CATIE LAUSTEN + LAKIN CRAWFORD + SUSANNA KENNEDY @ EL ROCKO LOUNGE
THU AUG 17 | 9 PM
It may seem so, but it’s not always loud guitars and big, heavy sounds at El Rocko. Take this lineup, for example. Caitie Lausten (pictured) is a Richmond-based indie artist who plays dreamy pop and indie folk, with some jazzy elements sprinkled judiciously. Her Bandcamp is full of sweet singles and chill sounds, with and without her full band. Local troubadour Lakin Crawford’s singer/songwriter vibe has a bluesy melancholy when it isn’t more upbeat and danceable. Indie folk singer/songwriter Susanna Kennedy spent years in Costa Rica while her parents did missionary work and now calls Savannah home. She offers emotional melodies and lyrics informed by her unusual upbringing. With three acts that aren’t as loud as the average El Rocko show, let’s hope we can hear the artists over the tedious, incessant twaddle.
12TH PLANET @ ELAN SAVANNAH
FRI AUG 18 | 10 PM
After nearly 20 years in the genre, 12th Planet (born John Dadzie) has been heralded as a legit EDM pioneer. SPIN magazine has called him “the King of Dubstep'' and former music magazine Rolling Stone named him a “Los Angeles dubstep god.” Despite the latter’s sub-toilet status, that’s still some mighty praise. 12th Planet made his bones on early collaboration hits with Skrillex, Kill the Noise, and Plastician. Over the last decade-plus, he’s gone on to perform at Electric Daisy, SXSW, Lollapalooza and Coachella; remixed with Grand Puba, Dirtyphonics and dozens more; and appeared on a Diplo Mad Decent track. He represents LA with his SMOG Records label, a revamping of an events management company that handles all 12th Planet music, business and live shows. EDM fans are now entering an era where real, groundbreaking veterans of a relatively new musical genre are emerging. Bass and dubstep probably wouldn’t be quite what they are today without people like 12th Planet working it for so long. But they are because he did, and you can see how in a venue much more intimate than Electric Daisy.
IRRITATING JULIE @ COACH’S CORNER
FRI AUG 18 | 7 PM
First, the name of the regional live rock stalwarts conjured up a question or two: Is it the description of an ex? Or is it the description of what their nonstop rocking does to a significant other? The answer to that, along with “what band has the guts to cover Jimi Hendrix’s ‘Voodoo Chile 'after Stevie Ray Vaughn gave it its proper due 30 years ago?” may or may not be revealed at this Coach’s Corner appearance. But they do have stones to give “Voodoo Chile” a whirl in the past, and it is impressive. The three-piece sometimes has a second guitar, and leads are traded with speed and accuracy. Beaufort-based IJ has been playing about 100 regional shows a year for almost 15 years, giving audiences a variety of covers that rock, get a bit twangy and both (i.e., Sweet Home Alabama). Once again, Coach’s Corner knows their audience and keeps delivering.
DAVE STONE @ THE WORMHOLE
SAT AUG 19 | 8 PM
A stand-up comedian with a credit as a voice actor on a few episodes of Adult’s Swim’s Squidbillies might concern a potential attendee about comprehension. It’s funny as hell, but the mumbling, grunting Squidbillies are not known for enunciation. That Dave Stone speaks clearly — and is also funny as hell — says more about his talent. The LA-based comic, as seems to be obligatory by now, is also involved in two podcasts. He’s a co-host of the paranormal podcast "The Boogie Monster" with Kyle Kinane, and he co-hosts "The Stonebergs Podcast" with his wife Katie. His act is largely based on regular guy observations, like ridding your masculinity of toxins and not being a shithead. He’s an approachable storyteller, unafraid to make light of his size, Southern roots and his own insecurities. Stone’s full-length special “Pack a Lunch” is on YouTube, and that’s the best promotion there is.
EMBER CITY @ BARRELHOUSE SOUTH
SAT AUG 19 | 9 PM
A winner of Connect Savannah’s 2020 Best Metal Band, Ember City play it hard and heavy. Known primarily as a ‘90s-style grunge outfit with alternative and modern rock sensibilities, Ember City has been scorching the Hostess City and other parts of the Southeast since 2016. Fronted by bassist Sarah and axeman Ryan Taito, the band has a polished and very well-rehearsed sound. Their 2018 release “Invisible Ruler” showcases the band in the studio. As per usual, it’s the live show that is the true test, and Ember City passes with flying colors. Their originals mix well with the occasional covers, and they are familiar with the B-house South stage. Drunken comity abounds!
