ATLANTA -- Sean Costello, one of Atlanta's most popular blues guitarists and singers, was found dead on Tuesday.

The bluesman would have celebrated his 29th birthday on Wednesday.

Instead of gathering for a birthday celebration his friends and fans will be at Northside Tavern Wednesday night for a musical tribute. The Howell Mill Rd. blues bar was Costello's second home; he began playing there while still in his teens.

The web site of his booking agent Piedmont Talent featured a picture of Costello on its home page with the dates "April 16, 1979 - April 15, 2008" over the words "Rest in peace."

On his MySpace page fans posted condolences.