Savannah’s Chuck Courtenay takes District Live stage.

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Anyone who’s spent a decent amount of time enjoying nightlife or live entertainment options in the Hostess City over the past three decades has likely encountered Chuck Courtenay — especially tourists.

A nearly constant and reassuring presence at top bars, restaurants, clubs, hotels and festivals throughout the Greater Savannah Area, Chuck is a rock-solid rhythm guitarist who possesses a strong, nuanced singing voice. His skills are particularly geared towards classic country and western music, honky-tonk and even the smooth, acoustic-based AM radio pop hits of the 1970s and 1980s.

Some of those same composers and A-List studio players are back on board for Courtenay’s brand-new EP “I’d Love To Do Some Living,” which he just released on March 1, and celebrated with a sold-out full-band concert the same night at District Live, a 400-capacity showcase venue that’s part of the impressive Plant Riverside Entertainment District on the far West end of Savannah’s fabled River Street.

The roughly two-hour show included polished renditions of tracks from both of Chuck’s last two records, as well as a handful of covers made famous by some of his favorite country, pop and rock artists, such as Gordon Lightfoot, Elvis Presley and Waylon Jennings. Most of the members of his band for the special one-night-only event traveled to Savannah just for this show and included seasoned pros who’ve played at the Grand Ole Opry, as well as recorded and/or performed with such major artists as Toby Keith, Lady Gaga, the Wallflowers, Trace Adkins, Lee Greenwood and Esperanza Spalding.

To call the evening an unqualified success would be an understatement.

Photo courtesy of the artist

From the massive, high-tech video wall which covered the entire back of the stage, to the custom, moving light show, to the high caliber and professionalism of the musical performance, this was one of the most dazzling concert experiences ever presented by a locally based act in the past 40 years.

“What made this show so unique is that it’s the first time I’ve headlined in a ticketed theater in almost a decade,” explained Courtenay a few days after the excitement of the concert died down. “And unlike my standard solo acoustic shows which I perform regularly around town, it was focused on exactly how I want to present myself as a musician and a singer. An awful lot of planning went into this.”

He says he’d almost forgotten what a thrill it was for him to front a powerful, versatile band after playing quiet solo shows for so long.

“It’s truly a high that is hard to describe to anyone who’s never found themselves in that experience,” he recounted. “Like lightning in a bottle…”

Chuck says he’s received tons of messages from friends and fans who regret not being able to attend the sold-out EP release party. “That of course gives me more motivation to start again as soon as possible on a new project. I’m going back to Nashville to record another song in a few months.”

For now, however, he’s pleasantly shocked to learn that Spotify —which is arguably the most important music streaming service in the world in terms of international exposure— has prominently featured his new EP, placing the DIY record alongside acts which are far more well-known. “This is a wonderful surprise,” he enthuses, “since we have not pushed it or paid for promotion of any kind.”

“I still plan to make my living regionally on my acoustic guitar and occasionally play small gigs with my local band. But I think once every two years I’ll release new music. That way I can deliver something as big and special as we did this past weekend. And hopefully sell out the next show as well!”

Chuck Courtenay’s new EP “I’d Love To Do Some Living” can be found on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube and all major streaming platforms.

Photo courtesy of the artist

 

Categories: Music & Clubs

Tags: , #Georgia, #Savannah GA, #Savannah Tourism, #Visit Savannah, Chuck Courtenay, District Live stage, Savannah, Savannah Georgia, Savannah's District Live stage