These include the "Rhythm on the River" series of concerts that take place at Queen Square in downtown Brunswick, and the "Jazz in the Park" and "A Little Light Music" concerts that take place at the lighthouse on St. Simons Island.
Rhythm on the River concerts are sponsored by the Downtown Development Authority and take place Sunday evenings from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Local artists perform an array of styles from classic rock to bluegrass, jazz to pop. Concertgoers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, picnic baskets and their favorite liquid refreshments. After the shows, stop for dinner in one of the many downtown restaurants and enjoy a pleasant evening in this historic port city.
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| Jazz in the Park and A Little Light Music draw hundreds of patrons to the lawn of the St. Simons Lighthouse during select Sunday evenings throughout the warm weather months. (Credit: GIAHA) |
Now in its 22nd season, Jazz in the Park features regional and nationally known jazz artists who perform everything from “traditional” jazz standards to cutting-edge music with an international beat. A Little Light Music, now in its 13th season, features local and regional artists performing classic rock, pop, beach music and rhythm and blues.
Performances typically draw from 400-600 people, with many, many more during holiday weekends. Concert veterans will tell you the Sunday night concerts are more than a picnic on the lawn. Much more. “These are social events,” says Heather Heath, executive director of Golden Isles Arts and Humanities. "Many people use the opportunity to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries or other occasions. It’s like a real community.”
Setups are as varied as the participants, ranging from a simple blanket and a cooler to tables and chairs with complete place settings, table linens and decorations to suit the occasion. The Golden Isles Track Club, for instance, has an elaborate setup complete with a small bar, tiki torches and a club banner.
At the July 4 weekend performance, concert-goers compete to win prizes for having the most creative and unusual setups.
Concert fare is a veritable smorgasbord limited only by the participants’ imaginations and ability to transport and safely serve their food items. Some are happy to stop by their local quik-mart for a bag of chips and sodas or beer. Others bring complete, full-course meals assembled potluck or by local eateries.
“This is truly the place to be on Sunday nights,” Heath says. “We’re even listed in a book entitled, ‘101 Things to do in Georgia before you die.’”
CONCERT SCHEDULE
APRIL
17 - RHYTHM ON THE RIVER: Defunk, 6:00 pm, Queen Square, Brunswick. Admission.
MAY
15 - A LITTLE LIGHT MUSIC: Sons of the Beach, a powerhouse entertainment duo that recreate all the songs you want to hear. 7:00 pm, St. Simons Lighthouse, St. Simons Island. Admission.
15 - RHYTHM ON THE RIVER: Honey Blue. 6:00 pm, Queen Square, Brunswick. Admission.
29 - JAZZ IN THE PARK: World Unity Jazz Ensemble, featuring Phil Morrison. A fresh blend of East and West that brings a taste of other lands to America’s unique musical form. 7:00 pm, Neptune Park, St. Simons Island. Admission. PLEASE NOTE THE CHANGE IN VENUE FOR THIS JAZZ IN THE PARK PERFORMANCE ONLY; ALL OTHERS WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE LIGHTHOUSE.
JUNE
12 - A LITTLE LIGHT MUSIC: Island Garage Band, serving classic rock, covered, smothered, and scattered. 7:00 pm, St. Simons Lighthouse, St. Simons Island. Admission.
26 - JAZZ IN THE PARK: Latin Jazz by Sam Rodriquez. Performing a wide range of lively rhythms showcasing the African heriatge in modern Latin sounds. 7:00 pm, St. Simons Lighthouse, St. Simons Island. Admission.
JULY
3 - A LITTLE LIGHT MUSIC: Mason Waters and the Groove All Stars. 7:00 pm, St. Simons Lighthouse, St. Simons Island. Admission.
10 - JAZZ IN THE PARK: Silver Lining. A blend of traditional and contemporary jazz with influences from rock, Americana, swing. 7:00 pm, St. Simons Lighthouse, St. Simons Island. Admission.
31 - JAZZ IN THE PARK: Rob Denty. Hometown boy returns with his group, bringing the true spirit of improvisation to traditional forms. 7:00 pm, St. Simons Lighthouse, St. Simons Island. Admission.
AUGUST
7 - A LITTLE LIGHT MUSIC: The Stringrays. 7:00 pm, St. Simons Lighthouse, St. Simons Island. Admission.
28 - JAZZ IN THE PARK: Just Jazz Quintet. Performing sophisticated, classic standards from swing to ballads, Latin to pop. 7:00 pm, St. Simons Lighthouse, St. Simons Island. Admission.
SEPTEMBER
4 - A LITTLE LIGHT MUSIC: Sensational Sounds of Motown. Detroit's finest sounds. 7:00 pm, St. Simons Lighthouse, St. Simons Island. Admission.
25 - RHYTHM ON THE RIVER: Josh Kirkland and the Traveling Riverside Band. 6:00 pm, Queen Square, Brunswick. Admission.
25 - JAZZ IN THE PARK: Julie Wilde and The Bohemian Dream Band. The romance and gypsy-swing vibe of a hip 1930s Parisian night club. 7:00 pm, St. Simons Lighthouse, St. Simons Island. Admission.
OCTOBER
16 - RHYTHM ON THE RIVER: Soul Gravy. 6:00 pm, Queen Square, Brunswick. Admission.
NOVEMBER
6 - RHYTHM ON THE RIVER: The O'Reallys. 6:00 pm, Queen Square, Brunswick. Admission.
Season tickets are available for the Jazz in the Park and A Little Light Music concert series. For information about Jazz in the Park tickets, call Golden Isles Arts and Humanities Association at 912-262-6934 or visit them online. For A Little Light Music tickets, call the Coastal Georgia Historical Society at 912- 638-4666 or visit them online.
