Blaggards
The latest installment of this pub’s Irish rock and punk concert series features this Tx.-based group that Paddy Rock Radio says “makes Flogging Molly look like a bunch of nancy boys.” Their 2005 debut CD was named the #2 album of its kind that year, and their ass-kicking, take-no-prisoners stage shows are becoming the stuff of minor legend. Fri. - Sat., 10 pm, Murphy’s Law Pub.
Delta Nove
This will be the 1st ever Savannah gig for this Long Beach, Ca. jam quintet whose latest studio album was engineered and produced by Mike Glines, who’s worked with Ben Harper, The Blind Boys of Alabama and Liz Phair, among others. The band’s music brings together disparate influences such as funk, rock, ska, reggae and even Brazillian folk music. In 2005, they were named one of the Top Ten Bands To See by noted industry website jambase.com, and this year they were named Orange County’s Best Live Act and Best Jam-Band. Fri., 10 pm, Locos Deli & Pub.
8th Annual Great Ogeechee Seafood Fest with Freddie Jackson & Eddie Money
The complete musical and event lineup for this yearly family-oriented celebration can be found online at www.goseafoodfestival.com, but here are some of the highlights: Friday, they’ve got Irish rockers Blacktorn, famous R & B crooner Freddie Jackson (!) and one of the area’s best-loved shag, beach and modern pop bands, The Swingin’ Medallions. Saturday night boasta a triple-whammy of award-winning local mainstream rock band Liquid Ginger, up-and-coming nationally-known female vocalist and songwriter Stacie Orrico, and —get this— the one and only Eddie Money! If you’ve never seen Money live in concert, dig it: he’s no washed up over the hill has-been from the ‘80s. His songs and his backing musicians still hold up well even in 2006. Sunday’s afternoon show features regional Christian pop group North of Here. J.F. Gregory Park (Richmond Hill).
Unknown Hinson
Although folks in the Charlotte, N.C. area may recognize this peculiar hybrid of Dracula, George Jones, Dave Alvin and Twin Peaks’ Leo Johnson as mild-mannered local music instructor Danny Baker, onstage, he’s a rip-snortin’, hellfire-breathin’ guitar demon with stick-on sideburns that resemble black velcro, a Western suit to die for, a mute manservant, and a crack band that back him up on blistering lead guitar workouts and misogynistic tunes about wife-beating and general malfeasance. Loved by everyone from The Simpsons’ Matt Groening to Tom Petty, everyone with a sense of ribald humor or a hankerin’ for some serious chops should catch his act at least once. Sat., 10 pm, The Jinx. ***
Scandalous CD Release
This local conscious rapper (who’s best known as a member of Sounds of Life Essential) celebrates his excellent new indie effort with a performance and listening party at this college-oriented hangout. Fri., 9 pm, Metro Coffee Shop.
The Slackers
The last time this veteran ska-punk band played in Savannah, their bass player got hauled off to the pokey just moments before they were to take the stage after “losing a little weight” in the alley behind the club on St. Patrick’s Day weekend. They soldiered on with a last minute replacement, but now they’re back. DJ Boss Harmony of the Dub Club opens the show. Wed., October 25, 10 pm, The Jinx.
Larry Stephenson’s Band
This member of Va.’s Country Music Hall of Fame plays one mean mandolin, and is yet another phenomenally-talented bluegrass artist who’s dropping by with his band to grace the small stage at this unpretentious alcohol and smoke-free listening room near the Mighty 8th Air Force History Museum. His last album stayed on the bluegrass charts for a solid year (!), and his brand new CD is already turning heads in the industry. Advance $20 tickets can be charged by calling 748-1930. Fri., 8 pm, Randy Wood’s Concert Hall (1304 E. Hwy 80, Bloomingdale) - ALL-AGES.
Jack West & Lalo Friedman
This potent duo were born and raised in Savannah but never met until they had each grown into professional, touring jazz musicians (ironically, based on opposite sides of the USA). West is a Ca.-based master of the unwieldy 8-string guitar. NYC’s Friedman is one of the rising stars on the vibraphone scene, and has earned raves for her inventive, mold-breaking approach to an instrument often overlooked by rock and even most jazz crowds. They both maintain vibrant solo careers, but word has it this duo format is elevating their work to new heights. Construction delays at this new space have kept them closed many weeks beyond their initial start date, and while the owners insist these shows will take place, my advice is to call ahead first (231-8369) to see if it’s really open for business. Fri. - Sat., 8 pm, Kokopelli’s Jazz Club (107 W. Broughton St.).
