Savannah Stopover announces 2014 lineup (well, a lot of it)

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The full 2014 Savannah Stopover lineup, including a few headliners and participating local bands, won’t be released till January, but many of the acts were announced on Thursday night at The Jinx during a show headlined by Futurebirds. This would be a great lineup even if more bands weren’t going to be added to it. So much music, so little time.

Savannah Stopover, scheduled for March 6-8 and entering its 4th year, is an up and coming indie music festival that has been attracting considerable national attention and has become a favorite of musicians. (Really, who doesn’t want to come to Savannah in March?) The festival has its name because so many of the acts are “stopping over” on their way to SXSW the following weekend in Austin. Click here for tickets. [UPDATE: After some downtime, the Savannah Stopover website appears to be working fine again.]

In 2013, Savannah Stopover hosted a huge free party headlined by of Montreal in Forsyth Park. The 2014 community concert will be in Ellis Square on Saturday, March 8th. The lineup for that show has not been announced yet, but it should be a lovely Saturday — with the outdoor concert finishing before the action moves to the nearby clubs.

And here are the bands announced on Thursday (schedules are of course subject to change this far out; returning Stopover acts marked with an asterisk*):

  • Weekend
  • Small Black
  • Those Darlins
  • Speedy Ortiz
  • Public Service Broadcasting
  • Matrimony
  • The Weeks
  • Tweens
  • Ski Lodge
  • Ex Hex
  • Big UPS
  • Starlight Girls
  • Bear Hands
  • Miniature Tigers
  • St. Paul & The Broken Bones
  • Caitlin Rose
  • The Belle Game
  • Hurray for the Riff Raff
  • T Hardy Morris
  • Pile
  • You Won’t*
  • Clear Plastic Masks
  • Bleeding Rainbow
  • ARP
  • River Whyless*
  • Los Colognes
  • PitchBlak Brass Band
  • Milagres*
  • The Whiskey Gentry
  • this mountain*
  • Raccoon Fighter
  • Weekender
  • The Teen Age
  • Easter Island
  • Good Graeff
  • Thomas Wynn & The Believers
  • The Silver Palms

I don’t know all of these acts, but there are some that I’m especially excited about seeing, including:

Caitlin Rose:

The Weeks:

Public Service Broadcasting:

Public Service Broadcasting – Signal 30 from Alex Kemp on Vimeo.

Those Darlins:

But that’s just a quick sample. We’ll have previews of a number of performers that we’re most excited about in the weeks leading up to Stopover.

I’ve taken some photos of a few of these acts.

Here’s Matrimony at this year’s Revival Fest (another production of Stopover’s parent company MusicFile Productions):

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Kylesa forms new record label, Retro Futurist

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Lots of news from the Kylesa camp lately. In addition to an upcoming European tour, they’ve created a new record label, called Retro Futurist, announced the first bands signed to the label, and have scheduled their first releases starting in January.

The initial stable of artists include Savannah’s own Wet Socks, Sierra from Canada, Norway’s Jagged Vision, and Darkentries, out of Columbia, SC.

Retro Futurist is also offering a very limited edition 6 month record subscription, which includes the first 4 LP’s(all hand numbered on colored vinyl), an exclusive t-shirt, a Kylesa 7″ with handmade covers and a bunch of other goodies.

Here’s the trailer for the upcoming releases, which range in both sound and genre. Pretty cool.

Quintron and Miss Pussycat with Jane Jane at the Jinx – photos

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Usually the phrase “dance beats” will make me avoid a show (call it a character flaw), but for some reason I was curious about Quintron and Miss Pussycat. Boy, am I glad I went.

Jane Jane Pollock opened, and though I got too caught up in a couple of conversations to take many pictures (2, actually), I really enjoyed their set. They played a sort of loungey indie rock that would be on the soundtrack of a really cool movie, while a stylish light show was projected on them.

Miss Pussycat then put on a puppet show about baked goods. Interpret that however you would like and you’ll probably be right. It was…..interesting?

Quintron then came on and turned the Jinx into a “Swamp Tech” dance party. While Miss Pussycat played the maracas and sang, Quintron played a Hammond organ, manipulated a “mechanically-rotating, five-oscillator, light-activated drum machine” that he invented, played the hi-hat with one foot, and sang a dirty, garagey mix of R+B and soul. To be honest, I’m not sure I understood everything he was doing musically on stage but whatever it was, it had the crowd moving immediately and the dancing continued through the entire set. It was a really fun night and I wouldn’t hesitate to see Quintron again when he comes back through town.

A couple pictures here, a handful more after the jump.

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Larry Jack’s Magical Music Tour 11/19/13-11/24/13

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Hey guys,

A new week, a new blog.  I do hope that some of you reading this get to make it out to a show or two this week.  I think I will try adding in a “most excited about” show recommendation or two weekly.  Of course, sometimes I will get it wrong and pick a so-so show, so bear with me, I hope to be right most of the time.
This week’s picks and recommendations:

Tuesday 11/19/13
Arpetrio, Omingnome – Wormhole (9pm); Omingnome’s last show before their tour.  Arpetrio is an electronica band.

Wednesday 11/20/13
Os Mutantes, Capsula – Dollhouse Studios – Although the location has been open for a while, I haven’t made it to Dollhouse yet.  This show looks like my chance.  Os Mutants are a 60’s Brazillian psychedelic band.  Seeing as I have never seen Brazillian Psychedelia, this is gonna be my pick of the week.  This show was recommended by Ray Lundy, that make me really look forward to it.

Thursday 11/21/13
Futurebirds, New Madrid, Triathalon – Jinx – Stopover Band Announcement – Triathalon (10p), Announcement (10:40), New Madrid (11p), Futurebirds (12mn)  – I have never seen the Futurebirds, but I know if Kayne and the Stopover folks picked them, they will be good.  And don’t forget, it’s your last chance for early-bird discount tickets for the Savannah Stopover.
New Familiars – Molly MacPherson’s – I will be slipping down to Molly’s during a break to catch this great Americana band from North Carolina.

Friday 11/22/13
Eric Culberson – Rail Pub (6-9)
Danielle Hicks & The 8 Ohm Resistance – Moon River (6-9)
Magic Rocks – Warehouse (8p) – Fun 70’s & 80’s covers.  And you get to see drunk tourists dance.
Hypnotics – Molly MacPherson’s (10p) – Garage rock trio.
Ross Fish, Wet Socks, Blackrune, Rotten Blush – Hang Fire (9:30)
Scott H. Biram – Jinx (10p) – The Dirty Old One Man Band.  That really says it all.

Saturday 11/23/13
Michael Allman Band – Wormhole (8p) – Gregg’s son.  Annie Allman is playing with the opening act.  I have been told that this is going to be a good show, looking forward to it.

Wet Socks, Sauna Heat, ForcedEntry – The Barbershop (34th & Bull) – 8pm

Bottles & Cans – Blowin Smoke (7p)
Train Wrecks – Molly MacPherson’s (10p)
Sweet Knevil – Congress Street Social Club (10p) – Funk-jam band from Athens.

Sunday 11/24/13
Lyn Avenue – City Market (5:30) – Savannah band, country-rock, female lead singer.  Haven’t seen them yet.

The Michael Allman Band plays first Savannah gig at The Wormhole on Saturday

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This is a guest post by Liz Henderson:

A couple of weeks ago, I was dancing in the streets of Crystal River (FL) at the Stone Crab Fest as The Michael Allman Band rocked the stage and the audience. If you are wondering who Michael Allman is, well he’s the son of a legend and his name invites the obvious comparison to his dad Gregg. However, Michael is a talented individual in his own right and a rightful continuation of the Allman legacy.

His band opened with “Elizabeth Reed” and scattered other Allman Brothers classics like “One Way Out,” “Statesboro Blues,” and Michael’s favorite “Soulshine” throughout the show. Yes, there are hints of his father’s voice, but Michael has a voice that can stand on its own merits. He eased from the soulful sound of “Circus Full of Clowns” into gritty blues tune “Mule Named Whiskey.” And, it’s through these original songs, which he says are “written to express his true feelings, true stories, and reality,” where he really shines.

“My life story made me ready to sing the blues,” he said. Exuding a laid-back stage presence, Michael appeared to enjoy both the music and the audience, tossing out jokes between songs. Best of all, he came across as just a genuinely nice guy in a world where egos often reign.

MAB

Michael has surrounded himself with a standout group of musicians: Rafaello Tazmaco Siacca (bass), Artie Wilder (drums), Mark Shane (lead guitar), Ronnie Ray (rhythm and lead guitar), and Lonny Sarao (keyboards). There was an obvious chemistry between Michael and the band, as well as among the band members themselves. The high caliber of the band was evident as each member was showcased at one point or another throughout the show.

With “Whipping Post” playing in the background, I wondered aloud what it would take to get this group to Savannah. It didn’t take long to get an answer. Michael’s friend and roadie Ted Anders informed me that they would be here in Savannah on Saturday, November 23 at the Wormhole.

I already have my tickets. You’ll find me in that crowd dancing right up by the stage.

Tickets for The Michael Allman Band show are available here. General admission is $20, discounted advance tickets are $10. The Wormhole is offering a limited number of VIP tickets and table reservations.

Click here to visit The Michael Allman Band on Facebook. Click here for the Facebook event invitation.

Looking ahead to 2014: Lucero at The Jinx with Jonny Fritz

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Over the next month or so, we’ll be spotlighting a few of the big gigs coming up in 2014.

In a few days, Savannah Stopover will announce part of the 2014 lineup at a gig headlined by Futurebirds (more on that coming up in a post right away).

The Savannah Music Festival has already announced most of its 2014 lineup — click here for our post about that.

And tickets are already on sale for the Monday, Jan. 27 gig with Lucero and Jonny Fritz at The Jinx. Click here for the Facebook invite.

Here’s “Women & Work”:

I didn’t think I had heard of Jonny Fritz, but he was Jonny Corndawg, who played The Jinx back in 2011. It was an excellent set — he’ll be perfect opening for Lucero.

Heyrocco headlines Hang Fire on Saturday night

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In my column in Do this week, I wrote about the show tonight at Hang Fire headlined by Heyrocco from Charleston. And I’ve posted about the band a few times over the last couple of years, including here and here at hissing lawns.

Tonight’s show is another No Control Party (those efforts led by Angel Bond of CUSSES), and also includes DAMS, Hudson K, and Fare the Gap.

Here’s one of the videos that captures the somewhat-dark, high energy, occasionally angsty pop from Heyrocco’s recent Audiotree session in Chicago:

I’ve also taken some pics of the band in gigs at The Sparetime, at the No Control Fest last year at Southern Pine Company, at Taco Abajo for the 2013 Savannah Stopover, and even at a couple of house shows.

Here’s one, with more after the jump:

Heyrocco_No_Control-8

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Kylesa releases new video

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Kylesa released a video today for Low Tide, one of the more mellow cuts off of this year’s excellent Ultraviolet. While the band often straddles the line between sludge metal and psychedelic rock, Low Tide is decidedly on the trippier side of things. The video is accordingly a strange and winding journey. Check it out.

This also seems like as good of a reason as any to post some photos from their free show at Dollhouse earlier in the year. More pics after the jump.

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Velvet Caravan launches Kickstarter for 1st album

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If you have not heard Velvet Caravan, then you don’t really know what you’re missing. I was lucky to catch one of the sets that the group played beside the fountain in Forsyth Park at the recent Shalom Y’All Jewish Food Festival, but I guess I’ve seen them in at least half a dozen other venues over the last couple of years.

Check out this really excellent documentary video produced and directed by Peter Marra for Velvet Caravan’s “Acoustic in Nature” Kickstarter campaign.

From the campaign description:

After forming Velvet Caravan organically almost two years ago, we have decided to record an album capturing the essences of our unique style. Gypsy, Gypsy-Jazz, Honky-Tonk, Latin and Swing seem like an impossible musical combination, but after many months of playing together, an interesting sound has evolved. The style can be called a lot of things, but we always seem to best describe it as European Redneck Music.

This CD was recorded within three evenings with Kevin Rose, owner of Elevated Basement Recording Studio and the chief sound & recording engineer for the internationally-acclaimed Savannah Music Festival. Not ones to do things traditionally, we recorded all the songs onstage at Savannah’s historic Lucas Theatre. The natural acoustic environment (designed specifically for non-amplified instruments) proved essential in capturing the high energy of our live performances onto this album.

So click on through to the campaign and give Velvet Caravan a boost:

Click here for Velvet Caravan’s website.

Megan Jean and The KFB hit The 5 Spot on Friday

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The 5 Spot in Habersham Village isn’t typically at the top of our list for live music recommendations, but the casual neighborhood restaurant and bar seems to have been putting a little more emphasis on its booking lately.

Case in point: Megan Jean and The KFB (the Klay Family Band) plays The 5 Spot on Friday evening.

The duo seems to spend the better part of the year on the road, with regular stops in Savannah. I haven’t caught a gig in a while, however. I guess the last time was at Live Wire Music Hall (now closed).

Larry Jack already has recommended Megan Jean and The KFB as one of his picks for the week.

Check out this truly awesome video for “These Bones”:

Larry Jack’s Magical Music Tour 11/12/13-11/18/13

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I hope some of you made it out this weekend, there was some pretty good shows.  And Jackyl was at Forsyth Park on Saturday morning, definitely a Spinal Tap moment. There were a few good shows at Hang Fire (Fare The Gap and Buffalo Rodeo) and a very good bluegrass show at Congress Street Social Club from Seven Handle Circus. And the S.O.A.P! show at Molly MacPherson’s turned into a big party, what fun!

There are several interesting looking shows coming up this week. It looks like a week to put on your dancing shoes, lots of funk.  Here are my plans/recommendations. And don’t forget to check later, I will try to update as I get new information.

Tuesday 12th
Zachary Smith & Colleen Heine – Foxy Loxy – Half of the Accomplices at this great venue.  It will be cold, so I bet it’s gonna be inside, which I like even better.

Wednesday 13th
Epic Cycle – Warehouse

Thursday 14th
Jon Lee’s Apparitions – Warehouse – Guitar rock from Jonathan Murphy and company.  They always put on a good show.

Danielle Hicks and The 8 Ohm Resistance – Zunzi’s II
Pillow Talk – Congress Street Social Club (10p) – R&B, boogie and house music.  May be worth checking them out.

Friday 15th
Bottles & Cans – Rail Pub Courtyard (6-9p) – Electric blues.  One of the best bands around town, be sure to catch them whenever you can.

Megan Jean & The KFB – The 5 Spot (8:30p)  – Husband and wife duo.  Gypsy-rock with a female washboard player.  Should be worth the ride to Habersham Village.

Epic Cycle Acoustic – Flip Flop Tiki Bar (9:30-1a) – Rare acoustic show with one of my favorite bands.
El Dub – Molly MacPherson’s (10p) – One-man funky reggae loops. Sounds interesting, I will probably stop by for a while.
Stereo Reform – Congress Street Social Club (10p) – Dance-rock.  I’ve seen them before, they’re pretty good.
Quintron & Miss Pussycat, Jane Pollock – The Jinx (10p) – Swamp tech.  Husband and wife duo, he is a solo instrumentalist, playing a Hammond Organ and several other instruments simultaneously.  The website says that he has invented several instruments.  Sounds like a good way to end the evening.

Saturday 16th

Telfair Babies – Telfair Square (Telfair Art Festival) (10-11:30a)

City Hotel – River Street Food & Wine Festival (12-3p)
Epic Cycle – Molly MacPherson’s (10p)
Funk You – Congress Street Social Club (10p) – Funk, reggae, jazz, and hip hop.  And a great name.
Dams, Heyrocco, Hudson K – Hang Fire – I’ll probably drop by here sometime during the night,  YouTube samples sounded pretty good.
Jason Bible – Zunzi’s II

 Monday 18th

Brett Trammell & Ben Keiser – Warehouse (7p)

Craig Tanner & Mr. Williams – Abe’s On Lincoln – Open Mic (9p)

The Casket Girls releases trailer for upcoming album, “True Love Kills the Fairy Tale”

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I love the increasingly lush and eerie sound of The Casket Girls on this new trailer for the upcoming album True Love Kills the Fairy Tale, scheduled for release on Graveface Records on Feb. 11th: