Sorry Charlie’s 10th Anniversary Block Party Rocks Downtown Savannah with Live Music
This past weekend, Downtown Savannah was alive with energy, grit, and the unmistakable hum of live music as Sorry Charlie’s Oyster Bar marked its 10-year anniversary in style. On November 22nd, thanks to a partnership with Pepsi, St. Julian Street was shut down, and a free block party flooded the streets with food, drink, and some seriously good sounds.
The Train Wrecks, Savannah Georgia
Headliners & Hometown Heroes: The Train Wrecks Kick Things Off
The celebration kicked off with a hometown favorite: beloved Savannah band The Train Wrecks. With an outdoor stage set under the open sky, lead singer Jason Bible, drummer Marcus Kuhlmann, and bassist Eric Dunn delivered a tight, soulful Americana set that resonated with locals and visiting music lovers alike. Their closer was a high point, raw, emotionally grounded, and left the crowd visibly moved. It was a reminder that homegrown talent in Savannah is vibrant, dedicated, and deeply appreciated.
Oysters, Pepsi & Community Spirit
Throughout the evening, Sorry Charlie’s generously provided oysters, while Pepsi kept the party refreshed with free drinks. The sense of community was palpable not just among the fans, but between the sponsors, the venue, and the local music scene. It felt like a genuine celebration of where we come from, and where we’re headed.
Lucero live in Savannah GA for Sorry Charlie’s 10th Anniversary block party
Lucero: A Stellar Headline Performance
Just after sunset, Memphis-based band Lucero took over the stage, delivering a headline performance that people will be talking about for a while. Drawing from over two decades of experience, Lucero brought their signature sound: a rich blend of alternative country, country punk, rock, soul, and blues-rock.
Fronted by gravel-voiced Ben Nichols, the band’s gritty yet soulful approach carries deep roots in their Memphis heritage. Their music weaves together influences of Southern rock, barroom soul, punk attitude, and heartfelt storytelling with a sound that’s hard to pin down but impossible to ignore.
Their performance on St. Julian Street was both powerful and intimate. Lucero owned the space and connected with the audience on a level that’s both raw and celebratory. Their set felt like a tribute to the spirit of this block party and to the many nights of live music that define band culture.
What This Means for Savannah: A Turning Point for Original, Local Music
The turnout at Sorry Charlie’s 10-year block party was nothing short of inspiring. It was a clear testament to the demand for live, local, and original music right here in Savannah. While the city has always had a strong (if sometimes underground) music scene, too often its biggest festivals lean toward big-name or national acts. That makes nights like this even more important as they shine a spotlight directly on local talent and the community’s appetite for it.
Seeing a hometown band like The Train Wrecks open for a well-respected national act like Lucero in a free, public, sponsor-backed event was wonderful. It sends a message: Savannah can support serious music from the ground up. There’s no shortage of talent here. With more events like this, Savannah could very well emerge as a music city in its own right.
Looking Ahead: Let’s Hope the Momentum Carries On
If there’s one hope coming out of this weekend, it’s that sponsors take note. The numbers were there. The excitement was there. The community was there. With enough backing, more block parties, more stages, and more collaborations could bring Savannah’s local music scene front and center and keep drawing in both locals and visitors who crave authentic, original, live performance.
To Sorry Charlie’s and Pepsi: bravo on a milestone celebration that honored not just a business, but a musical community. To the Train Wrecks and Lucero: thank you for reminding us what makes live music so vital. And to Savannah - here’s to the next decade of making noise.