The ATL Blues Cartel is a unified performance alliance created by the fustion of Cannonball Red and The Garrett Collins Project. The group functions as a collaborative pillar within Black Hat Blues, bringing together independent bandleaders who each carry their own touring footprint, sound, and audience.

The Cartel model is simple. Each artist presents a full set under their own name, supported by a rotating group of high level musicians drawn from the Black Hat network. At the end of the night the unit joins forces for a combined performance that has become the signature element of the Cartel format.

The purpose of the ATL Blues Cartel is to strengthen the position of Southern blues artists by pooling resources, amplifying visibility, and presenting a consistent standard of live performance across venues and festivals. The Cartel operates independently of traditional labels or promoters. It is an artist driven structure that reflects the values of the Black Hat collective: self sufficiency, creative autonomy, and high competency across every level of production.

From weekly operations in Atlanta to regional runs across the Southeast, the ATL Blues Cartel functions as both a performance entity and an incubator for emerging talent within the Black Hat ecosystem. It serves as a central platform where the work, artistry, and technical excellence of its members are presented without compromise.