By Anna Chandler anna@connectsavannah.com
Marvelous Funkshun
music The band page
Marvelous Funkshun @Congress Street Social CluB
Isaac Smith
Combining swampy trills of Southern-steeped pedal steel with swirling guitar leads and funk rhythms, Winston-Salem’s Marvelous Funkshun borrow from the greats to make a fresh kind of bar band sound. Lead guitarist Sam Robinson and pedal steel player Shawn Hickman snake bluesy, glossed-up riffs around Will Bagley’s stunning bass chops and Zach Landon’s tight tempos. James Harrell’s organ strains bring in the soul and shake that sound through the roof. Having shared the stage with Snoop Dogg, The Roots, and Perpetual Groove, the fivepiece fit nicely on a diverse array of bills; if you’re looking to dance all night to a live band of natural showmen, Marvelous Funkshun is sure to be a treat. Friday, September 25, 10 p.m., free
SEPT 23-SEPT 29, 2015
While Isaac Smith and his rotating cast of support may be a familiar sight on the restaurant/bar circuit, Smith considers the hard-gigging project’s upcoming Bean show to be their first true Savannah performance. “I know a lot of people follow us and know us as guys that do a lot of covers, pop to rock stuff…but we never really get to showcase the original material,” the singer-songwriter shares. “The idea of going to the Bean was to get away from a traditional restaurant/bar setting and go into a listening room environment, actually be able to talk to our audience, tell stories about where the songs come from and what they mean, and connect.” Last October, Smith released Magnolia Bloom, an EP of love songs and introspective uptempo cuts flush with Americana/folk tendencies and Georgia lilt. While the audience is likely to hear some of those memorable songs, Smith has a new crop of tunes to showcase at his intimate gig, too. “I’m really proud of them,” he says. “As an artist, as a musician...I want to be an artist you can trust. I want to be an artist that is true to himself, and so, for better or worse, in these new songs, I’m very honest. It comes from a place deep down inside, and I want to be someone you can trust onstage and offstage. I want integrity to be a huge thing, and that’s been the inspiration behind the music: to have a trustworthy approach to songwriting.” The Georgia born-and-bred son of a pastor, Smith’s giant, memorable choruses recall the hymns of his youth, pairing well with his impassioned, borderline-cinematic modern folk influences (think The Lone Bellow, The Civil Wars, etc.). Guitarist/vocalist Smith will be joined onstage by drummer Robert Saunders, guitarist Ethan Stewart, and bassist William Cusack. “We’ve been working really hard on our songs and making it sound great,” Smith says. “We’re really excited to show you the polished side of our music.” Local bluegrass heroes City Hotel open the night. 24 Thursday, September 24, 8 p.m., free, all ages
Savannah Sweet Tease
Isaac Smith, City Hotel @The Sentient Bean
Two Years of Tease: Savannah Sweet Tease Second Anniversary Showcase @The Jinx
It’s been two whole years since the Savannah Sweet Tease Burlesque Revue shimmied their way into Savannah’s heart; to celebrate, the burly family is hosting a sensational, glittery bash on their Jinx home stage. As an ode to another successful rotation around the sun, the troupe has rallied their fans to vote for their favorite 2015 performances via social media—the top picks determine the night’s entertainment. The people have spoken: Rebel Belle, Erin GO Brahless, Vesper Von Havoc, Jack N ThaCox, Magnolia Minxxx, Luna Noir, Roxanna Darling, Sadie DeSade, Miso Honey, and Edie Bellini will strut their stuff and tickle the crowd’s fancy and funny bone, with MC Skippy Spiral and Granny Glitter Gams hammin’ it up between acts. For fans who may have missed a show or two throughout the year, it’s a great chance to see standout performances you may have not seen. For those who have yet to see the captivating crew, think of Friday as a Greatest Hits tape and perfect intro. Between sets, the audience will have a chance to show their best moves as DJ C-Powers commands a dance party. The Teases are also raffling off two season passes for their upcoming season plus swag from Gaslight Group, Starlandia Supply, Anonymous Tattoo, Civvies New & Recycled Clothing, and more. Friday, September 25, doors at 9 p.m., show at 10 p.m., $10