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Charleston Live Music

Check Out These 5 Places In Charleston For A Fun Live Music Experience

If you’re a fan of live music, there are plenty of great places in Charleston for you to enjoy a show. I mean we’re home to Hootie & the Blowfish, so duh!

These are just a few of the best places in Charleston offering great live music, Charleston vibes, and sometimes (fingers crossed) free entry.

Charleston Pour House


Charleston Pour House offers one of the best live music experiences in Charleston. Their mission is to be the “regional epicenter for music lovers, artists, and other like-minded individuals”. They welcome local musicians and touring bands of all levels to their stages. On a nice day, you can catch a show on the back deck in the afternoons and early evenings. Don’t worry though, the music doesn’t stop when the sun goes down, it just moves inside.

Royal American


Located in the building that was once the local source for commercial ironwork, the Royal American welcomes music acts of all levels. They are home to some seriously delicious bar food (you have to try the beef jerky), cheap beer, and some of the best live music acts in town. Royal American is proudly a dive bar located on Morrison Drive on the outskirts of downtown Charleston.

Revelry Brewing


Named for the definition of Revelry – lively festivities, while enjoying beer – this venue is where you want to go if you want a large selection of local beer, an upstairs deck that screams Charleston, and some awesome live music. It’s truly a Charleston gem and definitely a local favorite.

Uptown Social


What happens when you combine a Brooklyn legend and a group of hospitality pioneers? Uptown Social. It’s one of the hottest bars in Charleston and with good reason. They have a total of four bars which means you can grab a drink without missing any of the show whether it’s downstairs, upstairs, or on the back deck. Helpful hint: GET THE PIZZA.

King Street Dispensary


One of the best bars on King Street, Dispensary offers nightly live music, killer specials, and a mouthwatering brunch on Sundays. There’s nowhere else you can enjoy $6 burgers and fries, $3 bourbon, and some of the best local music acts, but here. As soon as you order a drink the staff makes you feel like a friend and the atmosphere is one of the best in Charleston.

Grab your friends and head to one of these venues to catch some pretty amazing talented musicians.

 

Featured

5 Of The Best Upcoming Concerts In Charleston

Featured Image Credit: Unsplash

No matter what kind of music you’re into, Charleston’s concert scene is sure to have something that matches your taste. Whether you favor hard rock or classic country, this list of upcoming concerts in Charleston will fulfill your musical desires. There’s even a free option, too!

August 24: The Midnight City Band at Windjammer IOP

Tickets are just $5 at the door, so plan on getting there early to see The Midnight City Band. These Charleston natives are known for their ability to play a wide variety of music to pump up the crowd. Their style of music is most commonly referred to as ‘shag/country’. And the band’s common saying is: “We want to make you dance.” So, put on your dancing shoes and head to IOP next Friday to hear this fun group play live.

About the venue: Outside stage on the beach

September 6: NASH Summer Concert (FREE) at Windjammer IOP

Looking for something to do with your Thursday night? Mark September 6th off on your calendar and head to this free concert on the beach. The Windjammer is hosting Charleston’s contestants of NASH NEXT. The contestants will be competing at this outdoor venue for a chance to take their talent to Nashville. If you love finding new music up-and-comers, this event is for you. Save your spot here.

About the venue: Outside stage on the beach

September 14: Alan Jackson at North Charleston Coliseum

Alan Jackson is on his “Honky Tonk Highway Tour” and Charleston is his next stop. Cancel your usual Friday plans and come listen to country classics like Remember When, Where Were You and Living on Country. If you are a long-time country music lover, this concert is for you. With 34 number-one hit songs, Alan Jackson is sure to take your breath away when you hear him sing live. This 14,000-seat arena will be filling up fast with country music lovers from all over. So, get your tickets soon and watch this country music legend perform some of his hit songs.

About the venue: 14,000-seat indoor arena

September 16: Portugal. The Man at Family Circle Tennis Center

This band is best known for their hit “Feel it Still” and they’re still shocked at their success. By 2014, they had produced 7 albums together but didn’t see much response to their efforts until this year. “Feel It Still” was the most-Shazamed song for 7 weeks running, proving the song’s widespread appeal. Their music is best described as ‘indie rock’, but all kinds of music-lovers have an affinity to Portugal’s music.

Grab a ticket while you can because these hard-working Alaskan natives are getting big, and FAST. They will be performing in the 10,200-seat Volvo Car Stadium at Family Circle Tennis Center on Sunday, September 16.

About the venue: Open-air stadium seating up to 10,200

September 27: Kane Brown and Chris Young at Family Circle Tennis Center

These two recently unknown artists are going to be playing for a huge audience at the Volvo Car Stadium at the end of September. Both artists are fairly new to the country scene but have gotten popular quickly. Their widespread fame stems from their relatable song lyrics and catchy beats. If you’re not into country oldies like those by Alan Jackson, give these two singers a chance. Their unique takes on country music have freshened up the country music scene and gained a wide and diverse audience. See what the buzz is all about next month at the Family Circle Tennis Center.

About the venue: Open-air stadium seating up to 10,200

 

Guest Columns

Get Your Jam On: The Best Live Music Venues In Charleston

Featured Image Credit: Music Farm Facebook

There are plenty of things to love about Charleston – the food, the beaches, the history, the weather. Another reason to love our city is that there is no shortage of places to see live music.  Whether it’s your favorite bar or a fancier set up, Charleston is a city that’s got a lot of music. So if you want to be in with the in crowd, you don’t want to miss these live music venues in Charleston.

Image Credit: Charleston Pour House Facebook

Charleston Pour House

This laid back live music venue on James Island has long been a favorite among locals. Whether you’re seeing a well known act on the main stage inside or a new local act out on the patio it’s worth your while to head to the Pour House.  Make sure to head to the Lot next door for dinner and drinks before.

Image Credit: Charleston Music Hall Facebook

Charleston Music Hall

For an intimate vibe, head to Charleston Music Hall. Both local and nationally touring acts grace the stage at the Music Hall. The venue is two stories and holds almost 1,000concert goers. The variety of acts that grace the stage make checking out Charleston Music Hall a must for any Charleston native or visitor.

Image Credit: Music Farm Facebook

Music Farm

Music Farm Productions, which runs both the Charleston and Columbia Music Farm locations, puts on more than 200 shows a year.  There are local favorites like Jump Little Children that play there on an almost yearly basis, touring faves, and new up and coming acts to check out at the shows. If you’re looking for a prime live music venue downtown, then look no further than the Music Farm.

Image Credit: The Windjammer Facebook

The Windjammer

This IOP staple is a great place to visit whether there’s a band onstage or not. However, since we’re talking about music venues, then it must be said that if you’re a live music fan, you should pay the Windjammer a visit. You’ll find both local and touring acts on the bill here so you can find a new band to listen to or rock out to an old favorite.

Image Credit: North Charleston Coliseum & Performing Arts Center Facebook

North Charleston Performing Arts Center

For bigger acts that are well known, but not necessarily filling arenas yet, one of the best live music venues in Charleston is the North Charleston performing arts center. Acts like Daryl Hall and John Oates, Cindy Lauper and Bela Fleck have all graced the stage at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center. And if you are in the mood for an arena experience, just head next door to the Coliseum.

Image Credit: Prohibition Facebook

Prohibition

You might hear the name “Prohibition” and think great cocktails. Well, you wouldn’t be wrong there! But Prohibition also has live music six nights a week. You’ll often find bands jamming away and people taking a spin on the dance floor between drinks. They have both regular bands and special guests so you can see a variety of acts here.

Guest Columns

Counting

Counting Down In Chucktown: Best New Year’s Eve Parties You Can Still Get Tickets To

Featured Image Credit: Yorktown Countdown NYE Facebook

Holiday excitement doesn’t die down after Christmas. After presents have been unwrapped and carols have been sung, there’s still New Year’s Eve to look forward to.  And you should say goodby to 2017 and hello to 2018 in style.  There are a lot of parties to choose from, so here are a few of our favorites that still have tickets available.

Image Credit: Yorktown Countdown NYE Facebook

Yorktown Countdown

There’s nothing quite like ringing in the New Year in Charleston Harbor. This party includes all the essentials: music, dancing, and an open bar. Plus, the amazing views from the deck of the USS Yorktown Aircraft Carrier. While general admission tickets are sold out, if you act fast you can score some VIP tickets and get access to special extras.

Image Credit: Charleston Wonderland NYE Facebook

Charleston Wonderland

This fairytale-esque party at Memminger Auditorium starts at 8:30 pm and goes on until 1:30 am. Attendees will enjoy a top shelf bar sponsored by Ketel One and entreatinment from Cirque Du Soleil affiliate performers, DJs, local dance crews, variety acts and more.  Tehe evening also includes delicious cuisine.

Image Credit: Bay Street Biergarten Facebook

Winter is Coming

This will be a party fit for the King of the North at Bay Street Biergarten. The ice-themed party will include ice bars, ice luges and maybe even a dragon. Guests are invited to dress up in their “finest garments and warmest furs” and best dressed will be crowned King and Queen of the North. You’ll enjoy “haus” liquor and wine, select bier, hors d’oeuvres and a buffet.

Image Credit: Frothy Beard Brewing Company Facebook

80s Prom

To enjoy a throwback NYE, hit up Frothy Beard for 80s Prom. The party starts at 8 pm and goes until 1 pm. Tickets include a food buffet and a champagne toast at midnight. Plus, there are sure to be plenty of 80s grooves to get down to. So put on some taffeta and tease your hair for some fun.

Image Credit: Snyder Grand Ball Facebook

Snyder Grand Ball New Years Eve

This annual event held at the South Carolina Aquarium is a crowd pleaser every year. With live music from David Higgins Band in the Main Foyer and tunes from DJ Natty Heavy in the grand hall, you’re sure to be dancing until midnight. And don’t forget to take advantage of the premium open bar. Heavy hors d’oeuvres will also be served. You still have a limited time to get your tickets.