Sounds of Dunwoody was a free, family-friendly concert at the Shops of Dunwoody, created by local business owners to celebrate local food and music. In Podcast 307, Nida Mudd of Judy & Grace Boutique and Miguel Romero of Taqueria Los Hermanos told me how it came together.
Sounds of Dunwoody is a free community concert at the Shops of Dunwoody, 5500 Chamblee Dunwoody Road. The first one was held October 18, 2025, from 3 to 10 p.m., with student bands, PDL Atlanta, and headliner Francisco Vidal Band, organized by local merchants with support from the DHA and Create Dunwoody.
Listen on Apple Podcasts or watch the full episode above.
What Is Sounds of Dunwoody?
The first Sounds of Dunwoody took place Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 3 to 10 p.m. on the green at the Shops of Dunwoody. It was led by Nida Mudd and Miguel Romero, with support from the Dunwoody Homeowners Association and Create Dunwoody. A big screen showed the UGA vs. Ole Miss game, so Dawgs fans did not miss a play.
Who Performed
The lineup was built around PDL Atlanta, a dynamic rock cover band that was originally booked to perform at Taqueria Los Hermanos. That single booking sparked the idea for a full-scale community event. PDL Atlanta will now take the main stage as a featured act.
Opening acts will include talented student musicians from Dunwoody High School and Mount Vernon School. Francisco Vidal Band will close the night with a high-energy headlining performance.
Francisco Vidal, an Atlanta-based guitarist and singer-songwriter, brings a powerhouse trio known for electrifying shows and feel-good rock. He’s shared stages with artists like John Mayer, Zac Brown Band, and Sister Hazel, and now he’s bringing that same energy to Dunwoody.
Patrick Rusert, who plays with Family Truckster, is managing production for the event.
Where It Happens and What to Bring
The celebration takes place on the shared green space outside the Shops of Dunwoody at 5500 Chamblee Dunwoody Road. This spot has quietly become one of Dunwoody’s most loved gathering spaces, and it’s perfect for a casual picnic, a game watch, or letting the kids run wild.
There won’t be any food booths, but that’s by design. Attendees are encouraged to grab takeout from the center’s many excellent eateries, like Vintage Pizzeria, Dunwoody Tavern, Nai Thai Cuisine, Wasabi House, Breadwinner Cafe, and of course, Taqueria Los Hermanos. Then, plop down on the grass and enjoy.
Parents will be happy to hear there’s a kids’ corner with desserts and art activities. There’ll be plenty of space to stretch out, meet neighbors, and get a true taste of Dunwoody’s small-town energy.
Inspired by Roswell, Driven by Local Merchants
Nida Mudd, owner of Judy & Grace, credits the idea to years of attending Alive in Roswell, a monthly street party in downtown Roswell. Inspired by the energy, she thought, “Why not here?” That spark turned into action when Miguel Romero mentioned that PDL was already scheduled. With help from Adam Cook of Summit Coffee and other Shops of Dunwoody merchants, the idea blossomed.
“It’s really about community,” Nida told What’s Up Dunwoody podcast host Matt Weber. “We just want people to come out, enjoy the local businesses, and have a good time.”
DHA President Tim Brown said the association was thrilled to co-sponsor: “This is a little bit of a pivot year for us. We’re happy to support events that bring neighbors together.”
Why the Shops of Dunwoody Works
The Shops of Dunwoody, recently purchased by Asana Partners for $27.5 million, is one of the city’s most loved centers, with a great restaurant lineup. The green in front of Village Orthodontics (my longtime sponsor) has become a community favorite and made a perfect stage for Sounds of Dunwoody.
Spotlight on Taqueria Los Hermanos
If you’re living in Dunwoody, chances are you’ve eaten at Taqueria Los Hermanos. Miguel Romero’s family opened their first restaurants back in 2001, bringing authentic Mexican cuisine rooted in their southern coastal heritage. Their Dunwoody location officially opened in early 2020, adding to the family’s growing presence across metro Atlanta.
I was a fan long before the Dunwoody location opened. I’d had Los Hermanos many times in Gwinnett, so when I heard they were opening here, I knew they’d kill it.
The menu is rooted in their southern Mexican heritage and enhanced by local Georgia flavor. Favorites include Mama’s Tamales, spicy red chicken and green pork wrapped in tradition and served with handmade sauces. The corn and shrimp chowder? Legendary. And the tres leches cake is a must.
The restaurant’s recent focus on live music has transformed the dining experience. Bands like Corporate Therapy and PDL Atlanta have graced their patio, and Miguel’s own band, Bad Habits, has played Spanish rock sets. Guests of all ages, even kids, have embraced the vibe. Miguel’s philosophy: “Let’s build something the whole community can enjoy.”
Inside Judy & Grace
Located right next to Dunwoody Tavern, Judy & Grace Boutique is the brainchild of longtime local Nida Mudd. After her daughter Mattie Grace left for college, Nida decided it was time to pivot from volunteer life into entrepreneurship. She leaned on her sales background and a little retail experience (shoutout to Nancy’s Boutique) to launch her own store.
The shop’s name is a tribute to her mother, Judy, and daughter, Mattie Grace. The vibe? Stylish, timeless, and a little bit fabulous, just like its owner. Judy & Grace specializes in casual everyday clothing, jewelry, accessories, and thoughtful gifts. They also carry a curated selection of dresses for mothers of the bride or groom, perfect for Dunwoody’s wedding season.
With warm staff, a loyal customer base, and frequent Instagram fashion drops, Judy & Grace has quickly become a must-visit destination for women 50+. As Nida puts it: “We’re building community through clothing.”
Why Sounds of Dunwoody Matters
Events like Sounds of Dunwoody are what make this place feel like home. You are not just getting music. You are supporting neighbors who are building something real.
As a Dunwoody REALTOR®, I tell buyers that gatherings like this show the city’s small-town charm better than any listing. Grab a margarita, hear a high school band, shop for a dress, and cheer on the Dawgs, all without leaving the block.
My Take: This is how traditions start. Local merchants saw a chance to bring neighbors together and just did it. I hope Sounds of Dunwoody becomes a yearly thing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sounds of Dunwoody
What is Sounds of Dunwoody?
Sounds of Dunwoody is a free community concert at the Shops of Dunwoody organized by local business owners, with support from the DHA and Create Dunwoody.
Where is Sounds of Dunwoody held?
On the green at the Shops of Dunwoody, 5500 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, in Dunwoody Village.
Who played at the first Sounds of Dunwoody?
Dunwoody High School and Mount Vernon School student bands, PDL Atlanta, and headliner Francisco Vidal Band.
Is there food at Sounds of Dunwoody?
There are no food booths. Guests grab takeout from Shops of Dunwoody restaurants like Taqueria Los Hermanos, Vintage Pizzeria, and Nai Thai.
Who organized Sounds of Dunwoody?
Nida Mudd of Judy & Grace Boutique and Miguel Romero of Taqueria Los Hermanos, with help from other Shops of Dunwoody merchants.