Absylom Rising
Extremely eclectic dance-oriented jam quartet from Oxford, Miss. that blends elements of bluegrass, classic rock, funk and traditional country, and are known for tight vocal harmonies.Thurs. - Sat., 10 pm, Fiddler’s Crab House.
Joey Allcorn’s Hillbilly Band
Retro country artist playing up the outlaw image with lazy drawls, baritone vocals, sleepy rhythms and some undertaker duds it looks like he swiped from Luke The Drifter. Sat., The Jinx.
The Allen Andrews Explosion
Jazzy and funky rock covers featuring some of the more notable downtown players. Sat., 9 pm, Jazz’d Tapas Bar.
Avenue D
This Über-trendy underground dance duo from Brooklyn are getting known in electroclash circles for their over-the-top coquettish stage act, skanky photo shoots and suggestive lyrics. If you want to get a peep at what’s all the rage in Williamsburg these days, be at this sweaty dance party, also featuring DJ sets by The Captain and Vinyl Richie. Thurs., The Jinx.
Band In The Park
Excellent local female-fronted classic rock and soul cover band, with a full, keyboard-heavy sound and a setlist of FM staples (Bonnie Raitt, The Rolling Stones, Fleetwood Mac). Sat., 9 pm, The Oyster Bar (Wilmington island).
Jason Bible
Raspy-voiced acoustic guitarist/troubadour who mixes in some original, blues-based material with rootsy, stripped-down covers by the likes of Dylan and Bob Marley. Sat., JJ Cagney’s.
Bluesonics
Long-running regional blues combo led by drummer and vocalist Ken Harrison. They specialize in uptempo, danceable tunes and are known for their polished presentation. Fri. - Sat., 10 pm, Mercury Lounge.
Bottles & Cans
Raw electric rotgut blues a la T-Model Ford or Hound Dog Taylor. Straight, no chaser. Thurs. + Sat., Savannah Blues.
Chris Cook's Playbunny Lingerie Party
Theme costume party celebrating all things Hef, complete with mock photo shoots and a variety of bawdy contests. Thurs., 10 pm, Fusion/The Monkey Bar.
Eric Culberson Blues Band
Savannah’s best-known electric blues guitarist and singer, offering uptown, Chicago-style blues in the vein of Albert and Freddie King. Tue., (hosts Open Mic) - Wed., Mercury Lounge + Thurs., JJ Cagney’s.
The Kieran Daly Trio
15-year-old 5-string mandolin prodigy who’s been playing since the age of 6, and digs Black Flag and Nickel Creek. His band includes standup bassist Delbert Felix (Branford Marsalis’ band). Sat., 8 pm, The Sentient Bean.
"First Faire" w/Jerry Wise
Savannah’s oldest house of worship showcases itself and its congregation with this free concert by a noted Christian songwriter. Attendees are encouraged to bring canned food for donation to the needy. Sun., 3 pm, First Baptist Church (Chippewa Square).
Fluffgirl Burlesque Show
This group has been around for close to a decade and tours internationally. They offer a revival of old-style burlesque entertainment, meaning buxom women providing all manner of vaudevillian antics in skimpy outfits. More performance art then strip-tease, and a refreshing blast from the past. Mon., The Jinx.
Industrial & Fetish Night
Two great tastes that taste great together? This monthly showcase for noisy underground dance music and mildly deviant behavior features a couple of live bands for a change – locals Mono-Crow and Augusta’s Distorted Sound Sadists. DSS have been around for a decade, and started out as a punk band but grew to include synthetics and sequencing. Currently, they’re a duo of self-proclaimed “non-musicians” who create songs through electronic manipulation, sampling, speaking and singing, while a third member runs their realtime visual display. Local DJ’s Logik and Shrapnel appear on the bill as well. Thurs., 10 pm, Club one.
Lisa Kelly & J.B. Scott Duo
This terrific and talented Florida couple are both jazz educators by day, and front a number of groups by night – from small combos to 10-piece big bands. In fact, one of their larger lineups brought down the house this past New Years Eve at American Legion Post #135’s charity ball. Fri. - Sat., 7 pm, The Jazz Corner (Hilton Head).
The Martin Lesch Trio
Jazzy, alternative pop act led by Hilton Head pianist Lesch, who’s better known as Angie Aparo’s keyboardist. Fri., 9 pm, Jazz’d Tapas Bar.
Joey Manning
One of Savannah’s best (and best-known) vocal interpreters playing popular rock, country and pop covers on guitar and keyboards. Thurs., 7 pm, Uncle Bubba’s Oyster House.
Midnight Sun
Though they bill themselves as an “Ultra Lounge” act (which I take to mean relatively exotic space-age pop), in reality this local group (featuring members from the stage production Oh, Savannah!) is straight-up lounge. It’s impeccably played, relaxing music (piano, bass, drums and vocals) that complements drinks and conversation. Fri., 11 pm, The Mansion on Forsyth Park - The Casimir Lounge.
Miracle Max
Brand-new local indie-rock act featuring guitarist Stuart Harmening (who some may remember from his stint in The Jon Dunn Project), bassist Jeremy Stoner (from ARTillery Punch), and drummer Alex Quinn (from Spluff KatÜnga). While their sound is just beginning to gel, it revolves around Harmening’s off-kilter lead lines, Quinn’s syncopated percussion, and sweet-and-sour vocal harmonies. Sat., JJ Cagney’s.
Paperboy Jack
Hooky (if slightly cheesey) No Doubt-style female-led crunch pop that seems more suited for a smokey bar than an earth-toned coffeehouse – but hey, who knows? They tour nationwide and could be on a path to some sort of significant acclaim. Sun., 7 pm, The Sentient Bean.
The Howard Paul Trio
Straight-ahead jazz from one of the most talented jazz guitarists in the area, who plays a custom-made 7-string. Sat., 8 pm, The Mansion on Forsyth Park.
Perception
Regional combo playing classic, modern and Southern rock covers, as well as originals in a similar vein. Fri. - Sat., 9 pm, Steamers (Georgetown).
Phantom Wingo
Previously known as The No Exit Band featuring Ronnie Keel, this muscular local blues-rock project has a new indie album out that’s getting extremely positive reviews in the jam and Southern rock underground worldwide. With an impressive command of their idiom, they’re a safe bet for fans of The Allman Brothers Band or Widespread Panic. Fri., Savannah Blues.
Royal Pine
This buzz-worthy “indie-folk-Gypsy-Americana” duo blend country, rock and old-time music to create an infectious acoustic mélange. They utilize guitar, banjo, uke, tabla, washboard, harmonica, piano, xylophone and more – plus glorious vocal harmonies. Their works are often likened to those of Gillian Welch and Tom Waits, which are fairly apt comparisons. Mon., 8 pm, The Sentient Bean.
SCAD's Sidewalk Arts Fest
This annual outdoor event is a showcase for the local art college as well as an excuse for young and old alike to create temporary chalk-based graffiti on the concrete walkways of Forsyth Park. This year, the free entertainment includes South Carolina’s celebrated Americana songwriter Will Hoge (who’s often compared to a young Springsteen) and perennial jam-band faves Jupiter Coyote. The music gets under way at 1 pm. Sat., Forsyth Park.
Savannah American Traditions Competitors
Here’s your chance to catch some of the mega-talented folks who took part in the recent Savannah Music Festival vocal showcase. Fri., 9 pm, Skidaway island United Methodist Church.
Schooner
Up-and-coming North Carolina band featuring a former member of The Rosebuds. Dreamy, guitar-and-synth pop with a decidedly British influence. Sun., 7 pm, The Sentient Bean.
Kiki Sheard
This special appearance by the youngest daughter of the famed Clark Sisters gospel act is part of the promotional push behind her devout solo album with her own band. Local gospel artists round out the bill, along with a Christian comedian. Fri., Temple of Glory (1105 Stiles Ave.).
Tradewinds
Established six-piece local cover band dealing in Motown, shag and beach music. A popular favorite for years. Fri., 9 pm, The Oyster Bar (Wilmington Island).
Vermillion X
This new-wavey local pop-rock band has been through a number of incarnations, and their latest finds them scaled back to only one electric guitar, but with the addition of drummer Jay Lane (late of Stitchfork), and the nascent keyboard stylings of beguiling vocalist Angela Fish. Sat., JJ Cagney’s.
Extremely eclectic dance-oriented jam quartet from Oxford, Miss. that blends elements of bluegrass, classic rock, funk and traditional country, and are known for tight vocal harmonies.Thurs. - Sat., 10 pm, Fiddler’s Crab House.
Joey Allcorn’s Hillbilly Band
Retro country artist playing up the outlaw image with lazy drawls, baritone vocals, sleepy rhythms and some undertaker duds it looks like he swiped from Luke The Drifter. Sat., The Jinx.
The Allen Andrews Explosion
Jazzy and funky rock covers featuring some of the more notable downtown players. Sat., 9 pm, Jazz’d Tapas Bar.
Avenue D
This Über-trendy underground dance duo from Brooklyn are getting known in electroclash circles for their over-the-top coquettish stage act, skanky photo shoots and suggestive lyrics. If you want to get a peep at what’s all the rage in Williamsburg these days, be at this sweaty dance party, also featuring DJ sets by The Captain and Vinyl Richie. Thurs., The Jinx.
Band In The Park
Excellent local female-fronted classic rock and soul cover band, with a full, keyboard-heavy sound and a setlist of FM staples (Bonnie Raitt, The Rolling Stones, Fleetwood Mac). Sat., 9 pm, The Oyster Bar (Wilmington island).
Jason Bible
Raspy-voiced acoustic guitarist/troubadour who mixes in some original, blues-based material with rootsy, stripped-down covers by the likes of Dylan and Bob Marley. Sat., JJ Cagney’s.
Bluesonics
Long-running regional blues combo led by drummer and vocalist Ken Harrison. They specialize in uptempo, danceable tunes and are known for their polished presentation. Fri. - Sat., 10 pm, Mercury Lounge.
Bottles & Cans
Raw electric rotgut blues a la T-Model Ford or Hound Dog Taylor. Straight, no chaser. Thurs. + Sat., Savannah Blues.
Chris Cook's Playbunny Lingerie Party
Theme costume party celebrating all things Hef, complete with mock photo shoots and a variety of bawdy contests. Thurs., 10 pm, Fusion/The Monkey Bar.
Eric Culberson Blues Band
Savannah’s best-known electric blues guitarist and singer, offering uptown, Chicago-style blues in the vein of Albert and Freddie King. Tue., (hosts Open Mic) - Wed., Mercury Lounge + Thurs., JJ Cagney’s.
The Kieran Daly Trio
15-year-old 5-string mandolin prodigy who’s been playing since the age of 6, and digs Black Flag and Nickel Creek. His band includes standup bassist Delbert Felix (Branford Marsalis’ band). Sat., 8 pm, The Sentient Bean.
"First Faire" w/Jerry Wise
Savannah’s oldest house of worship showcases itself and its congregation with this free concert by a noted Christian songwriter. Attendees are encouraged to bring canned food for donation to the needy. Sun., 3 pm, First Baptist Church (Chippewa Square).
Fluffgirl Burlesque Show
This group has been around for close to a decade and tours internationally. They offer a revival of old-style burlesque entertainment, meaning buxom women providing all manner of vaudevillian antics in skimpy outfits. More performance art then strip-tease, and a refreshing blast from the past. Mon., The Jinx.
Industrial & Fetish Night
Two great tastes that taste great together? This monthly showcase for noisy underground dance music and mildly deviant behavior features a couple of live bands for a change – locals Mono-Crow and Augusta’s Distorted Sound Sadists. DSS have been around for a decade, and started out as a punk band but grew to include synthetics and sequencing. Currently, they’re a duo of self-proclaimed “non-musicians” who create songs through electronic manipulation, sampling, speaking and singing, while a third member runs their realtime visual display. Local DJ’s Logik and Shrapnel appear on the bill as well. Thurs., 10 pm, Club one.
Lisa Kelly & J.B. Scott Duo
This terrific and talented Florida couple are both jazz educators by day, and front a number of groups by night – from small combos to 10-piece big bands. In fact, one of their larger lineups brought down the house this past New Years Eve at American Legion Post #135’s charity ball. Fri. - Sat., 7 pm, The Jazz Corner (Hilton Head).
The Martin Lesch Trio
Jazzy, alternative pop act led by Hilton Head pianist Lesch, who’s better known as Angie Aparo’s keyboardist. Fri., 9 pm, Jazz’d Tapas Bar.
Joey Manning
One of Savannah’s best (and best-known) vocal interpreters playing popular rock, country and pop covers on guitar and keyboards. Thurs., 7 pm, Uncle Bubba’s Oyster House.
Midnight Sun
Though they bill themselves as an “Ultra Lounge” act (which I take to mean relatively exotic space-age pop), in reality this local group (featuring members from the stage production Oh, Savannah!) is straight-up lounge. It’s impeccably played, relaxing music (piano, bass, drums and vocals) that complements drinks and conversation. Fri., 11 pm, The Mansion on Forsyth Park - The Casimir Lounge.
Miracle Max
Brand-new local indie-rock act featuring guitarist Stuart Harmening (who some may remember from his stint in The Jon Dunn Project), bassist Jeremy Stoner (from ARTillery Punch), and drummer Alex Quinn (from Spluff KatÜnga). While their sound is just beginning to gel, it revolves around Harmening’s off-kilter lead lines, Quinn’s syncopated percussion, and sweet-and-sour vocal harmonies. Sat., JJ Cagney’s.
Paperboy Jack
Hooky (if slightly cheesey) No Doubt-style female-led crunch pop that seems more suited for a smokey bar than an earth-toned coffeehouse – but hey, who knows? They tour nationwide and could be on a path to some sort of significant acclaim. Sun., 7 pm, The Sentient Bean.
The Howard Paul Trio
Straight-ahead jazz from one of the most talented jazz guitarists in the area, who plays a custom-made 7-string. Sat., 8 pm, The Mansion on Forsyth Park.
Perception
Regional combo playing classic, modern and Southern rock covers, as well as originals in a similar vein. Fri. - Sat., 9 pm, Steamers (Georgetown).
Phantom Wingo
Previously known as The No Exit Band featuring Ronnie Keel, this muscular local blues-rock project has a new indie album out that’s getting extremely positive reviews in the jam and Southern rock underground worldwide. With an impressive command of their idiom, they’re a safe bet for fans of The Allman Brothers Band or Widespread Panic. Fri., Savannah Blues.
Royal Pine
This buzz-worthy “indie-folk-Gypsy-Americana” duo blend country, rock and old-time music to create an infectious acoustic mélange. They utilize guitar, banjo, uke, tabla, washboard, harmonica, piano, xylophone and more – plus glorious vocal harmonies. Their works are often likened to those of Gillian Welch and Tom Waits, which are fairly apt comparisons. Mon., 8 pm, The Sentient Bean.
SCAD's Sidewalk Arts Fest
This annual outdoor event is a showcase for the local art college as well as an excuse for young and old alike to create temporary chalk-based graffiti on the concrete walkways of Forsyth Park. This year, the free entertainment includes South Carolina’s celebrated Americana songwriter Will Hoge (who’s often compared to a young Springsteen) and perennial jam-band faves Jupiter Coyote. The music gets under way at 1 pm. Sat., Forsyth Park.
Savannah American Traditions Competitors
Here’s your chance to catch some of the mega-talented folks who took part in the recent Savannah Music Festival vocal showcase. Fri., 9 pm, Skidaway island United Methodist Church.
Schooner
Up-and-coming North Carolina band featuring a former member of The Rosebuds. Dreamy, guitar-and-synth pop with a decidedly British influence. Sun., 7 pm, The Sentient Bean.
Kiki Sheard
This special appearance by the youngest daughter of the famed Clark Sisters gospel act is part of the promotional push behind her devout solo album with her own band. Local gospel artists round out the bill, along with a Christian comedian. Fri., Temple of Glory (1105 Stiles Ave.).
Tradewinds
Established six-piece local cover band dealing in Motown, shag and beach music. A popular favorite for years. Fri., 9 pm, The Oyster Bar (Wilmington Island).
Vermillion X
This new-wavey local pop-rock band has been through a number of incarnations, and their latest finds them scaled back to only one electric guitar, but with the addition of drummer Jay Lane (late of Stitchfork), and the nascent keyboard stylings of beguiling vocalist Angela Fish. Sat., JJ Cagney’s.