“We wish you a Merry Christmas… We wish you a Merry Christmas... We...” Ah, you get the point.

By the time you read this, it’s the first part of December. As I write it, I am looking down the barrel of Thanksgiving. The holiday season as a whole is a time to be grateful, so I’d like to take a moment to be grateful for what Bulloch County has to offer.

As you get to know the musicians who make up the family of Statesboro’s music scene, you quickly realize two things. First, they are really, genuinely decent human beings. From the floor to the door, these folks would give you the shirts off their backs if you needed it. I’ve been covering this group of people for just over a year now, and I’ve met some amazing people. Sure, we all have rough spots and, as artists, our egos can get too closely attached to our craft. It’s only natural when the point of your job is to find ways to put your deepest feelings to music for the consumption of the general population.  However, down to a person, the folks who make up the musical family of Bulloch County are really amazing people.

Second, they are really fantastic musicians. Each of the acts you’ll see in our area has their own style. Each brings something different to their art, but they’re all really excellent musicians who constantly work to become even better. That is a quality that I find incredibly admirable. So, I would just like to take this moment to say how grateful I am for this family of musicians. We, as a community, can be thankful for dedicated musicians who continue to bring us great live music weekend after weekend. Thank you to each and every one of you for keeping the music alive in Bulloch County. Thank you for working to keep your acts fresh, your music on point, and your fans coming back.

As a musician in this town, here are a few things I think we’re all grateful for. We’re thankful for Eagle Creek. With open mic nights and their willingness to house amazing shows on the reg, Eagle Creek not only has ridiculously good beer, they have some amazing music.

We’re thankful for the Averitt Center. We’re thankful for their growth in beginning to bring in acts we are stoked to see and even put some of our own local musicians on stage.

We are thankful for Loco’s. For those solo gigs and duets, you open up the doors for some great smaller acts to share their skills.

We are grateful for Millhouse where the fans can see acts large and small perform, and where we know we will not only have a great time, but be well taken care of.

For Dingus and Gnats, for keeping music alive for all ages, college to chronologically advanced, you’ve been serving up live music and food longer than most, and we’re glad you’re still around.

We’re especially thankful for new life in the music scene of Bulloch County. With projects already in operation like The Blue Room, we are finally able to bring back some of our local boys and girls who are on their way to superstardom. Nonna Picci is a newer spot featuring solo artists that’s providing yet another new place to share our stuff.

We are all thankful for a community that continues to support local artists and bands. Without the support of one another and Bulloch County fans, we couldn’t do what we love here, and we are so thankful for you.

As we move into this holiday season and start celebrating with friends and families, remember that the band you’re listening to while you enjoy a night out with your family is giving up a night with theirs. Slip a $20 into the tip bucket, and wish them a Merry Christmas during a set break. Let them know you’re thankful for them, too!

Merry Christmas, y’all.