Singer/Songwriter Justin Burke has manned numerous musical projects before, namely Jupiter’s Garden, as well as several Rock/Funk bands consisting of close friends, but his new album harkens back to an old sound. Familiar originals are given new life after years of performance refinement, and new tunes invite fans back to the Folk/Blues roots which have helped identify Burke as an island icon.

While playing with Jupiter’s Garden and occasionally with local band Dangermuffin, Burke’s performances have ultimately led to funky renditions of Beatles tunes, as well as other classic covers. In his inaugural album “Southern Son, So Far,” Burke opens the floor to island friends and musicians, all of whom contribute to this grassroots album of folk lyrics, bluegrass breakdowns and organic mixture of Southern music.

Although it seems that the use of so many different instruments throughout the album would set the stage for more elaborate compositions, the songs are surprisingly concise and to the point. Whether it involves keys or trumpet, banjo or mandolin, electric guitar or acoustic, Burke and his plethora of musicians create an atmosphere that is very relaxed, specific, and indefinably local.

Dan Lotti and Mike Sivilli of Dangermuffin are audibly visible throughout the album, with Lotti singing backing vocals and Sivilli lending some electric guitar solos on tracks like “In the Garden,” “Free Love,” and “I Know You Will.” Band of Horses front-man Ben Bridwell also throws in his range of vocals in “The Rescue.”

The majority of the songs feature melodic instrument accompaniments in an almost Southern ballad-type structure, though the album is also peppered with several rock tunes with classic electric guitar feedback and bluegrass progressions.

The content of Burke’s album should be familiar to anyone who has lived on the island, its overall style reminiscent of a combination of the Avett Brothers, Robert Johnson, Bob Dylan and The Band album “Basement Tapes.” His live sets are always extremely positive, and this mindset definitely translates into these well recorded studio tracks.

The subject matters of Justin’s songs are always soulful and optimistic, mainly dealing with the joys of living set to clean, emotive arrangements. On songs like “I Know You Will,” and “Turn This Thing Around,” Burke unleashes this Dixieland sentiment: “Take me back to the good old days, when I was young, I know you will.”

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The Plainfield Project, voted best local band of 2009 by Charleston City Paper readers (whatever that’s worth), has the title track. Skye Paige & the Original Recipe puts in a great piece of old rock called (INSERT) that would have Joan Jett playing air guitar and Folly Beach favorite, The Graham Whorley Band, puts down their signature alt-rock style with UFO. That’s just the three of the first four songs. You still have to get through Dangermuffin, Milhouse, Part-Time Heroes and Mac Leaphart to name a few of the talented musicians you’ve probably seen around town.

The project is the brainchild of studio owner and chief engineer Jeff Hodges.

“It’s exciting because for many of these artists, this is the first radio-ready cut they have had the opportunity to record,” Hodges says. “The project has been really gratifying for us because of what it means to these musicians. They play their hearts out every night around Charleston and this was a great way to appreciate and support them.”

The CD is available online, through independent local retailers, and at Piggly Wiggly locations across the Lowcountry. Sales will benefit the artists and a portion of the proceeds will go to Lowcountry Local First, an advocacy organization dedicated to strengthening the local economy.

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ShineFest Music Festival held October 17th, 2009 at Joe Riley Stadium (Home of The Riverdogs)

By Paul Robinson

With the combined efforts of locals Christi Page, Brett McKee, and Mike Vitale, ShineFest – which will be held on October 17, 2009, at Joe Riley Stadium – will benefit the Charleston County School District and the Trip Page Education Initiative. The event will feature live music from Blues Traveler, The Original Wailers, Blue Dogs, Sol Driven Train, Dangermuffin, Gaslight Street, Jeff Sipe Trio, Number One Contender and others. The event will be a day-long music festival for all ages.

The money donated to the school district will help implement the program Positive Behavior Support (PBS) throughout area schools. PBS, established by the Office of Special Education Programs in the US Department of Education, trains teachers to use consistent, positive and intentional methods to influence student behavior while creating an environment where learning can thrive. In addition to PBS, proceeds will also be donated to Charleston Book Buddies to expand literacy programs in economically depressed regions of Charleston County.

The event producer of ShineFest 2009, Christi Page, manager of the local salon and spa Stella Nova, is dedicating the ShineFest to her late husband Roscoe Ashley “Trip” Page, III, who tragically lost his life in a car accident in June of 2007. “The reality of organizing and attempting to bring this music festival to Charleston has been an experience I will never forget,” says Page. “Donating 100% of the proceeds to local education is the uniqueness and power that ShineFest brings to Charleston. I’ve been blessed with the individuals who have helped me along this journey of losing my husband and I can only hope that festival goers will realize the positive impact they are making on the spectrum of Charleston’s education. We are thankful for everyone’s support and we hope to see you there!”

Local business owners Brett McKee of Oak Steakhouse and Mike Vitale of Torch Velvet Lounge are supporting Page with her initiative to raise money for local education. “It’s a great thing to be able to raise this money for education and to do what I can to help with the cause,” says Vitale. “Two years ago I lost my mother to breast cancer and I’ll do what I can to support ShineFest and its intentions. To be a part of something that will donate its proceeds to local schools and create an endowment fund for the Citadel is enlightening and empowering for everyone involved.”

Chef Brett McKee, who either donates or helps more than 140 charities each year, is equally enthusiastic about the enterprise. “In being a part of the Charleston community, I feel it is an honor to help ShineFest with their cause. Anything I can do to support education I stand by and will try my hardest to consistently be a part of it. ” Both Vitale and McKee, originally from New York, have stepped in and shown support by providing their establishments, food and service for pre-ShineFest promotions, functions and the festival itself.

The official ShineFest after party will be held at The Pour House, located at 1977 Maybank Highway, and will feature the bands Sol Driven Train, Dangermuffin, Gaslight Street, and members of Blue Dogs. The Pour House will also be participating in ShineFest’s education initiative and donating all door proceeds to the cause. Visit www.charlestonpourhouse.com for more information.

Additional information on ShineFest, Positive Behavior Support (PBS) and the Trip Page Education Initiative (TPEI) can be found at www.shinefestcharleston.com, www.pbis.org and www.citadel.edu/tcf/donors/profiles/page.shtml. Tickets for ShineFest can be purchased at the box office by calling 723-7241 or by visiting shinefestcharleston.org. Advance tickets are $40 and $45 the day of the show.

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