The Last Waltz Ensemble and Smith’s Olde Bar present Blue Waltz: A Benefit for the Sean Costello Memorial Fund for Bipolar Disorder on August 19th & 20th. 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.”

WHAT: Blue Waltz for The Sean Costello Memorial Fund featuring The Last Waltz Ensemble with special guests

WHEN:
Friday, August 19th: Opening set by Moontower, The Last Waltz Ensemble with special guests including Jon Liebman, Ike Stubblefield, Rev. Jeff Mosier, David Blackmon, Mudcat, Joe McGuinness, Rod Hamdallah, Nelson Nolen, Aaron Trubic (Sean Costello Band), Greg Baba (King Johnson), and Greg Hester

Saturday August 20th: Opening set by: Turtle Folk, The Last Waltz Ensemble with special guests including Jon Liebman, Ike Stubblefield, Richie Jones (Donna Hopkins Band), Preston Holcomb (The Grapes), Daniel Hutchens (Bloodkin), Charlie Wooton (Zydefunk), Will & Lee Haraway (The Sundogs), Lee Schwartz (Outformation), Justin Brogdon, Randy Chapman, Skye Paige, Jessica Sheridan and more….

WHERE:
Smith’s Olde Bar
1578 Piedmont Avenue Northeast
Atlanta, GA 30324-5232
(404) 875-1522

TICKETS: $20 in advance at Ticket Alternative or $25 at the door