Mind Gravy: Cool Beans, 7 PM

Weekly music and poetry open mike, with a featured poet and musician.

Thursday, September 3

The Bends, The Smoaks: The Senate, 7:30 PM

First Thursday On Main: 6 PM, Main Street

The monthly First Thursday events on Main Street include Milah and EZ/PT at Boyd Plaza, with the Morel Support Group playing in front of Mast General Store.

Jazz Workshop: GROW Cafe, 8 PM

Open Mike Night: Foxfield, 7:30 PM

Open Mike Night: Gather Cola, 6 PM

Podunk Ramblers: Hazelwood Brewing, 7 PM

Sincere Sessions Open Jam: Uncle Festers, 8 PM

Tokyo Joe: Icehouse Amphitheater, 6:30 PM

Friday, September 4

Badfish: A Tribute to Sublime: Icehouse Amphitheater, 6 PM

Boonie Bevins: Bill’s Music Shop, 7 PM

Robbie Cockrell: Macie and Milos Brewpup, 6:30 PM

Prettier Than Matt: 6 PM, Finlay Park

The free Friday concert series continues with a special trio version of Prettier Than Matt; Jessica Sims and Jeff Pitts will be joined by Brendan Bull on drums for this show.

Mids, Ten Mile Ride, Walker McDonald: Art Bar, 9 PM

Local indie rock bill headed by the retro-grunge Mids (featuring members of Dear Blanca, Stagbriar, Ivadell, and Numbtongue) supporting their brand new live release “The Meetup: Rosewood ‘26”, as well as George Fetner’s improv instrumental act Ten Mile Ride. Singer-songwriter Walker McDonald opens the show.

October London, Leela James and Eric Benet: The Township, 7:30 PM

The Reformers: Steel Hands Brewing, 6 PM

Saturday, September 5

Mark Carroll: Hazelwood Brewing, 1:30-4:30 PM

The Gallery Hosted By Tam The Vibe: Art Bar, 9 PM

If rapper and emcee Tam the Vibe is involved, it’s going to be a good time, and this multi-artist exhibition includes sounds by Airborne Audio, with Atrixalan, Katie Blvd., JTrawwww, BlueFlame Jame, and Juventad. Art Bar, 9 PM

Jeff Liberty: Hazelwood Brewing, 5 PM

Martha’s Vault: Gather COLA, 4-7 PM

Christian McBride: Harbison Theatre, 7:30 PM

11-time Grammy Award winner Christian McBride joins the SC Jazz Masterworks Ensemble for a tribute celebrating the music and enduring legacy of jazz legends Miles Davis and John Coltrane.

Willie Walker and Company: Chayz Lounge, 8 PM

Sunday, September 6

Eric James: Hazelwood Brewing, 3-6 PM

Sunday Funday Open Mike: Uncle Fester’s, 3-6 PM

Shiloh Woods: Gather COLA: 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM

Monday, September 7

Tuesday, September 8

Open Mike Night: Quaker Steak and Lube, 7 PM

Open Mike Night: J’s Corner, 7:30 PM

Songwriter’s Night: Bill’s Music Shop, 7 PM

Heavy Weighs the King: The Big Apple, 7 PM

Brian Whitman and Carmen Keigans were part of the Orangeburg band I-Nine, whose story of major label success, then failure, is the stuff of music business legend. They’re back to making music together as Heavy Weighs The King (fans of I-Nine will recognize that as the title of that ill-fated major label debut album), and this show celebrates the release of the group’s new album Avidyā. Recorded gradually over the past five years with the assistance of fellow South Carolinian Owen Beverly and others, it’s a delightful slice of stylish pop/rock with some country and Americana flavors mixed in. Keigans remains a memorable vocal presence somewhere between The Cranberries and Tori Amos, and Whitman’s guitar tones provide a sympathetic underpinning throughout. Kalen Nash (Ponderosa, Dega) opens the show.

Mind Gravy: Cool Beans, 7 PM

Weekly music and poetry open mike, with a featured poet and musician.

Thursday, August 27

Blue Iguanas: Hazelwood Brewing, 7 PM

Weekly bluegrass night at Hazelwood.

Blues Workshop: GROW Cafe, 8 PM

Bourbon Blvd: J’s Corner, 7 PM

FESTERS LAST CALL Good Vibes Show starring Rá & Friends: Uncle Fester’s, 8 PM

This hip-hop and R&B show includes Jorrdy, Moebi and Atrixalan, aint$hytfree, and Blksushi.

Ole 60, The Stews, 80 Acres: The Township, 7:30 PM

I’ve said it before, real rock ‘n’ roll is back, at least on the club and college circuit. Ole 60 plays the kind of rock that used to headline arena tours back in the Mellencamp/Seger/Springsteen heyday; populist, relatable and catchy as hell. File them next to American Aquarium and Jason Isbell, a little closer to the mainstream.

Open Mike Night: Foxfield, 7:30 PM

Friday, August 28

Open Stage and Bluegrass Jam: Bill’s Music Shop, 7 PM

This week’s jam will be preceded by a performance from songwriters Donna Ulisse, Jerry Salley, and Rick Stanley as part of a weekend-long songwriting workshop at Bill’s. The concert portion is open to anyone with the usual Friday night admission, the workshop is a separate signup, contact Bill’s Music Shop for more info on that.

Songwriter’s Open Mike: Hazelwood Brewing, 7 PM

Hosted by Chris Ash, performers are all entered into a drawing for free recording studio time at the Jam Room.

Saturday, August 29

Candy Coffins, Modalcoda, The Mystery Plan: Bluetile Skate Shop, 8 PM

Ensemble Eclectica, Ten Year Anniversary Gala: Harbison Theatre, 7:30 PM

This is a multimedia celebration of the ensemble’s tenth year, with singers, dancers, and musicians performing.

Girls With Guitars, Vol 2: Koger Center

A joint project between Black Nerd Mafia and AmplifiHer featuring another great lineup of female-centered music: DJENTTHEGOD, Paisley Marie, Buggy, Kat Hammond, Death Ray Robin, and Lola Grace.

NILS: Chayz Lounge, 8 PM

Don Merckle & Friends: Foxfield, 7:30 PM

The Void: Art Bar, 9 PM

Do you like Black Sabbath? Then you need to be at Art Bar for this, Columbia’s own long running tribute to Ozzy and company.

Sunday, August 30

JD and the Marchers: Hazelwood Brewing, 3-6 PM

Sunday Funday Open Mike: Uncle Fester’s, 3-6 PM

Monday, August 31

Tuesday, September 1

Open Mike Night: Quaker Steak and Lube, 7 PM

Open Mike Night: J’s Corner, 7:30 PM

FATTMACK: The Senate, 7:30 PM

This show is sold out already, good luck if you want a ticket.

Mind Gravy: Cool Beans, 7 PM

Weekly music and poetry open mike, with a featured poet and musician.

Thursday, August 20

Carolina Bluegrass Style: Hazelwood Brewing, 7 PM

Hillmouse, Opus & The Frequencies: Uncle Fester’s, 8 PM

Jazz Workshop: GROW Cafe, 8 PM

Open Mike Night: Foxfield, 8 PM

Friday, August 21

Chronic Dimension, Cheer Up!, Cold Plunge: 9 PM, Art Bar

Taylor Deming: Macie and Milos Brewpup, 6:30 PM

Jeanette Harris: Chayz Lounge, 8 PM

Open Stage and Bluegrass Jam: Bill’s Music Shop, 7 PM

Backline is the featured band this week; open stage prior to their set, open jam after.

Philip Thomas: Hazelwood Brewing, 7 PM

Ultimate Elvis, Jay Dupuis: Koger Center, 7:30 PM

Winyah, Penelope Road, Tobacco Road: The Senate, 8:00 PM

Are real, gritty rock bands back in style? South Carolina band Winyah’s success points to ‘yes,’ at least for them. They’ve taken their wide-appeal sing-along rock to Bonnaroo and other big stages. Penelope Road and Tobacco Road are following suit, blending rock, soul, and blues for the kind of rootsy rock that appeals to the collegiate set and classic rockers alike.

Saturday, August 22

Five Eight, SHEHEHE: Art Bar, 9 PM

Athens, GA band Five-Eight is perhaps the greatest band from that burg you’ve probably not heard of much, if at all. Their power rock sound borrows from punk but resides in more melodic territory, and the band’s live shows are legendary among those who have been fortunate to see them play. They put out a new album this year, produced by David Barbe. See “Help a Sinner” below:

Prettier Than Matt: J’s Corner, Noon-3 PM

The Runout, Kenny George Band, Podunk Ramblers: J’s Corner, 7 PM

Great triple bill here of Americana, country rock, and bluegrass from three local and regional acts.

Rutland: Macie and Milos Brewpup, 6:30 PM

SC Philharmonic “Video Games In Concert”: 7:30 PM, Koger Center.

Not your average orchestra concert, this one will feature the music of video games including Halo, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, Final Fantasy 7, Tomb Raider, World of Warcraft, Kingdom Hearts, and more. Doors open 90 minutes prior for patrons to enjoy playing the actual video games in the lobby area.

Jamie Wright: Chayz Lounge, 8 PM

Sunday, August 23

Jon Michaels: Hazelwood Brewing 3-6 PM

Sunday Funday Open Mike: Uncle Fester’s, 3-6 PM

This week Kwame will be the featured artist, with some new music to show off.

Monday, August 24

Tuesday, August 25

Open Mike Night: Quaker Steak and Lube, 7 PM

Open Mike Night: J’s Corner, 7:30 PM

Wednesday, August 12

Mind Gravy: Cool Beans, 7 PM

Weekly music and poetry open mike, with a featured poet and musician.

Thursday, August 13

Blues Workshop: GROW Cafe, 7:30 PM

The Millhands: Hazelwood Brewing, 7 PM

Open Mike Night: Foxfield, 7:30 PM

Friday, August 14

Dalton Dover: Steel Hands Brewing, 6 PM

Vince Gill: Township Auditorium, 7:30 PM

A well-loved country music hitmaker, Vince Gill also puts on a really great live show. He’s an underrated hotshot guitar picker and always tours with a stellar band, so go expecting the hits, but also some instrumental fireworks.

Landslide: Fleetwood Mac Tribute: Icehouse Amphitheater, 6 PM

Kyle Ludwig: Hazelwood Brewing, 7 PM

Open Stage and Bluegrass Jam: Bill’s Music Shop, 7 PM

Maddie Rean: Boho Pizza, 7 PM

This Machine, Kimber: Finlay Park, 6 PM

Waste of Space, Divine Right, Cry Blood, Dangerous Game, What Counts: The Spaze, 7 PM

This is night one of the “For The Freaks” End of Summer bash, see Saturday for night two at the Art Bar.

Saturday, August 15

Javonne Jones: Chayz Lounge, 8 PM

Augusta’s Javonne Jones plays jazz violin in the service of soulful grooves, utilizing the instrument in ways you’ll not see many others even attempt, much less master.

Selfish Means, Root of Evil, Gradually Melted, 7.62 FAFO: Art Bar, 8 PM

This is part of the End of Summer Bash from the promotions group For The Freaks; a DJ will spin tunes after the live sets end.

Joey Williams: Milo and Macie’s Brewpup, 6:30 PM

Sunday, August 16

Brit Floyd (Pink Floyd tribute): Township Auditorium, 6 PM

Glass Mansions, Sweetheart City, Front Facing Graveyard: Art Bar, 7 PM

The return of Glass Mansions to their native Columbia ought to be a big deal, right? The band featuring singer Jayna Doyle and guitarist/keyboardist Blake Arambula called Columbia home for years before migrating to the greener musical pastures of Austin, Texas. Great to see them coming back for a gig.

Chris Reed: Hazelwood Brewing, 3-6 PM

Monday, August 17

Tuesday, August 18

Open Mike Night: Quaker Steak and Lube, 7 PM

Open Mike Night: J’s Corner, 7:30 PM

This new release is a collaboration between Raleigh, North Carolina’s Boygirl Rising and Columbia, South Carolina’s Henry Luther, an album length variation on the classic split single concept. For this, Luther and Boygirl Rising alternate tracks, but they all play on every song. The leadoff track is Luther playing a Boygirl Rising song, and the closing song is a cover of Luther by Boygirl Rising. Got it? Don’t worry, it all just kind of runs together in one big jam session of a record anyway.

The results are less a back-and-forth between two different bands and more of a cohesive collection of bracing, irreverent anthems for our current age/rage. The bands employ a raft of mostly acoustic instruments from guitar to banjo and ukelele, adding horns and percussion for a melodic cacaphony of sound throughout.

There is an exasperated joy that permeates the proceedings, whether Luther is leading or Boygirl Rising. “Triangle Springs” features the Boygirl Rising voices backed by furiously strummed guitars and a horn section on an improbably peppy song about being committed to a mental institution. “Stressed Out Suicidal Blues Inverted” puts Luther up front on a song that both addresses and dismisses nihilism as an attitude.

Waiting around to die ain’t too much fun
So fuck it let’s just keep on livin
It ain’t no use to cry
When all is lost all is gained and all will be forgiven

The centerpiece of the album, and the song you just won’t be able to get out of your head, is “My Own Void,” with the Boygirl Rising members taking the lead voice parts on a poignant song about wanting to be able to love yourself, and others. The chorus is a gut punch of self-doubt set to a catchy hook:

I hope that someday I’ll be able to keep all my promises
And loving me won’t feel like a life sentence with no parole
I wish I’d learn how to touch something beautiful without destroying it
Know how to fill my own void instead of forcing pieces that don’t fit

We live in a difficult age, when it’s becoming increasingly difficult just to age, cynically or not. The songs here capture current generational angst better than anything since The Mountain Goats’ "This Year,” a decade ago. You’ll find yourself singing along to some of the saddest damn lyrics and smiling the whole time, which may be the point, I suppose.

“Eulogy” wraps up this mentality with its fatalistic “I’ve been mourning who I used to be for years,” closing line, and the sort-of chorus:

When I finally croak I hope y’all go through all my notes
And laugh at all the bullshit that I called my art
When it’s time to lay me down, remember me as I was, a clown
Comic relief when times got hard and uncomfortable
At my funeral tell anecdotes about all the times life got my goat
And all the songs I wrote and all the times I lost all hope.

Finally, there is a glimmer of hope to hang on to, on “Desert Bloom.”

Another word, another song
We try to catch it before it’s gone
In the middle of the desert sometimes a rose can bloom
In the eye of the storm there’s peace for a moment or two

Maybe the lesson here is that despite all the hardships we endure, friendship and communal music-making create that moment when the world rushes by and we don’t notice, because we’re catching these fleeting but truly most important times together. We can all use a little more of that kind of peace, can’t we?

Mind Gravy: Cool Beans, 7 PM

Weekly music and poetry open mike, with a featured poet and musician.

Thursday, August 6

First Thursday On Main: Boyd Plaza/Main Street 6 PM

Featured music on the plaza is The Morel Support Group and EZ/PT. Down the street at Mast General Store, catch Moses Andrews III

Jazz Workshop: GROW Cafe, 8 PM

Open Mike Night: Foxfield, 7:30 PM

Sincere Sessions Open Jam: Uncle Fester’s, 7 PM

Friday, August 7

Artists For Africa: Township Auditorium, 6 PM

A multidisciplinary production featuring international musicians, dance performances and more.

Adam Chaffins Band: Steel Hands Brewing, 6 PM

Part of the “Nashville Nights” series featuring rising talent from Music City.

Robbie Cockrell: Macie and Milos Brewpup, 6:30 PM

The Lacs, Maddie Rean: Bubba’s Pub-N-Grub, 7 PM

Henry Luther & The Blackouts, Boygirl Rising, Death Ray Robin, Gaydream: Art Bar, 9 PM

Columbia’s Henry Luther and Raleigh, NC act Boygirl Rising just released a wonderfully creative split album, “People Who Hate Each Other,” last Friday; a project where they played on each other’s songs, including covering a song each from the other.

Open Stage and Bluegrass Jam: Bill’s Music Shop, 7 PM

Featured band this week is The Grass Strings.

Cody Webb: Icehouse Amphitheater, 6 PM

South Carolina native comes back home with a new album out, Country Is. Check out the video for “Beer Fishy Fishy” filmed on Lake Murray and starring Orry Lee Kennedy.

Saturday, August 8

Curtis Bates: Chayz Lounge, 8 PM

Eezy Olah, Sarah Spencer, Kimber: Sofar Sounds Columbia, 7 PM

This is the first “Sofar” branded show in the Columbia area, it’s an independent concert series that hosts the concerts in small alternative venues that are revealed only a few days prior to the show, so I can’t tell you where it is this early, sorry. I can say that Eezy Olah and Sarah Spencer will be playing from 7 until 9, and Kimber (solo acoustic) will go on at 9 PM.

House Music at the State House: 3-10 PM

This all afternoon/evening event features a string of house DJs spinning deep house cuts along with a school supply drive and more, all on the grounds of the State House downtown. DJs scheduled to appear include Graviva, Madi Jo, Kelli Kel, Maya Wang, and Jason Staten.

lowercase gods, Cola Pistola, The Accuser: Art Bar, 9 PM

Sunday, August 9

Sunday Funday Open Mike: Uncle Fester’s, 3-6 PM

Monday, August 10

Tuesday, August 11

Open Mike Night: Quaker Steak and Lube, 7 PM

Open Mike Night: J’s Corner, 7:30 PM

From the spiritual garage blues rock of Boo Hag and Saul & The Heretics, through the experimental instrumental rock of the “Zion” multimedia project, Saul Seibert has laid waste to genres and stereotypes and laid it all out creatively for years. On his newest three-song EP he offers a vision of what a solo Saul can do.

The title track opens up the proceedings with a thrumming bass line from Garrick Turner that quickly develops into a goth-pop drone reminiscent of Joy Division; with the repetitive lyrics such as “It’s so much easier when you’re not scared, it’s so much easier” adding to the purposeful monotony, it’s as if Seibert returned to his “Zion” era with words this time.

“Something Wrong,” is a wonderfully liquid-sounding track (Thanks to "other instrumentation and production by Sean Thomson”) with distorted vocals and a creaky swagger that finds a self-doubting Seibert questioning himself, “Is Something wrong with me?” but he concludes at one point that “It’s better to be broken than falling apart,” and then ultimately lands on a redemptive note: “If you don’t feel forgiving your heart will grow cold.”

The EP heads down the river, the Missisippi to be exact, with the riverboat/Dixieland, Leon Redbone feel of “Magazines,” and for once it sounds like Seibert is just a happy dude singing about his girl, carnival style, even as the track signs off in a squall of guitar skronk, as if to remind us that he’s still weird.

Mind Gravy: Cool Beans, 7 PM

Weekly music and poetry open mike. Featured musician this week is Ben Martin, featured poet Katy Harrison.

Thursday July 30

Blue Iguanas: Hazelwood Brewing, 7 PM

Fester’s Last Call: Uncle Fester’s, 8 PM

Featured acts are 9uapito, Saint Juventad, Moeb!, and Sumthing Orange. Check out the latest tune from the funky hip-hop popsters Sumthing Orange below, “Love Like Me”

Jeff Lucero: J’s Corner, 7 PM

Open Mike Night: Foxfield, 7:30 PM

Chris Reed: The Grand, 6 PM

Friday July 31

Cola Jazz: Finlay Park, 6 PM

Down 430: J’s Corner, 7 PM

Lola Grace: Macie & Milo’s Brewpup, 7 PM

Lola Grace and the Night: Prohibition, 10 PM

John Hollier and the Reverie: Steel Hands Brewing, 6 PM

Another installment of the “Nashville Nights” series spotlighting rising talent from Music City.

Open Stage and Bluegrass Jam: Bill’s Music Shop, 7 PM

Featured band this week is The Podunk Ramblers.

Parmalee, Rut Spence: Icehouse Amphitheater, 6 PM

This one’s a big ‘get’ for the Icehouse, as Parmalee has had some chart success in the country music world, notching five songs on the Country Airplay chart over the past dozen years. “Carolina,” below, was one of the first:

Songwriters Open Mike with Chris Ash: Hazelwood Brewing, 6:30 PM

Saturday August 1

Broken Skyline (Tom Petty Tribute): Prohibition, 9 PM

Tim Cappello: Art Bar, 9 PM

The shirtless sax player from “The Lost Boys” film has developed a close connection to Columbia via his appearances and work in the films of local director and film producer Chris Bickel. Yes, he’ll play “I Still Believe,” and a whole lot more.

Grateful For The Dead: Foxfield, 7 PM

This is a yearly celebration of the birthday of the late Grateful Dead bandleader, Jerry Garcia. Music of the Dead variety will be played by Mind the Gap, Gentle Jack, and Stillhouse.

Nuclear Tomb, Eyecatcher, Axattack, Cemetery Filth: The Spaze, 7 PM

Solid death and thrash metal lineup for this one, highlighted by Baltimore, Maryland’s Nuclear Tomb, who just released a new album, Epoch Inhumane, on Rotted Life Records.

Prettier Than Matt: Steel Hands Brewing, 1 PM

Kevin Staley Project w/AE Cool: Chayz Lounge, 8 PM

Tattoo You: Rolling Stones Tribute: Steel Hands Brewing, 6 PM

Sunday August 2

Abdiel Iriarte: Cola Jazz (2123 College St), 6 PM

Part of the “Keys and Conversation” series spotlighting talented jazz pianists.

Monday August 3

Tuesday August 4

Open Mike Night: Quaker Steak and Lube, 7 PM

Columbia SC act E.Z. Shakes has always woven together various threads of Americana and flat out rock ‘n’ roll, with the unifying life force being the voice and songs of singer/guitarist Zach Seibert. The band’s latest utilizes repetitive structures alternating twang and strum with searing guitars and powerful rhythms to create a sonic palette that washes over Seibert’s impressionistic lyricism.

“Lead In The Paint,” is a great example of this, a loping bass and skronking, Nels Cline-esque guitars framing a wistful look back at a life, lived: “Striving towards a finish, were our egos overblown?” Seibert is definitely in a contemplative, self-evaluating mood here, examining himself from the opening track “Always Wanted to Dance": “I always thought I was the worst thing about myself,” he sings as the band coalesces behind a soaring guitar line from John Furr, whose lead work throughout this album is the musically emotional counterpart to Seibert’s lyrical musings.

Sometimes it’s easy to let the deeper meanings slide by and just enjoy the way this band operates as one unit. “Walking on a Tightrope” evokes the classic Gun Club alt-country blues of Jeffrey Lee Pierce as the music escalates from spare strumming to gang vocals on the chorus, building the whole way into a crescendo. “Maybe You Could Be The One,” is another gem, anchored by the interplay between Jim Taylor’s slinky bass guitar line and the relentless propulsion of Stanford Gardner’s drumming.

Just when you get transported by the music, Seibert pulls you back to the words, and the stories. “My Father,” is a heartfelt tribute to the Seibert patriarch: “Am I the only one singing that song ‘Goddamit I ended up just like you’?” as Troy Tague’s keyboards somehow evoke family vacations and summertime memories via pop melodicism.

“Let It Go,” and “Tired of Lyin’” wrap up the proceedings with a brief reminder of how Seibert can just cut to the chase and lay it all out. On the first, even as he admits that “it’s all unclear,” he also insists that the answer is “just to let it go.” On the latter, the series of questions, from “Would it all be enough?” that end with the admission, “I’m tired of lying to you,” are the stuff of everyone’s doubts and insecurities, painted in that now trademark EZ Shakes musical landscape.

Mind Gravy: Cool Beans, 7 PM

Weekly music and poetry open mike, with a featured poet and musician.

Thursday, July 23

Blues Workshop: GROW Cafe, 7:30 PM

Homemade Haircuts, KTG, Tennis Courts: Uncle Fester’s, 8 PM

Danielle Howle, Christin Alynn: The War Mouth, 8 PM

Trent Jeffcoat: J’s Corner, 7 PM

The Millhands: Hazelwood Brewing, 7 PM

Open Mike Night: Foxfield, 7:30 PM

Friday, July 24

Animas Forks Band: Skyline Club, 9 PM

Call 2 Harm, Prayers of Sacrifice, Sixteenwishes, Hot Rail: The Spaze, 7 PM

Heavy tunes of the beatdown and screamo varieties, including a pair of Myrtle Beach acts, an upstate one, and locals Hot Rail.

Brooks Herring: Macie and Milos Brewpup, 7 PM

Highway Home: Steel Hands Brewing, 6 PM

This is part of the summer “Nashville Nights” series bringing rising talent from the country music scene to Columbia. Highway Home is a feel-good, harmony singing trio of good old country boys with a fresh perspective on country music stereotypes in their latest song, “No More Drinkin’ Songs.”

King Size: J’s Corner, 7 PM

Open Stage and Bluegrass Jam: Bill’s Music Shop, 7 PM

Darby Wilcox: Finlay Park, 6 PM

Saturday, July 25

Brooks Herring: Macie and Milos Brewpup, 7 PM

Isabelle’s Gift, Imp, Noble Experiment, Felonious Swank: Art Bar, 8 PM

If you were present for last year’s retro 90s Columbia scene event that included Imp and Felonious Swank in their first shows in decades, you know this will be a blast. The new twist this time around is a set from the original lineup of Isabelle’s Gift, playing the songs they started it all with.

Play That Band: Chayz Lounge, 8 PM

Chris Reed: 518 Smokehouse, 7 PM

The Runout: Hazelwood Brewing, 3-6 PM

Allison Skipper: J’s Corner 12-3 PM

Rutland: J’s Corner, 7 PM

Sufferin’ Moses: Steel Hands Brewing, 5 PM

The Useful Fiction, The Carolyn, Radio Altamont, The Ben Walkers, Kids of Collision: BANGS (910 Harden St), 6:30 PM

pop punk/indie show at a new spot, featuring Atlanta’s The Carolyn and Charleston’s Radio Altamont along with a batch of locals.

Zoso, Dazr: Icehouse Amphitheater, 6 PM

A Led Zeppelin tribute band, with local opener Dazr, whose original music owes a big debt to the arena rock sounds that Zeppelin ushered in.

Sunday, July 26

C Era, Open Mike: Uncle Fester’s, 3-6 PM

Prettier Than Matt: Hazelwood Brewing, 3-6 PM

Monday, July 27

Official Claire, Sweetheart City, Death Ray Robin: Art Bar, 7 PM

A highly unusual weeknight show at Art Bar means it has to be something special, right? Well how about Chicago’s downcast drone-pop indie darlings Official Claire in a stripped down duo format with Claire accompanied by Leroy Bach (also of Wilco)? Sweetheart City, the power pop outlet of local songwriter Paisley Marie, opens along with the piano based indie pop of Death Ray Robin. Check out the video below, from a show just last week, for a taste of what to expect:

Tuesday, July 28

Open Mike Night: Quaker Steak and Lube, 7 PM

Wednesday July 15

Mind Gravy: Cool Beans, 7 PM

Weekly music and poetry open mike, with a featured poet and musician.

Rectoplasm, Maul, Flesher, Life Cycles: The Spaze, 7 PM

This is a crushingly good lineup of death and thrash metal bands.

Thursday July 16

Airmaxx, Armani OD, Eliii, Hello Shello, KOS, Philip Thomas: Uncle Fester’s, 8 PM

Flatland Express: Hazelwood Brewing, 7 PM

Jazz Workshop: GROW Cafe, 8 PM

Open Mike Night: Foxfield, 7:30 PM

Friday July 17

Isaiah Caston Duo: Steel Hands Brewing, 6 PM

Open Stage and Bluegrass Jam: Bill’s Music Shop, 7 PM

Featured band this week is the gospel bluegrass band King James Boys.

Halloween In July, Night One: Art Bar, 7 PM

This annual summer tradition at Art Bar encompasses two nights packed full of local and regional bands. Tonight’s lineup is Cascades, Darko Duran, The Merry Chevaliers, The Eyebrows, Hellvis, Tiger Vile, Kevin K and the Bowery Kats, and Poltergasm.

Jon Michaels: Carolina Ale House (Harbison), 6:30 PM

Prettier Than Matt: Macie and Milos Brewpup, 6:30 PM

Riverstone: Murphy’s Grill, 6 PM

Zach Rushing: The Senate, 7:30 PM

Tokyo Joe: Wings and Ale (Outlet Pointe), 7:30 PM

Weatherproof Featuring Wycliffe Gordon: Cornerstone Church (5637 Bush River Rd), 7 PM

Trombonist Wycliffe Gordon is one of the best to ever play the instrument in jazz circles; Weatherproof is a local group led by Mark Rouse. Together, expect great jazzy grooves.

Saturday July 18

Lola Grace Duo: 518 Smokehouse, 7 PM

Halloween In July, Night Two: Art Bar, 7 PM

Tonight’s lineup: The Transonics, KIMBER, Five Ohm, Stegotor, The Ram Ones (Ramones tribute), Longtooth, Rubber Revolver (Beatles Tribute), and P.H.D.

Valai Harrington: Steel Hands Brewing, 5 PM

Willie Walker Trio: Chayz Lounge, 8 PM

Sunday July 19

Johnny Cash: The Legacy Continues: Koger Center, 4 PM

This is not exactly a tribute act, it’s former members of Cash’s band backing one of his grandsons. They’ll be doing all the Cash tunes you know and love, however.

Sunday Open Mike w/Stefani Morton: Uncle Fester’s, 3-6 PM

Monday July 20

Tuesday July 21

Cheer Accident: Uncle Fester’s, 8 PM

Open Mike Night: Quaker Steak and Lube, 7 PM

The debut album from Columbia singer-songwriter Candace Chellew, Dreamer Awake, has been a project two years in the making, as Chellew enlisted Zach Toman to record in bits and pieces what would become a full length, eleven song album.

Chellew is a minister by training, having led the Jubilee Circle congregation for a number of years before stepping away from that commitment. That background appears throughout the new album via a thread of spiritual awareness on songs such as the opening track “Native Word,” a strummy singalong about “La, la, la, la, love.” Idealistic? Absolutely, but the enthusiasm is infectious, as is that chorus, assisted by harmony vocals from The Runout’s Jeff and Kelley Gregory.

There are some seriously great musical moments here, from the full-hearted “Dance Anyway,” to the nostalgia-soaked closer “Walking Home,” that approach a kind of earnest lo-fi indie rock sweetness, as if The Indigo Girls recorded for K Records, where catchy choruses from bands such as Beat Happening were often swathed in unconventional but memorable sounds.

The subjects of her songwriting are not always serious, however. Chellew’s irreverent sense of humor is present in songs such as “Sweet Tea and Jesus,” which opines about the two things that can save us here in the American South. Then there’s “GURU,” where the narrator seeks out life advice from a guru who just says to “spell it: Gee, you are you—you are your own guru,” while Chellew and band crank up the guitars and have a grand old time.

That communal feeling permeates the proceedings, with multiple friends and fellow musicians popping up to sing background vocals and various instruments, from Katie Godfrey and Kelley Porterfield to Chellew’s wife Beth DeHart and Larry Farina on drums and percussion. Toman adds guitars, keyboards and more to his production duties to round out the arrangements.

There’s a loose and limber vibe here that’s less polished and slick than some might prefer, but it fits Chellew’s heartfelt fervor and feels authentic, something that’s lacking in much of today’s AI-infected music. Here’s to musical friends and families making music that reflects their very real lives.

Wednesday, July 8

Mind Gravy: Cool Beans, 7 PM

Weekly music and poetry open mike, with a featured poet and musician. Musician Eddie McCloud and poet Rolen Basden are featured this week.

Thursday, July 9

Blues Workshop: GROW Cafe, 7:30 PM

Open Mike Night: Foxfield, 7:30 PM

Podunk Ramblers: Hazelwood Brewing, 7 PM

Chris Reed: J’s Corner, 7 PM

Riverstone: Timberlake Country Club, 6 PM

Writers In the Round: Uncle Fester’s, 8 PM

This edition of the in-the-round songwriter night features Chris Lutterloah (Freebased Propane), Aaron Allsbrook (Executive Dysfunction), JP Melendez (John Patriot), Matthew Hurtt (Filakia).

Friday, July 10

Taylor Deming: Macie and Milos Brewpup, 6:30 PM

Slater Nalley: Steel Hands Brewing, 6 PM

Part of the “Nashville Nights” series bringing Music City songwriting talent to Columbia. Nalley was an American Idol finalist at 18, and his brand of country leans to the Tyler Childers and Chris Stapleton side of things.

Open Stage and Bluegrass Jam: Bill’s Music Shop, 7 PM

Allison Skipper: Liberty on the Lake, 6 PM

Gracie Weeks: Hazelwood Brewing, 7 PM

Saturday, July 11

David Glymph: Chayz Lounge, 8 PM

“Girls With Guitars” Featuring Katera, Tam The Viibe, YFUA, KTG, Local Honey, Kimber Acoustic: Koger Center (2nd Floor gallery): 6 PM

This is the first in a planned series of collaborations between Black Nerd Mafia and AmplifiHer aimed at spotlighting the local female songwriting talent in the Columbia area. A multi-genre mixtape of a show, expect everything from neo-soul to acoustic rock and pop. See KTG’s recent music video for the song “eeaao (I Do)” below:

Harvest Moon: Steel Hands Brewing, 6 PM

This is a tribute band to the music of Neil Young and Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young.

Leverpuller, Nick Sweat and the Phantom Headlights, Impending Joy, Elovet: Art Bar, 9 PM

Scott Rankin: Steel Hands Brewing, 1 PM

Shelby Raye: Twisted Taylors (Pelion), 8 PM

Riverstone: Macie and Milos Brewpup, 6:30 PM

The Runout Duo: Hazelwood Brewing, 3-6 PM

Coley Williams Band: Martin’s Landing, 6 PM

Sunday, July 12

Open Mike featuring Armani OD: Uncle Fester’s, 3-6 PM

Chris Reed: Gather COLA, 1:30 PM

Monday, July 13

Tuesday, July 14

Open Mike Night: GROW Cafe, 7:30 PM

Open Mike Night: Quaker Steak and Lube, 7 PM

Mind Gravy: Cool Beans, 7 PM

Weekly music and poetry open mike, with a featured poet and musician.

Tokyo Joe Acoustic: O’Hara’s, 6 PM

Thursday July 2

First Thursday On Main: Main Street (Columbia), 6 PM

This month’s edition of First Thursday includes music on Boyd Plaza from Sumthing Orange and CUBS. Check out the wonderful video for CUBS’ “Bottle Rockets”, off the band’s album Meet Me At The Rocket — it is a lovingly rendered, nostalgic compilation of clips featuring footage of various bands the current CUBS members were a part of including Can’t Kids and Those Lavender Whales.

Jazz Workshop: GROW Cafe, 8 PM

Open Mike Night: Foxfield, 7:30 PM

Sincere Sessions Open Jam: Uncle Fester’s, 7 PM

a hip-hop focused monthly open jam hosted by Eezy Olah.

Friday July 3

Haiku 2, Jumpy, Henry Luther and the Blackouts, Delirious Genius + Entropy Star: Art Bar, 9 PM

Jeff Lucero: 518 Smokehouse, 7 PM

Open Stage and Bluegrass Jam: Bill’s Music Shop, 7 PM

Featured band this week is The Leftovers.

Tokyo Joe: LJ’s Par and Grill, 8 PM

Saturday July 4

Cam Girl, Trash Candice: Art Bar, 9:30 PM

The Nigel Ouzts Quartet: Chayz Lounge, 8 PM

Southern Soul Independence Day Fest: National Guard Armory (1221 Bluff Rd), 12 PM

This all day affair includes a huge lineup anchored by the mega-star of southern soul, King George. Also appearing: 803 Fresh, Charmeka, Devito, Citilimitz, Amous Clark, Carolina Bree, and Meme Green.

Sunday July 5

Keys and Conversations: 6 PM, Cola Jazz (2123 College St)

Keith Davis is the featured pianist in this regular Cola Jazz sponsored series.

Monday July 6

Tuesday July 7

Emily Wright, Evelyn Berry: Simple Gifts (Columbia Friends Meeting, 120 Pisgah Church Rd, Columbia), 7 PM

This monthly event is hosted by poet Al Black; this edition features poet Evelyn Berry and hand pan player Emily Wright. l

Matt Maeson, Joe P: The Senate, 8 PM

Atlantic Records recording artist Matt Maeson plays the kind of sensitive guy pop/rock that’s edgy and emo enough to be cool without trying too hard. His latest features a collaboration with Manchester Orchestra on “Cursive”

Open Mike Night: Quaker Steak and Lube, 7 PM

Hard Pass, Magic Hour Light

In photography, the “magic hour” is that time around sunrise, or sunset, where the light quality offers a softer, kinder gradient than the full light of day. Its use for the title of the latest from Columbia Americana rock act Hard Pass comes from a line in the track “Calculating Fear.”

“find the perfect soundtrack

And that magic hour light

Before you start to crying

make sure your hair is right”

It’s a critique of online influencer culture, set to an insistent, somewhat strident beat with swirling keyboards and martial guitars, setting up a thematic scope throughout the album of being unsettled with current times and events.

Hard Pass was built around three different songwriters–Darren Woodlief, Joe Pearson, and Stephen Stokes, with James Beresford on bass and Mike Scarboro, drums. They’ve all been involved with other bands both past and present, but this collaborative effort has become a whole thing of its own now over several releases.

It’s a democratic group, with the main songwriters contributing three songs each to this effort. The impressive part is that there’s a consistent thread throughout, even as the lead voice shifts song to song.

Woodlief has the most atypical vocal turns here, but after a recent health scare almost meant he’d lost his voice entirely, it’s great to hear that conversational baritone on “And Feel the Same,” which decries the differences breaking down friendships: “Strange you may say, strained it may be / It pains me to see where you’re pointed today.”

Stephen Stokes’ “Fancy Clothes,” takes that relationship difficulty into evocative imagery and symbolism. “Gathering up all your fear and hate, drowning all your anger in the love we’d make,” over a gently percussive rhythm and acoustic guitar strums that provide a sympathetic bedding for the tune.

Joe Pearson’s highlight is the uptempo rocker “I Hope I See You Again,” channeling an earnest Americana akin to BJ Barham of American Aquarium. The chorus evolves throughout the song, just as the relationship does. He sings at first, “When I see your smile, it takes me by surprise, to sink into those lies,” but as the tune, and the story, progresses, the last phrase switches perspectives to now, “looking through your eyes.” It’s that subtle shift that turns a good song into a great one, acknowledging that things rarely stay the same, and maybe we’re not the one who is right, or wrong.

And perhaps that’s the answer to what the band is trying to say here–things are different, and some of us are not okay, and that’s okay–there’s value, and community, in sharing those feelings. So the magic hour method of illuminating our lives in softer tones is not necessarily the best way, but it provides the means to survive it and retain some hope and wonder during the harsher times. This album feels like what we’re all probably thinking these days, wondering “Why?”, as Woodlief sings in “Wishing for the Fall.”

“In the splendor of the sunlight wishing for the fall

As it cools I’m thinking I can’t see

The reason for this all.”

• Kevin Oliver

(Full album releases June 27th, hear a few songs on their Bandcamp below for now:)

Mind Gravy: Cool Beans, 7 PM

Poetry feature for this week centers around the new “Readings & Art of Old Growth Anthology” featuring Cassie Premo Steele and friends, about the Congaree Forest and Swamp.
Brian's Two Moms is the music duo of Candace Chellew and Beth DeHart.

Weekly original music and poetry open mike night

Chris Reed: Takosushi (Lexington), 6 PM

Tokyo Joe: Polliwogs, 7 PM

Thursday, June 25

Blues Workshop: GROW Cafe, 7:30 PM

Fester’s Last Call: Uncle Fester’s, 8 PM

Monthly hip-hop showcase, this month featuring SVIINTH: Viisionary, Dexter Murray, Baceem Vii, D1, and Jordy Means.

Flatland Express: Hazelwood Brewing, 7 PM

Open Mike night: Foxfield, 7:30 PM

Sabin Sharpe: The Shack (Chapin), 6 PM

Lew Tabackin: Koger Center Lobby, 7:30 PM

Part of the “Live in the Lobby Jazz 2026 Season”, this event is sold out.

Tokyo Joe: Macie and Milo’s Brewpup, 6:30 PM

Friday, June 26

Chris Ash Songwriter’s Open Mike: Hazelwood Brewing, 6:30 PM

Death Ray Robin: Finlay Park, 6 PM

48 Fables, Branan Lowther and Wallstreet: Foxfield, 8 PM

A great lineup of local blues/country/rock/twang/boogie with these two Columbia acts.

Rod Foster Presents Katrina Garvin: Chayz Lounge, 8 PM

House bandleader Rod Foster is hosting vocalist Katrina Garvin in this special show. Garvin is known for her role as Zelma Bullock in the national Broadway tour of “Tina: The Tina Turner Musical.” Expect to hear material from many favorite artists in a tribute to famous women of song such as Aretha Franklin, Dolly Parton, Whitney Houston, Ella Fitzgerald, and more.

Live from the 803: Koger Center, 6 PM

This month’s Black Nerd Mafia presentation is more than a concert, it’s a panel of local producers and beat makers including Double I Beats, Sagacity, Breeezus803, Ben Beam, Airborne Audio, and MidiMarcum.

Lola Grace: Prohibition, 10 PM

Brent Lundy: 518 Smokehouse, 7 PM

Magnolia Honey: J’s Corner, 7 PM

Augusta rock band with a very 90s sound in the Sister Hazel, Fuel, or Train mode, expect a mixture of covers and some original songs like this one:

Jeff Pitts: Savage Craft, 7 PM

Allison Skipper: Liberty on the Lake, 6 PM

Open Stage and Bluegrass Jam: Bill’s Music Shop, 7 PM

Shiloh Woods: Farmhouse Grill, 6:30 PM

This is billed as a release party for Woods’ latest single release, for the song “Meant To Be.”

Saturday, June 27

Badcash, Appetite For Illusion: Tabz, 7 PM

Hard Pass, Buck Stinson, Marshall Brown: Art Bar, 9 PM

There’s a new album, “Magic Hour Light,” being released around this show from Hard Pass—a quietly confident Americana-leaning ensemble. Add in the trucker country of Buck Stinson and psych-folk from Marshall Brown, and it’s this week’s “don’t miss it” show. See the video for the first single from Hard Pass’ latest below, “Calculating Fear.”

Maddie Rean: Midland Break Room, 8 PM

Rutland: Macie and Milo’s Brewpup, 6:30 PM

Sunday, June 28

Andrew Crocker: Savage Craft, 4-7 PM

Monday, June 29

Trey Duncan: O’Hara’s, 6 PM

Tuesday, June 30

Open Mike Night: Quaker Steak and Lube, 7 PM

Jeff Pitts: O’Hara’s, 6 PM

Matt White

Matt White’s “Dolly”

Doing an entire album of Dolly Parton songs is a daunting enough task, as who wants to risk comparison to one of the most popular country musicians and personalities of all time? But to pull off what cornetist and composer Matt White has done here, reimagining Parton songs in a jazz format, is impressively courageous. The fact that he succeeds in making this a whole thing of its own, without sacrificing the core Dolly-isms of the songs, is nothing short of remarkable.

White’s day job is on the music faculty of the University of South Carolina, where he teaches jazz in various forms and formats. For this album, he worked within the form of Parton’s original material, choosing to keep the vocal melodies, lyrics and modulations the same, as well as the musical keys. White enlisted vocalist Liz Kelley to take on the monumental task of singing the words as he deconstructed and rebuilt everything else around those tenets, and included fellow USC faculty member Colleen Clark on drums, Demetrius Doctor on organ, and Tim Fischer on guitar.

Forged in the time frame of the 2023 Lowcountry project that saw White immersed in the Gullah culture alongside Quentin Baxter and a cast of local singers and players, a chance hearing of the early Parton track “The Bridge” made him take notice, as she was utilizing some of the same structure and rhythms as the Gullah people did in their “stomping songs,” a 3-3-2 structure that originated in Africa before coming to our continent with the forced immigration of the slave trade and their musical and cultural traditions. As he says in the liner notes,

“Appalachian musical traditions are connected more to spirituals and shouting songs than people realize.”

“Down From Dover,” opens the proceedings, and for Dolly this was a darkly rendered song of love and betrayal. Kelley delivers the lyrics in a similarly dire manner, but White’s cornet swirls around and between the verses like a lost Miles Davis session. It’s both unnerving and energizing once one realizes the surprising places this could be going.

The most liberty White takes is on the three different “9 to 5” tracks, where the melody is indeed recognizable, but the lyrics never materialize. Instead you get three unique treatments, one featuring a church-like organ intro, and each one drifts further and further from the source into a more traditional jazz feel. Two of them bracket a take on the song that started this whole affair, “The Bridge.” Kelley again takes the reins in glorious fashion, building the tension throughout while turning the stark tale into one that resembles the classic female vocalists of the 1950s, if they’d been backed by an adventurous jazz combo instead of orchestra.

The most recognizable song here has to be “Jolene,” and again Kelley and White keep the tone of the original while the arrangement piles up in dissonance and resolution. It’s unnerving, yet riveting, like the best, most challenging jazz should be. Will everyone enjoy it, or be able to set aside the source material enough to appreciate the experimentation at play here? Maybe not, but for something a little different but also a little familiar, it’s a worthwhile effort.

Listen and purchase via Bandcamp below:

Mind Gravy: Cool Beans, 7 PM

Weekly music and poetry open mike, with a featured poet and musician. This week’s musician feature is Isaac Speece, with poet Eddie McCloud.

Thursday, June 18

AmplifiHer Writers in the Round: Uncle Fester’s, 8 PM

This month’s songwriter night is hosted by the all-female musician collective AmplifiHer, and features Candace Chellew, Bobbie Gail, Julie Kinard, and Jean Louise.

The Bunchquitters Trio: Hazelwood Brewing, 7 PM

This trio features Cary and Susan Taylor along with Danny Harlow; all three are longtime pickers in the area bluegrass and acoustic music scene.

Robert Gardiner Quartet: O’Hara’s, 6:30 PM

Jazz Workshop: GROW Cafe, 8 PM

Old Time Music Jam: State Street Pub, 4 PM

Rutland: J’s Corner, 7 PM

The Spoken Vine: Chayz Lounge, 7 PM

This unique show features poetry accompanied by live jazz. This week features poet and visual artist Bob Warner, along with AshaeDonae, Bugsy Malone, Chaye Alexander, and Malika Daniels. See below for a track of some smooth, jazzy poetry/music by Alexander from her recent album release “Reflections in the Rhythm of Life.”

Tokyo Joe Acoustic: George Roberts (Cayce) 6 PM

Friday, June 19

Colton Beasley: Barrio Lexington, 8 PM

Black Nerd Mafia presents R&B Summer Jam: Art Bar, 7 PM

This event features Nasty Karaoke, AC3 Sage, Jordy the Psychon, Justice Plant, Ki Jhane, Puffislove, Milah, AE The Cool, Doozy, Toni Esther, and Bayray.

Celebration of Black Music: 1801 LeGrand Rd

This evening event is hosted by the Jam Listening Room.

The High Tides: Steel Hands Brewing, 6 PM

Juneteeth In The Park: Finlay Park, 5 PM

This free celebration of the Junteenth holiday features a lineup of soulful jazz artists on the main stage; Nahi Gruv is a funky soul/reggae act that includes Walter Hemingway and Donnie Sowell of the Root Doctors.

5:30 PM – 6:30 PM Rod Brown Quartet
6:45 PM – 7:45 PM AP & Soulful Touché
8:00 PM – 9:00 PM Nahi Gruv

Open Stage and Bluegrass Jam: Bill’s Music Shop, 7 PM

This week’s featured act is the Pinehill Ramblers, with open stage prior to their set and open jam following.

Greg Parrish Band: Skyline Club, 9 PM

Riverstone: Macie & Milos Brewpup, 6 PM

Saturday, June 20

Blue Shades Band: Voodoo Brewing, 7 PM

Captain Mike and the Shipwreck: Savage Craft, 6 PM

Robbie Cockrell Band: LJ’s Par and Grill, 7 PM

Taylor Deming: Macie & Milos Brewpup, 6 PM

Go Skate Day Festival: The Senate, 4 PM

This is a huge event put together by Bluetile Skate Shop celebrating “Go Skateboarding Day” and skateboarding culture in general, with a pop up skate park, vendors and live music. Bands scheduled to appear: God Glitch, Tourneforte, Blankstate, Waste of Space, Atrixalan/Moebi, Saint Driffin, Wes, & Preach Jacobs.

Hell’s Maid, Public Mind, Executive Dysfunction, Guilty Spark: Art Bar, 9 PM

Jeff Liberty: Hazelwood Brewing, 4-7 PM

Brent Lundy: J’s Corner, 12-3 PM

Richard Bachman, Alien Carnival: Foxfield, 8 PM

Richard Bachman is John Coxe and Russell Goodman, they’ll open the night at 8 followed by Bentz Kirby and friends playing his “Alien Carnival” album in full.

Raheem Devaughn: SC State Fairgrounds, 5 PM

This is part of the “Secret Garden IV Wine and Music Festival.”

Allison Skipper and Chris Reed: The Bistro, 6 PM

Drink Small: Carolina Arts Cafe (Cayce), 7 PM

Billed as “The Woodshed Sessions: Drink Smalls’ Final Performance”, this may indeed be the venerable SC blues musician’s final live show, as he has been in declining health for some time now. A legend in the Carolina blues scene, Smalls pioneered the Piedmont blues style. This concert is presented by the new Carolina Blues Preservation Society.

Smokey Jones and the Three Dollar Pistols: Skyline Club, 8 PM

Tokyo Joe: Boho Pizza, 7 PM

Catoe White Band: Steel Hands Brewing, 5 PM

Coley Williams Band: Bubbas Pub and Grub, 9 PM

Shiloh Woods: Steel Hands Brewing, 1 PM

Sunday, June 21

3 Mile Railroad: Hazelwood Brewing, 3-6 PM

Monday, June 22

Tuesday, June 23

Open Mike Night: Quaker Steak and Lube, 7 PM

Jeff Pitts: O’Hara’s, 6 PM

Blair McMillen: USC School of Music Recital Hall, 7:30 PM

This concert is part of the Southeastern Piano Festival, and features pianist Blair McMillen, part of the New York City new music scene, performing a program including works by Margaret Bonds, Frederic Rzewski, Keith Jarrett, Gabriella Smith, and William Bolcom, plus transcriptions of Brad Mehldau's interpretations of Brian Wilson and Lennon/McCartney.

Mind Gravy: Cool Beans, 7 PM

Weekly music and poetry open mike, with a featured poet and musician.

Soda City Brass Band: 6 PM and 7:30 PM, Nickelodeon

Tokyo Joe: Polliwogs, 9 PM

Thursday, June 11

Drake Bell: Tin Roof Columbia, 8 PM

Blues Night: GROW Cafe, 7 PM

McKenzie Butler: J’s Corner, 7 PM

Carolina Bluegrass Style: Hazelwood Brewing, 7 PM

This local bluegrass combo features a couple of younger players alongside a pair of veterans in Don Ashley and David Prosser, who have played with Carolina Rebels and Blue Ridge Mountain Grass over the years. The band recently recorded at Strawberry Skys in West Columbia, hear “Delilah” below:

Passion Pit: The Senate, 7:30 PM

Riverstone: Craft and Draft (Devine St), 5 PM

Sister Hazel: Icehouse Amphitheater, 6 PM

Tokyo Joe Acoustic: Hemingways, 8 PM

Whiskey Tango Revue: Shandon UMC (Devine St), 6:30 PM

This is an outdoor show with local country/Americana variety band Whiskey Tango Revue on the grounds of Shandon United Methodist Church; it’s free to attend but food and beverages will be available for purchase. I’m still partial to their classic “South Carolina” song from a decade and a half ago now—I made a slide show video for it way back then, check it out below:

Friday, June 12

EZ/PT, Candace Chellew: Foxfield, 7:30 PM

Eccentric Americana and earnest songcraft are on tap for this double bill of talented locals. Chellew is readying the release of her first album in a couple weeks, but I’m going to assume you’ll hear a few tunes from it early. EZ/PT combines the talents of Zach Seibert of EZ Shakes with Kelley Porterfield and Sean Thomson of Post Timey String Band, their live album from a performance at the State Museum’s observatory was released last year, but check out their recent live set for the Woodshed Archive below:

Open Stage and Bluegrass Jam: Bill’s Music Shop, 7 PM

Willie Wells and Blue Ridge Mountain Grass will be the featured band this week, after the open stage and prior to the open bluegrass jam.

The Runout: J’s Corner, 7 PM

Fresh off a commanding performance at the inaugural Songbird Festival in Finlay Park comes another outdoor gig for The Runout. This time around, they’ll get three hours to stretch into both their ample originals and some like-minded covers.

Spencer Rush: Liberty On the Lake, 6 PM

Sweetheart City, Homemade Haircuts: Finlay Park, 6 PM

Channing Wilson: Steel Hands Brewing, 6 PM

This is the opening concert in the annual Nashville Nights series that Steel Hands has hosted for a number of summers now. Channing Wilson comes from the Waylon and Willie outlaw country era of style and substance, not to mention twang.

Saturday, June 13

Laurie Berkner: Koger Center, 11 AM

This is a family concert by the popular children’s musician Berkner; if you have had kids any time in the past 20 years or so, you've probably used her music with them.

Hank Bilal & Phil Denny: Chayz Lounge, Two shows at 5 PM and 7 PM

Logan Blizzard: Hazelwood Brewing, 4-7 PM

Blues Deluxe: Gather COLA, 6 PM

Darko Duran, Space Daddy & the Galactic Go Go’s: Art Bar, 9 PM

Faraway Laughter, Silvertones: Foxfield, 8 PM

G.U.M.B.O. Experience Concert Series: Koger Center, 7 PM

The acronym stands for “Giving Unique Melodies Beats Omnipotent” and this show features a cultural mash-up of art, soul and hip-hop music.

Prettier Than Matt: J’s Corner, 12-3PM

Queens of Country: Savage Craft, 6 PM

Joshua Redman: Harbison Theatre, 7:30 PM

If you don’t already have a ticket, you’re out of luck as this concert by the esteemed saxophonist Joshua Redman is SOLD OUT.

Renata The Band: Tin Roof Columbia, 8 PM

This is part of a series showcasing rising original country music acts out of Nashville.

John Rooks: J’s Corner, 7 PM

Transonics, Hostile, Wade Razor, Age of the Fall, Unicorn Hole: The Spaze, 7 PM

Sunday, June 14

Lucky Wednesday: Hazelwood Brewing, 3-6 PM

Chris Reed: Gather COLA, 12 noon

Monday, June 15

Tuesday, June 16

Open Mike Night: Quaker Steak and Lube, 7 PM

Basic Printer, Death Ray Robin, Valentine Wolfe: Cat’s Kettle, 7 PM

Glenn Miller Orchestra: Harbison Theatre, 7 PM

Mind Gravy: Cool Beans, 7 PM

Weekly music and poetry open mike, with a featured poet and musician.

Thursday, June 4

Jazz Night: GROW Cafe, 7 PM

The Millhands: Hazelwood Brewing, 7 PM

Podunk Ramblers: Mast General Store, 6 PM

This is part of the monthly First Thursday activities on Main Street, the band plays on the sidewalk outside of Mast. No word on whether or not they’ll be wearing the snazzy matching blue suits they performed in at the Songbird Festival last weekend, though.

Sincere Sessions Open Jam: Uncle Fester’s, 7 PM

Tokyo Joe: Steel Hands Brewing, 6 PM

Friday, June 5

CAM GIRL, Turbo Gatto, Chronic Dimension: Art Bar, 9 PM

Some serious stage presence represented in this lineup; CAM GIRL is arena rock in club size, and the hometown feline themed rockers Turbo Gatto will be pounding out their cat-centered takes on classic hard rock and punk style.

Open Stage and Bluegrass Jam: Bill’s Music Shop, 7 PM

Elliott Poston: Macie and Milos Brewpup, 6 PM

Riverstone: Savage Craft, 7 PM

Saturday, June 6

Adam Paul Gould: Gather COLA, 6 PM

King Nothing (Metallica Tribute): Polliwogs, 9 PM

Petty Rewind: Steel Hands Brewing, 5 PM

One Irish Rover: Savage Craft, 6 PM

Chris Reed: J’s Corner, 12 PM

Willie Wells and Blue Ridge Mountain Grass, Ben Lippen Youth Band: AA Farms (5412 Bluff Rd), 12 PM

This performance is part of a two day event, “Blueberries and Bluegrass” connected to the annual Ag + Art Tour.

Joey Williams: Macie and Milos Brewpup, 6 PM

Sunday, June 7

Grayson Capps: House Concert, 7 PM

New Orleans based songwriter and poet Grayson Capps can be topical, humorous, or heart wrenching, sometimes in the space of a single song. His most recent album featured covers of traditional and classic tunes, so he’s attuned to the history of the folk and blues idiom as well.

This event is in a private home, see the Facebook event for details:

Grayson Capps House Concert INFO

Open Mike: Uncle Fester’s, 3-6 PM

Chris Reed: Boho Pizza, 6 PM

Riverstone: Gather COLA, 5 PM

John Tecklenburg: 2123 College St (Cola Jazz), 6 PM

part of the “Keys and Conversation” series, this one features former Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg, who’s a pretty decent jazz pianist.

Monday, June 8

Tuesday, June 9

Nicole Henry: Gallery 701, 6:30 PM

Part of the “Jazz at 701” series presented through Cola Jazz

Luv Sounds Presents “Neo-Soul Sessions” with KJ: Columbia Music Festival Association (914 Pulaski St), 8 PM

A new weekly series featuring local R&B and soul artists. KJ’s latest single is “Bad Blood,” check out the new video below:

Open Mike Night: Quaker Steak and Lube, 7 PM

Jeff Pitts: O’Hara’s, 6 PM