Tour Stop: Savannah, GA
Savannah has been called one of the most beautiful cities in the world and a wonderful vacation destination. Its historic district is filled with art, culture and creativity and is the perfect place to spend a weekend or a lifetime. One of the oldest cities in America, Savannah is the site of many famous Revolutionary and Civil War battles. There are hundreds of interesting sites to see, including more than 20 city squares, monuments, parks, historic homes, churches and forts, as well as the largest National Historic Landmark District in the country.
March is a particularly popular time to visit Savannah. The annual Savannah Music Festival, one of the largest and most diverse music festivals in the Southeast, takes place March 15 through April 1. Another good reason to visit this month is the infamous Savannah St. Patrick’s Day celebration, which falls on a weekend this year. The annual celebration is the biggest St. Patty’s Day throw-down in the South. And the independent music scene in Savannah is creating a buzz with several popular locally bred groups like Kylesa and Baroness.
Book a Gig: Venues
The Jinx
127 West Congress St.
Savannah, GA 31401
(912) 236-2281
www.thejinx.net
The Jinx opened in late 2003 in the same location as the legendary Velvet Elvis. With an updated and upgraded sound system, the installation of a video system and new décor, The Jinx lives up to its boast as Savannah’s premier live music venue. The Jinx hosts a variety of live music acts including metal, underground hip-hop, indie rock, experimental, rockabilly, country and DJ dance parties. For information about booking the venue, email booking@thejinx.net.
Wild Wing Cafe
27 Barnard St.
Savannah, GA 31401
(912) 790-9464
www.wildwingcafe.com
Yes, Wild Wings. The Savannah outpost of this famous chain hosts some of the best live music in town on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. Wild Wing features one of the better stages in Savannah and almost always guarantees strong foot traffic, particularly on the weekends. Music on the upstairs stage or outdoors, when weather permits, ranges from Southern rock to classic country and even includes some reggae and funk. The live music area holds about 250 people. Savannah’s Wild Wing Café is booked by An Ear for Music in Charleston, South Carolina. For information on how to book the venue, email roblamble@aol.com.
Murphy’s Law
409 West Congress St.
Savannah, GA 31401
(912) 443-0855
www.irishpubsavannah.com
Murphy’s Law opened during last year’s St. Patrick’s Day celebration. The laid-back Irish pub features both Irish and traditional Southern fare. True to its heritage, Murphy’s Law offers over 20 beers on draught, including Guinness, and 60 bottled selections, as well as a full bar. The bar hosts live music most nights, particularly Celtic rock and punk bands, as well as their own Irish house band. For information about booking, call the venue.
The Sentient Bean
13 E. Park Ave.
Savannah, GA 31401
(912) 232-4447
www.sentientbean.com
This small coffee shop not only hosts movie screenings and poetry readings, but also draws an impressive crowd for live music. The Sentient Bean features a 21- by-42-foot performance space with seating for up to 100 people. Live music ranges from nationally acclaimed acoustic bands and solo acts to more local and regional artists. While The Sentient Bean prefers acoustic music, the shop books very few straight up singer/songwriters and particularly looks for artists doing something a little edgy and different. For booking information, visit the website to submit a profile and email available dates to coffee@sentientbean.com.
Promote a GIG: Media
Connect Savannah
1800 E. Victory Dr., Suite #7
Savannah, GA, 31404
(912) 231-0250
www.connectsavannah.com
Connect Savannah is Savannah’s answer to Atlanta’s Creative Loafing or Athens’ Flagpole. The weekly publication covers the city’s arts and entertainment scenes, in addition to providing some local news coverage. Its music section runs a feature article and interview with a notable local music personality each week, as well as brief write-ups of live gigs in the coming week and slightly lengthier blurbs about recommended shows. To get on the radar, try contacting music editor Jim Reed. He can be reached at the publication’s main line, extension 116.
Murmur Mag
PO Box 9381
Savannah, GA 31401
(912) 441-5770
www.murmurmag.com
Murmur is a monthly magazine that touts itself as being “Savannah’s only alternative guide for music, art, culture and nightlife.” Unlike Connect Savannah, Murmur is strictly for music and the arts. For general inquiries, email sales@murmurmag.com.
Gear/ Repairs
Annie’s Guitars
5203 Waters Ave.
Savannah, GA 31404
(912) 352-1333
www.anniesguitars.com
Annie’s Guitars deals in acoustic and electric guitars, basses, drums, cymbals, bluegrass instruments, amps, accessories, sound equipment and vintage gear. In addition to offering an extensive inventory, the musician-run retailer also provides on-site repair of acoustic and electric guitars, amps and PA systems, along with drum re-heading and tuning. Call for hours and availability, particularly for any last minute and emergency repairs. Annie’s is open 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Friday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday.
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