Acoustic Ladyland
When Bottles & Cans bring out the “natural” guitars and swap old-time mutli-instrumentalist Joe Nelson (fiddle, banjo, mandolin, uke, etc…) for mouth harpist Marty Ellis, they go by this in-joke moniker. Sun., 10 pm, Mercury Lounge.
The Christy Alan Band
Pop, soul and rock hits from an islands favorite. Fri. – Sat., 9 pm, Fannie’s On The Beach (Tybee).
Argyle
One of the local music scene’s most eclectic and challenging alternative-rock groups, they draw on ska, reggae, punk, metal and funky jam-band music for inspiration, and work hard to create their own unique blend of those genres, much like 311 or Primus. Fri., 10 pm, Locos Deli & Pub (Downtown).
John Banks
Jazzy instrumental guitar music from one of the featured members of The Sapphire Bullets of Pure Love. Sun., 7 pm, Jazz’d Tapas Bar.
The Jeff Beasley Band
Chicago-style blues and early rock & roll (think Buddy Holly) from singing guitarist/percussionist Beasley. Thurs., 10 pm, Molly MacPherson’s Scottish Pub (solo) + Fri. – Sat., 10 pm, Mercury Lounge + Mon., Murphy’s Law (solo).
The Beer Parlor Ramblers
Traditional Dixieland jazz at a landmark burger and seafood joint. Fri., 7:30 pm, The Crystal Beer Parlor.
Jason Bible
Texas-bred guitarist and harmonica player (playing covers and originals) who looks to Springsteen, Dylan and Petty for inspiration. Wed., 7 pm, The Warehouse.
Bottles & Cans
Hopped-up, hard-edged Delta and Chicago-style houserockin’ blues with copious amounts of Texas swing, jump blues and raunchy garage music thrown in for good measure. Wed. & Sat., 10 pm, Savannah Blues + Thurs., 10 pm, Mercury Lounge.
Bow Wow’s “Wanted Tour”
Major rap and hip-hop bill featuring (the formerly Li’l )Bow Wow, T-Pain, Ray J and B5. See Music Interview. Sat., 8 pm, Savannah Civic Center.
Eric Britt
Solo acoustic set of originals and covers from the frontman of well-liked regional alternative rock band Hazel Virtue. Fri., 10 pm, Molly MacPherson’s Scottish Pub.
The Tony Clarke Project
Organic contemporary and acid jazz, with a heavy funk and R & B influence, led by versatile drummer Clarke. Fri., 9 pm, The Mansion on Forsyth Park.
Buddy Corns & Rock Mob
Rock and blues cover act led by a local vocalist and guitar ace. The weeknight shows are solo dates. Wed., 7 pm, The Island Grill (Pt. Wentworth) + Thurs., 7 pm, Augie’s Pub (Richmond Hill) + Fri., 10:30 pm, Bayou Cafe (top floor).
Chuck Courtenay
This gig finds local frontman Courtenay offering popular country, rock and pop hits (and a few originals). For Saturday’s show he’ll be joined by noted local blues and jazz guitarist G.E. Perry. Fri., 7 pm, Driftaway Café (Sandfly) + Sat., Creekside Café – formerly Driftaway Café (Wilmington Island).
Mary Davis & Co.
Acoustic trio of members from Wilmington island’s Band In The Park, playing pop and rock covers. Fri., 7 pm, Tubby’s (River St.) + Sat., Sorry Charlie’s.
Deep Blue 3
Impressive electric blues combo formerly known as Mama’s Mojo. Sat., 8:30 pm, Pogy’s Bar & Grill (Richmond Hill).
The Robbie Ducey Band
South Ga. guitarist and frontman playing contemporary electric blues in the vein of Stevie Ray Vaughan or Robert Cray. Sat., 10 pm, Savannah Blues.
Eat Mo’ Music
Soul-jazz quintet of trumpet, drums, trombone, bass and guitar, playing funky, instrumental groove music. Fri., 7 pm, North Beach Grill (Tybee) + Sat., 9 pm, Jazz’d Tapas Bar.
Ellery
One of the few acts to come across my desk in a long while whose recorded work actually lives up to the hype surrounding it, this married duo of Tasha and Justin Golden make passionate, spiritually invigorating postmodern folk-pop that is as memorable as it is easy to swallow. No word on how their lushly-appointed album will translate to a small coffeehouse show, but the songs are already as good as anything you’ll hear from major Adult Contemporary stars. Sun., 9 pm (after Open Mic night), The Sentient Bean.
Frank Emerson
Acoustic guitarist and vocalist playing Celtic ballads and popular cover songs. Wed. – Sun., Kevin Barry’s.
The Foxedos Present…
Monthly “anti-folk” showcase hosted by a group of local alternative music stalwarts, and featuring area songwriters and composers. Thurs., 8 pm, The Sentient Bean.
A Nickel Bag of Funk
Soulful covers of funk, rock and R & B classics. Sat., 9 pm, The Mansion on Forsyth Park + Sun., 6 pm, North Beach Grill (Tybee).
High Velocity
Popular local cover act with a massive repertoire of Southern rock, classic rock, and modern-day pop country hits. Their lineup includes former members of the popular area bar band Bounty Hunter. Fri. – Sat., 9 pm, Gilley’s (Hinesville).
The Hitmen
Blues power trio featuring guitarist/frontman Brett “Hitman” Bernard. Tues., (hosts Open Mic) – Wed., 10 pm, Savannah Blues + Thurs., 10 pm (hosts Open Mic), Locos Deli & Pub (Downtown) + Sat., 10 pm, Savannah Blues.
Bill Hodgson
Popular and obscure rock, pop and soul covers. Friday’s show adds The Veraflames’ singing guitarist Skip Hinely, making way for plenty of British Invasion hits. Wed., 7 pm, Pogy’s Bar & Grill (Richmond Hill) + Thurs., 5 pm, Sorry Charlie’s + Fri., 7 pm, The Warehouse.
The Billy Hoffman Trio
Tight, instrumental jazz unit led by one of the best trap drummers in the area. Fri., 9 pm, Jazz’d Tapas Bar.
Liquid Ginger
Popular regional modern rockers (covers and originals). Fri., 9 pm, Bahama Bob’s (Pooler) + Sat., Bahama Bob’s (Tybee).
Stewart Marshall
Acoustic Americana covers and originals from a founding member of popular “y’allternative” band Stewart & Winfield. Thurs., 10 pm, Murphy’s Law.
Memorial Day Music Party
2 free open-air concerts sponsored by this seafood restaurant. Music provided by The Swinging Medallions, who’ve been keeping crowds shagging for decades with a mixture of beach music classics and slick renditions of others’ pop hits. Plus, local country cover band Hazzard County (featuring Jason Courtenay) opens for Cowboy Crush, an internationally-known all-female group whose image and music lie somewhere between The Dixie Chicks and SheDaisy. Sat., 7 pm (Swingin’ Medallions) + Sun., (Hazzard County, Cowboy Crush), Tubby’s (Thunderbolt).
Meika Pauley
& Matt Williams
Double bill of 2 of The Bean’s more popular regular acts. She’s a Cambridge folk scene export who’s been heralded as one of the top new vocalists of her generation (though that may be going a bit overboard) in the tradition of Sarah MacLachlan; he’s a witty, S.C. native who wound up in Austin, Tx., where he began to infuse his stark guitar-based tunes with a vibe (and instrumentation) cribbed from vintage Al Green and Marvin Gaye LPs. Fri., 8 pm, The Sentient Bean.
Pit Boss
High-energy ‘80s rock cover band. Sat., 10 pm, Locos Deli & Pub (Downtown).
Stephen & Jeremy Riddle
Acoustic duo show (heavy on covers) from 2 members of local alternative rockers Argyle. Sat., 10 pm, Murphy’s Law.
Silver Lining
Jazzy trio of guitar, bass and drums with a varied setlist of instrumental and vocal standards. Thurs., 7 pm, The Mansion on Forsyth Park + Sat., 8 pm & Sun., 7 pm, Moon River Brewing Company.
The S.O.S. Band
Old-school R & B stars, known for hits like “Take Your Time (Do It Right).” The Coastal Good Life Band opens. Proceeds benefit the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences Scholarship Fund and the 2006 Summer Youth University. Advance tickets are $15 (at Lester’s Florist and the SSU Campus Bookstore) or $20 at the door. Thurs., 8 pm, Savannah State University’s Tiger Arena.
Sunday Session w/Black Ice
Performance art, spoken-word, and hip-hop converge at this new weekly showcase for local and national talent. Along with Original Def Jam Poet Black Ice, DJ Santiago and Doc Octagon will also perform at this 21+ event. Sun., 9 pm, Vero 44 (above Il Pasticcio).
The Train Wrecks
Irreverent, roots-rock covers and originals. Thurs., 10 pm, Mercury Lounge + Fri., 10 pm, Finnegan’s Wake + Sun., 7 pm, Dewey’s Dockside (Tybee) + Mon. noon, North Beach Grill (Tybee).
Greg Williams
Celebrated local singer/songwriter, (playing rock, blues and folk) known for strong guitar work and a powerful voice. Sat., 7 pm, Cobblestone Conch House.
Robert Willis
Rock, country and pop covers and originals sung and played on guitar. Fri. – Sat., 7 pm, Dewey’s Dockside (Tybee). ç
This article appears in May 24-31, 2006.