Out of the Blue

Out of the Blue has been the “voice” of Hilton Head Island High School since its formation in 2004.  That year the students appeared in the New York City Jazz and Show Choir Festival, performing at Lincoln Center.

The group has appeared several times with Disney’s Candlelight Christmas, taken several awards at Festival Disney and appeared before state and national organizations meeting here on Hilton Head Island.
They have performed with the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra , the Shore Notes, the island’s barbershop men’s chorus and for many civic organizations  and churches throughout the area.  In the spring of 2011, the students performed at New York’s Carnegie Hall under the direction of Sir John Rutter.

Directed by Larry Mercer, the group appears often and almost anywhere when asked.  As the “voice” of HHIHS, Out of the Blue is a shining example of the best of the island’s young people.  For further information, to inquire about an appearance, contact Mercer at 843-689-4893 or larry.mercer@beaufort.k12.sc.us.

Lavon Stevens

Musical Styles: Soulful Jazz, Contemporary and Blues, Gospel

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. Lavon Stevens is one of the most versatile and talented artists in the music business. Lavon believes that the connection between the performers and audience is an intimate moment in time. Simply put Lavon works from this philosophy; “The greatest power in the world is Love, the second greatest power in the world is Music, I use the power of the Musi

c to translate Love all over the world! Lavon has traveled and performed all over the country including Aspen,Co., Atlanta, Ga. and Orlando, Fla. And New York. 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 served as minister of music at The Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church of Hilton Head for 15 years and is currently serving on staff at The First Presbyterian Church in Hilton Head where he serves as the music director for “The CrossRoads” a contemporary worship service. 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. Lavon has several recordings to his credit including “Traveling Music” a collection of jazz standards and rhythym and blues recorded live at The Jazz Corner and released in 2008; “I See Love” a compilation of orginal compositions, and a gospel CD titled “The Last Mile Of The Way” with the lowcountry gospel group “The Voices Of El Shaddai.” He is producing a variety of shows and recording projects including other R&B, Jazz, and Gospel artists.

Monty Jett

Since 1988 Monty Jett has been the voice of Hilton Head radio.  Monty made his debut in Hilton Head, South Carolina with JOY 105.5.  Before coming to Hilton Head, Monty worked with DIXIE, a South Carolina station that played lots of easy listening and a little jazz. 

Growing up in nearby Denmark, Monty was first introduced to Low Country listeners on the ‘Voice and Choice of The Low Country’; The Mighty 790 WWBD out of Bamberg, SC just 90 miles up the road.  Monty is one of the most recognized names in the area, and thousands of listeners wake up to him every morning, tuned in to AM 1130 or FM 93.5 with Hilton Head's Timeless Favorites.

Monty has five children and 3 grandchildren that provide him with countless stories about child raising that helps him relate to his audience.

 Monty has been on the front line of many community events, whether it be spokesman or working behind the scenes.  In 1999 Monty simulcast on seven local stations of The Adventure Radio Group during the evacuation of Hurricane Floyd.  The Mayors of many towns and the Governor of South Carolina commended Monty for staying “LIVE” and helping the public to evacuate from a devastating dangerous situation. 

Monty has lived in the local listening area for many years, therefore was able to describe alternate routes to callers, allowing them to avoid the gridlock on interstate highways.  You can always find Monty behind a mike at a community event, or out in his boat with “BucketHead” his new found canine, that he adopted from the Humane Society.  

Monty is well liked by his peers and trusted by countless others.  Everyone is a friend of Monty Jett. 

WHHW – 1130AM / W228CI – 93.5 FM the Island has a 300’ antenna that covers Hilton Head, SC, Beaufort, SC, Sun City, SC, and Hardeeville, SC with a signal that reaches a wide portion of the SC coast.

Whether it’s the Greater Savannah Area, or The Low Country…. everyone has a story to tell about meeting the ‘icon’ of Hilton Head Island…. Monty Jett!!!