The Kevin Bales Quartet
This award-winning pianist and celebrated music professor is a major player on the Florida jazz scene. Hes played with everyone from Bunky Green to Marcus Printup, and his combo is one of the most popular regional acts to play this swanky supper club. Fri. – Sat., 7:30 pm, The Jazz Corner (Hilton Head).
The Jeff Beasley Band
Electric blues, and early (50s) rock & roll (think Buddy Holly, Roy Orbison, Elvis) from one of the leaders of Too Blue. Fri. – Sat., 10 pm, Mercury Lounge. Bottles & Cans
Fun, energetic and unpredictable Delta blues-inspired quartet that roars through standards and obscurities (including some borderline rock tunes) with abandon. Wed. & Fri., 10 pm, Savannah Blues + Sun., 10 pm, Mercury Lounge (unplugged set as Acoustic Ladyland).
Brock & Albert (of P-Groove)
Laid-back set from two members of Savannahs most well-known jam-rock exports, Perpetual Groove. Wed., Locos Deli & Pub (Downtown).
Tim Brooks & The Alien Sharecroppers
This fiery, award-winning slide guitarist from Macon brings a lot of Duane Allman and Dicky Betts to his role as leader of this Southern rock and boogie outfit. Sat., 10 pm, Savannah Blues.
The Chris Chandler Band
Jazz, standards, swing and pop from a well-liked local pianist. Fri., 9 pm, Jazzd Tapas Bar.
Eat Mo’ Music
Instrumental quintet (of trumpet, trombone, bass, drums and guitar) playing funky, rocking soul jazz. Sat., 9 pm, Jazzd Tapas Bar.
Black Tusk, White Boy Craziness
Double bill of metal and crust-punk sponsored by the new Fairmont Skateboard Shop in City Market. Fri., 10 pm, The Jinx.
Bill Hodgson
Solo acoustic covers show by a veteran local guitarist and singer playing everything from The Beatles to Burt Bacharach. Fri., 10 pm, The Underground @ Churchills Pub.
Mama’s Mojo
Uptempo Chicago-style electric blues featuring former members of Bluesonics. Fri., 8 pm, Augies (Richmond Hill).
Liquid Ginger (Unplugged)
Popular local modern rock and pop (covers and originals) in an acoustic format. The next day at noon, the full band plays an outdoor gig at the Crossroads Fitness Center in Richmond Hill. Fri., 9:30 pm, Scandals (Tybee) + Sat., 7 pm, Uncle Bubbas Oyster House.
Sam Shaber, Edie Carey
Buzz-worthy and award-winning songwriter/guitarist working out new material for an upcoming live CD (her last studio effort was produced by Shawn Mullins). Her strong local ties have made this venue a favorite stop for her, and for this gig, shell sing songs with Carey, her friend and opener. Mon., 8 pm, The Sentient Bean.
Morgan Shaffer
This hotel lounges weekly vocal showcase, featuring a local known by many as The Singing Bartender at The Lady & Sons Restaurant. Shell sing sultry jazz backed by pianist Peter Tavalin and upright bassist Dave Keller.Thurs., 7 pm, The Mansion on Forsyth Park.
Silver Lining
Local trio playing unique arrangements of dance-oriented pop, funk and soul covers.Sat., 9 pm, The Mansion on Forsyth Park.
Southpaw
Tight regional band playing modern and classic country and honky-tonk. Fri. – Sat., 9 pm, Tommys (Pooler).
Tradewinds
Motown, shag and soul covers. Fri., 8:30 pm, Pogys (Richmond Hill).
Voodoo Soup
High-energy funk/rock/jam hybrid with a killer rhythm section. Thurs., 10 pm, Mercury Lounge.
Greg Williams
Prolific and accomplished local guitarist/songwriter playing acoustic rock, folk and clues covers and originals. Thurs., 5 pm, Tubbys (River St.) + Fri., 10 pm, Jens & Friends.
This article appears in Feb 1-8, 2006.