Savannah has a special, tight-knit community of folk and Americana artists, so it is always a cause for celebration when they all get on one stage together. Thankfully, singer-songwriter Eric Britt is rounding up some of Savannah’s best folk/Americana artists for another all-star Homegrown Summer Jam at Victory North.
“Last year was a big night and so much fun,” Britt said of the inaugural Summer Jam. “Savannah music lovers really got their arms around it, and we were so very grateful. Sure, you can see many of us for free most nights. When we all come together to play a venue as grand as Victory North, I'd like to think it's worth the cost of admission and then some.”
Credit: File photo/SavannahNow.com
Credit: File photo/SavannahNow.com
The Homegrown Summer Jam grew out of Britt’s experience playing in a similar event organized by The Accomplices and Trainwrecks called the Holiday Hoedown. Britt admired what the event was able to accomplish and pitched the Summer Jam to Brian Goldman of Victory North. Savannah’s busy and nurturing music scene makes events like the Homegrown Summer Jam possible.
“One of the things that makes Savannah unique is an abundance of opportunities for good musicians to make a living,” said Britt. “Savannah also has some of the best folk, blues, and jazz players in the region — and playing right down the street every week. Venues pay enough to keep most of us right here, and maybe traveling out to Beaufort/HHI/Charleston.
"The days of rolling up and down the East Coast in a sweaty van are over for many. The moment you travel more than four hours away, you are probably losing money... unless of course you're doing corporate gigs. In which case, you better mind your behavior and act like an employee; it's worth the money most times.”
Credit: Photo provided
Credit: Photo provided
This years annual Summer Jam features some familiar faces, new additions, and long anticipated reunions—all of whom are among of the most respected performers in Savannah.
Singer-songwriter Aaron Paul Zimmer is returning to kick off the evening, but this time with a rare reunion of his beloved bluegrass band, City Hotel. As a solo artist, Zimmer is known for his lyrical, melodic songwriting and engaging storytelling, as well as his charming vocal tone. City Hotel have been consistently one of Savannah's favorite string bands, displaying intricate string interplay and soaring vocal harmonies.
“Aaron and the boys are just awesome at bluegrass, so I was so excited they agreed to this show,” said Britt.
Credit: Photo provided
Credit: Photo provided
New to the Homegrown Summer Jam are Lyn Avenue, the husband-and-wife duo of CC Witt and Patrick Ellington who play Country/Americana with a focus on atmospheric electric guitar, cheerfully twangy vocals, and relatable storytelling. Born and raised in Savannah, Lyn Avenue write autobiographical songs full of southern charm that can connect with many Savannah audiences.
Hardworking singer-songwriter Matt Eckstine is also returning to the Summer Jam. Eckstine became a staple in Savannah music through his band The Accomplices, as well as his solo work. Last year, Eckstine teamed up with Evan Rose of the popular bluegrass band Swamptooth. The pairing of their voices and talents was one of the evening's highlights.
This year Eckstine is trying something new by partnering up with the Eric Jones Trio. The combination of Eckstine's songs with a premiere jazz trio should be an exciting new direction for the singer.
Credit: Photo provided
Credit: Photo provided
“Matt wanted to mix it up this year,” said Britt. “He frequently plays with jazz bassist Marc Chesanow, so he had an ‘in’ with the Eric Jones Trio. I bet it's gonna be a unique twist on his sound for sure.”
Eric Britt and New American Hologram are headlining the event with some special surprises.
“As far as the New American Hologram, we've been playing out enough to start sounding pretty good and we have awesome new songs,” said Britt. “Having different guitarists all the time has kept us on our toes, and keeps it fresh for a bunch of dudes who play solo or in other bands 24/7.”
During their set, Britt will shake up the line-up and transform the band into Hazel Virtue, Athens popular '90s indie rocker. It will be a preview of sorts for the band's upcoming Fourth of July reunion shows.
“Smells like '90s spirit!” exclaimed Britt. “Andrew Sovine played with us last year and is joining us again for our Fourth of July shows. And Kevin Rose played most of the electric lead on the album, so we are literally just changing out the rhythm section to form Hazel! Steve Pless and Kevin Gray will replace Stan and Ryan for a song or two. We can now promise the audience at least 10 minutes of rock music that night.”
Credit: Adriana Iris Boatwright / For Do Savannah
Credit: Adriana Iris Boatwright / For Do Savannah
Hazel Virtue reunited last year for Britt’s solo double-album “Full Circle,” which featured recordings of old Hazel Virtue songs that never saw the studio.
“Reuniting last year for a couple shows was such a great feeling,” recalled Britt.
“Rejuvenating, healing, and exhausting all at the same time. Many of my Savannah friends and supporters got to finally see Hazel, and the Athens music festival we played was as close to time travel as any of us we'll ever experience. We were 25 again for an evening, playing the same songs for much of the same audience and their friends, children, and relatives.
“When the opportunity rose to do it again this year, we jumped on it.”
Hazel Virtue are playing three Savannah shows over Fourth of July weekend at Chamacos on Tybee Island at 7 p.m. on July 1, Service Brewing Company at 7 p.m. on July 2, and Starland Yard at 2 p.m. on July 3.
“These shows are all free and mostly family friendly, so I'm hoping folks pick one that works for them,” said Britt. “At all three, we are gonna start with an acoustic set followed by a full-on electric set. The latter will be our brand of 90s rock... loud, energetic, and fun as hell. Before committing, I discussed the volume issue with each of the venues. Instead of being concerned, they were welcoming and excited! So, we're going to have to serve it up hot three days in a row. Come party!”
If You Go
What: Homegrown Summer Jam - Part 2
When: 7-11 p.m., June 30
Where: Victory North Savannah, 2603 Whitaker St.
Cost: $15-25
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Singer-songwriter Eric Britt brings back Homegrown Summer Jam and another Hazel Virtue reunion
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