May We Be...Inspired

INSPIRED  inˈspī(ə)rd | adjective

1. of extraordinary quality, as if arising from some external creative impulse 2. (of a person) exhibiting a creative impulse in the activity specified.

While inspired is an adjective, we also think it’s an incredibly important transitive verb meaning to spur on, impel, or motivate. To inspire someone to act or to create is a powerful thing. Our fashion look was inspired by The Beatles. Not only has their music inspired countless others to make music or write songs, it drove pop culture and has an enduring influence today. The songs listed and photos printed on the shirt dress worn by Cherise are just an example. This season may we all find things that inspire us, whether it be art, cooking, nature, or something altogether different. If it’s music that moves you, you don’t have to look far to discover it in the Golden Isles.

One of the most treasured summer traditions on St. Simons Island is the Little Light Music concert series presented by the Coastal Georgia Historical Society (CGHS). For more than 25 years, residents and visitors have gathered on the oceanfront lawn beneath the Lighthouse for this annual fundraiser for CGHS. These open air concerts take place from 7:00-9:00 p.m. on select Sunday nights and feature entertainers who are known for engaging the crowds and getting people up on their feet to dance. Pack a picnic supper and your favorite beverages, grab the lawn chairs, and come out to enjoy it with your family, and friends. It’s the biggest and best “block party” the island has to offer.

The series kicks off on Sunday, May 21 with Hollywood Band, a high energy dance and party band out of Macon, Georgia. Formed in 1995 by band leader/keyboardist, Harold "Hollywood" McColumn, their special blend of Motown, Top 40/Pop, classic rock, beach music, R&B, and jazz has made them one of the most requested bands in the Southeastern USA. Anchoring the band and sharing lead and background vocal duties with McColumn is bassist/producer, Michael Burnette, for a combined 40+ years of experience. Joining them are female vocalist, Cathy Causey, and drummer, Anderson Fraley. Among the artists cited as by the band as influences are as Earth, Wind & Fire, Whitney Houston, and Kool & The Gang.

On Sunday, June 4, the Golden Isles’ own Squirt Gun will take you back to the 80s with hits you can sing along with from Billy Joel and Billy Squier to Billy Idol, The Cars, The Kinks, and many more of your pop, alternative, and rock favorites. You know ’em, you love ’em. Come rock out!

Kenny on the Keys is the featured entertainment on Sunday, July 16. Hailing from Auburn, Alabama, Kenny Heard and his band have been burning up the dance floors and college house parties for years. With several years of experience playing with a variety of different style bands including gospel, country, R&B, blues, rock and hip hop, Kenny can provide just the right vibe, and if his choppy fast-hand piano style doesn’t get you going, his hit song selections will.

The sensational Sounds of Motown will return once again wrap up the concerts on Sunday, September 3. This concert is always one of the most popular, so get there early to get a great spot on the lawn!

Season Passes can be purchased for $80 at coastalgeorgiahistory.org. Advance single concert tickets can be also purchased there for $20 each. Children under 12 and Keepers of the Light are admitted to concerts free of charge. If you choose to purchase not to purchase tickets online, you’re encouraged to buy them at the Museum Store. No cash will be accepted at the gate the night of the concert. For news and weather updates during the season, please visit the CGHS website or Facebook page.

For full weekly live music listings that will help you find the music and bands that inspire you in the Golden Isles every day of the week, check out the “I’m With the Band” blog. It’s updated frequently and covers our local music venues, concerts, musical events, and nearby festivals too. It’s right at your fingertips on the Elegant Island Living website at elegantislandliving.net, on Facebook and Instagram @imwiththebandssi.