Sarah Poole @The Rail
The Rail “side yard” has become one of the best places to hear music outdoors in the downtown area—and what’s a 4th of July weekend spent indoors? Savannah songstress Sarah Poole pairs acoustic guitar and brightly warm vocals to make her own blend of folk-pop.
Friday, July 3, 6 p.m
Donna Hopkins @The Shrimp Factory
As a kid, Alabamian Donna Hopkins would sneak out to the MGM Grand in Muscle Shoals to jam with members Aretha Franklin’s band. Her musical upbringing shows—the singer, songwriter, guitarist, and producer plays a nasty kind of mudslingin’ electric guitar, bluesy with a healthy heap of twang thrown on it. Paired with a soulful voice unflinchingly belting out songs of American struggle, Hopkins is not one to miss.
Saturday, July 4, 6 p.m., free
United We Strip @Ampersand
Stand up and salute Ampersand’s first-ever burlesque variety show!
Repping the Savannah Sweet Tease Burlesque Revue, the show features Erin GO Brahless, Sadie DeSade, and Jack N ThaCox. Guest performers include Dax ExclamationPoint, with Ford Fatale acting as Mistress of Ceremonies.
Of course it’s fun to watch, but the performers are ready to make the audience a part of the spectacle, too, with interactive games and prizes. Head to the second floor of the corner bar and get ready to celebrate freedom from the confines of apparel.
Saturday, July 4, doors at 10 p.m., show at 11 p.m., $5
Savannah Songwriters Series @Johnny Harris Restaurant
Jan Spillane, Dakota Woods, and Pete Love, and Ben Wells are the trifecta of talent on this month’s Savannah Songwriters Series (SSS) bill.
Savannah native Spillane has been performing since the age of 16, favoring jazz, folk, country, and blues influences.
Sunday marks Woods’ first-ever Savannah Songwriters Series performance. The 21-year-old self-taught guitarist previously played lead guitar in Savannah band Exit 76; look forward to hearing his gospel and country roots in this intimate performance.
An in-demand guitarist capable of playing a variety of genres, Love performs his own songs around town with bassist Dobby Simmons; true to SSS tradition, he’ll play solo for the evening.
A math teacher by day, Wells has performed alongside many musicians and bands (including Love and Spillane); he’s been writing his own material for two years.
Sunday, July 5, 6 p.m., free
Anni Piper @The Wormhole
Keep the party going into the week down at The Wormhole with Anni Piper. "Australia's First Lady of Blues" recently moved to Cocoa Beach, Florida; back home, she picked up bass at the age of 14, going on to study the craft at Southern Cross University and take home a "Best New Talent" award at the 2005 Australian Blues Music Awards for 2004's Jailbait.
Since then, she's consistently released house rocker records that highlight her bass talents as well as those of her tight band—organ strains and salty guitar licks pull the flavor out of her bass and let Piper stand front and center.
Piper brings her full band along for a rollicking time; her incredible skill paired with her robust vocals will make for an unforgettable Tuesday.
Tuesday, July 7, 10 p.m., $5
Crazy Man Crazy @The Jinx
Celebrate one of the most American sounds of all with a good dose of rockabilly music! Crazy Man Crazy breaks out stellar originals and good-timin' classics guaranteed to get you and yours on the dance floor.
Saturday, July 4, 10 p.m., donations
The Get Right Band @Congress Street Social Club
Fusing funk, reggae, soul, and good old fashioned rock 'n' roll, the party starts the minute The Get Right Band hits the stage. If you're looking to get out and dance on the eve of Independence Day, head to Social.
Friday, July 3, 10 p.m., free
