Entertainment
2010 ENTERTAINMENT HIGHLIGHTS
The Volunteers of the U.S. Army Field Band
Audiences nationwide have been captivated by the performances of The Volunteers, the United States Army's premier touring show band. Since its inception in 1981, this talented six-piece group has performed in all fifty states, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Nicaragua, Belgium, and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The band seamlessly mixes jazz, fifties favorites, Motown classics, rock, country and pop hits. Performances by the Volunteers have included Mardi Gras in New Orleans, the Indianapolis 500, Nashville Now, the Calgary Stampede, and many state fairs and festivals across the country.The band has also appeared at sporting events of the San Diego Padres, Los Angeles Dodgers, Baltimore Orioles, Florida Marlins, and Pittsburgh Steelers.
Performances by the Volunteers have been described as "outstanding entertainment with energy and inspiration." The entire family will enjoy The Volunteers' "foot stomping, heart-racing music"...so mark your calendars now for Sunday, October 17th at 4:00 PM. You don't want to miss this exciting once in a lifetime performance!
Author Night at the Rotary Community Center
Author Night at the Rotary Community Center on Wednesday, October 20 at 6:00 PM. Author to be announced.
May River Boat Tours
Enjoy a scenic one hour and fifteen minute tour on the pristine May River. Tours depart from the dock at the end of Calhoun Street at 11:00 am, 12:30 pm, 2:00 pm and 3:30 pm on Saturday, October 23, 2010. Tickets are $20 per person and can be purchased at the Palmetto Ferry Company table on Calhoun Street.
Fireworks Spectacular
The 6th annual Historic Bluffton Arts and Seafood Festival fireworks spectacular will present the best fireworks show in Bluffton at dusk on Saturday evening, October 23rd. Shot from the May River and viewed riverside at the Bluffton Oyster Factory Park on Wharf Street, this will be the grand finale to a day full of festivities, not to be missed!
B-Town Playaz 
"Chem-is-try". This is the word Clarence Williams uses to describe his band, the B-Town Playaz. The band got its official start in 2002, as a church band at St. Gregory the Great in Bluffton. The first gig they played together as a threesome was at a church member’s birthday party, and they have been together ever since. Composed of singer/guitarist John O’Gorman, bass player, Clarence Williams and drummer Jeff Franklin, the band has become a Bluffton mainstay. B-Town Playaz truly loves what they do, electrifies crowds with their music and have a fun-loving appeal that will help make your Saturday evening at the Historic Bluffton Arts & Seafood Festival perfect! Plan now to be part of the exciting "Rockin on the Docks" finale on Saturday from 5:30 - 8:00PM!
Thomas Claxton
Thomas Claxton is a one man band act, vocals and guitar, proven festival pleaser for all ages. An original recording artist from right here in the Coastal Empire, Claxton has been performing for live audiences for years. Thomas is a well known face in his home town of Savannah and his shows stand out from the rest with a wide variety of rare acoustic rock and roll covers, (Queen, Rush, ELO, etc.) as well as his intense originals.
Thomas has graced the stage with many talented artists over time and has toured nationally with members of Three Dog Night, Quiet Riot, Alice Cooper, and Iron Maiden. He has played in arenas and venues up the east coast in cities from Orlando, all the way to Manhattan NYC and Boston. "It was a joy to work with someone who was grateful to be working as a musician and singer. Thomas is great to see on stage for he loves what he's doing and he's great at it!" - Chuck Negron (legendary original vocalist for rock and roll legends, Three Dog Night)
We are excited to have Thomas Claxton joining us for the first time...you can catch his act Saturday morning, October 23 from 10:30 - 1:30!
Bam Jazz
Let the Party Begin! Bam Jazz delivers Blues, Cajun, Latin, Reggae, R&B Beach, Worldbeat Swing...all with a New Orleans feel. The Gumbo Kings of Jazz and Blues - The Professors of that Gulf Coast Rhythm & Groove - Whispering Smooth Ballads from the Greats - Steaming Swing of the Big Band Era - From the most CLASSIC to the most MODERN. Jazz, Jitterbug, Mambo, Swing, Latin, Reggae, Caribbean, Dinner Music, Smooth Jazz, Klezmer, Motown, Beach, and more…
Comprised of some of the most accomplished and versatile players around, trumpeter/vocalist Bill Averbach brings it home with vintage to modern jazz, blues, swing, jumpin’ jive, latin, reggae/ska and more. Influenced heavily by artists such as Cab Calloway, Louis Armstrong, Louis Jordan, Louis Prima, Clifton Chenier, Dr. John, The Meters and Bob Marley, the band plays that jumpin’ jive so reminiscent of zoot suits and two-tone shoes. And when they play that New Orleans sound you can almost taste the creole and gumbo at Mardi Gras...or on Saturday afternoon, you can come on out and taste some low country seafood and listen to Bam Jazz from 2:00 - 5:00.
Jeff Beasley
We are pleased to have Jeff Beasley as a one-man band on stage Sunday October 24 from 10:30 - 12:30. The Jeff Beasley Band is well-known in the Savannah and Low Country area, averaging 250 shows per year for the past several years. Today, Jeff has shifted his focus and is performing as a one-man band where he kicks a drum and hi hat while simultaneously singing and playing guitar, slide and harmonica. Best described as "the sound of the low country", Jeff plays originals and covers artists like CCR, Van Morrison, Johnny Cash and the Beatles. It all sounds real bluesy and southern. With the release of his first, live, solo album titled "Jeff Beasley One Man Band", Jeff is taking his show on the road. Don't miss this act!
John Emil
John Emil is a remarkably prolific artist whose wit, energy and musical technique combine powerfully to create an unforgettable live performance.
John is an accomplished singer and songwriter, guitarist and a master of slide guitar. He has taken the lost art of slide guitar to a new direction. John has delivered show stopping performances at diverse major music festivals in North America and we are excited to have him return to the Historic Bluffton Arts and
Seafood Festival again this year! You can
catch John's perfromance Sunday,
October 24, 1:00 - 4:00PM.
Carolina Clowns of Charlotte NC
Clowns, clowns and more clowns…fun for all, children and adults! See if you can spot each of the four types of clowns on Calhoun Street on Saturday, October 23rd. Look for all four clowns…Auguste, White Face, Character and Hobo. Today Carolina Clowns, a charitable organization that started in 1927 in Charlotte NC, consists of 25 men and women who give their time and talent to bring joy and laughter to community functions, such as our Bluffton Arts and Seafood Festival.
Gary Maurer 
Gary has been entertaining audiences of all ages with his unique blend of comedy and magic since 1986.
Whether it is close-up, strolling magic, cabaret or a full stage show, Gary is known for his professionalism and r
elationship that he develops with his audience. Gary takes
his audience into a world of magic, comedy, rabbits, audience
participation and illusions. Don't miss the magician performances
on Saturday!
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Yostie is a story-telling puppeteer from Pensacola Florida, serving as Artist-in-Residence with the South Carolina Arts Company. She won’t be hard to miss on Saturday as you wander Calhoun Street. Most likely Yostie will be surrounded by children, as she entertains in her own unique style. Be sure to catch her performance!
Ben Mathews
We are pleased to welcome Ben Mathews back to the Street Fest this year. Ben provides a strolling show that makes everyone feel festive. Ben entertains the
audience with juggling balls, clubs, a
bowling ball, eggs, machetes, and even
flaming juggling torches! Catch his act on
Calhoun Street Saturday and Sunday from
1:00 - 4:00, October 23 and 24!