Appetite For Destruction
This professional tribute act works hard to replicate the look, feel and sound of vintage Guns ‘N’ Roses, playing everywhere from small bars to large venues like the Georgia Theatre in Athens. The very notion of a group of guys dressing up and cavorting around like Axl, Slash, Duff, Izzy and the rest of the boys back during their glory days will sound like heaven to some and hell to others. However, regardless of your particular take on the relative merits of the band they’re celebrating/impersonating, the sheer nerve of scaling down such epic arena monstrosities till they fit inside a chicken wing restaurant (no matter how upscale) are easily worth seeing in person. Hopefully this won’t also be a tribute to frontman Axl Rose’s notorious riot-inducing backstage tantrums and delays... Sat., 10 pm, Locos Deli & Pub (Downtown).
Don McLean, B, S & T (?) & The Hilton Head Symphony
Best known for the FM (and AM radio staple “American Pie,” McLean is a gifted singer/songwriter who’s seen his fortunes increased greatly by that albatross of a tune around his neck. Simply put, there’s much more to him than his one-hit wonder of a pop career would suggest. The acoustic guitarist will be backed by this talented orchestra, which should lend a greater import to his fragile and haunting melodies.
However, the opening lyric from Blood, Sweat & Tears’ signature hit “Spinning Wheel,” comes to mind with news of “their” appearance at this show. Frontman David Clayton-Thomas (who toured for 20 years under that band name despite lacking any other featured members of the group) is no longer involved, and while former Three Dog Night vocalist Chuck Negron inked a legal deal giving him rights to use the B, S & T name, his website lists no mention of this gig. So, who exactly will be onstage? Your guess is as good as mine. Wed., Aug. 30th, 8 pm, Centre Court @ Harbour Town (Hilton Head).
Dodd Ferrelle & The Tinfoil Stars
This local boy fronted the seminal Savannah cow-punk band Me ‘an Mills in the mid-’80s (with future Barbara Cue bassist Jon Mills), before moving to Athens and jumping into that city’s fabled indie-rock scene with a vengeance. With a raspy wheeze of a voice that’s one part Dylan, one part Steve Earle and three parts Kevn Kinney of Drivin-N-Cryin fame, and a slash-and-burn guitar style that suits his rootsy, poetic lyrics well, Ferrelle has matured into a seasoned Americana songwriter. This sympathetic band is easily the best he’s ever had, and they’re slowly making inroads on the national scene. Well worth a listen. Sat., 10 pm, Murphy’s Law.
Fever! Dance Party
A few years back, when The Captain (aka Patrick Rood) started spinning vinyl on Thursday nights at this live punk, rock and metal venue, he was still wet around the ears. Since moving to NYC, he’s become something of an up-and-comer on that city’s fabled club scene. Besides touring nationally, he’s mixed alongside notable turntablists like Junior Sanchez, and promoted a string of successful Big Apple dance events. For this special homecoming he’ll show off his newfound chops alongside NYC’s own Star Eyes and Atlanta’s DJ Reach Around. Expect electro house jams, crunk implosions and old-school disco out-freakage. Thurs., 10 pm, The Jinx.
Super Black Market
Put your money on this angry, insolent Kansas City “punk” band to at least graze the edges of major success in the coming year. They’ve got the energy, maturity, the songwriting chops and the flat-out sparks to engage the masses. Like to hear vocalists scream when it counts but sick of bullshit screamo bands that all sound alike? Like it when indie bands wail about sticking it to The Man, but sick of empty threats that ring hollow? Like the most furious moments of The Clash as well as the melodic edge of bands like Hot Water Music? Catch this set. Headliners The Cogburns are a hooky Atlanta garage-pop quartet (with matching last names and white shirts/black ties). They’re out in support of a brand-new indie CD, and will soon embark on a U.K. tour. Fri., 10 pm, The Jinx.
The Ben Tucker Trio
This show (sponsored by the Coastal Jazz Association) finds Savannah’s legendary bassist (and former sideman to Dexter Gordon, Herbie Mann, Buddy Rich and Quincy Jones) holding court with drummer Billy Hoffman and guitarist Bruce Spradley on a set of material they’re calling Illustrations In Jazz. The show is free for CJA members and $10 for the public — but, if you join the CJA while you’re there, your ticket price will be refunded! Sun., 5 pm, Cobblestone Conch House.