
Brett Barest
When we first imagined this series I knew that I would be asking Vilai Harrington for his contribution and, frankly, I am not sure how it took so long to get here. I am not surprised, however, to find that my friend Vilai’s list was worth the wait.
I first met Vilai when he was working at Moe Joe’s during what I believe was a Dallas Baker show. He was new the local scene, having recently moved from Aiken, and when he mentioned that he was a musician as well, I told him I would have to come see him play sometime. When my wife and did see him play live and talked to him again, our takeaway impression was twofold as I said “Hey, he’s pretty good” and “What a genuinely nice guy.” Today, I stand by the latter sentiment but the former has been replaced by “Holy crap, he just keeps getting better and better at this.” It has been an honor to watch and listen to Vilai’s progression over the years and, more importantly, be able to call him a friend.
Thus, it should come as no surprise that when Vilai shared his list with me, it came with the prelude that “I could approach this multiple different ways with the amount of amazing artists out there, but what I feel like doing is showcasing some good people that also happen to be kick ass at music. There are so many more people in music that I am so thankful for.” He did not just pick people he likes as artists but artists he loves as people and while I am sure everybody that has participated in this series has done that in their own ways, leave it to the big teddy bear Vilai to make that the cornerstone of his mission statement right out of the gates.
James Tucker
Vilai says…“I met James not too long after he moved into Greenville at Moe Joe’s and the amount of growth as a writer and performer in him since then had been exponential. He has worked hard and made a notch for himself in the country scene and I’m proud to call him a friend.”
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She Returns From War
Vilai says… “I was first enamored by her songwriting when I heard her perform her song “Connector” at a house party in Charleston many moons ago. She has been nothing but a beautiful soul and one of my favorite songwriters and friends.” Follow them on Facebook
Von Strantz
Vilai says… “I ran into Jess and Kelsey when I was first starting out and they soon took me under their wings and showed me the road like the big sisters I never had. I learned so much from them about every part of the business, performance, booking/planning, musicianship and holding yourself to a good standard.” Follow on Facebook
Mark Webb Jr.
Vilai says… “Great songwriter and even better man. Like a brother to me in the community, He is always a listening ear with a wise word.”
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The Apartment Club
Vilai says… “’Outsiders’ in the upstate community, this Spartanburg band will blow your minds when they perform and take your hearts as soon as you get to know them. Some of the sweetest and most genuine people I have ever met. “
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Vilai Harrington & the Hamptones
As usual, I am adding this one in myself. Back when shows were a thing, I used this space to talk about Vilai Harrington & the Hamptones recent album Sandhill Shaman ahead of its release show at The Radio Room (read that here). I can also tell you that they have since released the single “From Beyond” which you can check out here. Coincidentally, the video for that single releases TODAY at 1pm sharp, so we have that to look forward to this afternoon.
Beyond all of that, I can tell you that Vilai is one of the people I am most looking forward to seeing out in the world when this madness is behind us. Whether it is on a local stage or just having a beer with him after trivia at Quest, I will be happy either way. Thanks to Vilai for giving all of us some great music (and people) to carry us through the week ahead.
More Posts in the Artist Picking Artists Series
- Artists Picking Artists: Brooks Dixon
- Artists Picking Artists (Sort Of) With Brett Barest
- Artists Picking Artists: The Old Earthquake’s Steven Cathcart
- Artists Picking Artists: Salti Ray
- Artists Picking Artists: Kelly Jo of Phat Lip
- Artists Picking Artists: Dr. LuvBeatz
- Artists Picking Artists: Vilai Harrington
- Artists Picking Artists: Jon Rasmussen
- Artists Picking Artists: John Durham
- Artists Picking Artists: Pauley Francisco AKA $hiva
Upstate Weekend Concert Calendar
- Sunday
02-28-2021
Stop Light Observations at The Radio Room
8pm02-28-2021
Simple Syrup at Smileys
6pm02-28-2021
Twin Sons at Mountain Brook Vineyards
2-5pm02-28-2021
Live Jazz at Topsoil Kitchen and Market
6:30-8:30pm02-28-2021
Karl Lauber at Chicora Alley Fire House
12-3pm02-28-2021
The Away Team at Gather GVL
1:30pm- Monday
03-01-2021
Open Mic at Growler Haus Fountain Inn
7:30pm03-01-2021
Spencer Rush at DRAY: Bar and Grill
5:30pm03-01-2021
Open Mic at Carolina Bauernhaus Ales
6-9pm- Tuesday
03-02-2021
Acoustic Jam Night at FR8 Yard
7pm03-02-2021
Charles Hedgepath at Smileys
7:30pm03-02-2021
Tim Bethea at DRAY: Bar and Grill
5:30pm- Wednesday
03-03-2021
Paul Thorn at The Radio Room
7pm03-03-2021
Live Karaoke at Smileys
7:30pm03-03-2021
TJ Jeter at DRAY: Bar and Grill
5:30pm- Thursday
03-04-2021
Karaoke at Ollies Tavern
9pm03-04-2021
Open Mic at Moe Joe Coffee Clemson
7pm03-04-2021
Jason Davis at The Tasting Room
6pm03-04-2021
Grateful Dead Night at Pour Taproom: Greenville
8pm03-04-2021
Mark Humphries at DRAY: Bar and Grill
5:30pm03-04-2021
Live Jazz at Topsoil Kitchen and Market
6:30-8:30pm03-04-2021
Rob Seel at Warehouse at Vaughns
6:45pm- Friday
03-05-2021
Russ Moore at Wandering Bard Meadery
6pm03-05-2021
Pinky Doodle Poodle at Fireforge Crafted Beer
7pm03-05-2021
Pinky Doodle Poodle at Fireforge Crafted Beer
7pm03-05-2021
Ryan Henry at Which Craft Taproom
8pm03-05-2021
Funky Waze at Craft and Barrel
8pm03-05-2021
Steve Nadeau at DRAY: Bar and Grill
6:30pm03-05-2021
Live Jazz at Topsoil Kitchen and Market
6:30-8:3003-05-2021
Andrew Wakefield at Quest Brewing Company
7pm03-05-2021
Alex Hunnicutt at Gather GVL
5:30pm03-05-2021
Sidecar at Eastside Bar and Grill
7pm
Upstate News Headlines
- Weekend Things to Do: Greenville South Carolina
- VIDEO: Man accused of throwing Molotov cocktails at ambulances arrested in Pennsylvania
- Cobb County horseback instructor missing, suspicious disappearance police say
- Former President Trump calls for GOP unity, says he won't start another party
- South Carolina walks-off against Clemson for second straight game, USC beats Tigers 8-7
- Mother, son arrested after man fatally stabbed during argument, officials say
- No. 3 A&M beats No. 5 South Carolina 65-57 for SEC title
- Johnson & Johnson's COVID-19 vaccine gets the nod from CDC committee
- Spacewalking astronauts prep International Space Station for new solar panel wings
- Family, friends celebrate life of Upstate firefighter Sunday afternoon in Simpsonville
- Latest South Carolina COVID-19 report from DHEC: Feb. 28, 2021