This blog is written by Ken Andrews, a lifelong lover of live music.My journey began at the age of 8 when I received my first transistor radio. In the early 60’s, AM radio was king. I recall listening to “The Good Guys” at WABC and Cousin Brucie on radio in New York City. In high school, it was WNEW FM, the dominant  rock station in NYC where they played the emerging artists of the day,on record and in the studio.This spirit spread to several stations in the Tri-state area(NY,NJ&Connecticut). I lost my live music virginity at 16 when I saw Alvin Lee and Ten Years After at Madison Square Garden in NYC. More than 540 concerts and 49 years later, I have seen the good, the bag and the ugly. Thankfully, most of it has been good. My friends know I am a Deadhead first and foremost. I have seen the band (Grateful Dead, the Dead, Further and Dead and Company)  30+ shows over the years. I have also seen the members of the band fronting their own bands an equal number of times. I have Deadhead friends who have seen the Dead as many times as I have been to concerts! But this is not a blog of the music of the Grateful Dead. I’ve seen Springsteen 9 times, Dylan 6 times and many other artists multiple times. I like most forms of music and revere the elder statesmen of the live music scene. You never know when this time may be the last time you get to see a living legend.

Having  resided in Charleston, SC for the last 31 years,  I  have seen the music scene grow into a vibrant place where there are lots of venues to get your fix. While most of my shows these days are seen right here, I do get to travel occasionally for shows that just won’t come to our town.

My goal in writing this blog is to share my experiences seeing musicians make magic on stage  with my friends. Hopefully, this will spur some of you to check out these musicians the next time they come to town, yours or mine.Just like a good restaurant review gets people to check out a new restaurant, hearing good things about a performer or band may help you lay out the bucks for that next show.