Sandfly Songwriter Series

Welcome to the first Sandfly Songwriter Series live music podcast episode with host Josephine Johnson, recorded for a live audience at Driftaway Café in history Sandfly, Savannah, Georgia.   Josephine introduces Savannah-based songwriter and performer Aaron Paul Zimmer, noting his work with the folk bluegrass trio City Hotel, solo gigs around town, and his background growing up near Cartersville, Georgia, attending UGA, and teaching eighth grade English. Zimmer performs “Cutting Teeth,” “Anything But Everything,” the City Hotel bluegrass murder ballad “Katie Brown,” and “Like They Used To,” which he co-wrote with his wife, who contributed old-movie details.   In conversation, he describes moving with his parents to an off-grid cabin at 12, reading, walking the woods, and developing his songwriting and guitar playing, which his father first taught him. Audience questions cover his favorite cereals, whether he writes lyrics or music first, musical inspirations, and how teaching gives him hope through his students’ peaceful diversity.   CONNECT WITH US: VISIT DRIFTAWAY CAFE MEET JOSEPHINE JOHNSON MEET AARON PAUL ZIMMER LIVE MUSIC, SOUND & PRODUCTION TEAM DEE DANIELS MEDIA   FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE: 00:00 Meet Aaron Paul Zimmer 02:24 Housekeeping and Questions 03:39 First Songs Live 09:50 Roots in the Woods 13:30 Bluegrass Murder Ballad 19:05 Audience Q and A Fun 21:43 Writing Process Talk 23:35 Like They Used To 27:46 Teaching and Hope 29:36 Musical Inspirations 27:57 Closing Thanks  

Welcome to the Sandfly Songwriter Series, hosted by musician and artist Josephine Johnson and recorded live at Driftaway Café in historic Sandfly, Savannah, Georgia. Each episode features live local music, honest conversations, and the stories behind the songs. From intimate performances to behind-the-scenes moments with featured singer-songwriters, this series celebrates the heart of Savannah’s creative community. Subscribe now and join us for live music, storytelling, and authentic conversations from one of Savannah’s most unique listening rooms.