Sultry summers in Savannah have longstanding traditions. A day at the beach, a picnic in Forsyth Park, and the simple pleasure of just about any air-conditioned space short of a medieval torture chamber are among them. A newer one developing over the last few years is a Fourth of July show by the Intracoastal Playboys. Born on July 4, 2022, they’ll play a third birthday show at the Fortaleza Funtime Freedomfest, a joint venture by the friendly neighborhood bars Lone Wolf Lounge, Moodright’s and Over Yonder.
The group has carved out event space behind Lone Wolf, installed handsome fencing to separate the once-ambiguous alleyway, and has been running First Fridays art shows and a handful of ethnic festivals over the past few months. They’ve also held live music on the Fourth before, but this one is their biggest bash yet, with tequila company Fortaleza upping the sponsor ante to new heights and Creature Comforts Brewing chipping in.
On Thursday, July 4, the freedom starts flowing at 2 p.m. when Dylan Puckett & All The Fixins pledge their allegiance to The Hagg with a 10-song set of ol’ Merle’s best. It might be too early in the day to hope for “Misery and Gin,” but fingers are crossed, nonetheless. A little less country, but not too rock ’n’ roll, Bottles and Cans follows with bluesy psych garage folk accented by frontman Ray Lundy’s distinct vocal style.
The tempo picks up with the intricate and eye-popping banjo, fiddle and mandolin picking by Swamptooth, Savannah’s bluegrass dominators. If you’ve had a few, you’ll wonder how anyone’s fingers can move like that. But forget that appendage when discussing the Intracoastal Playboys. With eight members and a combined 9,000 years of experience playing music, they’ve got 16 talented hands at work. As per usual, they’re playing a gimmick-free set of classic country.
“We specifically decided not to do anything special,” said Andrew Ripley, Playboys musical director, bassist, and co-owner of Lone Wolf Lounge.
It’s a good call if you’ve ever seen them play songs you know and love or songs you didn’t know that you grew to love over four minutes. They do that regularly, and there is no resisting the charm offensive when the combo of Ryan Schimmenti’s crooning and Igor Fiksman’s pedal steel start making love to your earholes.
That competing bars have realized there are more than enough drinkers to go around in Savannah and are working together on a joint venture like this says a lot about the community spirit in Savannah. It doesn’t end with unusual cooperation. Proceeds from the Fortaleza Funtime Freedomfest will benefit The Giving Kitchen, an Atlanta-based charity that helps food service and hospitality workers in crisis.
“It’s the perfect charity for us. We’re all in the business and know how tough it can be sometimes,” said David Eduardo, a Moodright’s partner.
The twang doesn’t wane after the Fourth for the Playboys. They have a show at Coach’s Corner lined up for July 26 featuring Jalen Reyes opening with an all-George Jones set. Another summer show is scheduled for August 16 at the Bull Street American Legion ballroom. A benefit for the Sons of the American Legion, the Intracoastal Playboys are joined by two of Savannah’s most popular honky-tonkers, the Anders Thomsen Trio and Damon & The Shitkickers. Thomsen is a well-known Savannah guitar maestro. For more than a decade, Damon and company have treated Savannah to some of the best country shows in town. Between these two bangers, the Playboys ride the massive Cadillac south to Brunswick for a Saturday set at Southern Soul BBQ, a perfect road trip from the Hostess City to a place that serves smoked meat as fine as their taste in music.
“We’re pretty excited for that Brunswick show, and the legion ballroom is a great space to play in,” Ripley added.
Other summer shows of note announced so far include pro bronco rider and songwriter Zach Aaron on July 17 at Over Yonder, the unique rap stylings of MC Chris on July 19 at El Rocko, and Canadian indie rockers The New Pornographers at Victory North on July 27. On the non-music-but-still-a-show front, comedian Sebastian Maniscalco performs at Enmarket Arena on July 19.
As always, for more live music all summer long in Savannah, keep an eye on The Connect Five for the best shows of the week, with an emphasis on indoor, air-conditioned bliss.
