Welcome to South’s first Music Blog! Allow me to introduce myself: Music has always been a big part of my life. I was classically trained to sing as a kid, and used that talent to sing along to riot grrrl CDs at the top of my lungs as a teenager, and in the shower as an adult. I got my first guitar at age 12, and have only improved slightly since then. I’m even worse on the banjo, but it doesn’t stop me from loving the feel of it in my hands. I guess I am more of an observer than a participant, but I am one hundred percent a music lover.

I have blogged about a lot of things in my life, from angsty teen journaling resplendent with terrible poetry, to arts and crafts here in Savannah, to my current personal blog following my exploits as a cartoonist (minus the terrible poetry, I assure you). But, I’ve never written about music. Music is what inspires me to do the rest of my life, and it’s good fuel to keep me going. So it seems natural to share my observations with the South Online community. I have found a richness and diversity of musical offerings here in our little city. I can’t wait to show you what I find.

Check out the latest I’ve discovered:

Have you heard about the Rivers Rock! “Blackwater • Bluegrass” fundraiser on October 8? This is one toe-tapping evening not to be missed by Southern music sweethearts of all kinds. Featuring the Packway Handle Band (www.packwayhandle.com) of Athens, all proceeds will benefit the Ogeechee-Canoochee and Satilla Riverkeepers. Held at Moon River Brewing Company, a special brew will be on hand to celebrate the occasion. There’s a list of sponsors a yard long and environmentally-friendly goody bags to match. I’ll be there trying to win that kayak they’re raffling off. (Hey, I want to save the rivers and have some fun on them, too!) Nothing like some great bluegrass, great beer, and a great cause to boot. Tickets are $35 per person, 6 tickets for $180, 10 tickets for $275, or more than 11 tickets (sold in packs of ten) for $25 each. Visit www.riversrock.org for a full list of participants, donation information, and ticket info.

And if anyone attends—comment on this blog to let us all know what you thought!