Music Menu

"A Very Drrty Christmas"

See Connect Recommends. Sat., The Jinx.

 

Bluesonics

This long-running electric blues group has seen several lineup changes over the years, and their current roster includes drummer and vocalist Ken Harrison, bassist Brian Prewitt, and guitarist Steve Laidlaw. They’re known for uptempo shuffles and crowd-pleasing, big-city jump blues. Fri., 10 pm, Mercury Lounge.

 

Eric Britt

Solo acoustic set from the frontman and key songwriter of regional alternative rock band Hazel Virtue. Wed. (hosts Open Mic), O’Connell’s Irish Pub + Sat., 9 pm, Pepper’s Cantina.

Chris Cook's "Winter Wonderland"

Theme party featuring a visit from “Santa”, costume contests, and plenty of ribald giveaways. DJ Kiah provides the music. Fri., 10 pm, Velouria.

Chuck Courtenay

Solo acoustic show from one member of The Courtenay Brothers, a local duo of real-life siblings who play pop, rock and country hits, sometimes using sequenced backing tracks to emulate a full band. Wed., 7 pm, The Island Grill (Port Wentworth).

Jason Courtenay

Solo acoustic show from another member of The Courtenay Brothers, a local duo of real-life siblings who play pop, rock and country hits, sometimes using sequenced backing tracks to emulate a full band. Wed., 7 pm, Driftaway Café (Wilmington Island).

The Courtenay Brothers

You do the math. Fri., 7 pm, Mary’s Seafood & Steaks.

Eric Culberson Blues Band

Locally-based electric blues guitarist and singer in the vein of Freddie King. He’s been a popular draw for well over a decade in our immediate region, and has earned followings as far away as Buffalo, New York. His funky, high-energy trio tours the East Coast regularly, and will soon release a new live CD recorded at Florida club The Bamboo Room. Tues. (hosts Open Mic) - Wed., Mercury Lounge + Thurs. - Sat., JJ Cagney’s.

Eat Mo’ Music

New local jazz combo featuring transplanted Vermont trumpeter John Tisbert, bassist Doug Povie (formerly of Spluff KatÜnga), guitarist John Conner, ace drummer Eric Vaughn and Tony Jackson. They’ll be playing a mixture of bebop, blues and funk. Sat., 9 pm, Jazz’d Tapas Bar.

Jacey Falk & His Revue

Savannah vocalist and raconteur who broke into the NYC jazz scene and returned with an impressive debut CD. His live backing group features a rotating cast of some of Savannah and Charleston’s most seasoned players. Expect swinging bop and jive. Fri., 9 pm, Jazz’d Tapas Bar.

Trae Gurley's Sinatra Tribute

Local thespian and singer who has crafted a love letter to Ol’ Blue Eyes’ heyday. He sings live to instrumental tracks that replicate Frank’s lush, big band period, but adds his own feel into the show, rather than slavishly aping the once-great vocalist. He’s obviously a big fan of the work and his “Swoonatra” show has become quite popular around town. Wed., 7 pm, Tango (Tybee) + Thurs., 7:30 pm, Jazz’d Tapas Bar.

Hazel Virtue

One of the most polished and ambitious alternative rock bands in the region, their recorded output combines radio-friendly guitar hooks and tight vocal harmonies. The overall style verges on modern psychedelia, but is obviously inspired a bit by Southern roots rock. Fri., O’Connell’s Irish Pub.

Malcom Holcombe

See Connect Recommends. Sat., 8 pm, The Sentient Bean.

Industrial Resurrection

Goth Night at this alternative dance club, hosted by old-school wax-wrangler DJ Elgie. Thurs., Club One (18+).

Joe Nelson’s Old-Time Jam

Amateur and pro string musicians are welcome at this cross between a study session and an open mic. Musicologist Nelson serves up a little history on Old-Time (pre-1930s) Americana – or mountain music – and then all join in on group renditions of classic tunes from the days when records were actually made of shellac. Mon., 7 pm, The Sentient Bean.

Meika Pauley

Things are really happening for this rising star on the contemporary folk scene. The singer and guitarist just won the prestigious Rocky Mountain Folks Festival Songwriting Showcase, and she won a national competition to have one of her songs included on a Starbuck’s Coffee CD compilation that benefits charity. As if that weren’t enough, she opened up for Eric Clapton this past July. Only 23, this longtime Harvard Square busker has been well-received in this market and has begun to make this venue a regular stop on her neverending tour. Tues., 8 pm, The Sentient Bean.

The Permanent Tourists

Tight, polished show band offering dance-oriented rock, soul and funk hits. Their bass player has a tremendous singing voice, and I’m told he recently gigged with the legendary MG’s guitarist Steve Cropper in Nashville. One of the best such groups in the area. Fri. - Sat., The Oyster Bar (Wilmington Island).

The Bobby Ryder Quartet

Vocalist Ryder has spent decades on the live jazz circuit, playing everywhere from the famed Peppermint Lounge to Radio City Music Hall. Now that he’s taken up residence in Hilton Head, he holds court at this cozy supper club on a regular basis. His show includes a variety of swing, blues and jazz numbers that’s heavy on the Sinatra, all of which are filtered through the time-honored tradition of “the lounge singer.” Fri. - Sat., 7 pm, The Jazz Corner (Hilton Head).

The Songwriters’ Circle w/Angie Aparo, Billy Blair, Martin Lesch

See Connect Recommends. Sun., 11 pm, The Jazz Corner (Hilton Head).

The Lavon Stevens Quartet featuring Louise Spencer

Stevens is a multi-instrumentalist who divides his time between this jazz-based combo, and his gig as artist-in-residence at Hilton Head’s Okatie Elementary School. For this performance (billed as a special Christmas show) he’ll be joined by vocalist Spencer. Thurs., The Jazz Corner (Hilton Head).

 

Gail Thurmond

Respelendent takes on piano jazz and show tune standards from a fixture on the downtown scene, who’s headlined this cozy basement bar for over 11 years. Tues. - Sun., Planters Tavern (below The Olde Pink House).

Two Blue

Local blues act featuring an ace harp player ad vocalist who works the crowd like an old pro, and is well-versed in the style of such greats as Little Walter. Fri., 9 pm, Pepper’s Cantina. + Sat., 10 pm, Mercury Lounge.



Voodoo Soup

High-energy funk and soul jam group that’s known for extended workouts on scores of classic rock and R & B nuggets. Their lineup features members of The Permanent Tourists and The Six Million Dollar Band. Wed., JJ Cagney’s.

The Earl Williams Quartet

A wide variety of uptempo blues, jazz and danceable R & B. Wed., The Jazz Corner (Hilton Head).

Greg Williams & Friends

Prolific local singer/songwriter, known for his commanding presence, and his varied catalog of original material as well as well-known rock, blues and contemporary folk tunes. Tues. (hosts Open Mic), JJ Cagney’s.

WormsLoew

Charity benefit to raise money for the ailing Matt Anderson. See Music Interview. Fri., 9 pm, Café Loco (Tybee).