AASU’s PianoFest 2007
Pianist Jennifer Hayghe studied at Julliard, where it’s said she won every award possible at that lauded institution! She headlines this annual weekend of keyboard recitals with a program of Brahms, Prokofiev and Liszt. There’s also a solo performance competition, and a public recital by the winners, in elementary, middle school and high school categories. Tickets to see Hayghe are $5 at the AASU Box Office. The recital is free. For more info, call 927-5381. Fri., 7:30 pm (Hayghe) & Sat., 5:30 pm, AASU Fine Arts Auditorium.
Scott H. Biram
This Texas native plays the hell out of a beat-up ‘59 Gibson hollow-body. Openers The Black Diamond Heavies hail from Nashville, and are the latest in a growing line of raw, two-man, punk-blooze combos. (Note: this listing ran last week in error.) Mon., 10 pm, The Jinx.
The Black Maria Film Fest
This will be the 26th year for this international touring collection of award-winning short films in categories from straight documentaries to bold, avant-garde and experimental works. For 7 years now, SCAD has hosted this festival, and it never fails to delight and amaze. Free with SCAD ID or $5 general admission for the public. Sat., 8 pm, Trustees Theater.
Freddy Cole
This gifted pianist and singer’s voice sounds an awful lot like his brother, the late Nat “King” Cole, and he for one has no complaints about that! An internationally-celebrated jazz artist in his own right, he tours worldwide and has released several acclaimed CDs. This special Valentine’s Day show kicks off a 4-night residency at this new Broughton St. listening club. Call 231-8369 for reservations. Wed., Feb. 14, 8 pm, 9:30 pm, 11 pm, Kokopelli’s Jazz Club.
Grasstowne
This will be the first-ever gig for this brand-new bluegrass supergroup, made up of well-known pickers (such as Steve Gulley, Phil Leadbetter, Alan Bibey and Jason Davis) drawn from some of that genre’s biggest bands, like the terrific Mountain Heart. Venue owner Randy Wood says this group is destined for stardom too, and locals who buy their $25 advance tickets quickly can see their public debut. Call 748-1930 for more info. Fri., 7:30 pm, Randy Wood’s Concert Hall (1304 E. Hwy 80, Bloomingdale) - ALL-AGES.
The Jacksonville Symphony
The last scheduled Savannah appearance by this venerable orchestra for some time, it features the works of both Beethoven and Mozart. Call 525-5050 or go to www.lucastheatre.com for tickets. Sun., 7 pm, Lucas Theatre.
1st Annual Marley Fest
In honor of the late reggae and rasta legend, this indoor/outdoor (under heated tents) reggae dance party featuring Atlanta cover band Roots & Fire, and local reggae-rockers Argyle. Saturday, there are live DJs and up-and-coming Jamaican singers Baby Girl and Wild Life. Fri. - Sat., 9 pm, Island Breeze (2818 Montgomery St.).
Night of The Divas
This is the 1st of 3 performances featuring this new local orchestral group, with special guest vocalists soprano Mary Wilson and tenor Vale Rideout. The repertoire is drawn from operatic and American standards dealing with love. For details on upgrading your tickets to the Deluxe Gala (including pre-show cocktails and a catered dinner at the nearby Jepson Center), call Bill Keith at 441-7735. Wed., 7:45 pm, Trinity United Methodist (Telfair Square).
Savannah Sound Sampler
A free afternoon and evening of local alternative rock and hip-hop, sponsored by SCADradio, and including sets by the piano-driven ego-rock of Lando, conscious rap of S.O.L. Essential, the spacey, minor-key drone-pop of Port City Music, plus Pink Kodiak and Brittany Bosco. Sat., 4 pm, Orleans Hall (201 Barnard St.).
Warm in The Wake
Ballsy without being overbearing, on record, this Decatur quartet comes off like a cross between The Rosebuds and a less distorted and more somnambulistic version of Velvet Crush. If Lou Reed started obsessing over Wilco’s earlier, better records, and paid his Tai Chi instructor to hit him in the neckbone and knock the frog out of his throat, he might make wistfully hopeful music that sounds something like this. Fri., 8 pm, The Sentient Bean - ALL-AGES.
