Backyard Tire Fire
Soulful and muscular rock trio that’s equal parts twang, grit, bourbon and sass. Formerly based in Athens, this exceptional group (led by brothers Ed and Matt Anderson) now calls Bloomington, Illinois home. They’re riding high with two studio albums, a live CD, and even a documentary DVD currently available. With a fiery attack reminiscent of Gov’t Mule and Neil Young’s Crazy Horse, they’ve opened for bigtime alt.country groups like The Bottlerockets, Leftover Salmon, Bloodkin and more. Thurs., JJ Cagney’s.
BlackwÜrm
Initially based around the droning space-rock instrumentals of former GAM bassist (and all-around experimental music stalwart) Mike Walker, this local trio includes multi-instrumentalist Ricardo Ochoa (on vintage keyboards, theremin and MIDI computer) and drummer Josh Safer. Lately the group has been collaborating on new originals – some of which utilize pre-recorded vocal tracks, They mix the bombastic sonic attack of groups like Hawkwind and Helios Creed with hints of stoner metal and ‘80s British synth pop to create an engaging buzz that washes over you like a fortified wine I.V. during a Kung Fu movie marathon. Fri., The Jinx.
Bluesonics
Extremely popular local trio playing upbeat, danceable blues shuffles and soulful party music. Fri. - Sat., 9 pm, Jazz’d Tapas Bar.
Ras Bonghi
South Carolina roots reggae act led by a veteran of the American reggae scene who spent years on the Northeastern touring circuit. A regular attraction at this River Street venue. Sat., JJ Cagney’s.
Bottles & Cans
“Hard and primitive” blues from a local act that’s building a very strong following. Featuring Ray Lundy, Mike Walker and Jason Gecik. They describes their sound as more T-Model Ford than T-Bone Walker... Thurs., Savannah Blues
Eric Britt
Solo acoustic show from the charismatic and popular lead singer and songwriter for regional alt.rockers Hazel Virtue. Wed. (hosts Open Mic Night) - Thurs., O’Connell’s Irish Pub.
Chris Cook's 4th Annual '80s Ball
Theme costume event paying tribute to the more cheesier elements of this greedy hedonistic decade. DJ Shrapnel spins kitschy hits, and there will be a variety of prizes given away. Sat., Creole Red.
The 8-Tracks
The first gig since Halloween by this eclectic cover group specializing in rarely heard tunes (rock, country and soul) from the last 4 decades. Expect everything from Nick Lowe and NRBQ to The Cure and Johnny Cash. With members of Superhorse, GAM and Hot Pink Interior. Fri., 10 pm, Fiddler’s Crab House.
Jacey Falk
Scatty, native Savannah vocalist and showman back on the scene after a stint in the NYC jazz world. Fri. - Sat., 8:30 pm, Moon River Brewing Company.
Far From Perfect
Contemporary Christian guitar and vocal duo of Bill Staley (who plays at a variety of local churches) and Bobby Gibson (who leads worship at AASU’s Student Union). They play originals and covers by modern Christian acts such as Audio Adrenaline and Jars of Clay – along with classic rock tunes they’ve given “an evangelical twist.” During their breaks, former Nashville recording artist and songwriter J. Grady plays original, faith-based material. Sat., 11 am, Seeds Of Faith Bookstore (Mall Blvd.) - FREE.
Hush Money
Okatie, South Carolina alt.rockers offering originals and covers from the ‘70s forward. Mon., Savannah Blues.
JeWop
Brevard County, Fla., hardcore duo (bass and drums) with a decidedly Semitic trip. Vocalist Adam Safer (formerly of Savannah legends Clownknife) works his thunderbroom like Mike Watt on bathtub crank, and flashy, polyrhythmic drummer Steve Caglianone is right alongside him. These guys make one hell of a noise for a two-piece band. Recommended for fans of Firehose, Primus and early Rollins Band. Safer’s brother Josh’s band BlackwÜrm opens. Fri., The Jinx.
Walter Liniger's ‘Evening Of The Blues’
In 1989, this accomplished acoustic blues musician won the W.C. Handy Award for Best Traditional Album of The Year for a collaboration with James “Son” Thomas. He now teaches at the University of South Carolina, and this show mixes stories of black history with his own music. It focuses on the quest for individuality within a close-knit community. Thurs., 8 pm, Orleans Hall (201 Barnard St.) - FREE.
Lucky Doll Lingerie Pageant w/ Hot Pink Interior
This annual event has become one of the more hotly anticipated shows on the downtown indie scene. Ostensibly a fashion showcase for the designs of Lucky Doll designer Jeanne Taber Tompkins, it’s been reconfigured as a pageant, complete with talent competition and a ribald Q & A. Tompkins says her new collection is heavily influenced by the revival of interest in old-time burlesque. Local power-pop act Hot Pink Interior provides the music, and rumor has it I may be one of the judges... Mon., The Jinx.
Tia McGraff
Not long after this date (for the Savannah Folk Music Society), this Nashville-based singer heads to the U.K. for a string of shows. She hit the Top 20 on the European Country charts, plays The Bluebird Café regularly, and works with songwriters who’ve penned hits for Celine Dion and Linda Ronstadt. She’ll be joined by her longtime sideman/guitarist, Tommy Parham. Sat., 7:30 pm, Oatland Island Education Center.
Eric Moore
Solo turn from the talented bass player and featured vocalist of both The Permanent Tourists and Voodoo Soup. Thurs., 10 pm, Fiddler’s Crab House.
Kirk O’Leary
A firefighting arson investigator from Hilton Head playing Southern rock covers. Wed., 9 pm, Fiddler’s Crab House.
‘Prelude To St. Valentine’
Romantic and classical music from locals Ricardo Ochoa (violin) and Kristin Gustafson (harp). 100% of the suggested $5 donation will be given to the Coffee Kids for the Aceh Sumatra Tsunami Relief Fund. Sun., 7 pm, The Sentient Bean.
Passafire
Terrific local group that’s slowly building a sizable regional following through weekend jaunts to Florida and the Carolinas. Their bag? An infectious gumbo of reggae rhythms, hip-hop-influenced lyrical flow, psychedelic jamming and swirling organ. Fri., JJ Cagney’s.
Stephen & Jeremy Riddle
Originals not suited for these siblings’ main band (Argyle), plus unusual covers close to their hearts. They employ a stripped-down trap kit, bass, acoustic guitar, and some electronic looping, as well as plenty of brotherly harmonies. Sat., 10 pm, B & D Burgers (Southside).
Brandy Robinson
Charleston-based acoustic artist who correctly describes her sound as “funky-folk-fusion.” While she sometimes gigs with a band, this looks to be a solo show – just her voice and guitar. Her two indie discs that feature smooth, round vocals, hip-hop-inspired rhythms and impressionistic lyrics. Fri., 8 pm, The Sentient Bean.
Speaking Bean Poetry Slam
Kodac Harrison curates this monthly literary performance showcase. Top Atlanta poet Jon Goode is featured this time. He’s done HBO’s Def Poetry Jam. There’ll also be an Open Mic and Poetry Slam held. Sign-up starts at 7 pm. Thurs., 8 pm, The Sentient Bean.
Spitfire Youth Poetry Open Mic
Kids say the darndest things. Sat., 5 pm, The Sentient Bean.
Sun Domingo
This noteworthy Atlanta pop-rock band has it all: young, handsome cats, inspired 3-part vocal harmonies, hypnotic guitar figures, and a strong sense of brainy arrangements (a la Crowded House or Coldplay). They seemed primed for something bigger and better than this, but then again, maybe they’ll have to ditch that tired old cover of The Jeffersons theme song first... Fri., 10 pm, Mercury Lounge.
Two Blue
Now that mouth-harp master Daniel Valentino has moved away, guitarist Jeff Beasley has enlisted Bottles & Cans frontman Ray Lundy to fill that void. Sat., 10 pm, Mercury Lounge.
The Wiyos
This quirky string band from NYC tours nationwide and through Canada, and enjoy a rabid local following for their old-timey stage show that celebrates that magical time before stylistic distinctions and marketing tools differentiated between gospel, swing, hillbilly and hokum blues. You’ll hear echoes of Django Reinhardt, Fats Waller, Skip James and Doc Watson in their
dustbowl bohemia. Sat., 8 pm,
The Sentient Bean. w
Soulful and muscular rock trio that’s equal parts twang, grit, bourbon and sass. Formerly based in Athens, this exceptional group (led by brothers Ed and Matt Anderson) now calls Bloomington, Illinois home. They’re riding high with two studio albums, a live CD, and even a documentary DVD currently available. With a fiery attack reminiscent of Gov’t Mule and Neil Young’s Crazy Horse, they’ve opened for bigtime alt.country groups like The Bottlerockets, Leftover Salmon, Bloodkin and more. Thurs., JJ Cagney’s.
BlackwÜrm
Initially based around the droning space-rock instrumentals of former GAM bassist (and all-around experimental music stalwart) Mike Walker, this local trio includes multi-instrumentalist Ricardo Ochoa (on vintage keyboards, theremin and MIDI computer) and drummer Josh Safer. Lately the group has been collaborating on new originals – some of which utilize pre-recorded vocal tracks, They mix the bombastic sonic attack of groups like Hawkwind and Helios Creed with hints of stoner metal and ‘80s British synth pop to create an engaging buzz that washes over you like a fortified wine I.V. during a Kung Fu movie marathon. Fri., The Jinx.
Bluesonics
Extremely popular local trio playing upbeat, danceable blues shuffles and soulful party music. Fri. - Sat., 9 pm, Jazz’d Tapas Bar.
Ras Bonghi
South Carolina roots reggae act led by a veteran of the American reggae scene who spent years on the Northeastern touring circuit. A regular attraction at this River Street venue. Sat., JJ Cagney’s.
Bottles & Cans
“Hard and primitive” blues from a local act that’s building a very strong following. Featuring Ray Lundy, Mike Walker and Jason Gecik. They describes their sound as more T-Model Ford than T-Bone Walker... Thurs., Savannah Blues
Eric Britt
Solo acoustic show from the charismatic and popular lead singer and songwriter for regional alt.rockers Hazel Virtue. Wed. (hosts Open Mic Night) - Thurs., O’Connell’s Irish Pub.
Chris Cook's 4th Annual '80s Ball
Theme costume event paying tribute to the more cheesier elements of this greedy hedonistic decade. DJ Shrapnel spins kitschy hits, and there will be a variety of prizes given away. Sat., Creole Red.
The 8-Tracks
The first gig since Halloween by this eclectic cover group specializing in rarely heard tunes (rock, country and soul) from the last 4 decades. Expect everything from Nick Lowe and NRBQ to The Cure and Johnny Cash. With members of Superhorse, GAM and Hot Pink Interior. Fri., 10 pm, Fiddler’s Crab House.
Jacey Falk
Scatty, native Savannah vocalist and showman back on the scene after a stint in the NYC jazz world. Fri. - Sat., 8:30 pm, Moon River Brewing Company.
Far From Perfect
Contemporary Christian guitar and vocal duo of Bill Staley (who plays at a variety of local churches) and Bobby Gibson (who leads worship at AASU’s Student Union). They play originals and covers by modern Christian acts such as Audio Adrenaline and Jars of Clay – along with classic rock tunes they’ve given “an evangelical twist.” During their breaks, former Nashville recording artist and songwriter J. Grady plays original, faith-based material. Sat., 11 am, Seeds Of Faith Bookstore (Mall Blvd.) - FREE.
Hush Money
Okatie, South Carolina alt.rockers offering originals and covers from the ‘70s forward. Mon., Savannah Blues.
JeWop
Brevard County, Fla., hardcore duo (bass and drums) with a decidedly Semitic trip. Vocalist Adam Safer (formerly of Savannah legends Clownknife) works his thunderbroom like Mike Watt on bathtub crank, and flashy, polyrhythmic drummer Steve Caglianone is right alongside him. These guys make one hell of a noise for a two-piece band. Recommended for fans of Firehose, Primus and early Rollins Band. Safer’s brother Josh’s band BlackwÜrm opens. Fri., The Jinx.
Walter Liniger's ‘Evening Of The Blues’
In 1989, this accomplished acoustic blues musician won the W.C. Handy Award for Best Traditional Album of The Year for a collaboration with James “Son” Thomas. He now teaches at the University of South Carolina, and this show mixes stories of black history with his own music. It focuses on the quest for individuality within a close-knit community. Thurs., 8 pm, Orleans Hall (201 Barnard St.) - FREE.
Lucky Doll Lingerie Pageant w/ Hot Pink Interior
This annual event has become one of the more hotly anticipated shows on the downtown indie scene. Ostensibly a fashion showcase for the designs of Lucky Doll designer Jeanne Taber Tompkins, it’s been reconfigured as a pageant, complete with talent competition and a ribald Q & A. Tompkins says her new collection is heavily influenced by the revival of interest in old-time burlesque. Local power-pop act Hot Pink Interior provides the music, and rumor has it I may be one of the judges... Mon., The Jinx.
Tia McGraff
Not long after this date (for the Savannah Folk Music Society), this Nashville-based singer heads to the U.K. for a string of shows. She hit the Top 20 on the European Country charts, plays The Bluebird Café regularly, and works with songwriters who’ve penned hits for Celine Dion and Linda Ronstadt. She’ll be joined by her longtime sideman/guitarist, Tommy Parham. Sat., 7:30 pm, Oatland Island Education Center.
Eric Moore
Solo turn from the talented bass player and featured vocalist of both The Permanent Tourists and Voodoo Soup. Thurs., 10 pm, Fiddler’s Crab House.
Kirk O’Leary
A firefighting arson investigator from Hilton Head playing Southern rock covers. Wed., 9 pm, Fiddler’s Crab House.
‘Prelude To St. Valentine’
Romantic and classical music from locals Ricardo Ochoa (violin) and Kristin Gustafson (harp). 100% of the suggested $5 donation will be given to the Coffee Kids for the Aceh Sumatra Tsunami Relief Fund. Sun., 7 pm, The Sentient Bean.
Passafire
Terrific local group that’s slowly building a sizable regional following through weekend jaunts to Florida and the Carolinas. Their bag? An infectious gumbo of reggae rhythms, hip-hop-influenced lyrical flow, psychedelic jamming and swirling organ. Fri., JJ Cagney’s.
Stephen & Jeremy Riddle
Originals not suited for these siblings’ main band (Argyle), plus unusual covers close to their hearts. They employ a stripped-down trap kit, bass, acoustic guitar, and some electronic looping, as well as plenty of brotherly harmonies. Sat., 10 pm, B & D Burgers (Southside).
Brandy Robinson
Charleston-based acoustic artist who correctly describes her sound as “funky-folk-fusion.” While she sometimes gigs with a band, this looks to be a solo show – just her voice and guitar. Her two indie discs that feature smooth, round vocals, hip-hop-inspired rhythms and impressionistic lyrics. Fri., 8 pm, The Sentient Bean.
Speaking Bean Poetry Slam
Kodac Harrison curates this monthly literary performance showcase. Top Atlanta poet Jon Goode is featured this time. He’s done HBO’s Def Poetry Jam. There’ll also be an Open Mic and Poetry Slam held. Sign-up starts at 7 pm. Thurs., 8 pm, The Sentient Bean.
Spitfire Youth Poetry Open Mic
Kids say the darndest things. Sat., 5 pm, The Sentient Bean.
Sun Domingo
This noteworthy Atlanta pop-rock band has it all: young, handsome cats, inspired 3-part vocal harmonies, hypnotic guitar figures, and a strong sense of brainy arrangements (a la Crowded House or Coldplay). They seemed primed for something bigger and better than this, but then again, maybe they’ll have to ditch that tired old cover of The Jeffersons theme song first... Fri., 10 pm, Mercury Lounge.
Two Blue
Now that mouth-harp master Daniel Valentino has moved away, guitarist Jeff Beasley has enlisted Bottles & Cans frontman Ray Lundy to fill that void. Sat., 10 pm, Mercury Lounge.
The Wiyos
This quirky string band from NYC tours nationwide and through Canada, and enjoy a rabid local following for their old-timey stage show that celebrates that magical time before stylistic distinctions and marketing tools differentiated between gospel, swing, hillbilly and hokum blues. You’ll hear echoes of Django Reinhardt, Fats Waller, Skip James and Doc Watson in their
dustbowl bohemia. Sat., 8 pm,
The Sentient Bean. w
