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.

In fact, their latest full-length release, Everyone on Everynight (when it dropped last September) was iTunes’ No.1 top-selling reggae album in its first week of sales. As if that weren’t enough of an achievement, it also debuted at No. 6 on the Billboard Reggae Chart. No small feat for a group that got its start playing small bars and restaurants in Savannah to a handful of friends and college classmates.

To read more about Passifire check out South Magazine’s August/September Issue!

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

Bike Fest

WHEN: August 27 – August 29 WHERE: Starke, Florida THE LOWDOWN: Presented by the North Florida Regional Chamber of Commerce, this 5^th annual bike festival takes place at Historic Call Street in downtown Starke, Florida. The main events planned for the festival include a tattoo contest and bike show. The bike show begins Saturday at 2 p.m. Trophies go to touring bike, custom bike, metric, sportster, classic, rat rod, best paint, and best of show. Registration for the bike show starts August 28^th at 11 a.m. INSIDER’S TIP: Both RV and primitive camping accommodations will be provided at the Bradford County Fair Grounds.

MORE INFO: starkflbikefest.com, 904.964.5278

Shrimp & Grits Festival

WHEN: September 17 – September 19 WHERE: Jekyll Island, Georgia THE LOWDOWN: “Shrimp and Grits: The Wild Georgia Shrimp Festival” is an island-wide event that showcases the wonderful tastes, sights, and sounds of Jekyll Island. Amateur and professional chefs will be competing in this 5th annual Shrimp and Grits cook-off. In addition, the festival includes shrimp boat tours, a three-day race challenge, cooking demonstrations, dolphin tours, book signings, arts and crafts vendors, live entertainment, and a kid-friendly fun zone. Admission to the festival is free. INSIDER’S TIP: The featured event takes place in the Jekyll Island Historic District, and begins with a concert Friday evening at 5:45 p.m. MORE INFO: 912.635.4192

Arts in the Heart of Augusta

WHEN: September 17 – September 19 WHERE: Augusta, Georgia THE LOWDOWN: The festival’s thirtieth anniversary features music, dance, and theatre encompassing four different stages, ethnic foods from over 35 different countries, a Southern Beer Garden, children’s activities, an arts and crafts show, and much more. 2010’s festival theme is “Going Green and Protecting Our Environment.”

INSIDER’S TIP: In 2008, over 80,000 people attended the festival, so be prepared to brave a crowd!

For more great events, check out the August/September issue out now!

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.

Matt Pond’s steady, methodic voice will sooth any wound. His tortured, moody, yet decidedly upbeat tone is reminiscent of the early 2000’s alternative mode, á la Snow Patrol. However, make no mistake, Pond creates a sound entirely his own. Home grown, poetic lyrics trickle endlessly accompanied perfectly by Chris Hansen (keyboard/guitar), Leslie Sisson (backup vocals/guitar), George Souleidis (bass) and Brad Gunyon (drums). Pond’s melodies seem to float effortlessly while still having a decisive musical bearing thanks to his accompanying cast.

Long story short, look up Matt Pond PA or even better, try catching him on tour. For dates click here.

Photographed and written by Elliot Ross

Very few acts have this kind of lasting power, especially in today’s cutthroat music industry. However, you have to hand it to these guys. The current lineup has been performing together for nearly four decades. They continue the group’s tradition and ongoing evolution since it’s incarnation way back in 1945.

Their unique sound can be attributed to the quartet’s wide range of octaves and melodies. Allen provides a strong foundation on which Golden finesses with his smooth baritone voice. Sterban’s booming low bass complements Bonsall’s high notes. The incredibly low notes that Sterban can hit help give the group their unique, trademark sound.

The Oak Ridge Boys are the essence of Southern music. Catch them during their extensive summer tour. For more information click here.

Photographed and written by Elliot Ross

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.

This was the Wailin’ Jenny’s second time to Savannah and judging from the crowds response, we have a feeling this may be a mandatory stop on any future tours. Luckily enough, Savannah tends to pull in a lot of bluegrass and folk tour groups from all over the world. Receiving a large amount of support from organizations like the Savannah Music Festival and the Savannah Folk Music Society folk and bluegrass groups feel right at home and have the ability to experiment and master their talents. Hopefully Savannah can continue to create a bluegrass and folk safe haven so we can reap the benefits of talents just like The Wailin Jenny’s

People seem to be taking notice. Of all the shows I have shot at the Music Farm, I have never seen a line so long to get into this sold out show. The predominately female crowd ranging from junior high girls to mothers reminiscing of high school years was sold on every syllable that spilled out of lead singer Stephan Jenkins mouth. The amount of energy released left a lasting impression on me. The audience sung along with such unrestricted candor that their volume rivaled that of the huge speaker stacks.

Although their music isn’t typically my cup of tea, 3EB has the uncanny ability to stir up the warm and fuzzies in nearly anyone. With their added maturity and Jenkins’ politically aware lyrics, this “has-been” California group contains the makings to reinvent themselves and climb back up the charts. If Tuesday’s show was any indication, Third Eye Blind might just be able to do so.

Click here for 3EB’s tour info.

Photographed and Written by Elliot Ross

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.

Ranging from slower blues songs to all out rock ballads, I was thoroughly
impressed by her voice which perfectly complimented Trucks’ and the rest of
the band’s unique style of music that draws influences from all over the
world. Trucks and Tedeschi, whose band is always evolving and changing, were
accompanied by Oteil Burbridge (bass), Kofi Burbridge (keyboards, flute), JJ
Johnson (drums), Tyler Greenwell (drums), Mike Mattison (vocals), and Nigel
Hall (vocals). The crowd certainly seemed to agree and like the combination
as they repeatedly stood and cheered wildly during the performance.

The couple’s rare appearance was one of just a handful of tour dates they
will be playing this year. The couple will not appear on stage together
until the Wanee Festival later this month.

Photos by Elliot Ross

Photography by Elliot Ross

Last night Johnny Mercer Theatre was packed with people of all ages and musical interests. This can be attributed to Savannah Music Festival’s drive to bring our community together through music and provide, “ […] many opportunities for a new experience.” They were able to do just that. Of all the people that I talked to, a good portion of them were unfamiliar with Wilco up until this week and wanted to see first hand what the excitement was about. Old fans and newcomers alike were won over by Jeff Tweedy’s sultry vocals. His lyrics heavy with heartache, depression and anger are juxtaposed by soft melodies that simply say ‘I love you.’ Each song builds on another to create one cohesive experience. The design of the set also lent to the atmospheric quality of their presence. The intricate light display was in close synch to Glenn Kotche’s drums and the thrumming of John Stirratt’s bass. What it all comes down to is one streamlined visual and auditory piece that dictates the standards of a rock performance.

If you missed Wilco tonight, be sure to catch one or two of Savannah Music Festival’s numerous upcoming shows that run through April 3^rd. For more information on the festival, click here. For Wilco tour dates visit their website.

Written and Photographed by Elliot Ross

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