today and we welcome them.

Download WRFG Program from the Event

- http://atlanta.metromix.com/ (view slideshow)

Sean Costello was a musical prodigy who’d released several internationally acclaimed blues records and seemingly had nowhere to go but up when he was discovered dead in an Atlanta hotel room on April 15 of this year, one day before his 29th birthday. Buffalo native Ray Hangen played drums with Costello, and has organized a tribute concert this Sunday (July 6) starting at 1pm at theSportsmen’s Tavern. The show is also a benefit fundraiser for the Sean Costello Fund for Bipolar Research, a charity started by Costello’s mom to address the disorder the young guitarist and singer was struggling with at the time of his death.

- http://artvoice.com/