A Decent Animal, Lando
Need a fix of atmospheric, textured indie-rock that’s as good as any you’ll find on the small club scene? Dig this double bill of Charleston’s ADA (somber, committed, minor-key melodrama a la Radiohead or an even less content Shins) and Savannah’s own Lando, a SCAD-based group cut from the same basic cloth, but with a harder edge (they sub piano/keyboards for ADA’s pedal steel and sax) and a more pleading lyrical approach. This is the kind of show we should see in area rock clubs, but for some inexplicable reason only seems welcome at local java huts. Fri., 8 pm, The Sentient Bean Coffeehouse - ALL-AGES.
First Friday for Folk Music
When local songstress Melanie Mirande performed at the debut installment of this coffeehouse-style acoustic music showcase over a decade ago, she likely could not imagine that it would go on to become almost an institution among area folk music fans from young to old.
Each month, The Savannah Folk Music Society hosts local, regional and national artists in a family-oriented (no smoking or alcohol allowed) environment. The shows are free to ALL-AGES with a suggested donation of $2 to the SFMS. The musicians earn money of sales of their CDs and merchandise at the gig, and the Society offers home-baked snacks and soft drinks.
This time out, in addition to Mirande’s mix of both modern and traditional folk and protest tunes, award-winning Va.-based singer/songwriter Ron Fetner (who’s opened for such major acts as Dire Straits and The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band) stops by on his way to Fla.’s prestigious Gamble Rogers Folk Fest. Also on the bill: husband and wife Rhett and Jill McAllister of Atlanta, who perform together under the moniker Arlington Priest. Fri., 7:30 pm, Wesley Monumental United Methodist Church (429 Abercorn St.) - ALL-AGES.
Michael Glabicki
A return appearance by this captivating and charismatic singer/songwriter and guitarist who came to prominence in the ‘90s as the frontman of Rusted Root, a genre-defying Pa.-based alt.rock group with an overt, polyrhythmic world-beat influence. He now divides his time between that group and his own shows which at times project an intense, almost Bono-like fervor. Wed., May 9, Wild Wing Café.
Kingsbury
Of late, The Bean seems intent at cornering the market on sonically ambitious, multi-layered, post-rock, and this booking is no exception. Vaguely trippy, this delay-drenched Fla. quintet’s hushed, pocket symphonic-leaning odes to disaffection are loads more engaging than most of the bellowing metalcore and shallow, angsty rants that pass for youthful conviction these days. A bit meandering at times, but then, so is life. Wed., May 9, 8 pm, The Sentient Bean Coffeehouse - ALL-AGES.
Savannah Sinfonietta
This year’s annual Jack Malitz and Miriam Slotin Levy Memorial Concert features popular classical overtures and Broadway showtunes by this celebrated area ensemble, plus guest appearances by local vocalists. Better yet, it’s free and open to the public! Sun., 3 pm, Jewish Education Alliance (5111 Abercorn St.).
The Al Maniscalo Quartet
When not playing with the likes of Tony Bennett, Branford Marsalis and Chuck Mangione, this ace, Fla.-based saxman leads what has been described as one of the Southeast’s premier jazz combos. The lineup for this gig features pianist Josh Bowlus, bassist Ricky Ravelo, and drummer Von Barlow — all regional standouts. $10 cover per set. Fri. - Sat., 9 pm, 10:30 pm, midnight, Kokopelli’s Jazz Club.
Gentry Morris
Born in Ga., but now based in Nashville, this singing guitarist and songwriter was weaned on CCR and James Taylor, but now draws at least as much inspiration from John Mayer and Jason Mraz (don’t they all?). His catchy, uptempo acousti-pop/rock is noticeably more accomplished and well-crafted than that of the myriad of similar artists crowding the circuit these days, and this gig might make a welcome introduction to both a promising talent and an out-of-the-way new venue. Wed., May 9, Monkey Love Coffee House (Pooler) - ALL-AGES.
Charlie Sizemore & Band
Before this acclaimed bluegrass singer and guitarist took time off to earn a law degree, he was the great Ralph Stanley’s lead vocalist. His latest CD on the Rebel Records label is a tribute to songwriter Tom T. Hall (featuring Dove Award-nominated gospel cut). Charge $20 advance tickets at 748-1930. Fri., 8 pm, Randy Wood’s Concert Hall (1304 E. Hwy 80, Bloomingdale) - ALL-AGES.
