Music – Historic Bluffton Arts & Seafood Festival

Lavon Stevens is known for his soulful jazz, contemporary and blues music. A native of Savannah, Ga. Lavon began singing and playing piano at the age of 7. He began performing in local groups across the Southeast at the age of thirteen. His first instrument was the violin. He later studied voice and piano at Dekalb College in Atlanta, Ga. from 1979 to 1983. He has traveled and performed all over the country including Aspen, Co., Atlanta, Ga. and Orlando, Fla. The resort vacation destination of Hilton Head Island, SC has been his home since 1981. He is one of the premier entertainers in Hilton Head Island, SC. Lavon is affiliated with BMI as a Publisher/Songwriter.
He serves on the board as a member of The Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra and is one of the music producers for The Native Island Gullah Festival. He is very active with The Junior Jazz Foundation at The Jazz Corner and he is also a member of the Circle of Songs organization. His CD “I See Love” was released in 1996 and features all original compositions. He is producing a variety of shows and recording projects including other R&B, Jazz, and Gospel artists.
This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a leisurely picnic lunch on the bluff of the May River and be entertained by the music and boat parade. What better way to begin our festival!

JupitEr Coyote

Jupiter Coyote is an American rock band from Macon, Georgia. Operating as an independent group from the late 1980s into the 2020s, they have sold more than one million records. Mountain Rock Legends- A mixture of good ole’ Southern Rock & Funky Appalachian Boogie. 34 years, 5000 shows, tons of music, still trucking

Spike ivory

Spike Ivory has recently released a new album titled “Outside Looking In.” The artist has been active since the late 80s, developing a vibrant formula that continues to appeal to fans with his earnest songwriting. Spike is a multi-talented artist who loves to play multiple instruments on his tracks, allowing him to add his signature twist to all aspects of the music creation process. Even though Spike has many of the instruments on his recordings, he actually teamed up with some guest studio musicians for this release, focusing mostly on playing guitar and singing vocals instead! “Outside Looking In” is truly an impressive display of Spike’s growth as an artist. Throughout this full-length, he skillfully blends his signature style with fresh, innovative elements, demonstrating his unwavering dedication to his craft. It’s no wonder that Spike has received countless accolades for his music over the years, as he continues to captivate and expand his fanbase with each new release. This new studio work marks a significant milestone in his career and is a testament to his talent and hard work.

Julie gribble

If it wasn’t for a shattered kneecap, Duluth singer-songwriter Julie Gribble might never have picked up the guitar. Anyone who’s heard her perform (her stunning vocals are nearly identical to Natalie Merchant’s) should thank her for tripping on those loose tiles in Los Angeles years ago. With her Traditional Americana/Country Music, Gribble has entranced audiences with her modern stories of life, love and relationships. When you think about the edge of an artist like Lucinda Williams, the melodies of Allison Krauss, and a likeness to Natalie Merchant, you’ll find Julie. Audiences connect immediately to the unique lyrics because they’re not the same old love clichés. As Craig Ferguson said, on his show about her record, So Typical, “It’s Fantastic!”

angela easterling

As 2023, gets going, wonderful reviews and radio play continue for “Witness”! “Witness” was a favorite SC album of the year, as written up in the Free Times: “Keep your eyes on Angela Easterling. The Upstate singer/songwriter is making some serious noise with the long-awaited “Witness,” a dynamic collection of songs that move from autobiography to storytelling with incredible ease. With Easterling’s Rosanne Cash-esque voice leading the way, “Witness” is an absolute winner, mixing folk, rock and country and stating her case as one of our best singer/songwriters. Even on the album’s lone cover, a version of Woody Guthrie’s “Deportee” that seems sadly more relevant than ever, Easterling’s original voice shines through.” Vincent Harris, Free Times, January 11, 2023