After a customary slow January, February in Charleston really heated up. I was able to be in the audience for eight shows, covering many genres of Rock music. In order we saw Same as it ever was, Croce plays Croce, the Gipsy Kings, Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, Robert Cray, Drew and Ellie Holcomb, Cat Powers performing Bob Dylan’s 1996 Royal Albert Hall concert and Marc Broussard. The shows represented the music of the Talking Heads, Jim Croce, the Grateful Dead, the Blues, Americana, Bob Dylan and Swamp rock and blues. How do you choose one show to highlight amongst those shows?

You don’t. There was more than one show that stood out and more than one show that you should see if they come to your town. I will share a short synopsis of those worth highlighting. Let me begin with AJ Croce, the only son of Jim Croce. Jim was huge in the late sixties right up to his unfortunate death in 1973, 51 years ago. The five albums that he put out in that time contained big hits that brought him fame and fortune. If you don’t know him, stream his music to understand the impact he had on the pop rock scene. AJ Croce is not hiding behind his father’s stellar career but he does honor his music. AJ Croce grew up without his father, being nearly two years old when Jim died in a plane crash. He learned how to play piano and guitar and was playing in bands by age 16. His first recording was made when he was 19 and over the years, he has established himself as a wanted session musician and touring musicians. His performance showed his mastery of the piano and his polished guitar style and voice. He is a good story teller and a great stage presence. Whether you were a Jim Croce fan or not, catch AJ’s act.

The Gipsy Kings, a guitar driven Latin gypsy band, are fronted by founder Nicholas Reyes. The band has as many as five guitarists performing together at one time and the songs are sung in the Catalyn, Spanish style. Their homage to flamenco guitar playing helps drive the songs while Nicholas’s soaring vocals took the songs to new heights. Their more than two-hour performance was sung and spoken in Spanish without any translations offered. I do have a soft spot for flamenco guitars and the Gipsy Kings are a true representation of this gypsy sound.

Robert Cray, at 71, is still going strong with his strong vocals and blues guitar style. He is a great talent and an accomplished performer. If you’ve never seen him before, he will not disappoint blues fans.

Joe Russo’s Almost Dead is arguably the best Grateful Dead tribute band in America. JRAD as they are known among the fans of the band are led by drummer Joe Russo. From 2009 to 2014, Joe toured as the drummer for Further, a band led by Bob Weir and Phil Lesh of the Grateful Dead. This was my first time seeing the band JRAD live but I left a solid fan. Their high energy renditions of Dead tunes coupled with the members ability to take these tunes to the far reaches of the jam. The band peppers a few tunes by great rock bands in their shows and gave us a cover of John Lennon’s “Instant Karma” as the encore when I saw them in Charlotte. A side thought here- I saw this band in Charlotte at an overpacked Fillmore. It was my second and last time that I will see a show there. It’s too packed, the pillars obstruct the sidelines and the staff seemed more suited to riot control than I felt comfortable with.

Drew and Ellie Holcomb are a husband and wife duo who hit the road annually for a week or two of shows together. Their Country and Pop styles blend well with their vocals to deliver an intimate, Coffeehouse style performance. Check out Drew and Ellie Holcomb as well as Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors, highly recommended.

Marc Broussard is a Louisiana blues and rock performer whose been touring the country for more than 20 years. His style is often called Bayou Soul and his voice fits that style. The night we saw him he was highlighting his first major release, Carencro, from 2004. He can sing the blues and romantic ballads with the same high energy and soulful voice. I recommend you see him if he comes to your town.

All in all, it was a fine month with memorable performances throughout. If you see one of these performers, let us know what you think of their performance.

#ajcroce #gipsykings #JRAD #robertcray #drewandellieholcomb #marcbroussard #charlestonmusichall

If you are not familiar with either of my previous Rock and Roll Jesus blogs, let me elaborate on the subject at hand. As a live music devotee, I am well aware of Christian rock music. However, under no circumstance am I versed well enough on the popular artists of the genre to comment in the first person regarding their work. However, I have researched popular rock songs and have reimagined them as Sunday worship staples. None of the songs that I have highlighted were written to be a praise song for a congregation. I contend that there are Christian themes and values in the lyrics of the song that compare favorably to songs performed in contemporary Christian houses of worship.

 In this third feature, we turn our attention to U2’s 1987 chart topping album Joshua Tree. This was the band’s fifth studio album and reached #1 on the US charts and #6 in the UK. The band has sold more than 25 million copies of the album which includes FM radio staples Where the streets have no name, With or without you, Bullet the Blue Sky, In God’s country and Still haven’t found what I’m looking for. Rolling Stone named this song #93 on its list of the 500 greatest songs of all time.

If you are not familiar with the lyrics, crawl out from under that rock and have a read:

I have climbed the highest mountains
I have run through the fields
Only to be with you
Only to be with you

But I still haven’t found what I’m looking for
But I still haven’t found what I’m looking for
But I still haven’t found what I’m looking for

I believe in the Kingdom Come
Then all the colors will bleed into one
Bleed into one
But yes, I’m still running

You broke the bonds and loosed the chains
Carried the cross of my shame
Of my shame
You know I believe it

But I still haven’t found what I’m looking for
But I still haven’t found what I’m looking for
But I still haven’t found what I’m looking for
But I still haven’t found what I’m looking for

But I still haven’t found what I’m looking for
But I still haven’t found what I’m looking for.

The video link to their performance of this song at Madison Square Garden in 1987 is below:

The video quality and the lighting leave a lot to be desired bur the performance speaks to the gospel quality of the song and demonstrates how a Baptist church choir can raise the roof performing this tune.  

Bono is well known for his Christian faith and this shows in the lyrics and the energy that this music creates when performed live. This song was not inspired by any professed belief in God or meant to be a hymn for the Christian world to sing. However, with very little, if any, lyrical changes this song could be an uplifting song for any Christion community. Can you not see how this song would sound in the varied buildings worldwide that are a church at least once a week? So, next time you hear this song, stop what you’re doing long enough and give it a listen. Perhaps you will see it in a different light and gain a new appreciation.

#U2 #JoshuaTree #Stillhaven’tfoundwhatI’mlookingfor #RockandRollJesus

I have tried to track the loss of musicians and those who influenced the modern arts of television and movies this past year, as we did in 2022. Here is a month-by-month obituary of some famous and infamous in modern music and entertainment that went on to that great rock festival in the sky. This is not intended to be all-inclusive and any omissions are not deliberate. If I missed someone who should be listed amongst these artists, I would love to hear from you.

JANUARY~

Jeff Beck- January 12 at the age of 78. One of the most innovative masters of the electric guitar. Known for his guitar prowess

Robbie Bachman-January 12 at 69, weeks before he would have turned 70. Drummer for Bachmann-Turner Overdrive

David Crosby- January 19 at the age of 81. A wonderful singer, songwriter and performer for more than 50 years. A self-proclaimed asshole who broke up more relations with bandmates and lovers than he was credited for.

MARCH~

Wayne Shorter- March 2 at 89 years- A groundbreaker saxophonist and composer who had a huge influence on jazz and rock artists. A central force in the Jazz Messengers with Art Blakey, Miles Davis quintet and Weather report.

David Linley- March 3 at 78. Best known for his guitarwork with many great Rock musicians including Jackson Browne, Linda Ronstadt, Ry Cooder, Bonnie Raitt, Warren Zevon, Curtis Mayfield and Dolly Parton.

Gary Rossington- March 5 at age 71. Last surviving member of the original Lynard Skynard, a great guitarist.

Michael Rhodes-March 7 at 69. Remember most as the bassist for Joe Bonamassa and JJ Cale.

Jim Gordon-March 17 at 77. Session drummer on the recordings of Clapton, Harrison, the Beach Boys, Byrds, Steely Dan, Joan Baez, Jackson Browne, Tom Petty and Merle Haggard.

Keith Reid- March 29 at age 76. Co-founder and lyricist for Procul Harem

APRIL~

Harry Belafonte- April 25 at age 96. Although his greatest contributions preceded most of modern rock, his voice made a great impact as one of the great crooners of his time.

Jerry Springer-April 28 at 79. Although not a musician, this former mayor of Cincinnati had a huge impact on modern daytime TV with the Jerry Springer show, a showcase for the seedier side of America.

MAY~

Gordon Lightfoot- May 1 at 84. Legendary singer & songwriter whose voice faded in his later years.

Tina Turner- May 24 at 83. One of the most powerful female singers and entertainers. Had two separate careers as part of the Ike and Tina Turner Revue and as a solo artist and member of the RnR Hall of Fame

JUNE~

Astrid Gilberto- June 6 at 83. The girl from Ipanema

George Winston- June 8 at 73. A masterful piano player who recorded many solo piano albums

JULY~

Sam Cutler- July 11 at 80. Englishman who was tour manager for the Rolling Stones and the Grateful Dead

Tony Bennett-July 21 at 96. The second greatest crooner of the 20^th century, in the shadows of Frank Sinatra.

Sinaid O’Connor- July 26 at 56. Controversial singer and solo artist who likely was ahead of her time

Randy Meisner- July 26 at 77. Founding member and bassist for the Eagles, left the band in 1977

Brad Houser-July 24 at 62. Bass player for the New Bohemians (w/Edie Brickell)

Paul Reubens aka PeeWee Herman- July 30 at 70. Comedian and actor

AUGUST~

Robbie Robertson-August 9 at 80. Lead guitar, vocals and controversial songwriter for the Band. Alleged to have not shared the songwriting credits for songs made famous by the Band. Did some acting and had little musical contributions after leaving the Band.

Jerry Moss-August 17 at 88. Co-founder of A&M records with Herb Alpert. Member of the RnR H of Fame

Bob Barker-August 25 at 99. Made a career as a Game show host.

James Casey- August 28 at 40. Sax player in the trey Anastasio band

SEPTEMBER~

Jimmy Buffet- September 1 at 76. Singer, songwriter, Businessman and creator of a lifestyle embraced by millions. Sorely missed.

Steve Harwell-September 4 at 56. Lead singer for Smashmouth

OCTOBER~

Russell Batiste, Jr.- October 1 at 57. New Orleans drummer and member of a legendary music family

NOVEMBER~

Shane MacGowan- November 30 at 65. Lead singer for the Pogues

DECEMBER~

Norman Lear- December 5 at 101. TV producer whose many contributions shaped our TV watching when we were not catching live music.

Denny Laine- December 5^th at79. Founding member, guitarist and songwriter of the Moody Blues and Wings

John Cutler- December 24 at 73. Grateful Dead record producer for their most commercially successful albums

Tommy Smothers- December 27 at 86. Half of the famous Smothers Brothers musical comedy duo with brother Dicky. Played the “dense” brother. Hugely successful TV show in the late 60’s, cancelled due to their political stance. Played in the Plastic Ono band on “Give Peace a chance”

The holidays are upon us and our available time becomes precious. Soon it will be Christmas Day and you’ll likely find some down time between gifts, gab and grub. Likely, you’ll day dream on your favorite couch or chair. Well, as you prepare to have another cocktail, vino or craft brew, give this some thought:

What ten albums would you take away with you to paradise or just to pass the time after the Holidays peak? What parts of your life are so defined by an album or artist that you couldn’t imagine not having it to play? No need to rank them. Mine will be in alphabetical order. One rule-only one album per artist or band affiliation. Everyone’s list will be different and their reasons unique. I look forward to learning about artists and albums from all genres and scenes that I need to give a listen to.

Here’s my picks of Rock and Roll paradise background music:

*Allman Brothers band- Live at the Fillmore East- THE definitive live album, a double album in fact

*Beach Boys– Pet Sounds- California surfer music at its peak

*Beatles– The White Album-This album changed the direction of rock music. Great experimentation of sounds, done well. Sgt. Pepper’s and Revolver get honorable mention

*Bob Dylan– Highway 61 Revisited. His lyrics and his sound were influencing a new generation of musicians and writers. Great albums like Blond on Blond and Blood on the Tracks ensued

*Bruce Springsteen– Born to Run, the defining record in Bruce’s career. Only better live

*Grateful Dead- American Beauty. This album marked a shift from a blues influence to an Acoustic, Country style. Every song a gem. The Dead are best live but not without this album’s contributions.

*Jimi Hendrix– Are you Experienced or Axis: Bold as Love- Jimi’s influence on Rock and Roll cannot be underestimated. This was a tough choice but I selected Are You Experienced since it came first.

*Led Zepplin– the Song remains the same. This live double album gives you a new perspective on all of the studio albums. Cherry picked the best songs from their catalog and rocked out

*Rolling Stones– Some Girls. There are so many great Stones albums but this one had Miss you, When the Whip comes down, just my imagination, Some Girls, Far Away Eyes, Beast of Burden and Shattered, for start.

*The Who–Quadrophenia- The Who learned from making Tommy what was missing and delivered it with this double album Rock Opera

#liveatthefillmoreeast #allmanbrothersband #thebeachboys #petsounds #thebeatles #thewhitealbum #bobdylan #highway61revisited #bruce springsteen #borntorun #gratefuldead #americanbeauty #jimihendrix #areyouexperienced #ledzepplin #thesongremainsthesame #rollingstones #somegirls #thewho #quadrophenia

Just northwest of Charleston (SC) lies a true example of the graceful old South. The town has welcomed residents, neighbors and tourists to Summerville since 1847. For the last 50 years, the Flower town Festival brings more than 250,000 out to soak in the southern hospitality and enjoy the arts, crafts and cuisine each spring. Every fall for the least seven years, Summerville, the Flower Town in the Pines, was hosting the annual Sweet Tea Festival. The town has laid claim to having discovered and developed the ultimate southern beverage.  The town near Charleston declared that they are reason many people find it tolerable to drink tea! Sorry, you teetotalers that’s how we feel.

This past September, the Southern Songwriters Festival. was introduced as a festival within a festival. This festival highlighted the talents of dozens of singer songwriters in various locations around the town’s center over three days. I wanted to learn how this Showcase came to be so I sat down with Mark Yampolsky, a local musician and one of the driving forces behind this offering.

The idea of the Songwriters showcase was born and nurtured by Mark Yampolsky and Dan Riley. Dan is an artist and the founder of the Edisto Blackwater Boogie; a weekend music festival located a few miles out of town. Mark is the driving force behind local Americana band, Forty Mile Detour. They presented their vision of such a showcase of talent to Steve Doniger, the Executive Director of Summerville Dream. Dream was created to promote local businesses in the historic section of downtown Summerville and the Sweet Tea Festival which embraced the idea of running the festivals together.

Planning for the Festival

Discussions began about a year ago and the festival idea was born to many of the usual challenges of putting on a schedule of to debut this in the spring. As many great undertakings, this project took longer than expected to be born and spring turned to fall. Mark and Dan relied on their contacts in the music industry to gather the musicians and spread their vision to those who could help. Eventually, they were able to enlist seven bar and restaurant operations to host musicians at their establishments. There is a bandshell in Hutchison Square on the main drag that was put to good use on Saturday, the main day of the showcase. In addition, the Songwriters Alley served as a stage for three artists at a time to present their music to an appreciative audience.

I was curious how all this was unfolding in the streets, bars and restaurants. I missed the first night due to other commitments. However, Summerville Dream arranged the schedule so that the Songwriters festival premiered to a rousing crowd all over downtown for Third Thursday, a showcase every month of shops in historic downtown Summerville. Folks out to enjoy the food, drinks, arts and crafts of the local businesses received a bonus of live music by solo artists. We ventured to the downtown business area on the second night of festivities to see what this was all about. After finding a convenient parking spot, we came upon artists giving solo performances, in two separate restaurants and bars, to an appreciative audience.

Saturday, the third and last day of the SSF, saw them share live music from the festival with the Sweet Tea Festival crowd. Thousands of people came out for tea, food and fun and got a nice surprise of live, original music presented by talented, little-known artists with something to sing about. The streets were teeming with people enjoying the festival stage on Short Central Ave, a pedestrian street now and then. Out on Main Street, under the bandshell, a variety of musicians and bands offered five hours of music for all to hear. Saturday night saw the only ticketed event ($10) take place in the old Public Works building. In a small listening room environment three acts performed to the delight of those lucky enough to get a ticket. The Sweet Tea Festival brought out a crowd when a new festival would struggle to get a crowd to come out for the first of anything!

The festival showcased 41 artists in nine locations around downtown. I like the concept and the layout for the festival. With adequate promotion and a lot of local support, this festival can grow and gain a good reputation. This could aid the promotors bringing in more quality acts and gaining some cred. I could see this growing and increasing in popularity., culminating in a concert each night with a rising star.

The lure of Charleston, the #1 vacation destination according to Conde Nast publishing, would be an added draw to a musician getting a slot in the SSF. There’s Awendaw Green to the north of Mount Pleasant and the Charleston Pourhouse south of Charleston. There are plenty of bars and restaurants that could benefit by having a songwriter serenade their guests for the lunch or dinner crowd. The Music Farm might also be a showcase for some of the artists who come for the Southern Songwriting Festival. Let’s hope for more next year. Look to the Do You Believe in Magic FB page as we will share the news regarding next year’s festival when it’s announced.

#SouthernSongwriterFestival #SweetTeaFestival #SummervilleDream

Earlier this past August, a friend and I ventured to Charlotte, NC to witness what may be the ultimate tribute bands of their genre. I’m speaking about Government Mule paying homage to Pink Floyd along with the Jason Bonham Led Zepplin Experience (JBLZE) performing together at the PNC Arena just north of Charlotte. The two bands are on the road together this summer at a venue near you, hopefully.  It was a warm August evening and the crowd was amongst the smallest crowds that I have been in at this venue and other similar amphitheaters in over ten years. Unfortunately, we bought our tickets early in the process and learned that leading up to the show, they were selling open seats near me for $25. These seats under the roof dropped in value by 80%! But let’s not dwell on the promoters’ loss and enjoy the show’s recap.

Leading off the evening was the JBLZE. They were fronted by Jason Bonham, whose dad, John, laid down the beat for Led Zepplin in their Hall of Fame career. Jason has assembled a band whose sound draws some interesting comparisons to their legendary inspirations.  Jason was joined onstage by lead vocalist James Dylan, who has Plant’s voice and tone without the flowing locks. However, lead guitarist Jimmy Sakura has Jimmy Page’s locks and his guitar prowess. With sunglasses on for most of their performance, he looked like a slightly taller version of 1970’ s Jimmy Page looks. Rounding out the rhythm section was bassist Dorian Heartsong and multi-instrumentalist Alex Howland.

Over the course of an hour, we were feted by Zepplin hits and B-sides. You could hear it in their sound that these guys were really enjoying themselves. The band spanned the career of Led Zepplin, mixing in slower ballads (California) with their signature, driving sound (Rock and Roll). The crowd was up and dancing for the entire set, inspired by the excellent sound.

The production this evening was prompt and appreciated. After a 30-minute break, Government Mule took to the stage and proceeding to offer a half dozen Mule tunes, including two form their newest album, “Peace like a River.” Heck, they had a captive audience and they would like to sell some new music to an adoring crowd. So, why not?!

The current band consists of Warren Haynes on lead guitar and vocals, Matt Abbs on drums, longtime keyboardist Danny Lewis and newcomer Kevin Scott on bass. Ron Holloway joins on sax throughout the show. When they turned the corner, they began the Dark Side of the show with Shine on you, Crazy Diamond, and proceeded to march their way through the song list below.

1. Stone Cold Rage
2. Rocking Horse
3. Revolution Come, Revolution Go
4. Shake Our Way Out
5. Made My Peace
6. After the Storm

          Dark Side of the Mule: ___________________________

•    Shine On You Crazy Diamond (Parts I-V) (Pink Floyd cover)
•    Have a Cigar (Pink Floyd cover)
•    Welcome to the Machine (Pink Floyd cover)
• Speak to Me (Pink Floyd cover)
• Breathe (In the Air) (Pink Floyd cover)
• On the Run (Pink Floyd cover)
• Time Pink Floyd cover)
• Breathe (Reprise) (Pink Floyd cover)
• The Great Gig in the Sky (Pink Floyd cover)
• Money (Pink Floyd cover)
• One of These Days (Pink Floyd cover)
• Fearless (Pink Floyd cover)
• The Nile Song (Pink Floyd cover)
• Echoes, Part 2 (Pink Floyd cover)
• Encore:
•  Comfortably Numb (Pink Floyd cover)
• Encore 2:
• Wish You Were Here (Pink Floyd cover)

Courtesy of Setlistfm.com.

Warren Haynes is arguably the most sought-after musician playing rock and roll today. He came to prominence when he was recruited by Dicky Betts, who he eventually replaced, in the Allman Bros. band and played with them for more than 20 years. Joining him in the ABB was Allen Woody on bass who went on to found Government Mule together. The Mule started out as a side project of Haynes and Woody but it soon came to prominence of its own.  When the Allman Bros. band eventually decided to retire in 2014, Warren made Gov’t. Mule their main game. Warren also had a stint with The Dead, in the early 2000s and has shown his love for all things Jerry Garcia throughout his career.

Personally, I first heard Warren Haynes perform Shine on you Crazy Diamond with The Dead in 2004 at this very same amphitheater. His version inspired me to revisit the Floyd catalogue. This led us to this show where he performed sixteen PF songs, including two encores in a two hour and thirty-minute performance. The accompanying light show brought a shower of images which pulsated and changed every few seconds. The color and shade of the lights was very tantalizing and added a unique sensation to every song. The tunes were meticulously recreated with a sound and energy that permeated your pores. If you’re a Floyd fan, this was as good as it was going to get these days. The light show demonstrated the possibility that this music offered. If you’re a Floyd fan, this is as strong a performance of the original music being offered around the country. I was captivated by the recreated sound!

#darksideofthemule #jblze #pncarenacharlotte #governmentmule

This past March 24 and 25, the 8^th annual Charleston Bluegrass Festival was held at the Woodlands Nature Preserve in the Plantation District area of Charleston, SC. While this is the third time the festival was held at the Nature Preserve, this year the location was moved in the 6000 acre Preserve. More on the move later.

I have personally attended the last three festivals and can honestly state that this was the best overall lineup of performers that I have witnessed. Each year the bar gets raised and each year it gets better. This is not by accident. This year’s two-day festival featured 19 acts of which 17 got to perform their allotted slots, one (New Ghost Town) had their set cut short by the rain, lightning and thunder storm Saturday afternoon and another (Swamptooth) had their set cut out and moved to an after-festival campsite performance for those lucky enough to spend the weekend camping. What makes today’s Grass music and its various styles so entertaining is the level of talent in today’s musicians. They take their craft serious and play with a passion for the music. Every band, it seems, pays tribute to so many rock artists with the bluegrass renditions of their songs. I have heard everyone from Hendrix, the who, Talking Heads, Elton John and the Doors played on the string instruments of today’s bands. This festival’s artists did not let us down with their selection of cover tunes.

Whether it was traditional Bluegrass, New Grass, Jam Grass or Country Rock, every performer brought their best. I believe that is why this year’s festival stands apart from the seven predecessors. I must confess that I didn’t arrive early enough on Saturday to catch the Majors Family band and Southern Flavor band. However, I have seen the Southern Flavor band before and really enjoyed them. I trust that the promoters saw something in the Majors Family band that said they must be seen!

Eddie White is the man behind the Sewee Outpost and their weekly Barn Jam in Awendaw, SC and the driving force of the Charleston Bluegrass Festival. He recognizes and rewards talent. Six of the acts call S. Carolina home while other performers hail from N. Carolina, Virginia, Georgia, Tennessee, Wisconsin and Colorado.

The festival began at 5pm on Friday with Heehaw Junction from Charleston and went until midnight when Mollie Tuttle and Golden Highway gave a Grammy winning performance. Saturday began with the youthful Majors family band and concluded with headliners Keller Williams and the Keels, Larry and Jenny, and  Leftover Salmon brought the festival to the finish line by turning in a rousing performance until 11 pm! I will share the line up and more about each band further down in the article.

What makes a festival work is blending great performances with a comfortable setting and great support services. This year’s festival was moved a mile away and further inland to satisfy the neighborhood surrounding the original site. Both last year’s site and this year’s wrapped around one of the many lakes and ponds on the property. This was evident by the many kayakers on the water, just off from the two stages. It was an easy walk from stage to stage although the ground below your feet was undulating and showed the scars of many recently cut down smaller trees. Imagine the land being nestled between the lake and a merchandise village. Among the vendors were local craft brewers Commomhouse Ale Works, Holy City Popcorn, several food trucks and an interesting offering of clothing, jewelry, hats and CBD products.

If you’d like to learn more about each artist, here’s the lineup. Google each artist to learn more about the band, their history and their tour schedule. You’ll find most of them on your preferred streaming service.

Friday-

Heehaw Junction from Charleston

Jackson Grimm from Asheville, NC

Palmyra from Virginia

Clay Street Unit from Colorado

Fireside Collective from Asheville, NC

Wilson Springs Hotel from Virginia

Mollie Tuttle and Golden Highway from Nashville

Saturday-

Majors’ family band from S. Carolina

Southern Flavor band from Charleston

Dallas Baker and friends from Charleston

Admiral Radio from Columbia, SC

New Ghost Town from Charleston

Swamptooth from Georgia

Reedy River String band from Greenville, SC

Randy Steele and High Cold Wind from Tennessee

Keller Williams, Virginia and Larry and Jenny Keel, Appalachia

Leftover Salmon from Colorado

#charlestonbluegrassfestival #awendawgreen #eddiewhite #doyoubelieveinmagic #leftoversalmon #kellerandthekeels #mollietuttle #goldenhighway #wilsonspringshotel #randysteeleandhighcoldwind #firesidecollective #reedyriverstringband #claystreetunit #swamptooth #palmyra #newghosttown #jacksongrimm #admiralradio #dallasbakerandfriends #heehawjunction #southernflavorband #majorsfamilyband #charlestonwoodlands

The High Water Festival, held in Charleston, SC began in 2017. This two-day festival was held in 2017,2018 and 2019 and then had a pandemic hiatus in 2020 and 2021. It returned in 2022 and this year will be held on April 24 and 25 at Riverfront Park in N. Charleston, SC.

In previous years, the festival was a hot ticket. They sold out the two day festival tickets each year long before the year’s festival began. While concert goers like myself hoped for one day ticket sales, in previous years this never came to pass. The organizers didn’t need to open it up to daily tickets because there were enough buyers for the two day passes. Until this year!

I attended the two-day festival last year along with many friends, and I enjoyed both days very much. Last year, the daily headliners were My Morning Jacket and Jack White. This year, Rainbow Kitten Surprise, Beck and Wilco will headline the festival. With three weeks to go before the gates open, several local music facilities (North Charleston Coliseum and the Charleston Music Hall) have begun advertising tickets for sale. I wonder why?

Currently, you can purchase a one day pass for either day for $110 plus fees or a two day pass for $200 plus fees. VIP tickets are $325 for a one-day pass and $600 for two days, plus fees. If you want to learn more about the festival and what you get with your VIP tickets, you can view this at highwaterfest.com.

As a seasoned concert goer, the prices do not seem to be outrageous for a festival with many performers. However, when you add up the ticket price and fees, you should get in for $130-140 per day.Tickets have been sold on an increasing price scale, the earlier you buy the lower the price. It’s a gut feeling but I believe that the organizers missed the mark with this year’s lineup and ticket cost. The price for a daily pass at this point may be scaring folks away.

Since its inception, the festival has been curated by Cary Ann Hearst and Michael Trent of Shovels and Rope. They have done a good job of bringing in friends and admired musicians annually. I decided to pass on this year’s festival due to the overall lineup. Perhaps I am no longer in the demographic age group for the acts they were able or wanted to procure. I wasn’t moved enough to make the commitment. Should the organizers have taken a different approach to the lineup of performers this year? Based on last year’s lineup and headliners, I think so. I can see that the aim is to blend musicians that would appeal to different age groups while being strong enough to draw a large enough gathering to sell out weeks, if not months, before the shows.

While I am in my 60’s, I am an avid concert goer and possess the disposable income necessary to attend one or both days. I don’t think I am alone. Amongst my peers, I have not heard a lot of chatter surrounding the festival. I wonder why? While we can’t expect the promoters to admit to selecting a weak lineup, it is my hope that they will do some soul searching and learn from this year’s results.

If you know something that I don’t know, feel free to chime in in the response section at the end of this blog. Happy Concert trails to you!

#highwaterfestival #missingthemarkintwenty-three

This past year saw  the most tours by artists since the pandemic changed our lives forever. Artists who had to cancel and alter tours for the last two years (2020 and 2021) decided to get out in front of the public once again. Every week there seemed to be another announcement by artists eager to get on the road and play to their fans. For me, it appeared to be a chance to see several bucket list artists while also getting to see new and upcoming performers whom I heard on the radio and streaming devices. When all was said and done, 2022 turned out to be the biggest and best year of concert going in my fifty plus years in the crowd.

One can sympathize and understand why artists would want to get out on the road and perform. If you were a veteran of decades of touring, you knew that waiting was not an option as the aging process marched on. I recall Roger Daltrey explaining to the crowd at a show some years ago why the tour was titled.” Use it or lose it”. This was the advice that one of his doctors gave him when discussing his vocal cords. Needless to say, I am sure that many ‘dinosaurs’ took this advice and hit the road again in 2022.

Conversely, many younger artists were looking to establish themselves on the road, playing clubs, theatres and amphitheaters. This was done in an attempt to gain relevance or maintain their audience and add new fans. Concert facilities were looking to make up for lost revenue from 2020 and 2021 and of course, Ticketmaster was hungry for fees.

Weekly, artists announced the tour schedule and fans lined up to buy tickets to their shows. One would think that with all of these artists out there, fans would run out of dough. Judging from the gross receipts, we were wrong. If they build it, fans would come and bring their wallets with them.

Personally, I took in more than 80 performances, working many shows and buying tickets to others. This year I knocked several from my bucket list and took in many great performances. This also gave me the opportunity to see many new (to me) artists. The following lists are spilt into top performances from legacy artists and top new artists.

Eleven memorable performances by new (to me) artists:

*Tab Benoit, Cajun Blues

*Dumpstafunk/George Porter,Jr. and his Runnin’ Pardners-New Orleans Funk

*Aaron Lewis- Punk artist’s Country side

*Greyboy All Stars featuring Karl Denson- original rock and funk

*Brian Regan-clean comedian

*Twiddle-Jam band veterans

*Beth Hart-Rock vocalist, RNR Hall of Fame nominee

*Joe Jackson- English veteran of the 80’s Punk Scene

*Goose- up and coming Jam band stars

*Andy Frasco and the UN- an onstage maniac with the ability to craft great little tunes.

Likewise, classic artists who continue to bring it nightly:

*Kenny Wayne Shepherd- Blues guitarist

*Graham Nash of C, S, N, Y fame

*My Morning Jacket-soaring vocals on a variety of song styles

*Jack White- White Stripes front man delivers an energetic, hard rock performance

*Pigeons Playing Ping Pong-Rock, Funk and a bit of the Jam

*Paul McCartney- enough said

*Roger Waters -one half of the Pink Floyd genius

*Carols Santana- Rock and Roll H of F guitarist

*Willie Nelson, Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats and Billy Strings-what a lineup

*Stevie Nicks of Fleetwood Mac fame

*The Mavericks-Tex-Mex Rock and Rollers

The 2023 landscape looks to best what we saw in 2022. Every week another festival is being announced from sea to shining sea. Big names and hungry new artists will be at a location near you this year. Plug into the social media of your favorite venues and never miss the next blockbuster announcement Share with us what were your most memorable 2022 shows. Everyone benefits from a good review! 

#TabBenoit #Dumpstafunk #GeorgePorterJr #AaronLewis #GreyBoyAllStars #BrianRegan #Twiddle #BethHart #JoeJackson #Goose #AndyFrasco #KennyWayneShepherd #GrahamNash #MyMorningJacket #JackWhite #PigeonsPlayingPingPong #PaulMcCartney #RogerWaters #CarlosSantana #WillieNelson #BillyStrings #NathanielRateliff #StevieNicks #TheMavericks