Tony Allen, Savannah native and front man for the punk rock band Dead Stays Alive, comes with all the accoutrements of a rock star: blue hair, studded and outrageous jewelry, tats, an entourage, and a killer voice that shakes whatever space, no matter the size, in which he wields a microphone. However, Google his name and more photos of Lindsay Lohan pop up than mention of his music, which, despite not being Jack Johnson catchy, has a decent fan base and, more importantly, is constantly evolving and improving.

Savannah’s music scene is heating up, and these are the musicians that are fueling the fire. Today, beats and chords mingle down Savannah streets alongside tourists’ carriages and warm summer currents. A city once rife with musical goings-on, Savannah is again working overtime to appease a populace demanding, with revitalized enthusiasm, the fever and authenticity of the live show.
The Hostess City’s recommitment to being a live music destination and to cultivating a rich local music scene comes as the result of a collective push by area venues, promoters, musicians, and concertgoers. But it is, perhaps, the local musicians who carry the weight of the load—playing night after night to crowds or empty rooms, even after a full day of work or class—reminding the rest of us that Savannah’s got talent.

Kidsyc

Hometown to notable hip-hop artists Big Boi (OutKast) and DJ Lord (Public Enemy), Savannah has long held its place in the world of hip-hop. But this year, Savannah’s hip-hop face got a makeover, compliments of Lloyd “KidSyc” Harold.

KidSyc is known around town for his affability, passion for music, and commitment to youth and education. With signature red cap and his unique merger of hip-hop with a live band, KidSyc was barely a year into playing together with KidSyc@Brandywine when they decidedly upstaged the overhyped national-touring Das Racist on opening night of the 2011 Savannah Stopover Music Festival. Having won the Georgia Lottery All-Access Music Search competition in early 2011 with his band KidSyc@Brandywine, he is now known far beyond Savannah for his talent as a songwriter, rapper, and front man.

KidSyc’s inaugural music video, “Fire,” was recently released to great fanfare. “The ‘Fire’ video is taking off quite nicely,” says Harold. “We’ve gotten almost 2000 views (between Vimeo and YouTube) since it was posted a month ago.” “Fire” is off of The Kid, produced by Alex Goose. The video was created by Savannah Film Company Production and Meddin Studios. But the best, it seems, is yet to come. “Next up is the KidSyc@Brandywine EP release with the tracks recorded at Capitol Records,” says Harold, “and a music video by Savannah Film Company for the crowd favorite ‘Forever.’” facebook.com/kidsycmusic

Images by Josh Branstetter
Read more on our August/September Issue now!

Hairspray, the high-spirited, big-haired, Tony Award-winning musical, has been bringing down the house since it opened on Broadway at the Neil Simon Theatre in 2002.Now playing at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina on Hilton Head Island, local audiences can experience the irresistible, feel-good show a bit closer to home.

Classics are, well, classic for a reason.  They address timeless, universal themes that people in any time, at any place, can relate to.  And what, I ask you, can be more relatable than being young, stupid, and in love?

All Walks of Life’s theater group, Act Up! is proving that some things never change with their hip-hop interpretation of William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.  “I’m excited about Romeo and Juliet because Shakespeare’s play is so universal that it can be adapted into any cultural setting or historical period,” says Lakesha Green, the show’s director. “Love is a universal theme and it will help introduce some of these kids to Shakespeare in a way that is much more accessible for them.”

Seed Eco Lounge kicked off their first Movie Monday last night with great drink specials and free popcorn. The intimate scale and comfy seating are perfect for hanging out with friends and watching a film.

The event began with a screening of SCAD graduate student Mehmet Caglayan’s short film Red Dye, which follows a group of marine biologists as they release a huge amount of dye into the ocean in order to study the dispersal of contaminates from the Altamaha River. After a quick break for popcorn refills and another round of drinks, the featured film began.

Split Estate is a gut-wrenching look at the effects of the natural gas industry on residents of western Colorado.

The Arts Center of Coastal Carolina presents a family holiday treat. Watch as Eliza Doolittle is transformed into a lady and sing along with your favorite songs.

COST: $37-49

MORE INFO:843.842.2787, www.artshhi.com

25 facts you may not know about Savannah’s film history, from the city’s motion picture trivia man.

1. Under Southern Skies was the first movie filmed in Savannah. It was shot in 1915.
2. Ten Academy Awards have gone to movies filmed in Savannah.
3. Johnny Mercer was nominated for 19 Academy Awards and won four.
4. Five prop benches were made for the movie Forrest Gump.
5. The first movie with sound filmed in Savannah was The View from Pompey’s Head, in 1955.