No Dreadlocks, no political agenda: This is the new reggae music-and it resides in Savannah

Among the myriad of popular music styles that have emerged over the past century, only a handful claim to have inspired-or at least to have come to represent-an entire way of life. Blues, jazz, rockabilly, and punk immediately come to mind as niche genres that boat loyal die-hard fans worldwide, but immerse global popularity of reggae dwarfs them all. From it’s humble beginnings in late-60’s Jamaica as laid-back dance fodder to it’s current status as the preeminent form of grooveoriented protest music, reggae is, simply put, one of the most beloved forms of music in existence today.

The basis of reggae’s appeal is its insistent, mesmerizing rhythmic foundation. Essentially a hybrid of America soul, R & B and traditional African and Caribbean folk, it’s been closely aligned with the Rastafari ideological movement since the late superstar songwriter (Rasta icon) Bob Marley used his own brand of “roots reggae” to spread that universal message of human rights and equality. Marley also promoted the overriding philosophy that all people should strive to attain “irrie,” a sense of well-being and harmony oneself one’s surroundings.

Yet along the way, reggae has diversified and grown. Offshoots such as dancehall, dub, reggaeton and reggae fusion now update the genre, incorporating outside elements forum other forms of pop music. As one of the hottest rising acts on the modern U.S. reggae scene, Savannah’s own Passafire continues that forward evolution. Over the past seven years, they’ve striven to create a unique sound by infusing reggae with their own alternative rock and psychedelic-tinged, trip-hop sensibilities. Known as much for their devoted work ethic and keen business senese as for their knakc of crafting memorable crowd pleasing tune, the group- made up of singing guitarist Ted Bowne, singing keyboardist Adam Willis, drummer Nick Kubley and his brother, singing bassist Will Kubley- is currently riding a growing wave of success.

Pencil this season’s crop of weird, wacky, and wonderful soirees into your social calendar.

Sandy Springs Festival

WHEN: September 25 – September 26 WHERE: Atlanta, Georgia THE LOWDOWN: This two-day festival includes a wide array of happenings including an artist’s market, a business and civic expo, a car show, entertainment for teens, the Doug Kessler Lightning 10K/5K (which kicks off the festival on Saturday at 7:30 a.m.), a food court, heritage crafters demonstrating 19^th century traditional activities, and a silent auction. New to the festival this year are the following activities: Me and My BFF Photo Contest, Interactive Game Zone, Georgia Grown Market, and an Antiques and Collectibles Market.

INSIDER’S TIP: Cooper – Atlanta Transportation Services will provide a free shuttle service to the festival from Century Springs West parking lot, located at the intersection of Hammond Drive and Lake Forest Drive. MORE INFO: 404.851.9111, sandyspringsfestival.com

Savannah Jazz Festival

WHEN: September 19 – September 26 WHERE: Savannah, Georgia THE LOWDOWN: A must for lovers of both jazz and blues. Visitors and locals can experience live performances by local and regional musicians outdoors in beautiful Forsyth Park and a variety of other venues around Savannah. This festival boasts the best in international, national, regional and local jazz talent. Since its inception in 1983, the Savannah Jazz Festival has been held every year and has featured some of the best artists in the world including Lionel Hampton, Ahmad Jamal, Clark Terry, Carmen McCray, Nancy Wilson, Maynard Ferguson and numerous others. INSIDER’S TIP: Sponsored by the City of Savannah, the Savannah Jazz Festival is a free event and open to the public. MORE INFO: savannahjazzfestival.org

Indie folk group, Matt Pond PA, is yet another big name to play at Live Wire Music Hall as of late. Last Wednesday night, the formerly Pennsylvania based band played an intimate set in the depths of Savannah’s underground. These are the types of shows that critics and music goers alike live for. There isn’t quite anything like seeing a musically refined show in a dark, humid bar. The experience is entirely personal and intimate where the audience finds themselves on the same level as the performer. What results is a rare dialogue and a lasting memory.

Country gospel returned to Savannah last Friday night with the Oak Ridge Boys. Nearly selling out the Johnny Mercer Theatre, the legendary group comprised most notably of lead singer Duane Allen, tenor Joe Bonsall, baritone William Lee Golden and bass Richard Sterban still knew how to woo their audience. Their charismatic and friendly demeanor was engaging and even at times over the top. Nevertheless, the enthusiasm of the the group was contagious and quickly had the women cheering and screaming.

The Wailin’ Jennys returned to the Hostess City last Friday in a highly anticipated concert at the Lucas Theatre. Hailing from Canada, this amazing trio of folk singers, wooed Savannahians with their contemporary bluegrass and their jazz vocals that perfectly harmonized with each other. The talent they possess was astounding to see and created great energy for the everyone at the show.

The one male joining the all female trio was Jeremy Penner who heads up the violin and mandolin and appeared to have no problems keeping up with these ladies. His mandolin playing provided the perfect connection to the bluegrass feel of their songs and effortlessly moved from one song to the next with grace and fluidity.

Third Eye Blind brought their famous post-grunge ballads to the Music Farm last Tuesday night in Charleston. In the days leading up to the show, I was highly skeptical of what the experience would be like. The first thing I thought of when I heard their name mentioned was “has-beens.” Of course they had chart toppers like “Jumper,” “Semi-Charmed Life,” and “How’s It Going to Be,” but that was thirteen years ago. After a substantial hiatus and the lukewarm reception of 2003’s record Out of the Vein, 3EB (in shorthand) is staging their comeback with their freshly recorded, politically charged album Ursa Major.

Probably like most people, I’m used to hearing Derek Trucks and his stellar slide guitar play Southern rock with the Allman Brother’s Band or an eclectic mix of jazz and blues with The Derek Trucks Band. But last night, I and the rest of the crowd that packed the show at Johnny Mercer Theatre, was treated to a soulful and sweet surprise as he took the stage with his wife and fellow guitarist, Susan Tedeschi.

The show was highly energetic and infused with Trucks’ signature guitar solos, which have earned him the right to tour with numerous music legends
over the past few decades and garnered multiple Gammy nominations, but it was Tedeschi’s powerful voice that added a sultry sound making the duo
irresistible.

She & Him (Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward respectively) at Trustees Theater on March 27th, 2010 as a part of the Savannah Music Festival.

Photography by Elliot Ross

“What you once were isn’t what you want to be anymore,” Jeff Tweedy oozed in the song Shot in the Arm. This highly acclaimed, highly accomplished Chicago based band never seemed to forget these lyrics that they wrote over a decade ago. Since then, they have been nominated for five Grammy Awards and won two. It is clear that the success of Wilco is in great part due to their progressive music and on going evolution. These waters never go stagnant. Since their debut album A.M. they have recorded seven records with their latest being what Rolling Stone hailed as, “a triumph of determined simplicity,” Wilco (The Album).

Chris Thile (formerly of Nickel Creek), Mike Marshall & Caterina Lichtenberg performing at the Charles H. Morris Center as a part of the Savannah Music Festival.

Photography by Elliot Ross