THE MAXINES ALBUM RELEASE BASH @ SOUTHBOUND BREWERY
SAT OCT 14 | 7 PM
A little more than a year after forming, The Maxines are fully entrenched in the local scene, playing a deft mix of grunge, metal, and hard rock. Frontwoman AJ Gray has the pipes and stage presence to get attention, and the band is better than ever. The album they celebrate, Skin Tight, sounds excellent, with an unexpected classic thrash metal vibe, an extra crunchy guitar tone, and an ability to take it down to a slow burn. Many friends have been invited to the party, so arrive early because the 4:30 kickoff is a riot grrrl punk sandwich with Lefty Lucy from SC and Savannah’s Girlfriend from Hell bookending Atlanta’s indie rockers Pinto Sunshine. Fury in a Few, another Atlanta heavy band, follows. Locals Neckromance and Bastardane pummel the crowd before The Maxines take the stage to close it out. It’s an all-day party with food trucks, vats of beer, and hours of live music. Make a day of it.
GREGORY HAMILTON, BAROQUE LUTE AND THEORBO @ 6 EAST STATE
THUR & FRI OCT 12 & 13 | 7:30 PM
Bach Ascending presents the continuing Spotlight Series of free concerts. This week, they’ll answer the question “What in the world is that thing?” with Macon resident and Lute Society of America member Dr. Gregory Hamilton. You’ve seen a lute, but have you seen a baroque lute or a theorbo? Likely not, but you’ll love how they sound. Hamilton will play selections from Germain Pinel, Charles Hurel, and J.S. Bach. He’ll be joined for baroque duets on some songs by Bach Ascending artistic director Thomas J. White on the organization’s new harpsichord. Scarcity equals value; this show is free, and few people can play these instruments — an offer you can’t refuse.
JOANNE SHAW TAYLOR @ DISTRICT LIVEWED OCT 18 | 8 PM
The tradition of British blues guitarists who worship American Delta blues artists began in the mid-60s with guys like Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page, and Eric Clapton. While less well-known than those icons, Joanne Shaw Taylor is a continuation. Discovered by Dave Stewart of Eurythmics when she was 16, she’s grown over the last decade-plus into a solid performer with seven LPs released. Three-time Grammy Award-nominee Joe Bonamassa produced her last two, and both hit #1 on the Billboard Blues chart. If you enjoyed watching Ana Popović tear it up at Victory North or Forsyth Park, this show is for you.
UNIVERSAL FUNK ORCHESTRA @ THE WORMHOLE
SAT OCT 14 | 10 PM
The super tight four-piece rallies around a broad interpretation of funk expressions, seemingly unconstrained by convention and skilled at bringing a big, badonkadonk sound to any room. From the Latin hip-hop influence heard on “On the Rise” to the rollicking intensity of “Puff Puff Pass,” if you aren’t moving a song or two in, you might be dead. This Savannah show is the last stop on their tour before appearing at Hulaween with Trey A, Les Claypool’s Frog Brigade, and The String Cheese Incident. Send them off with a bang.
KICKLIGHTER + PARKS AND RAZZ @ EL ROCKO
SAT OCT 14 | 9 PM
Kicking around rural Woodbine, Ga., in the state’s extreme southeast, an alt-rock band with two sets of brothers eventually refined themselves to only the three Kicklighter brothers. Plans were made, a sound was developed, and then the world shut down. Upon reopening, the band tried a last-ditch effort and played a show in Jacksonville opening for Paramore drummer Aaron Gillespie. The show was a revelation, informing the brothers they were onto something. They also kept in touch with Gillespie, who took a shine to their originality and wanted to work with them. The result is their debut, Isn’t This So Fun? It is! Opener Parks and Razz are also fun. A staple on the Jacksonville scene, singer Lauren “Razz” Wessling is like DUVAAAAAL!!!’s version of our very own AJ Gray. She and guitarist Joshua Parks started their venture as a high school duo. It’s now a full five-piece band with a sound reminiscent of Velocity Girl and the Breeders.
This article appears in Connect Savannah | October, 2023.
