One of the things I like best about Savannah Stopover is the ease with which fans can curate their own experiences. Here are a few quick photos from my first night, this is just me. No one had quite the same experience. I didn’t even make it at all to two of the venues, and I missed a couple of acts that I was intrigued to hear, while still being thrilled by what I did experience.
Stopover kicked off its 5th year last night with a big party at the Morris Center at Trustees Garden on East Broad Street. Local surf rockers Wave Slaves go things rolling, and then Nashville-based Turbo Fruits put on a stellar rock show. I talked to several attendees who didn’t know Turbo Fruits at all who were blown away.
And then came Southern Culture on the Skids, who had not played Savannah in way over a decade. By the time they came on, there was a tremendous crowd, despite some rain and falling temps. I’ll have more to say about some of the opening night shows later, and we’ll certainly have more pics than these to post either in galleries here on the blog or on the hissing lawns Facebook page.
At that point, folks who had the energy to invest in the full opening night experience headed deeper into the Historic District. My first stop was Hang Fire for Corners from L.A. Wow, so good. Look for a full gallery in a few days.
Then I made a quick stop at Trinity United Methodist Church for some stellar musicianship by Hiss Golden Messenger, which had William Tyler playing on guitar.
And then to the second floor of Wild Wing Cafe for Avers from Richmond, Virginia — a high energy rock band with some spectacularly versatile musicians.
I got back to Hang Fire in time for just one song by Cobalt Cranes, so I’ll have to see more of them on their next trip. I wrapped up the night at The Jinx for PitchBlak Brass Brand, a crowd favorite last year who had the packed house dancing exuberantly.
A few acts had to cancel last night because of weather-related travel problems — ASTR, Horse Thief, and Gap Dream. Clear Plastic Masks has been rescheduled for 3/6.
Last night presented a lot of difficult choices, but the weekend is insane by comparison.