Sea Island Life Magazine Spring 2015 | Page 29

A band plays for guests on the Amphitrite. Singer Amos Lee (third from left) performed live on Rainbow Island in 2014. says Casey Lavin, vice president of operations at Sea Island. “So we took steps to bring creative, relevant musicians here.” Lavin and the Sea Island staff examined each space at the resort and selected specific musical genres and performers to complement various places. They hired artist-in-residence Owen Plant, a singer and songwriter born in Jamaica, who performs folksy acoustic selections for guests at the Beach Club. Celebrated pianist Jackie Monroe brings down the house in The Cloister Colonial Lounge with broad selections that appeal to a modern, mature musical palate. “Concert pianist Chris Smith fills The Lodge with classical hits from Frank Sinatra and artists from the ’40s, ’50s and ’60s,” Lavin explains. “And throughout the year, the musical assignments of The Cloister Clubroom transform the space into somewhat of a speakeasy—a cool, intimate setting with a stage, chandelier and bluesy music that takes our guests back to the days of Prohibition.” Amos Lee, a critically acclaimed singer-songwriter, has performed live at Sea Island, as well as The Shadowboxers, a Nashville-based band that showcases meticulous harmonies and a fusion of unique rock and soul vocals. The live performances have punctuated the Sea Island experience for decades, and Lavin hints that the best is yet to come with newer additions to the resort’s events calendar. The Southern Grown Food, Drink, and Music Festival which highlights the regional talent and culture, will take place June 19-21. Popular musical acts will take to the resort’s grounds for an exciting weekend of concerts and culinary artistry. “Our Southern Grown Food, Drink, and Music Festival blends the tastes and the music of the South,” Lavin says. “It’s a food, wine and music event that truly celebrates things that are Southern.” The festivities begin with a Southern fish fry at Rainbow Island. On Saturday, attendees can learn the art of songwriting from musicians or how to make a specialty cocktail from some of the region’s top chefs. The day crescendos with Saturday night’s signature event—a concert overlooking the ocean at The Lodge. “We are pleased to bring the Grammynominated Avett Brothers to Sea Island this year for the concert,” Lavin says. “Originally from North Carolina, the band is critically acclaimed across the country. Their performance will make the night one to remember.” He expects music lovers from all over to attend hoping to hear one of their favorite melodies, whether it be “I and Love and You,” with its beautiful harmonies and sing-a-long verses, or “Head Full of Doubt/Road Full of Promise,” with its uplifting lyrics. “Music just adds so much to every experience,” Lavin adds. “Everyone responds to it. It creates an instant atmosphere that makes us feel happy—makes us feel alive.” m Musician Chuck Leavell entertaining guests and members at The Cloister SPRING/SUMMER 2015 | SEA ISL AND LIFE 29 SI5_TraditionsDept-e_v2-e_v4-e.indd 29 3/20/15 3:15 PM