Acoustic Singer/Songwriter Showcase
This new monthly event (hosted by local tunesmith and chanteuse Lauren Lapointe) aims to create a community of singer/songwriters and attract more high-quality touring artists to our area.
Lapointe will play a set, along with locals Jason Bible (whose faux-hoary blues and folkie shtick owes a great deal to both Dylan and Springsteens Guthrie fixations) and Melanie Mirande, a familiar face at Savannah Folk Music Society gatherings. This singing guitarist is said to be an acolyte of both the great Joan Baez and the even greater Pete Seeger.
Arkansas Bill Justice headlines. Last year, he was nominated for Singer/Songwriter of The Year by the Northwest Arkansas Music Awards (NAMA). A specialty carpenter whose work took him around the country for decades, including a stint in Nashville. Hes been playing music since his teens, and gained a strong following in St. Simons Island during a late-90s stint in that funky beach community. This show is open to ALL-AGES, and is free with a suggested donation for the performers. Thurs., 7:30 pm, The Sentient Bean. The Kickass
We dont have too much space this week, so heres the deal: This bands name is a classic example of truth in advertising. Just back from a successful Japanese tour, this jaw-droppingly empathetic power trio (with the emphasis on power), theyre one of the finest examples of over-the-top, high-endurance instrumental prog-rock Ive ever come across. Imagine a leaner, meaner version of mid-70s King Crimson (on a crystal meth binge) playing a winner-takes all game of top that! with Primus. That comes pretty close. Oh yeah, their debut CD is called Death Metal Is For Pussies. Run, dont walk to this gig. Fri., The Jinx.
Pizzarelli & Paul
The list of big bands and vocalists with whom Bucky Pizzarelli has performed and recorded reads like a veritable who’s who of jazz. A towering presence in the studio and on the touring circuit since the 1950s, many know him through his extended stint as a member of Doc Severinsens Tonight Show Orchestra.
A phenomenal electric rhythm guitarist who plays a custom-made 7-string model (allowing him to play a bass line to his own solos), hes worked with Benny Goodman, led his own trio and cut duos with Zoot Sims and Stephane Grappelli as well as earning respect as a solid classical guitarist along the way.
For this rare supper club engagement, hell be joined by Howard Paul, whos one of the finest jazz guitarists in our part of the country. He plays a 7-string instrument as well, and regularly accompanies A-list players such as Bucky and Jimmy Bruno. This should be a wonderful display of virtuosity. Fri. – Sat., 7 pm, The Jazz Corner (Hilton Head).
Rock The Cure Festival
Last weeks cover story explained the impetus behind Rock The Cure 2005, but in case you missed it this ambitious effort finds 7 different Downtown venues (all within easy walking distance of City Market) joining forces to raise money for the American Diabetes Association.
The idea is simple after 4 hours of free, ALL-AGES entertainment in City Markets Courtyard, the party heads into the clubs, where for the unbelievably low cost of only $5, one can purchase a wristband providing unlimited access to all the nightspots for that night. Each club has a wide variety of local and regional artists scheduled, with all door proceeds (as well as a small portion of drink sales) going to the ADA.
A complete listing of participating acts and advance ticket outlets can be found at www.rockthecure.com, but here are a few of the more notable gigs to consider:
Savannah Blues features 2 of their favorite blues and R & B-oriented bands, locals The Hitmen (led by guitarist Brett Hitman Bernard) and Athens hard-hitting jam act, The Park Bench Trio.
Finnegans Wake (formerly known as OConnells Irish Pub) welcomes Atlantas popular retro rockabilly combo Cigar Store Indians, and a solo set of gritty Americana by native son Dodd Ferrelle. Ibiza Nightlife is offering 2 local tribute bands one celebrating Led Zeppelin (Red Head) and the other The Rolling Stones (Monkey Man), plus original modern rockers Hazel Virtue.
JJ Cagneys on River Street has a double whammy of Argyle and Phantom Wingo (formerly The No Exit Band), while their kindred spirits at Locos showcase the organic hip-hop of Passafire and P-Groove frontman Brock Butler. Finally, The Jinx holds down the alt.rock fort with a triple bill of The 8-Tracks, Hot Pink Interior and Savannahs All-star garage band Superhorse, in their first gig since playing in the St. Pats Parade. Lets make this one a smashing success! Wed., 5 pm – 9 pm, City Market Courtyard + 9 pm – until, various Downtown venues.
This article appears in Apr 6-13, 2005.