Brett Barest
While live music is steadily returning to the Upstate, it is doing so in absence of touring artists. This is hardly a bad thing as we have the opportunity to see our local talent shine in the spotlight but, still, it is hard not to miss our favorite artists from Charleston, Asheville, and beyond. Fortunately, The Radio Room is working with Downtown event space Zen – An Elegant Space For Hire to do just that for a couple of really unique performances in the month ahead.
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First up is Will Blackburn from Stop Light Observations, a Charleston based indie rock band that has quickly earned national attention. They set the record for the most consecutive sold out dates at Charleston’s Music Farm, have performed live at Bonnaroo, and earned a place on Conan O’Brien’s Fresh Noise to Impose. They are one of a growing number of South Carolina artists making a name for themselves on the national stage and it is well deserved.
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Next is Sam Burchfield, a singer songwriter raised in South Carolina but now based in Atlanta. Burchfield is everything you could ask for out of a modern folk singer with a distinct, soulful voice paired with thoughtful lyrics and stories. Once a somewhat regular guest of The Radio Room, this is his first visit to the Upstate since his last scheduled visit in March was postponed due to COVID.
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What makes both of these shows unique – beyond the fact that they are happening at all – is the way Zen is approaching things. Each show will be held in Zen’s Bamboo Garden and tickets will be available in extremely limited capacity. Ticket availability is so limited in fact, that the venue will have the flexibility to safely move the show indoors, should the weather necessitate a plan B. As a result, the atmosphere should have an air of exclusivity about it as guests will be part of a small audience safely gathering for intimate performances with nationally touring artists.
Upstate South Carolina Live Music Guide :: Shows to See
Blackburn kicks things off on Friday, September 25 with Burchfield following on Sunday, October 4. Both shows feature $20 general admission seating with Blackburn’s show offering a few early bird discounts (if they have not already disappeared by the time you are reading this). Each of these artists would be well worth this price point for a regular show during normal times but, given the circumstances, this is one of the biggest bargains of the pandemic era to date.
For their part, Radio Room is assisting with promotion and sharing all the experience they have when it comes to hosting live concerts. They have also begun announcing the return of shows of their own, beginning October 9 with Masquerade 2, a burlesque and art show. Live music returns the following evening with 72nd and Central, Shyland Flowers, Shearling, and Fabric taking the stage for a big return to the Radio Room shows we have all been missing. Keep up with all the action at The Radio Room’s concert calendar or simply keep the iOnGreenville app handy for all the shows the Upstate has to offer at the click of a button.
Weekend Live Music Calendar
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