Bob Alberti & Ben Tucker
Alberti played with Les Browns Band of Renown, and worked with Bob Hope. Tucker was an in-demand session bassist in the 1960s, whos penned over 300 songs. They play vibrant jazz. Sun., 11:30 am, AquaSpace Restaurant at The Westin (Hutchinson Island).
Michael Amburgey
One half of the acclaimed local acoustic blues duo Amburgey & Hanson, this roots-oriented guitarist now enjoys a standing monthly gig at this venue, where he may be joined by unannounced guests. Thurs., 8 pm, The Sentient Bean.
Ballyhoo Orchestra
Progressive Groove Rock act from Atlanta that formed in 1996, but recently began touring in earnest. They lean heavily on improvisation based around classic and jam rock, and feature a 6-string bassist, and a classically-trained keyboardist. Sat., JJ Cagneys. Big Engine
This explosive Jacksonville, Florida cover band specializes in hard rock and Southern rock hits. They tend to pack this seafood restaurant and bar. Sat, 9:30 pm, The Oyster Bar (Wilmington Island). Bluesonics
Long-running and popular local trio offering tried-and-true, danceable electric blues shuffles and party tunes. Fri., 10 pm, Mercury Lounge.
Bottles & Cans
Hard and primitive blues from a local band featuring guitarist Ray Lundy, bassist Mike Walker, and harpman Marty Lockjaw Ellis. Drum duties are split between Jason Gecik and Jamie Gillespie. The group describes their sound as more T-Model Ford than T-Bone Walker… Thurs., Savannah Blues.
Brock Butler
Solo set from the guitarist/frontman of Perpetual Groove, a psychedelic jam band that is quickly gaining a foothold on the national touring scene. Wed. – Thurs., Locos Deli & Pub.
The Chris Chandler Trio
See Connect Recommends. Sat., 9 pm, Jazzd Tapas Bar.
Chuck Courtenay
Solo acoustic show from one member of The Courtenay Brothers, a local duo playing pop, rock and country hits. Wed., 7 pm, The Island Grill (Pt. Wentworth).
Jason Courtenay
Solo acoustic show from one member of The Courtenay Brothers, a local duo playing pop, rock and country hits. Wed., 7 pm, Driftaway Café (Wilmington Island).
The Courtenay Brothers
The whole enchilada. Thurs., 7 pm, Tubbys (Thunderbolt) + Fri., Fiddlers Crab House + Sat., 7:30 pm, Go Fish.
Eric Culberson Blues Band
Fiery guitarwork, impassioned vocals, and a set of originals and classics from the likes of Buddy Guy and Freddie King. Tues (hosts Open Mic) – Wed., Mercury Lounge + Thurs., JJ Cagneys.
Deas’ Guys
R & B, jazz and Motown hits from some of the islands best players. Sun., The Jazz Corner (Hilton Head).
The Robbie Ducey Blues Band
Solid guitarist and singer (with roots in Savannah) playing unpretentious modern blues thats informed by the work of Curtis Mayfield and ace crossover acts like Robert Cray. Sat., Savannah Blues. Frank Emerson
Popular acoustic covers and traditional Celtic tunes from an established guitarist and singer on the River Street nightlife scene. Wed. – Tues., Kevin Barrys.
Entropy
Excellent Southern jam group heavily influenced by vintage James Brown grooves, George Clintons P-Funk clan, and more modern hip-hop and worldbeat. They make a mighty, mighty ruckus, and they know how to land heavy on the one. Flagpole Magazine named them the Best Soul/R & B/Funk Band in Athens a few years back. Sat., Locos Deli & Pub. The Bob Erickson Band
The latest blues/rock/calypso groove project from this guitarist and singer whos previously been a featured member of both Souled Out and Bluesonics. Sat., 10 pm, Mercury Lounge.
Fetish Night
Like to get whipped? Like for other people to watch? This toned-down showcase for exhibitionists and voyeurs gives average folks a chance to pretend theyre living inside an episode of HBOs Real Sex. Endorsed by scenemaker Chris Cook, this resurrected weekly event has even brought Savannahs old-school goth figurehead DJ Elgie out of retirement to spin records associated with this scene. Thurs., Club One.
The Norm Gagne Quartet
Regional group, led by pianist Gagne, who specializes in mainstream, bop, hard bop and cool jazz. Fri. – Sat., 7 pm, The Jazz Corner (Hilton Head).
Kristin Gustafson
This classically-trained concert harpist breaks tradition by offering solo renditions of popular songs as well as her own compositions. Sat., 11 am, Café Mucha.
azel Virtue
Extremely popular regional alternative trio offering polished and atmospheric college rock with hints of Southern twang and Americana hidden amidst the radio-friendly fuzz. Sat., Fiddlers Crab House.
The Hitmen
Electric blues and R & B (both covers and originals). Wed. & Fri., Savannah Blues + Thurs., Locos Deli & Pub.
Keith & Ross
Acoustic duo offering well-known country and rock tunes, in a jam-friendly format. Thurs., Fiddlers Crab House.
The David Keller and Jackson Evans Jazz Duo
Local act featuring a veteran bassist whos worked with Gatemouth Brown, and an up-and-coming guitarist. Wed., 8 pm, The Sentient Bean.
Lauren Lapointe CD Release
See Music Interview. Sat., 8 pm, The Sentient Bean.
Maurice & Doubleday
Long-running variety band playing pop, rock and dance tunes from the past several decades. Sat., 7 pm, Baja Cantina (Skidaway Village Walk).
The Paper Champions
Determined Atlanta indie-rockers who get high marks for their manic live shows, and graced one of Deep Elms prestigious comps. Sat., The Jinx. ***
The Permanent Tourists
Hilton Head-based cover band specializing in rambunctious funk, soul and rock hits. Theyre a favorite on the private party and convention circuit. Fri. – Sat., Fusion/The Monkey Bar.
G.E. Perry & James Gay
Potent blues duo of Perrys jazz and rock-influenced guitar and Gays soulful harmonica. Wed., Fusion/The Monkey Bar + Sun., 8 pm, Jazzd Tapas Bar.
Rene Russell
This openly gay singer-songwriter from Columbia, South Carolina, has been a professional musician for the past 22 years. Shes lived in Atlanta, Nashville, Austin and San Diego, and has released two indie albums and opened for everyone from the Indigo Girls to Danielle Howle. Shes known for a formidable voice and a unique approach to the acoustic 12-string guitar. Thurs., 8 pm, The Sentient Bean. “Georgia” Kyle Shiver
Part of local acoustic trio The Back River Ramblers, and a veteran of the Boston folk scene, Shivers blues and folk-based material is quite above average. Wed., Fiddlers Crab House + Sat., 8 pm, The Sentient Bean.
Randy “Hatman” Smith
Solo artist playing beach, boogie and danceable blues hits with sequenced backing for what he calls a full band sound. Fri., 9 pm, The Oyster Bar (Wilmington Island).
The Soundmen
See Connect Recommends. Fri., JJ Cagneys.
Theodosia
Solo cover artist whose setlist boasts over 200 popular songs from the 50s to now. Thurs., Fusion/ The Monkey Bar.
Gail Thurmond
Piano jazz and show tunes from a true downtown fixture. Tues. – Sun., Planters Tavern (below The Olde Pink House).
Voodoo Soup
Killer hard rocking and soulful jam group featuring members of The Greg Williams Band and The Permanent Tourists. They give greasy funk and soul nuggets a workout. Wed., JJ Cagneys + Tues., Fiddlers Crab House.
The Whole Fantastic World
See Connect Recommends. Thurs., The Jinx.
WormsLoew
Young locals offering spirited takes on Widespread Panic, The Drive-By Truckers, Neil Young and Skynyrd, as well as originals heavily influenced by their heroes. Fri., OConnells Irish Pub. Yancy & The Breakneck Quartet
Local spoken word group. Fri., Locos Deli & Pub.
This article appears in Jan 19-26, 2005.