Singer/songwriter Marc Townes gets by with a little help from his friends
from Staff Reports
Folly Beach will get a dose of harmony-rich, high-energy rock and Americana when Kind Hearted Strangers rolls into town and takes the Bounty Bar stage on Saturday, May 24.
Fronted by singer-songwriter Marc Townes, Kind Hearted Strangers started as a constantly evolving musical project that traces its roots back to the foothills of Colorado. What started as an impromptu open mic performance has grown into a nationally touring band known for blending raw rock ‘n’ roll energy with the rich, rootsy textures of American folk.
Now based out of Nashville, the Strangers have spent recent years cutting their teeth on the road, building a reputation for electrifying live shows. Lead guitarist Kevin Hinder’s improvisational flair and bassist/vocalist Ace Engfer’s steady rhythms form the backbone of the band’s sound, while the addition of drummer Eggy Gorman has helped propel their performances to new heights.
Their most recent album, Now.here, is a testament to the band’s creative spirit and willingness to take risks. Recorded in just five days inside a shared warehouse space in Richmond, Vir., the project came together without any prepared material. Working alongside visual artist Dylan Lynch, the band challenged themselves to write, rehearse, and perform brand-new songs culminating in a live concert and art exhibition by the end of the week. The resulting LP captures the immediacy, passion, and unfiltered energy that defines Kind Hearted Strangers’ live performances.
With influences stretching from acoustic roots to full-throttle rock, Townes and company deliver a sound that feels both familiar and fresh. Their ability to move fluidly between hard-hitting jams and intricate, harmony-laden ballads sets them apart in today’s crowded music landscape.
Now in one of the band’s busiest touring eras, Kind Hearted Strangers continues to expand its fan base across the country, offering audiences a glimpse into their journey from Colorado to Music City and now to the dive bars and music halls across the country. With a sound built for the open road, Kind Hearted Strangers will just be passing through Folly Beach for one night, so make sure not to miss it.
Kind Hearted Strangers plays Saturday, May 24 at The Bounty Bar, located at 15 Center St. For more information, call (843) 633-0355 or visit www.thebountybar.com.
