I’m not going to Shaky Knees this weekend in Atlanta, but Anna Chandler and Peterson Worrell will be there and provide coverage of the festival here at hissing lawns. It’s the first time any of our writers or photographers have “officially” covered out of town gigs (the blog is just 8 months old), but we’re excited about expanding our offerings. (Click here for Anna’s big preview.)
I’m really impressed with the Shaky Knees lineup, and I was especially struck by the number of acts that have come through Savannah in recent years — and I was struck even more by the number that I’ve been lucky to see in relatively small venues, up close and personal. No, you aren’t going to see Alabama Shakes or The National at The Jinx or Hang Fire, but at this point in my life I’ll take a lesser known act in an intimate bar over a bigger name in a cavernous venue any day.
So here’s the Shaky Knees lineup, with all the bands in bold that have played Savannah in recent years. I’m adding notes here and there. By the way, I’m almost certainly leaving some out, so please feel free to add details and corrections in the comments.
A few conclusions I’m tempted to draw as I look at this list: 1) in just a few short years Savannah Stopover has been booking up-and-coming talent with big things ahead, 2) on any given tour, some well-known bands might be willing to play some intimate venues in a smallish city like Savannah, and 3) Shaky Knees attendees could have an amazing weekend even if they skip the headliners (but you’d be crazy actually to do that).