By Vanessa Lantos Daly (Spicy Melon)
Jan. 27, 2025 – There’s one question that never fails to pop up when you work in hospitality in downtown Savannah: “Where can I find some live music?”
You could practically turn it into a drinking game.
For years, my go-to recommendations included places like the now-closed Bayou Café or live performances at Kevin Barry’s Irish Pub—also closed.
Today, if you’re looking for live music, you can catch Open Jam Thursdays at Barrelhouse or nightly tunes at the newly built Wexford’s Irish Pub.
But when Good Times Jazz Bar closed in 2023, something truly special went with it. For years, I’d send guests there because it was one of the few places in Savannah dedicated to live jazz. It showcased the immense talent of local jazz artists—Savannah is rich in that department.
The venue brought regional, national and international musicians to the city. It even hosted the annual Teddy Adams birthday jazz concert, a local favorite. Last August, the event had to move to District Live at Plant Riverside due to the jazz bar’s closure.
Initially labeled as “Temporarily Closed” and “Under Renovation,” the building that once housed Good Times Jazz Bar has since been sold and the new owners haven’t expressed any plans to reopen the venue as a jazz club.
To shed light on where Savannah’s jazz scene might head next, I spoke with two key figures: Teddy Adams, beloved local jazz icon, and Kevin Rose, a well-known architect and musician.
Currently, the downtown options for live jazz are limited to Jazz’d Tapas Bar and Cuban restaurant Rancho Alegre, which features jazz on Fridays and Saturdays.
While these spots offer decent food and drinks, their acoustics leave much to be desired for live performances.
“The last time I played at Jazz’d Tapas Bar, it was so loud,” Teddy shared. “It’s not a good experience if you really appreciate the music.”
<Looking for live music? Check out the Savannah Music Collective event calendar>
He also notes, “The people that go there are not there to listen.” Most patrons come for dinner and cocktails. “You combine bad acoustics and a non-listening audience, and that’s an atmosphere that’s non-conducive to music, period. But especially to jazz.”
As it stands, there is no dedicated jazz club downtown to showcase the immense talent Savannah has to offer.
However, with a glimmer in his eyes, Mr. Teddy shares exciting news about a venue set to open in 2025—a three-story space currently under construction, designed specifically for music performances.
Teddy emphasizes the importance of acoustics in creating a true listening room. He recalls being approached by two gentlemen for advice on opening a jazz venue near The Landings. The building, however, was primarily made of glass. “I went to the center of the room and clapped my hands, and the sound came back and slapped me in the face,” he said. He recommended either improving the acoustics or finding a different space entirely.
He also highlights the need for thoughtful management. “Managing a jazz facility is a different ballgame. It’s not just a club with live entertainment. You need someone who appreciates the music but also has the savvy to run it properly. A great example is The Jazz Corner on Hilton Head, which has been around for almost 25 years. They’re open seven nights a week, and to get a seat, you have to call a month in advance.”
Reflecting on the closure of Good Times Jazz Bar, Teddy notes, “People still call to ask me if it’s going to reopen. They’re disappointed because it was the only place of substance. It had big-city flair for the music it showcased, and it allowed me to bring in national and regional acts.”
As for the new project, Teddy pointed me to 111 West Congress Street, the former home of Órale Tacos. He also mentioned Kevin Rose as the architect. Naturally, I did what any dedicated journalist would do—I found Kevin at a bar and asked for his thoughts.
Kevin never disappoints, not only spilling the inside scoop but even sharing some renderings.
“The venue is under construction,” Kevin shared. “It’ll probably take another eight or nine months to finish. It’s called Nickel and Oak. The owner, Matt Lipman, wants to create an upscale space for jazz, music, and occasionally small film screenings.”
Matt Lipman, who also owns The Snug Irish Pub on Wilmington Island, has ambitious plans for the venue. I couldn’t resist asking about the food and drink offerings.
“He wants a nice place where people can enjoy a good cocktail,” Kevin said. “He really loves bourbon, so there’ll be a great bourbon selection.”
Kevin described the layout: “There’s a stage, and the room is oriented towards it. There’ll be a grand piano, and we’re working on a top-tier sound system—hopefully one of the best in the area for a venue of this size.”
The best part? Kevin isn’t just the architect—he’s also a sound engineer, ensuring the space will deliver exceptional acoustics.
“There’ll be a low deck, a mezzanine level, and even private spaces. The setup is focused on the stage when artists are performing but comfortable enough to enjoy when they’re not. Guests can sit in booths, at the bar, or even head up to the small rooftop with views of Ellis Square.”
This venue will exclusively feature quality drinks! Kevin explains, “We couldn’t figure out how to fit a kitchen—it’s a small lot. Smaller than most of the lots downtown.”
The idea of coming just for drinks and a show feels refreshing. Without the distraction of food, guests can fully immerse themselves in the music.
Kevin sums it up perfectly: “I’m very excited to have a place specifically for jazz musicians, some blues, and even singer-songwriters—a true showcase room instead of just a bar with music. This is music with a bar.”
Mr. Teddy shares Kevin’s enthusiasm and underscores the importance of having a dedicated jazz venue in Savannah, a city with deep roots in jazz history. “Savannah has always been a town that had jazz—that’s why I’m a jazz musician. Even during times when races didn’t mix, the bandstand was always a place where white and Black musicians could play together. Whether in Black clubs or white clubs, it was good. Even if we didn’t mingle afterward, we mixed on the stage.”
He continues, “Savannah has produced some very important musicians of note—James Moody, Ben Riley, Irene Reid, Sahib Shihab. Johnny Mercer wasn’t a jazz composer, but some of his compositions became almost jazz standards. He often collaborated with jazz musicians. There’s a reason Savannah is a strong jazz town, and that’s because of its history and legacy.”
Honestly, I feel like there should be more than one jazz club in the works to showcase the incredible talent in this city. But, in Mr. Teddy’s words, not all is dire. And I can’t help but share the excitement and optimism he and Kevin have for this new project.
Love always,
Vanessa
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More columns by Vanessa Lantos Daly (Spicy Melon)
