Music Menu

Absylom Rising

Oxford, Miss. jam-band that throws elements of funk, bluegrass and rock into the mix. Wed., 9 pm, Fiddler’s Crab House.

 

"All Walks of Life"

Poetry reading and performance art showcase, sponsored by a local group committed to presenting the artistic expression of the widest variety of participants. Sun., 8 pm, The Sentient Bean.

Joey Allcorn & The Hillbilly Band

A great regional alt.country band that vacillates between full-on hillbilly shtick, and raucous sets with the force and attitude of hard rock music.Sat., The Jinx.

Michael Amburgey

See Hidden Gems. Thurs., 8 pm, The Sentient Bean.

Argyle

See Hidden Gems. Tues., 10 pm, Fiddler’s Crab House + Thurs., 5 pm, + Fri., 3 pm, JJ Cagney’s + Sat., 10 pm, Savannah Blues.

The Bluerunners

This up-and-coming New Orleans-based band is already a big fave on the American and European touring circuits. They offer a high-energy gumbo of Cajun rhythms and danceable roots-rock - perfect for a late-night party at this underground bar and restaurant. Part of the Savannah Music Festival. Fri., 11 pm & 1 am, Jazz’d Tapas Bar.

Bluesonics

Local R & B party band that’s been around in one form or another for what must be a decade now. Expect electric uptown blues with an undeniable groove and a great rhythm section. Sat., 9 pm, Jazz’d Tapas Bar.

 

Bottles & Cans

Local blues act offering a raw, unfettered take on Delta blues that is much more alkin to the crazed houserockin' of someone like Hound Dog Taylor or R.L. Burnside, than the pinched (but no less great) Vegas shtick of B.B. King. Sat., 10 pm, Mercury Lounge.

Harry O'Donoghue, Carroll Brown, Frank Emerson

This triple whammy of singing guitarists means there will probably be accomplished acoustic music running nonstop throughout this holiday week at this longtime River Street watering hole. Each of these artists are area favorites who mix up traditional Celtic tunes with more contemporary folk, and even their own original material. If you’re in need of a fun – but comparatively laid back place to get out of the craziness and enjoy a pint or two, this would most likely be the destination you’re looking for. Wed. - Sat., Kevin Barry’s.

Brock Butler

Solo set from the guitarist of local jam-band sensations Perpetual Groove. Thurs., (afternoon), Locos Deli & Pub.

Thomas Claxton

Energetic acoustic guitarist and singer offering rock and pop hits. He’s known for an intense and enthusiastic delivery. Mon., Daiquiri Depot (Pooler) + Wed., 6:30 pm, Pogy’s Bar & Grill (Richmond Hill) + Thurs. - Sun., The Bayou Café.

The Courtenay Brothers

Local sibling act offering acoustic covers of hundreds of rock, country and pop hits – sometimes with sequenced backing. Fri. (w/Chuck Courtenay, Sr.), 8 pm, Tubby’s (Thunderbolt) + Sat., 12 pm, City Market Courtyard.

Eric Culberson Blues Band

See Hidden Gems. Tues., (hosts Open Mic) - Wed., Mercury Lounge + Thurs., 5 pm, & Sat., 7 pm, JJ Cagney’s.

 

Anthony David

See Hidden Gems. Friday, Club Oz.

Donovan

There’s not much to say about this bizarre turn of events except, “DAMN, I wish I wasn’t showing a movie Wednesday night!” It’s not even every decade that Donovan even plays a string of live dates in the states, let alone on such a high profile tour. I’m told that rather than a standard support slot, he’ll actually play in the middle of the show, and John Mellencamp will join him for a few numbers before resuming his own set – so if all you care about is hearing “Rumble Seat,” don’t try to skip ol’ Mr. Leitch and get their fashionably late. Anyone with even a passing interest in psychedelic music, the folk revival or spiritual illumination should try and make this gig. Wed., 8 pm, The Savannah Civic Center .

Eat Mo’ Music

See Hidden Gems. Fri. - Sat., 8:30 pm, Moon River Brewing Company.

Gary Mex Glazner

This working poet has been published by everyone from Harper Collins to Salon.com. A celebrated author, he’s also the director of the Alzheimer’s Poetry Project, which has been featured on NPR and NBC-TV’s the Today show. He’s known for holding nothing back in his loud, confrontational readings. Mon., 8 pm, The Sentient Bean. ***

The Kodac Harrison Trio

See Hidden Gems. Fri., North Beach Grill (Tybee). ***

High Velocity

Those who really want to get away from all the green madness, can head out to this roadhouse retreat and catch one of the finer examples of swampy Southern rock in the area. This local group boasts members of the now defunct Bounty Hunter - a noteworthy, retro outfit that once toured as the backing band from the recently-deceased lead singer of Molly Hatchet, Danny Joe Brown. Fri. - Sat., 9 pm, Silver Dollar Bar & Grill (Hwy 204) - see also River St. Entertainment.

Hush Money

New South Carolina cover act playing modern, classic and ‘80s rock and alternative music. Thurs., Savannah Blues.

The Independents

See Hidden Gems. Fri., The Jinx.

Jimmy & The Teasers

See Hidden Gems. Thurs., The Jinx.

Lock And Key

See Hidden Gems. Wed., The Jinx.

John Mellencamp

This cocky, driven, Midwestern career artist has had strong ties to this area for years, and it seems like everyone you meet who’s lived around here long enough has at least one great Little Johnny Cougar tale to tell. Like when he spread dirt all over a paved lane off of Price Street downtown to make it look like a poor black sharecropping settlement for his “Paper In Fire” video. Or when he tried to buy the Mercer House. Or when he turned down one popular local band’s offer to open for him gratis last time he played the Civic Center, only to wind up hiring a team of jugglers to do the honors. What’s this got to do with anything? Not much, but he’s kicking off his Greatest Hits tour here, and if you were planning on going, you’ve either already got tickets or you’re drug that you lost out. Hey, remember when he used to wear mascara and eyeliner? Just curious. Wed., 8 pm, The Johnny Mercer Theater.

Park Bench Trio

Talented, Athens-based power trio that specializes in fiery blues-rock jams, a la Gov't Mule. Two of the members are originally from Savannah. Fri., 10 pm, Savannah Blues.

Passafire

See Hidden Gems. Tues., 10 pm, Fiddler’s Crab House + Thurs., (evening), Locos Deli & Pub + Fri., B & B Billiards + Sat., 3 pm, JJ Cagney’s.

The Pietasters

See Hidden Gems. Thurs., The Jinx.

Souls Harbor

South Carolina-based modern hard rock and metal act that plays originals and has released a debut indie CD with true commercial potential. They enjoy a strong following just across the bridge, but is only recently starting to gain a crowd in Savannah proper. Fri., The Gold Club (Hwy 16 near Hardeeville).

Whiskey Dick

Local singer/songwriter who draws on the outlaw country movent of the 1970s for inspiration. recommended for fans of Kristoffersson or Coe. Sat., The Jinx.

The Greg Williams Band

This show certainly fits the criteria laid out for inclusion in this week’s “Hidden Gems” feature, save for one slight detail: It’s not hidden! By headlining City Market’s outdoor courtyard on the Saturday night of St. Pat’s, this local singer/songwriter is virtually insured one of the largest crowds he’s played to in quite some time. But it’s a no-brainer for people to find this show. Just look for the big guy with the bigger voice. With all the years of experience under his belt, the well-oiled backing band, and a seemingly bottomless well of strong original material and crowd-pleasing covers, Greg could easily hold his own these days against most any well-known cat in his field, signed or not. Here’s a free show that’s perfect for fans of well-constructed adult-oriented rock music with attitude. Sat., 9 pm, City Market Courtyard.

Willis

See Hidden Gems. Fri., JJ Cagney’s.

Yancy & The Breakneck Quartet

Locally-based original alternative band that mixes hip-hop attitude and grooves with organic rock. They are quickly emerging as a favorite in the local art college and jam-band communities. Thurs., NV Night Club + Sat., Locos Deli & Pub.

Natalia Zukerman

The last time this lovely and talented guitarist and singer passed through town, it was her first visit, and to say she made a lasting impression would be an understatement. As both the opening act for – and sideperson to – slideshow poet Andrew Friedman, her hypnotic bottleneck work on resonator guitar added a rough, haunting, blues timbre to Friedman’s Beat-inspired musings. Now she’s back for a solo show, right around the same time her classical vocalist sister is set to appear at the Savannah Music Festival. Their two approaches couldn’t be more different. One’s rooted in an agrarian lifestyle and the other in the rarified air of the fine arts. And yet, somehow, their kinship is evident in the care with which they both impart their work. Tues., 8 pm, The Sentient Bean.