BIG SOMETHING @ VICTORY NORTH
FRIDAY, AUG 2 | 8 PM
A staple in the jam band scene, Big Something started in Burlington, North Carolina, in 2009, blending rock, funk, improv and some jazz. Their 2011 debut album, "Songs from the Middle," instantly drops you into a groove you’re happy to be in. With staccato reggae strumming, funky basslines and meandering explorations, it’s a full-length ride stronger than most debut records. Their follow-ups impress similarly, with a rich vein of classic rock and fills at every opportunity. Live, they extend the vibe and have connected with the jam band scene. They’ve since toured with The String Cheese Incident and The Disco Biscuits and appeared at fests like Suwanee Hulaween and Electric Forest. Positive vibe technician and P-Groove guitarist Brock Butler’s band opens the show with a six-string fireworks display. Yes, it’s Savannah, but this is the time to be punctual.
THURSDAY, AUG 1 | 6:30 PM
Mr. Ochoa is a busy man. He is the principal second violinist in the Savannah Philharmonic, was a co-founder of the national touring act Velvet Caravan, and he’s partly responsible for the city’s widespread Sea Wolf hot dog addiction. Still, he’s found the time to continue Velvet Caravan’s gypsy jazz-honky-tonk-swing with his ensemble. Pre-load your weekend at a free Thursday night show. Americana singer-songwriter and Intracoastal Playboy Issac Smith also performs, along with Savannah newcomer Elli Perry. Check out her stirring, soulful vocals on her YouTube videos backed by Savannah heavy hitters Andrew Sovine, Dylan Puckett and Jalen Reyes. Great stuff. It’s outdoor live music, so the food truck is Latin Chicks, Squirrel’s Pizza rocks NY slices at thier Eastern Wharf location, and the mobile bar makes everything a little more interesting.
ON THE BORDER – THE ULTIMATE EAGLES TRIBUTE @ COACH’S CORNER
SATURDAY, AUG 3 | 7 PM
If the so-called Tex-Mex restaurant chain On the Border was a tribute band to authentic food, it would be a tremendous failure of unprecedented proportions. As if the members never once tasted the real thing or even knew it existed, subsisting on whatever sad gruel gets them through the day. The Eagles tribute band On The Border is quite the opposite. They couldn’t be more steeped in the history, nuance, and music of one of the most enduring bands in rock history. The Eagles distilled the entirety of the '70s California vibe, melding approachable folk/country with easy rock and the ol’ pop sensibilities. The band is a spectrum of personalities, from cranky drummer Don Henley, famous for having a puss on his face 24/7, to lovable wildman guitar slinger Joe Walsh. The fellas in between were alright, too. From 1975-79, they rode three straight No. 1 albums into oblivion, selling more than 200 million records worldwide. On the Border has been at it for years, doing it right, and nailing five-part harmonies like it’s nothing.
COVEN OF THE BLACK CUBE + BUSTED BABIES @ LODGE OF SORROWS
SUNDAY, AUG 4 | 7 PM
While it might be fun to proceed as if Coven of the Black Cube was an obscure mid-'70s proto-darkwave band from Boise with legendary underground status, endorsed by Robert Smith and Ian Curtis, it’s none of those things. For that matter, Busted Babies aren’t the lords of Belfast’s emerging retro horror-punk scene, either. They are both movies, and you’ll want to see them if those descriptions of fake bands are of any interest. Leader of Chicago garage punks The Stolen Minks, Brewce Longo, has also delved into filmmaking. His 2021 cult horror film "Coven of the Black Cube" is a psychological thriller with occult themes, a dark atmosphere, and experimental storytelling. The double feature also includes the Longo-produced Busted Babies. It was written, directed, and stars Kasper Meltedhair, who promised it would be the “most vile, filthy and putrid movie I ever worked on.” Don’t threaten us with a good time, chief. Besides, if it’s horror, Savannah, and a Graveface production, it’s as dependable as the sunrise.
JERRY DAY SAVANNAH @ VICTORY NORTH
SATURDAY, AUG 3 | DOORS 3 PM, SHOW 7 PM
Savannah’s top Dead disciples The Charlie Fog Band join fellow locals Turtle Folk for a musical celebration of the legendary guitarist. It’s a CFB annual tradition at Victory North honoring the late great leader of the hippie nation. Jerry’s roots were in bluegrass, and he was teaching banjo in 1962. Three years later, his band The Warlocks changed their name to Grateful Dead, tuned in, dropped out, and started playing the music that endures 60 trippin’ years later. Jerry Day is a national event expanding yearly to recreate the all-day experience of a Dead show, from the parking lot hippie bazaar with loosey cold imports and impossibly delicious veggie burritos everywhere to the sonic experience of the band performing. Victory North is opening its version of Shakedown Street in the courtyard at 3 p.m., so come early and see what you can find from local vendors and artists. It’s what Jerry would’ve wanted.
