SOUNDBOY

BY TAYLOR KENT • PHOTO BY ROB KAUFMAN

As a listener, it oftentimes feels like the connotation, or even the general feel, of music can be almost as important as the actual sound. Different genres can easily be associated with different types of atmospheres. When I think of reggae music, a carefree, easygoing setting comes to mind, with sunshine and smiles and positive vibrations for all. Such was exactly the case when I stumbled across a Soundboy show. Hilton Head’s newest reggae rock band was playing at the Tiki Hut, a venue known for its electric energy of music and crowds traversing around the outside bar along the Coligny beach. It was a perfect setting for viewing a band with such easygoing vibes and rocking talent.

Originated in Jamaica in the late 1960s, reggae music evolved from the earlier genres of ska and rocksteady. Instantly recognizable from the counterpoint between the bass and drum downbeat and the offbeat rhythm section, reggae usually relates news, social gossip, and political commentary. Reggae is deeply linked to Rastafari, an Afrocentric religion which developed in Jamaica in the 1930s, aiming at promoting Pan Africanism. Soon after the Rastafarian movement appeared, the international popularity of reggae music became associated with and increased the visibility of Rastafari, spreading its gospel throughout the world. Stylistically, reggae incorporates musical elements of rhythm and blues, jazz, mento, calypso, additionally drawing influence from traditional African folk rhythms. One of the most easily recognizable elements is offbeat rhythms; staccato chords played by a guitar or piano on the offbeats of the measure. The tempo of reggae is usually slower paced, often incorporating the concept of call and response throughout the verses and choruses. The genre of reggae music is led by the drum and bass which ultimately helps you not only listen but truly feel the vibes it gives off.

Soundboy, thankfully, found the gap in the market here in Hilton Head. We were desperate for a fresh new sound to enchant us during the outpour of new faces, and old, that frequent our happening restaurants and bars. With Kyle Wareham on guitar and vocals, Martin Lesch on keys, Jos Vicars on bass, John Wilkins on lead guitar and Matt Robbins on the drums we have well established musicians coming together to give us the reggae rock show of a lifetime. Each of them has a background in solo or group performance around the area. In 2018, after the disbanding of a previous local band Storks, the idea for Soundboy was born. Kyle Wareham sent out a facebook post asking for new members to join a new reggae rock band and the rest was history. And, if you’re wondering about the name origination like I was, Soundboy is a patwa word, Jamaican for amateur dj, or a bunch of white guys trying to play reggae, which, if you ask, me is a perfect name for this band.

Seeing Soundboy live is like getting a mix of modern American reggae rock but, also being able to incorporate jam band. They took their inspiration from bands like Soja, Rebelution, and Iration and ran with it. If you are looking for an original show with a new fresh take every time you see them then, this is the band for you. And lucky enough, you can see them every other Sunday at the Tiki Bar on Hilton Head Island from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. this summer. Word on the street is we might even be lucky enough to get some original material this year as well. Don’t miss out on one of their shows because we are seeing legends in the making!

After a year hiatus, the 10th Annual Hilton Head Jazz Camp is back with daily, in-person instruction at Hilton Head Christian Academy’s brand-new 28-acre, 65,000 square-foot campus in Bluffton, July 12-17.

Sponsored by the non-profit Junior Jazz Foundation, this premier summer jazz camp has hosted students from around the country and is open to aspiring intermediate and advanced music students ages 14-20. The comprehensive program offers immersive study in improvisation, theory, combos, Master Classes, Big Band and elective courses under the guidance of 18 professional faculty members and guest artists which culminates in a finale performance on July 17th at 2 p.m. Tuition includes daily chef-catered lunches and all daytime activities, faculty recital, special mid-week lunch Master Class and two complimentary tickets to the finale. Supervised overnight accommodations are available for an additional fee.

Over the years, the program has expanded and now includes the new afternoon Hilton Head Jazz Clinic for beginning instrumentalists ages 10-14 from June 21-25 with a final concert on the last day of the clinic, plus a special full-day music trip to neighboring Savannah, Georgia on June 23.

For high school guitarists with two or more years of experience who really want to dig into jazz and improvisation, the Hilton Head Jazz Guitar Institute also takes place from June 21-25. This course is highly recommended for any guitarists who are planning on being a part of the Hilton Head Jazz Camp.

Health and safety remain important priorities and all the camps will follow the latest protocols. For students or families uncomfortable with returning to a music camp in-person, a unique virtual camp option takes place during the same week with exclusive opportunities and options for students to extend their jazz education.

For Hilton Head Jazz Camp details and registration, please visit hhijazzcamp.com or hhjazzcamp.eventbrite.com. Additional information can also be found at hhca.org or on Facebook at @ hhcaeagles or @hhcafineartsboosters.

April through September, the monthly Bluffton Sunset Party Series take place under the live oaks at Bluffton Oyster Factory Park overlooking the May River.

These kid- and pet-friendly sunset celebrations feature local food, a Wine Bar and Craft Beer Garden, arts and crafts, vendors, live music and fun activities for the whole family. Tickets are expected to be priced at $10 with proceeds benefiting various charities, including Bluffton Self Help, Coastal Conservation Association, Palmetto Ocean Conservancy and the Bluffton Kayak Club.

On Friday, June 18, enjoy Blues & Brews on the Bluff featuring live music from Chilly Willy Lite and the Eric Culberson Band or head out for the two-day May River Shrimp Festival on July 15 and 16 with the sounds of Wayne & Co., Groove Town Assault and others accompanied by fresh, local seafood.

All current Town of Bluffton and CDC Covid guidelines will be followed and adjusted accordingly. Visit blufftonsunsetparty.com or call (843) 757-8520 for more information.