The 169th “First Friday for Folk Music,” Savannah’s monthly showcase of local and touring folk musicians, takes place July 2. 

 

This First Friday kicks off the concert series’ 15th year once again promising great music. Featured will be local performers Roll on Rodney, and from Florida, Bill and Eli Perras. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church at 520 Washington Ave. It's smoke-free, alcohol-free and family-friendly. There is a recommended donation of $2 per person. Beverages and fresh baked goods are available for purchase at nominal prices.

 

July’s First Friday for Folk Music opens with Roll on Rodney, an eclectic quartet in terms of members and music. The group includes veteran Savannah musician John Powers with his son, Zach, Rob Roberts and Mary Joe Adams. 

 

John Powers arranges the group’s unique approach to songs old and new, provides most of the humor and plays a myriad of instruments; Zach Powers plays keyboard and saxophone; Roberts lays down some great guitar riffs and vocals; and Adams does many of the lead vocals and gives the group some much-needed good looks. 

 

Expect the unexpected when Roll on Rodney rolls onto the stage.

 

Bill and Eli Perras make their second visit to First Friday. The many inspired lyrics given to and interpreted by Eli Perras, combined with Bill Perras’ bluesy finger-style guitar playing create a uniquely modern take on true Americana music in its purest form. 

 

Receiving recognition for their tightly woven musical creativity, they humbly remain true to their personal values.

 

They speak out with strong heartfelt lyrics accompanied by soulful genuine pentatonic rhythms against social injustices, corporate greed, and daily follies in everyday life. They can grip your heart, search your soul, change a mindset, or softly strike a funny bone, all the while leaving the audience with a sentiment for the common good desired in all mankind.

 

They have opened for Bill Staines, Steve Gillette and Cindy Mangsen, Michael Smith, John Gorka, Jack Williams, Anne Feeney, Scott Ainslie, Small Potatoes, Emma's Revolution, Paul Geremia, Panama Red and many more nationally recognized entertainers. 

 

They are regulars at the many Florida folk music venues and festivals and frequently travel the country sharing their music beyond the Sunshine State. 

 

For further information, call Hank Weisman at (912) 786-6953 or on the Web see www.savannahfolk.org.