With the warm weather comes Sweet harmonies and sinful melodies
St. James Gate — After a nearly two-month renovation, the St. James Gate Irish Pub is set to debut Folly Beach’s newest music venue. With a capacity of 140 people, a complete in-house sound system, stage, and lights, St. James Gate will host solo artists, duos and full band lineups. Among the renovations to the former Fallout at Shrimp Co. include five inches of insulation in the tin roof helping to dampen the noise, and two large air conditioning units dedicated to the upstairs, allowing the windows to be closed and the sound to remain inside. Planning and care have been taken to insure the noise issues of the past will remain in the past, and the overall experience will be positive for guests and the community.
Champagne with Friends will kick off the live music upstairs at St. James Gate Thursday, July 2 at 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays from 7 p.m. until 10 p.m. the venue will host solo artists on the back patio, then head upstairs and join DJ E as he spins popular dance tunes from the 70s, ’80s, ’90s, and today.
Loggerhead’s — One of Folly Beach’s best live music opportunities is on the deck at Loggerhead’s Beach Grill. Each Sunday from 3-6 p.m., Sunflowers & Sin deliver the music of the mountains (Americana and Folk) to the Lowcountry. Kaitlin Casteel, Lorra Amos, and Makenna Perry grew up together in eastern Tennessee. The music of their childhood provides the inspiration for their sweet harmonies and sinful melodies. Since forming just over a year ago, they have had the opportunity to play many stages and festivals around the Southeast, along with supporting national acts, including The Piedmont Boys, Sol Driven Train, and Dangermuffin.
Surf Bar — Surf Bar consistently brings talented local and national touring acts to Folly Beach, and July 12 they welcome Chris Stalcup and The Grange from Atlanta, Georgia. The Americana rock band delivers tales of loss and heartache through accomplished songwriting and seasoned talent. Stalcup’s songwriting brings life to the authentic Southern storytelling experience. The show will showcase gritty vocals and musical dynamics, ranging from a slow swampy sway to straight rock and roll. They’re currently touring the Southeast in support of their latest release, “Dixie Electric Company,” on Dirtleg Records.
Folly Beach Crab Shack — Of course, it wouldn’t be Friday evening in the summer on Folly Beach without Calhoun’s Calling at the Folly Beach Crab Shack. Guitarist/vocalist Nathan Calhoun and saxophonist Andy Childs perform an upbeat, fun set of catchy and thoughtful originals, along with danceable versions of popular cover songs. When not performing as the duo, they welcome bass player John Birkenhour and Mike McCrea on drums for the full band experience.
Be sure to check out the full calendar of live music events for all the venues on Folly Beach in the Folly Buzz section!
Erik Swartz is a local musician and promoter, and web designer. He can be reached at info@erikswartzmusic.com.
