A Nickel Bag of Funk
Local, female-fronted R & B and funk cover act that specializes in extended workouts and soulful vocals. Fri., 10 pm, Murphy’s Law.
Absylom Rising
Mississippi-based organic jam group mixing such disparate influences as funk, bluegrass, jazz and world-beat. This venue has become a favorite stop on their regional tours. Tues., 9 pm, Fiddler’s Crab House (River St.).
The Bill Allred Group
This veteran trombonist has released a dozen albums of classic jazz as leader of a large group. Fri. - Sat., 8 pm, The Jazz Corner (Hilton Head).
Argyle
Intense and tight local original band that’s capable of relentless, in-your-face punk-tinged rock, as well as reggae and ska-based grooves. Fri., 9 pm, Fiddler’s Crab House.
The Jeff Beasley Band
Blues is the foundation for the wide variety of this multi-instrumentalist (guitar, percussion, mouth harp) includes in his sets. In addition to standards and N’awlins-influenced originals, he also offers early rock and roll hits by such icons as Buddy Holly and Roy Orbison. Fri., 9 pm, Jazz’d Tapas Bar + Sat., 9 pm, Mansion on Forsyth Park +Wed., 7 pm, Jazz’d Tapas Bar (solo show).
Bottles & Cans
Tom Waits, Bob Dylan and Hound Dog Taylor are the obvious touchstones for this mesmerizing blooze-rawk swing combo fronted by guitarist and vocalist Ray Lundy. Wed., 9 pm, Fiddler’s Crab House (River St.) + Thurs., 10 pm, Savannah Blues + Sat., 9 pm, Jazz’d Tapas Bar.
Carroll Brown
This touring acoustic troubadour describes his guitar-based mix of covers and originals as “coastal country.” Wed. - Sun., Kevin Barry’s.
Chuck & Bucky
Duo of singing acoustic guitarists who boast an unusually varied setlist of pop, country and soft rock favorites. Wed., 7 pm, Driftaway Café.
Brandon Clark
Young, locally-based singer/songwriter who moved here a while back and has established himself as an up-and-coming figure on the local coffeehouse scene. Kindred spirit Alli Hall opens. Fri., 9 pm, Metro Coffee House - ALL-AGES.
The Bryan Clees Band
Regionally-known country and western singer/songwriter who’s opened for several big name artists. Fri. - Sat., 9 pm, Red Leg Saloon (formerly Silver Dollar Café).
Mary Davis & Co.
Acoustic rock, soul and pop covers from John Prine to Fleetwood Mac. Sat., 4:30 pm, Malone’s (309 W. River Street).
Clara Frazier
Veteran jazz vocalist who recently moved here from the West Coast. Thurs., 8 pm, Mansion on Forsyth Park.
The Goliards
This local ensemble dedicated to preserving ancient music will perform a recital of works for harp, lute and baroque violin by Irish composer Turlough O’Carolan that were written in the late around 3 centuries ago. Admission is $10. Sun., 3:30 pm, Trinity United Methodist Church.
The Harlem Globetrotters
I know these guys aren’t exactly known for their musical prowess, but when I was a kid, I bought a 45 rpm single of their theme song “Sweet Georgia Brown,” and never really could wrap my head around the fact that they sold the record at their shows, but didn’t actually sing the tune. Still, their glitzy, family-oriented b-ball showcases are the closest thing you’ll find to syncopated dance in the sporting field outside of figure skating. Thurs., 7 pm, Savannah Civic Center.
David Harbuck
Longtime local singer/songwriter/guitarist who has released several indie CDs of original material. Sat., 9 pm, Bayou Café.
The Hitmen
Brash electric blues trio led by local guitarist Brett “Hitman” Bernard. Mon., 10 pm + Tues., 10 pm (hosts Open Jam Night) + Fri., 10 pm, Savannah Blues + Sat., 10 pm, French Quarter Café (Statesboro).
Keith & Ross
Singing guitar duo (offering popular rock and country covers) known for their vocal harmonies. Thurs., 9 pm, Fiddler’s Crab House (River St.).
The Magic Rocks
Eclectic local power trio spun off from The 8-Tracks. They play obscure rock, soul and country tunes, and feature members of Superhorse and Hot Pink Interior. Fri. - Sat., 10 pm, Mercury Lounge.
Andrew Miller
This modern folkie from Atlanta has a nuanced voice that works well with the inviting, emotion-driven, slightly funky introspective pop he writes and records. Very Matt Wertz (an avowed influence). Miranda Rensch opens. Sat., 9 pm, Metro Coffee House - ALL-AGES.
Howard Paul Quartet
Ace 7-string jazz guitarist, whose combo will be joined for this gig by flugelhorn player Kirk Lee. Mon., 8 pm, The Jazz Corner (Hilton Head).
The Permanent Tourists
Baddass area cover band that can pull of blues, funk, rock and easy listening hits with equal aplomb, and which features some of the area’s very best and most seasoned pro players. Fri. - Sat., 9 pm, Tantra Lounge, Fri., 8 pm, The Warehouse.
Phantom Wingo
Guitar-heavy, jam-oriented local rock band with a definite Southern soul vibe (think Allmans, Black Crowes, Panic). Sat., 9 pm, Augie’s Bar & Grill (Richmond Hill).
Pink Kodiak
Very promising local ultra-indie pop tunesmith who uses drum machines, synths and acoustic guitars to craft his catchy, wry ditties. Touring Americana artist Jon Durham (think Robert Earl Keen) appears as well. Thurs., 9 pm, Guitar Bar.
Pocket Change
Soul, funk and R & B covers, featuring a tuff electric guitarist who goes by the name of “Smoke.” Sat., 10 pm, Molly MacPherson’s Scottish Pub.
Paul Reeves
Atlanta-based pop singer/songwriter (with a Christian message) who was raised in Savannah. He has recorded and released a couple of slick, impressive CDs of commercially viable and well-arranged tunes. Thurs., 8:30 pm, Tubby’s (Thunderbolt) + Sun., 6 pm, Savannah Christian Church.
Rick & (Liquid) Ginger
Unplugged show featuring key members of popular local bar band Liquid Ginger. This show doubles as a birthday celebration for one of this venue’s owners. Fri., 10 pm, Jen’s & Friends.
Mara Levi
Touring, nationally-known openly gay indie singer/songwriter whose story-songs feature two scoops of humor and snark. Sun., 8 pm, The Sentient Bean.
Skybox
Smart and goofy theatrical alt.pop that’s not afraid to wear its quirk on its sleeve. In fact that’s practically all they’re wearing. Over-the-top in the best way possible, and highly recommended for fans of TMBG, Ok Go and unrepentant Brian Wilson nuts who salivate over anything with falsetto harmonies. Thurs., 9 pm, The Sentient Bean - ALL-AGES.
Randy “Hatman” Smith
Solo acoustic guitarist playing a mixture of beach, boogie and blues hits to sequenced backing. Fri. - Sat., 7 pm, Stingray’s (Tybee).
Souls Harbor
This regionally-based original heavy rock and commercial metal band has been slugging it out for years in the area, and are finally starting to enjoy a following in Savannah. They’ll be joined by fellow South Carolina acts Number One Contender and Dear Enemy. Fri., 11 pm, The Jinx.
Tradewinds
Long-running local cover band playing Motown, Stax and shag favorites. Fri., 9 pm, Mansion on Forsyth Park.
The Train Wrecks
One of the more entertaining roots-rock acts in the area. They’ll soon release a debut CD of hopped-up Americana. Thurs. & Sat., 10 pm, Murphy’s Law.
The Greg Williams Band
Locally-based singer/songwriter who’s released a handful of solid rock, folk and blues-influenced albums, and has been well-received in L.A. and Nashville. Sat., 10 pm, Fiddler’s Crab House (River St.).