Blues Rocker Kenny Wayne Shepherd Returns to Atlanta

Shepherd celebrates 30 years since his debut album with a concert at Symphony Hall.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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Veteran blues-rock guitarist Kenny Wayne Shepherd is returning to Atlanta's Symphony Hall for his annual performance. The show will celebrate the 30th anniversary of Shepherd's debut album, "Ledbetter Heights", which he recorded as an 18-year-old prodigy. While blues legend Bobby Rush, who recently collaborated with Shepherd, will not be joining him on this bill, the concert is expected to feature songs from their joint project as well as Shepherd's classic hits reinvigorated after three decades of touring and refining his craft.

Why it matters

Kenny Wayne Shepherd is one of the biggest names in contemporary blues-rock, known for his virtuosic guitar playing and high-energy live shows. His annual Atlanta performance is a must-see event for local fans of the genre, as he continues to evolve his sound while honoring the blues tradition that first launched his career as a teenage phenom.

The details

Shepherd first burst onto the scene in 1995 with his debut album "Ledbetter Heights", which showcased his impressive blues guitar skills at a young age. Now, three decades later, he continues to tour extensively, recently collaborating with 92-year-old blues legend Bobby Rush on a successful joint project. While Rush will not be joining Shepherd for this Atlanta concert, the show is expected to feature songs from their collaborative work as well as Shepherd's own catalog of blues-rock hits, reinvigorated and reimagined after years of live performances.

  • The concert will take place on Friday, February 27, 2026.
  • Shepherd's debut album "Ledbetter Heights" was released 30 years ago in 1995.

The players

Kenny Wayne Shepherd

An American blues-rock guitarist and singer who first gained fame as a teenage prodigy in the 1990s. He is known for his virtuosic guitar playing and high-energy live performances.

Bobby Rush

A 92-year-old American blues singer, songwriter, and guitarist who recently collaborated with Kenny Wayne Shepherd on a joint project.

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What they’re saying

“We're sure to hear the majority of those songs, recorded when he was 18, yet reinvigorated and somewhat revised with three decades of tweaks.”

— Hal Horowitz, Critic (Creative Loafing)

What’s next

Shepherd's annual Atlanta concert at Symphony Hall is a highly anticipated event for local blues-rock fans. The show is expected to sell out quickly, so fans are encouraged to purchase tickets as soon as they become available.

The takeaway

Kenny Wayne Shepherd's return to Atlanta's Symphony Hall is a testament to his enduring legacy as one of the premier blues-rock guitarists of his generation. His ability to evolve his sound while staying true to the genre's roots has earned him a devoted following, making his annual Atlanta performance a must-see event for local music enthusiasts.