EIL's All Access Pass to Live Music

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Shakespeare said “The earth has music for those who listen.” It certainly isn’t hard to find if you live on St. Simons Island, and I’m not just talking about the symphony of crashing waves. From

amateurs testing their skills before an audience on open mic nights to Grammy-award winning artists in our backyard, we have a rich local music scene if you just know where to look. For those of you who might need a guide to find the music that moves you, we’re here to lead the way.

What many people don’t realize is that there is live music happening locally every single night of the week. That’s right…EVERY night.

WEEKLY MUSIC SCENE

Monday nights at Palm Coast Coffee Café & Pub mean Open Mic Night. This musical showcase is not only popular with budding performers but also with veteran musicians who want to jam with others. If you’re a blues fan, you can get a real taste of the Delta on Monday nights when bluesman Gitlo Lee plays at Moondoggy’s Pizza & Pub in Brunswick.

On Tuesday night, Open Mic Night moves to Historic Downtown Brunswick’s hottest music spot, Tipsy McSway’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill. Hosted by veteran musicians and special performers, this fantastic free-for-all has been the birthplace of some magical musical collaborations and a launch pad for some local performers. **UPDATE - As of the end of February, Tipsy's Open Mic Night has been discontinued. It may be scheduled again in the future, if there's enough interest, so if you want it to happen, make some noise.**

Things are pretty quiet around town on Wednesday night, but if you take a little ride up to Skipper’s Fish Camp in Darien, there’s always some good acoustic music in the oyster bar between 6-9pm. If you’d rather have a big, juicy steak, it just happens to be Steak Night at Captain Stan’s Smokehouse in Woodbine, and that means there’s live music while you enjoy your dinner “behind the magic fence.”

Thursdays are for weekend pre-gaming. Tony and Beth Adams have a running gig at The Club at Bennie’s Red Barn, and are often joined by our favorite trop-rocker Leo Dean. The Pub at Village Inn has live music every weekend that begins on Thursday. If you like Jack Johnson, chances are you’ll love Owen Plant, Sea Island's musician in residence whose laid back acoustic performances with a unique Caribbean flair are a highlight of the Thursdays he plays at Palm Coast Coffee. Another sunny spirit with a beautiful voice, Jamie Walker, can sometimes be found strumming her ukulele at Tipsy’s on Thursday evenings as well. Marc Andress and Randy Reynolds have revived Thursday Open Mic Nights at Locos Grill and Pub and are now beginning to record these sessions, so if you’re a singer or musician who wants to jam, get out there!

Every Friday and Saturday, there are AT LEAST a dozen local venues hosting live music. St. Simons Island locations include all of those listed above, as well as Brogen’s North (and during the height of the summer, often South too), Catch 228, ECHO at The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort, Gnat’s Landing, Mullet Bay, Murphy’s Tavern, and The Rooftop at Ocean Lodge. Brunswick venues include The Copper Pig, Marshside Grill, Moondoggy’s, Mulligans, and Zachry’s Seafood & Steaks. New venues HBGB and the Frankendiner occasionally host metal/punk/rock shows. Jekyll Island’s new 685 Seafood and McCormick’s Grill at the golf course both have live music on the weekends, and the Rah Bar/Latitude 31 is a favorite place to sit outside and listen to great tunes during the warmer months. Some of our local musicians also play at venues in Darien, Nahunta, St. Marys, Richmond Hill, and Fernandina, and we keep track of them too. A little roadtrip to show our favorite bands some love is never out of the question.

On Sundays, treat yourself to a Jazz Brunch at Coastal Kitchen with music by the talented fellas of Tonic Blue. Close out the night and get your last bit of fun in before Monday returns with live music at Locos Grill & Pub.

During the week if you’re looking for dining ambiance instead of a night out at the bar, Jerry Gowen plays tunes from the American songbook in Jekyll Island Club’s Grand Dining Room Mondays and Tuesdays, while Nancy features Chris Robinson on piano Thursday through Saturday. At Del Sur, Jose Antonio Quesada serenades diners with Argentinean music Monday through Saturday. Sea Island offers live music at various venues throughout the week. There’s musical entertainment happening offshore too. The dulcet tones of smooth crooner Tony Adams are what you’ll hear on board the Emerald Princess II Casino boat.

BANDS AND VENUES

“But what KIND of music is out there?” you might ask. Our local bands truly run the gamut. Backbeat Boulevard, The Stringrays, Touch of Grey, Thunderbird and Traveling Riverside Band are all pros who serve up mostly Southern and classic rock. DeFunk brings smooth soul and knows how to add a little rhythm too. For funkadelic ranging from Grateful Dead to Zeppelin to Prince, there’s Ambrosius. It’s always fun to rock out with the Pine Box Dwellers when they’re around. Michael Hulett has a devoted following of fans who love his versatility, golden voice, and talent on the saxophone.

Crawford Perkins, Dave Griffin, Phil King and Eddie Pickett are a few more veteran solo performers who are masters at keeping the audience entertained and wanting more.

Popular bands like Three of Us, Spike at the Beach, Mason Waters and the Groove Allstars, Roy Gentry and the Hired Guns, Pier Pressure and Squirt Gun cover tunes ranging from 60s dance classics through 90s pop tunes.

If it’s country you like, Chris Yates will make sure you have a boot-stompin’ good time, and Brent Browning is a must-see when he’s in town from Nashville playing at The Pub at Village Inn. Courson Saunds and the Brackish Water Boys are also local favorites.

Up-and-comer Nick Bryant is a talented singer/songwriter and versatile performer. The dynamic duo of Michael Brown and Jaime Rowell cover contemporary tunes and alternative classics. How about some women who rock? Keep an eye out for Ambrosius, Suzy & the Bird-Dogs, Nora Ricci, Kellie Parr, Susie Betts, Conni Laine, and Regi Blue. My First Circus does its part to make sure the local punk scene is represented. But the performers named here are just some of the bands and musicians who make regular rounds at our local venues; there are many others, including new bands like Skeeter Truck and Complicated Pants who are just getting started.

Locos Grill and Pub, Palm Coast Coffee, Tipsy McSway’s, and The Club at Bennie’s are especially good at bringing in great bands from outside of the Golden Isles. Caroline Aiken, Lyra Lynn, Underhill Rose, Hurray for the Riff Raff, Randall Bramblett, Victor Wainwright, Seryn, City Hotel, Greg Humphries, The Hypnotics, The Fritz, Mandolin Orange, Trae Pierce & the T Stone Band are just some of the fantastic musicians that have delighted our local crowds. And does anyone remember Ivan Neville and Blues Traveler’s John Popper big night at Coastal Kitchen with Greg Hester and Soul Gravy? That’s the kind of magic that can happen here, so keep an eye out for special shows! 

THE 411

But how are you supposed to remember all of that and where do you look? We’ve got it covered.

EIL’s weekly “I’m With the Band” blog is a comprehensive and frequently updated list of when and where the live music is happening each week. You can always find it on the homepage of our website or look for the link on the “I’m With the Band” Facebook page. Are you a musician who isn’t listed on the blog or do you have a bar/restaurant with live music that isn’t included? Email kathissi@comcast.net and share your info so we can spread the word for you too. The only way to keep the local live music scene alive is to get people out to hear it!

CONCERTS

Beyond the regular weekly music scene, we are also lucky enough to have fantastic music brought in by concert associations like Golden Isles Live! and the Island Concert Association, concerts by the Coastal Symphony of Georgia, and performance series concerts booked by Golden Isles Arts and Humanities Association at The Ritz Theatre. These range from opera performances to tribute shows to classical virtuosos.

The entire audience of a packed Glynn Academy Auditorium was singing along to Frankie Valli tunes at February’s tribute concert by Let’s Hang On USA presented by Golden Isles Live! Their Christmas concert by The American Tenors has sold out at The Cloister for the past two years. On March 12, Golden Isles Live! will present “Simply Sinatra,” a dazzling remembrance of the hit

songs that definted “old blue eyes,” featuring Steve Lippia’s “considerable vocal skills” (Wall Street Journal). It’s a show that’s been reviewed as too good to miss. Get your tickets, find out how to become a member, and learn about other upcoming concerts at goldenisleslive.org.

Another tribute concert that sounds spectacular will be coming to The Ritz Theatre later this month. Presented by Golden Isles Arts and Humanities Association,  “A Tribute to Hank Williams” will feature David Church, the star of RFD-TV’s Midwest Country bringing the great music of a country legend to life. Church is recognized as one of the best Hank Williams tribute artists in the country and he returns to the Ritz stage with his wife, Terri Lisa, and their band on March 28. Visit goldenislesarts.org for more information about upcoming concerts and musical performances like Ritz Radio Theatre production of The Wizard of Oz. 

“Because Music Matters” is the Island Concert Association’s motto. President David Stewart explains, “Several years ago the board of The Island Concert Association made a commitment to bring musicians of national and international renown to this concert series, currently in its 29th season. It reasoned that patrons would support a concert series of this quality with their memberships, and that has proved to be the case. Always free, the concerts provide a cultural opportunity for residents and visitors to the Golden Isles that would otherwise not be possible without your support.” Their concerts take place on select Tuesday evenings at St. Simons Presbyterian Church. The Florida Chamber Music Project String Quartet will perform March 3. You can become a member or sponsor and find out more information at islandconcertassociation.org.

Now in its 32nd season, The Coastal Symphony of Georgia is community of professional musicians from throughout the Southeast who offer a classical music repertoire with a dedication to high quality performances, directed by Grammy-winning conductor and violin virtuoso musician, Luis Haza. Sharon Flores, President of the Symphony’s Board of Directors, invites you to “Experience the Excitement” and become a season subscriber to enable the Symphony to “continue to make the arts an essential part of life in Coastal Georgia.” The Symphony’s next concert at the Brunswick High School Auditorium takes place on April 27. It will be a celebration of spring with performances of Stravinsky’s Divertimento from The Fairy’s Kiss, El Sombrero de Tres Picos Suite No. 2 by Manuel de Falla, Debussy’s Prelude to Afternoon of a Fawn, and Pines of Rome by Ottorino Respighi. For more information about the Symphony and its supporting affiliate, the Symphony Society, visit coastalsymphonyofgeorgia.info.

And don’t forget about the kids! The 55 student musicians of the The Golden Isles Youth Orchestra (GIYO), formerly called the Coastal Youth Symphony, commit hours of rehearsal, lesson, and practice time each week to prepare for classical concerts in December and May. Members perform at events and private functions throughout the Golden Isles as a chamber ensemble. GIYO’s spring concert will take place on Sunday, May 3 at Glynn Academy Auditorium. See goldenislesyouthorchestra.org. You’ll also want to watch for concerts by the Vi Fluentis Children’s Choir, a group directed and founded by Kathleen Turner, that offers classical, popular, and multicultural music in a high quality children’s choral experience. For more information and upcoming performance dates, follow them on Facebook or visit vifluentischildrenschoir.org.

Perhaps the most eagerly anticipated and widely popular music experience on St. Simons Island is the summer concert series. We’re home to two different series: A Little Light Music, presented by the Coastal Georgia Historical Society, which takes place on the lawn of the lighthouse, and the concerts in Neptune Park presented by Golden Isles Arts and Humanities Association.

Elegant Island Living is proud to be a sponsor of A Little Light Music and can’t wait until the season kicks off on May 3 with The Tams. These performance veterans have been entertaining audiences for more than 50 years, and always remind you to “Be Young, Be Foolish and Be Happy.” They had everyone dancing when they were here last year, and will surely do so again. On June 14, Victor Wainwright and the WildRoots will bring their special brand of powerhouse blues and Memphis soul with a rockin' piano that you won’t forget. An island tradition for America’s birthday weekend, local groove master and always charismatic and enthusiastic entertainer Mason Waters and his Groove Allstars will be rocking the lawn July 5. On August 9, you’ll want to bring a picnic dinner to accompany the Southern-fried rock and boogie served up by Island Garage Band. The season will close out on September 6 with the concert that finds everyone singing along to songs from Detroit’s finest era with perennial favorites, Sensational Sounds of Motown.

Held on Sunday evenings at 7:00 p.m. on the oceanfront lawns of the St. Simons Lighthouse when the tide is just right to bring a breeze and we can watch the sun fade and the moon rise, these concerts are the biggest and best “block party” where you’ll find all of your friends and neighbors. Picnic dinners accompanied by your favorite beverages are encouraged. Tickets are only $12 at the gate. Children under 12 and Keepers of the Light are admitted free. So bring your lawn chairs and blankets and settle in for a musical evening with friends under the stars. For details, see stsimonslighthouse.org.

Golden Isles Arts & Humanities Association will also continue its 26 year tradition of bringing outstanding concerts by the sea to St. Simons Island this summer. Local artists and great regional musicians will have the crowd dancing in Neptune Park on select high-tide Sundays--for maximum breeze and comfort! The season will begin with the world-beat sounds of local jazz legend Phil Morrison on May 24. Local band Pier Pressure will take the stage on June 28. The season will wrap up on September 13 with our beloved “Super Sax Man,” Michael Hulett. The performers for July 12 and August 30 have not been confirmed at time of publication. For updates and a detailed schedule of performers and ticket prices, visit goldenislesarts.org.

Across the causeway, there’s also the Rhythm on the River outdoor concert series presented by the Brunswick Downtown Development Association. Concerts take place on select Sunday evenings at 6:00 p.m. in Mary Ross Waterfront Park. Raffle prizes and food vendors are often part of the fun at these outdoor concerts that will include high-energy performances from the Parker Urban Band, Michael Hulett and Go Get Gone. Beginning March 29, the Rhythm on the River season takes a break in the summer months of June-July-August and returns again for fall concerts in September and October.

For an afternoon of music that benefits a good cause, there’s Second Sunday. What began as a little idea hatched by a couple guys who wanted to enjoy some good music and good food with friends turned into a monthly event that benefits local charities. Bands donate their time and talent, food and raffle prizes are donated or underwritten by local restaurants and businesses, admission is free and all proceeds from food sales and raffle tickets are donated to a named local not-for-profit organization each month.

While most concerts take place in the beautiful live oak canopy shaded setting of Gascoigne Bluff during the summer and fall, and move to the indoor venue of The Club at Bennie’s in inclement weather and the colder winter months, this spring will see Second Sunday happening at Liberty Ship Park, underneath the Sidney Lanier Bridge. In May, there will be a full weekend of music at Liberty Ship Park headlined by critically acclaimed Georgia singer/songwriter Randall Bramblett held in conjunction with the Brunswick Blessing of the Fleet. Second Sunday is a great way to see a variety of fantastic local and regional bands in a family-friendly setting, complete with bounce houses and water slide for kids during the summer months. 

Also keep your eye out for concerts at Rainbow Island hosted by Sea Island. Last year, Amos Lee and the Shadowboxers were featured performers, and I hear we’re in for a treat this year as well. How often can you say that you got to enjoy a concert from a guy who was featured on Austin City Limits and who has toured with Bob Dylan in an intimate setting in your own backyard?! What an experience!

It’s a bit early to be planning for the fall and winter months, but the "Live Under the Oaks" concert at the McGladrey Classic always brings in a big name too – from Darius Rucker to Toby Keith, it doesn’t get much bigger than that. So stay tuned to see what performer will headline this year during the November 16-22 tournament. Davis Love III isn’t the only one who can draw those big ticket entertainers. Our favorite Cardinals pitching ace and Glynn Academy alumnus Adam Wainwright is friends with hitmakers both on and off the field. Last year’s hugely successful Wainwright Family Foundation Benefit Weekend featured country stars Dierks Bentley and Thomas Rhett with opening performances by Craig Campbell, Amber Delacruz and Justen Harden. We can’t wait to see what artists are booked for that event when it returns on December 11 and 12. 

If all of that information doesn’t convince you that we have a local music scene that is alive and well, you’ll just have to come out and hear for yourself. Bookmark the Elegant Island Living website so you’ll have the I’m With the Band blog and the events calendar at your fingertips. We’re passionate about music and want to make sure you don’t miss a beat. 

For links to websites for many of the bands/musicians listed here, we've created a special I'm With the Band Local Live Music Sampler Pinterest board.