Savannah Jams Podcast

Send us Fan MailIrish folk music has long been part of Savannah’s cultural fabric, and few musicians have helped carry that tradition forward like Michael Corbett. In Episode 20 of the Savannah Jams Podcast, we sit down with the longtime Irish folk singer to talk about his 30+ year musical journey—from growing up near Boston and learning from legends connected to the Clancy Brothers to performing across Savannah for more than two decades. Corbett shares stories from his years with the beloved duo Seldom Sober, his new project the Galway Rogues, memorable performances at historic venues like Kevin Barry’s, and what’s ahead for Savannah’s biggest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations at Wexford Pub. It’s a deep dive into the history, community, and future of Irish folk music in Savannah.

Send us Fan MailSpring is here, and Savannah’s live music scene is kicking into high gear with the Springtime Jamboree at the Tybee Post Theater. In this episode, we break down the lineup featuring country bands Lyn Avenue, Damon and the Shitkickers, and other standout performers, along with the role of producer John Branigin and Cockspur Productions in bringing it all together. This isn’t just a rundown of who’s playing — it’s a look at what Spring Jamboree signals for the momentum of live music in Savannah right now.

Send us Fan MailSavannah country artist CC Witt joins the Savannah Jams podcast to talk about stepping fully into her solo era while continuing her success with Lynn Avenue. Recorded at Brass Coyote, this episode dives into the personal experiences that shaped her new single and upcoming solo album, as well as her highly anticipated Sunday performance at Tybee Post Theater with Lulu the Giant. We also discuss Lynn Avenue’s appearance at the Springtime Jamboree presented by Cockspur Productions and what’s next for one of the busiest voices in the Savannah live music scene.

Send us Fan MailIn Part 3 of this three-part conversation, Savannah Jams brings together Tom Cooler, John Branigin, and Justin Vreeland to take an honest look at the state of live music in Savannah as we head into 2026. From the realities of booking and pay to changing audiences, venues, and sustainability, this episode lays the groundwork for a no-BS discussion about what’s working, what’s broken, and where the scene goes next.

Send us Fan MailIn Part 2 of this three-part conversation, Savannah Jams brings together Tom Cooler, John Branigin, and Justin Vreeland to take an honest look at the state of live music in Savannah as we head into 2026. From the realities of booking and pay to changing audiences, venues, and sustainability, this episode lays the groundwork for a no-BS discussion about what’s working, what’s broken, and where the scene goes next.

Send us Fan MailIn Episode 15 of the Savannah Jams Podcast, we sit down with Bak Bond, one of Savannah’s fastest-rising country artists and one of the hardest-working new faces on the local scene. In just over a year, Bak has gone from finding his footing to hosting his own Bondfire Sessions showcases, playing high-profile community events, and setting his sights on a Nashville talent showcase. We talk about his unexpected transition from hip-hop to country, why storytelling pulled him in, how his eclectic style shapes his performances, and what it takes to build momentum from the ground up with a fully committed band behind you.

Send us Fan MailIn Part 1 of this four-part conversation, Savannah Jams brings together Tom Cooler, John Branigin, and Justin Vreeland to take an honest look at the state of live music in Savannah as we head into 2026. From the realities of booking and pay to changing audiences, venues, and sustainability, this episode lays the groundwork for a no-BS discussion about what’s working, what’s broken, and where the scene goes next.

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Send us Fan MailIn episode 12 of the Savannah Jams Podcast, titled “The Problem with Slow Gig Nights,” we dive into one of the most persistent challenges facing local musicians: those painfully slow Sunday-through-Wednesday gigs. Joining us for this candid and insightful conversation are two longtime friends and powerhouse singer-songwriters—Kari Greenway, known for her Americana, classic rock, and pop stylings, and Cyril Durant, who blends alternative rock, jazz, and pop with ease. Adding her voice via pre-written notes is country artist CC Witt, offering her signature blend of honest, boots-on-the-ground perspective. Together, we unpack the factors that lead to sluggish turnout on early-week nights—think seasonal slumps, poor promotion, bad timing, and tricky locations—and brainstorm practical, creative solutions like open mics, artist showcases, and more collaborative promotion. It’s an episode full of real talk, a little venting, and a lot of heart.

Send us Fan MailIn Episode 11: Battle of the Cover Songs!, three of Savannah’s most seasoned cover musicians go head-to-head in a fun and lively debate over the best and most-requested bar cover songs. Singer-songwriter Kellen Powers, a longtime performer at the Tree House in City Market, Jeremy Riddle, a Savannah gigging veteran, and Joe Jarka, who spent 17 years behind the keys at Savannah Smiles Dueling Pianos, share their takes on what makes a great cover song, the wild requests they’ve gotten, and the crowd-pleasers that never fail. Whether you’re a fan of live music or a fellow musician, this episode is packed with insight, laughs, and plenty of sing-along favorites.

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Send us Fan MailIn Episode 09: Stan Ray & Mary Dugas, we sit down with singer-songwriter Stan Ray and Mary Dugas, Director of the Savannah Music Collective, to talk about their new singer-songwriter showcase series entitles Savannah in the Round. Hosted in intimate listening-room restaurants, these events pair live music with dinner and conversation, creating a one-of-a-kind experience for both artists and audiences. They share how the idea came to life, the incredible talent thriving in Savannah, and how their first event sold out in just one day. Plus, they hint at what’s next for the series and other exciting projects on the horizon.4o

Send us Fan MailIn Episode 08: DoLette McDonald (Part 2), we follow DoLette’s journey from the global stage to finding a home in Savannah. She shares how she discovered an incredible pool of talent in the city, including the musicians in her own band, and how her monthly brunch performances at the Grey have become a highlight of her life. Reflecting on the realities of aging and the joy of settling into a new chapter, DoLette opens up about finding peace, purpose, and happiness at home.

Send us Fan MailIn Episode 07: DoLette McDonald (Part 1), we dive into the incredible journey of one of the most dynamic backing vocalists of the '70s and '80s. DoLette shares stories of her strict upbringing in Newark, NJ, her daring escape to New York City, and the fateful moment she got her big break singing with Cissy Houston. From touring with Talking Heads to performing alongside some of the biggest superstars of the era, DoLette gives us a firsthand look at a life spent in the heart of music history.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the Savannah Jams Podcast, we sit down with Americana, Folk, and Rock artist Dave Smith, a fixture in Savannah’s music scene since the early 70s. Dave takes us back to his roots in a small coal-mining town in Kentucky, where his musical journey began alongside his brother as the Smith Brothers duo, performing up and down River Street. He shares stories about his vast song repertoire—boasting over 300 songs—and how he goes about learning new ones. Plus, he talks about why Savannah holds a special place in his heart, his favorite spots to perform, and the local artists he admires. Tune in for a conversation rich in history, music, and a deep love for Savannah’s live music scene!

Send us Fan MailThis week, we take Savannah Jams on the road to the Warehouse Bar and Grille on River Street, where every Tuesday night from 8 to 11 PM, the legendary Brett “Hitman” Barnard hosts one of the city’s most electric open mic nights. The mics are live, the beer is flowing, and the stage is packed with raw talent. In this episode, we capture the energy firsthand with a series of mini-interviews featuring some of Savannah’s finest musicians—guitarist Stuart Kinzel, drummer Larry Duff, emcee and singer-songwriter Basik Lee, singer-songwriter Brandi Olenyik, guitarist Justin Glawe, singer-songwriter Justin Vreeland, and more.

Send us Fan Mail In Episode 04, we dive deeper into Savannah’s tribute and ensemble shows with John Branigin, the driving force behind Cockspur Productions. Joining us are Americana artists Eric Daubert and Matt Eckstine, who have been friends and collaborators for over two decades. We discuss the dedication it takes to bring these shows to life, the incredible musicians involved, and why supporting the arts in Savannah is more important than ever. 

Send us Fan MailIn Episode 03, we sit down with Brian Goldman, a drummer-turned-music agent whose journey took him from D.C. to California, Chicago, and finally, Savannah, where he became the Director and showrunner at Victory North. He shares stories about the artists he represents, the shows he’s brought to Savannah, and the growing popularity of local Tribute Shows, which have taken the scene by storm in recent years.

Send us Fan MailWelcome to the second episode of our podcast, where we uncover the hidden gems of Savannah, Georgia! Today, we’re diving into the city’s rich and often overlooked artists, shining a spotlight on the underrated talent that keeps Savannah’s sound alive. From intimate venues to the voices that deserve more recognition, we’ll focus on the soulful blend of folk, blues, and rock brought to life by singer-songwriter Justin Vreeland.

Send us Fan MailWe’re thrilled to announce the launch of the Savannah Jams Podcast—your ultimate backstage pass to Savannah’s vibrant live music scene! In our debut episode, we’re taking you on a journey through the story of Savannah Jams, from its humble beginnings to its golden age and our exciting plans for 2025. Whether you’re a die-hard music lover, a local venue owner, or just curious about the magic behind Savannah’s live music culture, this podcast is for you. Tune in, and let’s jam together!