Myrtle Beach Music Summer Concert Series 2012

With the calendar officially turning the page to summer in coming weeks, now’s a perfect time to take a look at the many great musical events which pop up along the Grand Strand each season.

This summer's concert series offerings are as hot as ever and run the gamut from Classy affairs to Family-friendly fun to Full-on parties full of loud tunes and lively fans.  Here’s a look at some of the area’s best series highlighting Myrtle Beach Music this summer:

Alive After 5

Where: Downtown Conway between Laurel and Third Streets

Details: 248-6260 or conwayalive.com

Formerly known as the “Conway Crawl” this series has reinvented itself as a monthly event instead of a weekly affair and will be held from 6-9 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month through November with more music, downtown activities, shopping and dining than ever.

Entertainment will morph out from Third Avenue, but there is a larger area where guests can enjoy an adult beverage after they’ve purchased a $2 wristband confirming that they are old enough to imbibe. Coolers are not allowed.

“In the warmer summer months, it’s a great way to take advantage of Downtown Conway after it cools off in the evening hours,” said Downtown Conway Alive director Hillary Howard, as she invited people to enjoy the hospitality of a small Southern town and its polite ways.

• June 7: Classic car cruise-in and music by David Chaney (Elvis Tribute)

• July 5: “All Wheels Red, White and Blue Promenade” parade with patriotic music by The Stardusters (Big Band)

• Aug. 2: Snow-cone social with music by Sea-Cruz (Beach)

• Sept. 6: Carnival and “All Community Gospel Sing” with church choirs from across the area

The Boathouse Waterway Bar & Grill

Where: 201 Fantasy Harbour Blvd., off of U.S. 501 next to the Clarion Hotel.

Details: 843-903-BOAT or boathousemb.com

When it comes to getting the full summer party experience in Myrtle Beach, there’s really no better place to do so than The Boathouse.

Located near the former Hard Rock Park on right on the water, this indoor-outdoor live music venue offers plenty of scenery — both the nearby Intracoastal Waterway and the buxom bikini babes and jacked up gentlemen make for nice views.

The spot is famous for its Backyard Summer Concert series, a set of shows which take every “Sunday Funday” throughout the summer. These free, afternoon events kick off around 4:30 p.m. each week with top-acts occupying the brand-new waterfront dock stage and fans piled up ampitheater-style across the large sloped lawn area.

In addition The Boathouse offers Coyote Country Fridays featuring up-and-coming acts and aspiring Nashville stars from all over. These shows, and a random smattering of special weeknight events take place inside confines of the large, inviting bar area. Here’s a look at everything coming up:

• June 10: Apetite For Destruction (Guns ‘N’ Roses Tribute)

• June 13: V.I.C. (Rap)

• June 15: Andy Velo (Country)

• June 17: Perpetual Groove w/ Zach Deputy (Reggae/Jam)

• June 21: Bumpin’ Uglies w/ Jah Harvest (Reggae/Rock)

• June 22: Eastbound (Country)

• June 23: Saving Abel (Pop/Rock)

• June 24: Crowfield (Americana/Rock)

• June 28: Groove Stain w/ Below The Bassline (Reggae/Rock)

• June 30: Chase Rice (Country)

• July 1: Drivin’ N Cryin’ (Southern Rock)

• July 5: Casey James (former “American Idol” finalist)

• July 6: Southland (Country)

• July 8: Matt Stillwell (Country)

• July 20: Jared Blake (from “The Voice” Season 1)

• July 15: Yarn & Dangermuffin (Americana)

• July 22: Coolio (Hip-Hop)

• July 26: Fear Nuttin’ w/ Jah Harvest (Reggae/Dancehall)

• July 27: Outshyne (Country)

• July 29: Fuel (Rock)

• Aug. 3: Chris Land Band (Country)

• Aug. 5: Rehab (Hip-Hop/Rock)

• Aug. 10: Ross Copley (Country)

• Aug. 12: Jerryfest w/ JGB (Jam)

• Aug. 15: Back to School Bash w/ Collie Buddz (Reggae)

• Aug. 17: Bill Gentry (Country)

• Aug. 19: Simplified (Rock/Reggae)

• Aug. 24: Austin Mowery Band (Country)

• Aug. 31: Early Ray (Country)

• Sept. 1: Chase Rice (Country)

• Sept. 2: Trevor Hall (Reggae)

Broadway at the Beach

Where: 1315 Celebrity Square, Myrtle Beach

Details: 444-3200 or broadwayatthebeach.com

As always with this massive complex, there’s more activities and entertainment than you can shake a stick at this summer.

First, there’s Coca-Cola Summer Nights, running June 4 through Sept. 2 featuring live nightly comedy and magic shows on the Heroes Harbor stage (near Margaritaville). and a full slate of strolling entertainers including percussion band Whacker Barrel, and performers from Pirates Voyage, Legends In Concert and the Palace Theatre.

When it comes to live music, its seems like you can’t pop your head in a restaurant without at least someone playing a guitar in the corner. Eateries featuring regular entertainment include Tilted Kilt, Good Time Charley’s, Key West Grille, King Kong Sushi, Liberty Steakhouse, Margaritaville and Hard Rock Cafe.

For family-friendly fare you can check out the sounds Mr. Nigel & Friends children’s band every Monday and Tuesday or turn things upside down with live music on the Wonderworks patio from 6:30 to 10 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday.

Moving on to nightlife, the a massive set of bars and club located in and around Celebrity Square are among the area’s most visited party spots. Here, places such as Froggy Bottomz, Rodeo Bar & Grill, Stool Pigeons, Shucker’s, Wet Willie’s and Crocodile Rocks Dueling Piano Bar all offer live music regularly, while clubs such as Senor Frogs, Revolutions, Club Boca, Malibu’s Surf Bar and Sharkey’s cater more to fans of DJs spinning the latest Dance, House, Hip-Hop and Top 40 hits.

And if all that wasn’t enough, there’s also “Summer Party in the Street” a concert series hosted by Fantastic Clubs (Revolutions, Z Bar, Crocodile Rocks) which takes place on a huge stage located outdoors in Celebrity Square itself. Here some of the region’s best talent will be on display each Thursday night beginning at 7:30 p.m. and DJ Alex A will hold down the stage every Friday and Saturday. Here’s a look at the schedule of acts:

• June 7: Bibis Ellison (Rock/Soul)

• June 14: Tsunami Wave Riders (Island/Party)

• June 21: Black Glass (Rock/Variety)

• June 28: Emily Minor (Country)

• July 4: Special Independece Day show w/ Andrew Theilen Band (Big Band)

• July 5: Screaming Broccoli (Rock/Covers)

• July 12: Too Much Sylvia (Classic Rock/Variety)

• July 19: Fat Jack Band (Beach)

• July 26: Leggz Live!

• Aug. 2: Bibis Ellison (Rock/Soul)

• Aug. 9: Holiday Band (Beach)

• Aug. 16: Colossal (Modern/Classic Rock)

• Aug. 23: Tim Clark Band (Beach/Party)

• Aug. 30: Austin Mowery Band (Country)

Cool Summer Evenings

Where: Brookgreen Gardens, 1831 Brookgreen Drive, Murrells Inlet

Details: 800-849-1931 or brookgreen.org

Set against the backdrop of the south end’s beautiful Brookgreen Gardens — a magnificent outdoor landscape which holds a grand collection of sculptures, a zoo and more — Cool Summer Evenings brings a touch of class to the summer musical offerings.

With live music on Wednesdays in its Live Oak Allee and Fridays on the lawn near its Pavilion Restaurant, Brookgreen showcases a number of genres including Jazz, Classical and Celtic music along with contemporary fare including Country, R&B and Rock.

All performances begin at 7 p.m. — except the July 4 Concert which starts at 6 p.m. — and the gardens are open until 9 p.m. through Aug. 10. Performances are included in regular garden admission which is $14 for adults, $12 for seniors and $7 for kids (ages 4-12) and is good for seven days.

Visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets to be more comfortable during the performances. No outside alcoholic beverages are permitted, and picnics must only be enjoyed at the designated Picnic Area.

• June 13: Doug Fankhauser (Variety)

• June 15: U ‘N’ I (Jazz)

• June 20: Becky Nissen (Harp)

• June 22: Thistledown Tinkers (Celtic)

• June 27: Gretchen & Jackie (Piano/Standards)

• June 29: Backfire (Rock/Covers)

• July 4: July 4th celebration with a cookout and concert featuring Grasstowne (Bluegrass) on the Pavilion lawn

• July 6: Javier Jazz Project (Jazz)

• July 11: Jessie Wilson Jr. and Friends (Variety)

• July 13: The Austin Mowrey Band (Country/Covers)

• July 18: Phyllis Tanner Frye (Folk)

• July 20: TruSol (R&B/Party)

• July 25: Dan Hull and Amy Tully (Classical)

• July 27: Grenoldo Frasier (Jazz/Variety)

• Aug. 1: Doug Fankhauser (Variety)

• Aug. 3: The Stardusters (Big Band/Swing)

• Aug. 8: Matt Tracy (Classical guitar)

• Aug. 10: The Paul Grimshaw Band (Variety/Pop)

Hot Summer Nights

Where: Plyler Park, Mr. Joe White Avenue and Ocean Boulevard (under the SkyWheel)

Details: MyrtleBeachDowntown.com or 843-997-6695

This successful series hosted by a group of downtown business owners, the Oceanfront Merchants Association, is celebrating its fifth season of wowing crowds with nightly entertainment in beachfront Plyler Park.

Hot Summer nights feature live musical performances six nights a week. Local music school Dino Capone’s School of Rock kicks off the week with music by its youth rock bands on Monday nights during the weekly Kids Carnival which also features inflatables, face painters, stilt walkers, and more.

Each Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday evening the stage plays host to some of the area’s best local and regional talent with nightly concerts from 8-11 p.m. These shows are compilmented by music from a strolling Dixieland band on Fridays and percussion act Whacker Barrel on Sunday evenings from 7-10 p.m.

And if all that music isn’t enough to keep dancing with joy, perhaps the weekly fireworks display at 9:30 p.m. every Wednesday night will be the thing to draw you downtown.

• June 16: The Mullets (Classic Rock/Covers)

• June 19: Tru Sol (R&B/Soul/Party)

• June 21: Rootsoul Project (Soul/Blues/Covers)

• June 23: Lindsay Wojcik Band (Folk/Rock/Soul)

• June 26: Ten Toes Up (Rock/Blues)

• June 28: American Aquarium (Alt. Counrty/Americana)

• June 30: Eastbound (Country)

• July 3: Tru Sol (R&B/Soul/Party)

• July 5: Bibis Ellison (Rock/Soul/Dance)

• July 7: Tim Clark Band (Beach/Variety)

• July 10: Ten Toes Up (Rock/Blues)

• July 12: Josh Brannon Band (Country)

• July 14: Mystic Vibrations (Reggae)

• July 17: Tru Sol (R&B/Soul/Party)

• July 19: The Necessary Band (Motown/Rock/Blues)

• July 21: Sideways Derby (Rock/Americana)

• July 24: Ten Toes Up (Rock/Blues)

• July 26: Who Shot JR? (Rock/Country/Covers)

• July 28: Matt Parker Project (Rock/Covers)

• July 31: Tru Sol (R&B/Soul/Party)

• Aug. 2: Eastbound (Country)

• Aug. 4: Austin-Mowery Band (Modern Country)

• Aug. 7: Ten Toes Up (Rock/Blues)

• Aug. 9: Bullfrog (Americana/Rock)

• Aug. 11: Weaving The Fate (Rock/Pop)

• Aug. 14: Tru Sol (R&B/Soul/Party)

• Aug. 16: Humble Vibez (Reggae)

• Aug. 18: The Delta Saints (Blues/Rock)

• Aug. 21: Ten Toes Up (Rock/Blues)

• Aug. 23: Bibis Ellison (Rock/Soul/Dance)

• Aug. 25: Fireshot (Reggae)

• Aug. 28: Tru Sol (R&B/Soul/Party)

• Aug. 30: BPL (Variety/Funk/Hip-Hop)

• Sept. 1: American Aquarium (Alt. Counrty/Americana)

• Sept. 8: Painted Man (Funk/Classic Rock/Covers)

• Sept. 15: Sugar High (80s/Rock/Dance)

• Sept. 22: The Necessary Band (Motown/Rock/Blues)

• Sept. 29: Crowfield (Americana/Rock)

House of Blues

Where: Barefoot Landing, on U.S. 17 in North Myrtle Beach

Details: 272-3000 or hob.com/myrtlebeach

Still considered the area’s premier concert venue for the quality — if not sheer volume — of the acts it brings through, House of Blues is a one-of-a-kind spot with three stages that regularly host live music.

The main concert hall hosts a slate of mid-tier national touring acts and hosts special events such as the recent Barstool Blackout Tour and Monday Mayhem club nights.

Inside you’ll find not only a top-notch restaurant in Crossroads at the House of Blues, but also a smaller stage which hosts a variety of live music including various tribute acts, local Blues musicians and even live Gospel music during the Sunday Gospel Brunch from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. each week.

Located just behind the restaurant is an outdoor area, which was recently renovated and renamed “The Deck.” The beach-themed area with large, covered bar now features surfboard decorations, fancy “beach” cabanas and sandy areas with beach balls and cornhole.

Here, you’ll find a variety of events including the Summer Soundfest, a series which features a number of out-of-town cover bands doing everything from Classic Rock and Blues to Modern Pop and Hip-hop. There’s also the pet-friendly “Yappy Hour” events from 4 to 7 p.m. featuring local and regional bands and even Wipeout Sundays featuring cornhole, games, contests and with free concert tickets as prizes and music by DJ Christian Slick.

Here’s a look at some of the upcoming shows at House of Blues:

• June 15: The Cult w/ Against Me! (Rock/Post-Punk)

• June 21: Grace Potter & The Nocturnals w/ Rayland Baxter (Blues/Rock)

• June 22: The Dave Matthews Tribute Band

• June 23: The Barstool Blackout Tour

• June 30 & July 1: Shinedown w/ Adelita’s Way (Modern Rock)

• July 3: Ledisi w/ Eric Benet (R&B)

• July 6: Lee Brice w/ Lewis Brice (Country)

• July 7: Corey Smith (Country/Rock/Blues)

• July 20: The B-52s (Pop/Rock)

• July 22: Badfish: A Tribute to Sublime

• Aug. 1: Bush (Rock/Alternative)

• Aug. 2: Yes w/ Procol Harem (Prog. Rock)

• Aug. 4: Ted Nugent (Classic Rock)

• Aug. 18: Citizen Cope (Folk/Blues/Soul)

• Aug. 24: Steve Vai (Guitar/Rock)

• Aug. 25: Matisyahu w/ The Dirty Heads (Reggae)

• Sept. 21: Girl Talk (Electronic/Pop)

La Belle Amie Vineyard

Where: 1120 St. Joseph Road, Little River

Details: 399-WINE or www.labelleamie.com

What better setting for a day of laid-back fun in the sun than surrounded by a bunch of wine-drinking fans, enjoying good food and listening to music. This is the formula that’s made La Belle Amie, so popular with locals and visitors.

Each week the north end vineyard hosts Wine Wednesdays a series of events which features half price wine tastings all day long (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.) — take-home sampling glass is $2.75 instead of the regular $5.50 — and live music by local musicians from 1 to 5 p.m.

Every weekend throughout the summer, and even well into the offseason the winery hosts weekend events known as Music @ The Vineyard, which consist of live music, wine tastings, vineyard tours and more.

Building on the success of these events the Vineyard also hosts many festivals throughout the year, most which mirror the formula of the Saturday music days but with added food & music pairings to match a certain theme. Here’s a list of upcoming festivals:

• June 9: First Blush of Summer Fest 

• June 23: American Pie Oldies Music Fest 

• July 7: Independence Big Band Blast 

• July 14: A Starduster Afternoon 

• July 28: Summer Parrot Head Festival 

• Aug. 18: Whole Lotta Shakin’ Oldies Music Fest

• Sept. 1: Summer Breeze Music Fest 

• Sept. 22: Dog Days Blues & Jazz Fest

Music in the Streets

Where: The Market Common, 4017 Deville St., Myrtle Beach

Details: (843) 839-3500 or marketcommonmb.com

Taking place every Friday through August from 6-9 p.m. at the area’s “upscale village” shopping center will be a variety of live music from local musicians performing in gazebos along the main drag (Howard Avenue) and on Reed Avenue near P.F. Chang’s China Bistro.

During this time the complex will offer complimentary horse-drawn carriage rides around the area, departing from Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar.

And once you’re done enjoying the ambience of the area and its music, you can also check out Movies Under The Stars, a series of family-friendly films shown outdoors on an inflatable screen in The Market Common’s Valor Park.

Music on Main 

Where: 202 Main St., North Myrtle Beach (* shows at The Horseshoe, 11 S. Ocean Blvd.)

Details: Call 843-280-5570 or visit http://nmb.parks.us

Started in 2009, this series takes over the Main Street area of North Myrtle Beach — known to shaggers worldwide as the home of Carolina Beach Music — featuring live acts in a variety of styles including classic rock, blues, Top 40 and more.

The shows are fun for all ages and take place both on Main Street, a portion of which gets shut down for the series, and in the beachfront area known locally as “The Horseshoe.”

“Its location is ideal because it is in the center of North Myrtle Beach and provides a great venue,” said Callie Jean Wise, recreation coordinator for North Myrtle Beach Parks & Recreation Department.

The series hosts free shows which begin at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday nights. Bringing chairs is recommended but no coolers allowed.

“There are a lot of eateries, shopping areas and plenty of room for dancing,” said Wise. “It is a great summer lineup.”

• June 21: Leggz (Pop/Classic Top 40)

• June 28: Atlantic Groove (Beach)*

• July 5: Dickens (PArty)

• July 26: Bill Scott & the Prophets (Beach)*

• Aug. 2: The Stranger (Tribute to Billy Joel/Elton John)

• Aug. 23: Spider Webb’s Boogie Blues Review (Blues/Beach)*

• Sept. 6: Tokyo Joe (Classic Rock)

• Sept. 20: Carolina Breakers (Beach)*

Sounds of Summer

Where: McLean Park, 93 Oak Drive, North Myrtle Beach

Details: nmbevents.com

For the same family fun without some of the hustle and bustle of Main Street, North Myrtle Beach also hosts the Sounds of Summer monthly series at McLean Park.

During the shows, The North Strand Optimist Club will offer food and drinks for sale and attendees are encouraged to to bring a lawn chair, blanket, food or non-alcoholic beverages and make an evening out of these free concerts which take place from 7-9 p.m. on the thrid Friday of each month.

• June 15: Fat Jack Band (Beach/Variety)

• July 20: Six Stylez (Variety/Party)

• Aug. 17: The Half Dozen Brass Band (Jazz/Brass)

• Sept. 21: Blackwater Rhythm & Blues Band (Beach/Blues)

Surfside Sunday Serenades

Where: Fuller Park, Surfside Drive, Surfside Beach

Details: Call 450-7281

Hosted by one of the area’ most interesting musical personalities, Glenn “Houndog” Hanson created the Surfside Sunday Serenades as a showcase for the area’s top singer-songwriters and musicians who are truly dedicated to the love and craft of making original music.

The series runs from 2-5 p.m. each Sunday afternoon through Sept. 2 and each features four performers playing for about 45 minutes each. Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets for seating at the events which take place near the Veterans Memorial in Fuller Park.

• June 10: PJ Brunson, Dr. Joe Moyer, Big Bam Boom, Vern Cygan

• June 17: Nancy Olive, Dan and Kasey Barnhart, Wayne Mummert, Houndog Hanson

• June 24: Steve Cochran, Rich Resnikoff, Jill Trinka, Bill Wright

• July 1: Songwriters in the Round w/ Brian Roessler, PJ Brunson & Ananda, Houndog Hanson 

• July 8: Acoustic Johnny, Neal Peterson, Hanna Organna, Jaynie Trudell

• July 15: Billboard No. 1 Hits; All performers invited to perform certified No. 1 hits from the charts

• July 22: Chris Yale, Barb Stout, Brian Roessler, Bill Wright

• July 29: Christmas in July; All Christmas Songs w/ Neal Peterson, Barb Stout, Jill Trinka, Big Bam Boom, Houndog Hanson 

• Aug. 5: Acoustic Johnny, Steve Cochran, Wayne Mummert, Lola

• Aug. 12: Joe Moyer, Rich Resnikoff, Jill Trinka, Doug Fankhauser 

• Aug. 19: Houndog Hanson & Friends

• Aug. 26: Lola, Vern Cygan, Big Bam Boom, Jaynie Trudell

• Sept. 2: End of Season Grand Finale

More venues to visit this summer

If you’re the type that would rather seek out your own music and create your own summer concert series, here’s 20 of the area’s best venues we’d suggest you check out for great Myrtle Beach music: 

• Boom Boom’s Raw Bar (North Myrtle Beach): Located near Dock Holiday’s Marina in North Myrtle, this place is a Shaggers delight. Avoid the hustle and bustle of the Main Street clubs with great Beach music on an awesome outdoor patio.

• The Beaver Bar (Murrells Inlet): This county-line straddling biker bar hosts a slate of known and up-and-coming Country artists as well as local Rock, Blues and other biker-friendly fare.

• Borgata (Surfside Beach): Located just up the road from Surfside Pier, this bar provides a sort of “urban” feel and hosts a variety of music from Blues and Reggae to Hip-Hop and even regular Electronic/Dubstep shows.

• Bourbon Street (Myrtle Beach): In the 5100 block of Kings Highway in the heart of Myrtle Beach, this unique spot combines upscale atmosphere with great party music in a variety of genres.

• Dead Dog Saloon (Murrells Inlet): Recently reopened after fire burnt this locals favorite on the Marshwalk, check out the awesome back deck and it’s nightly musical offerings.

• Fresh Brewed Coffeehouse (Myrtle Beach): This laid-back downtown spot is known as the home to the area’s best acoustic, Folk and singer-songwriter acts, as well as a top-notch Open Mic Night.

• Hot Fish Club (Murrells Inlet): This marsh-front, outdoor Gazebo is one of the most happening places in town. Music of all varieties is available here.

• Island Bar & Grill Surfside (Myrtle Beach): Not to be confused with the Pawleys spot by the same name, this fun little bar hosts the best in local music and a variety of touring acts from Punk and Rock to Metal and Hip-Hop.

• Island Bar & Grill Pawleys (Pawleys Island): Great sports bar-type atmosphere indoors and an awesome outdoor patio and stage with some of the south end’s laid-back best.

• Oceanfront Bar & Grill (Myrtle Beach): Situated on the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, this historic oceanfront locale is still making waves with nightly entertainment.

• Pawleys Island Tavern (Pawleys Island): Get the true “locals” experience in this pristine south end shack steeped in Southern charm and awesome tunes.

• Pirate’s Cove (North Myrtle Beach): This longtime Main Street haunt features some of the best original music in the area and variety like no other with everything from Beach to Blues to Hip-Hop playing across a downstairs stage and great rooftop patio.

• The Sound Hole (Myrtle Beach): Located on Chester Street near the old Rivoli Theater in downtown, the heart of the Myrtle Beach music scene rests in the many punk, rock and metal shows happening here.

• Suck Bang Blow (Murrells Inlet): This biker-friendly locale, known for being the heart of the annual MB bike rallies, hosts regular music from some of the best Rock, Blues and Metal bands in the area.

North Myrtle Beach comes alive with Music on Main

Myrtle Beach Music: The stage is set on Main Street North Myrtle Beach for Music on Main concert series.

Main Street in North Myrtle Beach has long been known as the heart and soul of a genre and the birthplace of Carolina Beach music.

But for a few months each summer, the historic stretch of dowtown plays host to more than just Shaggers and Beach bands, coming alive with sounds of all sorts during its annual Music on Main Concert Series.

Started in 2009, the series features live acts in a variety of styles including classic rock, blues, Top 40 and more, attracting fans of all ages. The shows take place both on Main Street — a portion of which gets shut down for the series — and in the beachfront area known locally as “The Horseshoe.”

Myrtle Beach Music: North Myrtle Beach Recreation Coordinator Callie Jean Wise takes the stage during Music on Main in September.“Its location is ideal because it is in the center of North Myrtle Beach and provides a great venue,” said Callie Jean Wise, recreation coordinator for North Myrtle Beach Parks & Recreation Department.

Most shows take place on Thursday nights throughout the summer, but this year’s series begins with back-to-back Friday night shows beginning with the Carolina Soul Band on Friday, May 11.

Serving as the kickoff to not only the summer series, but also another well-known music event in the area,Friday’s show will play precursor to Mayfest on Main, a one-day music festival featuring music by The Mighty Tams, Project 7ven and Night Ranger on Saturday.

Then, on Friday, May 18 from 6:30 to 10 p.m., the series will double its fun with two up-and-coming acts performing at a special Diva Run Kickoff Concert.

Featuring Chapel Hill, N.C.’s Lizzy Ross Band (Americana/Pop) and headliners Death of Paris (Electro/Pop) the show will begin a weekend of fun centered around the Divas Half Marathon.

This “ladies only” race, coming to the beach for the first time, will take place May 20 at 7 a.m. More than 4,000 runners have already signed up for the run and related 5k race.  

Myrtle Beach Music: Too Much Slyvia performs during Music on Main in September.During the event, participants will race through a 13.1-mile course in North Myrtle Beach wearing pink tiaras and feather boas and will celebrate at the finish line with champagne and roses.

“We are beyond excited to be performing at the kick off concert for this year’s Diva half marathon,” said Blake Arambula, a founding member of Death of Paris. “Our music is pretty accessible to a wide variety of ages.”
Death of Paris will perform songs such as “East or West” off its self-titled debut album and others, led by the vocals of singer Jayna Doyle.

“This event is all about girl power,” said Arambula. “Our singer Jayna is really excited because she gets to serve as a  symbol of that empowerment and engage the audience.”

The summer concert series continues May 24 with the Big Time Party Band and will host free performances with three dates in June and two dates each in July, August and September. Bringing chairs is recommended but no coolers allowed.

“There are a lot of eateries, shopping areas and plenty of room for dancing,” said Wise. “It is a great summer lineup.”

For more information on the series or North Myrtle Beach Parks & Rec click here.

Winthrop University student Ava Hart contributed to this report.

If you go

All shows free of charge. Concerts with asterisk will be held in the Horseshoe location, 11 S. Ocean Blvd. All others at 202 Main St., North Myrtle Beach:

• May 11: Carolina Soul Band (Beach/Soul)
• May 18: DIVA Run Kickoff Concert with Lizzy Ross Band (Americana/Pop) and Death of Paris (Indie/Rock)
• May 24: Big Time Party Band (Beach)*
• June 7: The Herringbones (Classic Rock/Variety)
• June 21: Leggz (Top 40 Hits)
• June 28: Atlantic Groove (Beach)*
• July 5: Dickens (Party Band)
• July 26: Bill Scott & the Prophets (Beach)*
• Aug. 2: The Stranger (Billy Joel/Elton John Tribute)
• Aug. 23: Spider Webb’s Boogie Blues Revue (Blues)*
• Sept. 6: Tokyo Joe (Top 40/Classic Rock)
• Sept. 20: Carolina Breakers (Beach)*

Story, Song & Image: S.C. musical history told through art

Myrtle Beach Music: This portrait of Blues musician Drink Small is part of “Story, Song & Image” and exhibit which runs through Dec. 30Among the many things South Carolina is known for, a rich musical heritage ranks high on the list of qualities which make the Palmetto State special. 

But with so many different styles of cultures of music throughout the state it can be hard to pin down exactly what it means to be a South Carolina musician.

Luckily, a new exhibit at the Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum takes the more than 30,000 square miles which make up the Palmetto state and condenses it into a set of paintings called “Story, Song, and Image: A merging of Musical Heritage and Narrative Painting.” 

More inviting than its name may suggest, “Story, Song and Image” takes key figures in southern music and immortalizes them into colorful painted portraits which bring to life a narrative on the history of the state’s musical culture. 

“One of the key things I want people to realize is that everything in this show is based on an actual real life,” says Glen Miller, the artist behind the project. “It’s a narrative set of paintings that — while it draws from the history of South Carolina — is still very alive with real people that have days jobs and are still quite instrumental in making our music what it is.”

Put together by Miller and musicologist John Fowler, this project opened in the Upstate in 2009 and now is on display at the beach through Dec. 30.

“Story, Song & Image” focuses on 10 musicians — folks such as legendary “Blues Doctor” Drink Small, singer Hope Nunnery and the Brotherhood Gospel Singers — who represent different genres of roots music that are important to South Carolina’s regional musical traditions.

In addition, a listening station at the museum, filled with recordings by Fowler lets you experience each artist’s work and hear the history of the region for yourself. 

The story behind 'Song & Image'

We spoke recently one of the two minds behind the project, Glen Miller, to learn a little more about the exhibit, see what inspired him to take on such an ambitious project and get his take on what it means to be a musician in South Carolina. Here’s what he had to say.

Myrtle Beach Music: Artist Glen MillerSo first off tell me a little about your love of music. What were you raised on and how did influence you wanting to do this project?

I grew up in East Tennessee and there’s an old joke there that to get your driver’s license you have to play a banjo or fiddle or something. So needless to say I grew up in a culture where there was a lot of local and regional music tied to the culture of the area.

I also worked my way through college playing in rock n roll bands, so I had a diversity of experience in music and it was always there for me, despite the fact that I was primarily interested in becoming a visual artist.

But that’s really where my interest in this project began was with finding music that is regionally tied to the culture of certain areas.

How did you and your partner decide to take on something this ambitious?

Well my partner, John Fowler is more constantly connected to music than I am, because he is a musicologist, a historian and a DJ at UNCW. He had worked with a lot of these traditional musicians over the years and had connections to them.

It was actually a Contra dance — he was playing and I was observing — that we got together afterward and he said he’d like to do a project of some sort and it brought to mind a porject I had done in the past of just fiddlers. First, we considered just trying to pull together work we already had and to do a show on Upstate South Carolina local musicians, but as we got to talking about it expanded and the whole thing really just grew out of that one conversation.

But his interest was mainly in bringing the regional and cultural aspect of this into play and mine was really based on the fact that these people are still alive and they still have great stories to tell. And to be able to cover such a great span of South Carolin from segregation to the Ineternet was really a special opportunity.

How do you define what “traditional” music is? Is it a specific genre or is it more of a loose label used to group certain musicians together?

Explaining that can be a tough thing to do, but for us “traditional” music was really just music that grew out of the culture itself and really stayed with a certain group.

For example, the Gullah tradition of Lowcountry South Carolina still has influence and there are still people performing this Gullah style of call and response music. And that influenced greatly the Blues music that came out of the Coastal South Carolina region and gradually merged with the country music scene that was developing in the Lowcountry and eventually that sort of morphed to become Piedmont Blues.

In other words, traditional music grows out of the geography and is tied to that and the culture which grew out of a certain geography.

Would you consider Carolina Beach Music is a traditional form of music for our region here at the beach?

I think it’s becoming that. I mean, I’m speculating a bit there but I think yes. If it becomes tied geographically to your area over time, but it almost as though we don’t see that because it’s almost as though you can only notice it from a distance and right now not that much distance is there yet.

But I think that it’s probably going to happen. It has the merging of all these South Carolina styles with the Blues influences and the vocal harmonies that can be traced all the way back to Africa. Plus the Beach music scene has all these influxes of new culture that has come into the area as well.

How did you find musicians to represent the different styles you were looking for? Or was it a more open process of not knowing exactly what you were looking for?

We knew where we wanted to start, because we were aware of the history and the fact that the port of South Carolina is where a lot of different music entered the United States to begin with. It was the basis for a lot of different styles.

So we knew we wanted to find a Gullah person and we knew we wanted to find the oldest Piedmont Blues musican we could find and same with the Jazz connection. So we narrowed it down that way first and we went to the South Carolina Arts Commission and found who was registered for the awards for traditional S.C. Folk and Blues, and that gave us a list of names.

And finally, we just started searching out some folks and John went to visit a lot of different musicians he had worked with and it all just came together.

About how long did it take you to travel and document all this?

Well, as we narrowed down the idea from this big broad thing, I knew that I needed to write it up and find a place to open the exhibit, because otherwise it’s too much money, time and risk to put into it. So I wrote it up as a project to be done in two years and took it to the Pickens Museum, which is very supportive of this sort of project.

Myrtle Beach Music: South Carolina Folk music legend Nick Hallman.How challenging was it to take all the raw material and experiences you had during this time and craft it into something the would tell the story you were trying to tell?

Their board agreed to do it, but said they’d only do it in one year and so we had a shorter time to pull it all together and John immediately hit the road. He was traveling as an artist-in-residence and so he’d try and line up the musicians and I’d quickly follow behind and do my part.

But the whole show came together quickly, I started visiting in fall 2008, started painting in spring 2009 and the show opened in December 2009. I think some of the paintings were still a little tacky when it opened.

In addition to being a visual artist I do teach and I was doing so then, but I was very fortunate to be able to get focused on how this would work and pulling it all together.

I was able to put limits on myself such as only being able to use specific conversations that I’d had with a musician and to use the info that I’d gathered in my folder on each artist to represent them in the painting.

It was challenging, but at the same time for some reason it all just seemed to fall into place like some things do. I think there were only two paintings I had to do over and for me to be able to get 80 percent the first time is pretty miraculous for me.

For the most part, the stories themselves were so inspiring that they just sort of led me there.

So having done all this work, what is the overall story you were trying to tell? How would you characterize what it means to be a musician in South Carolina? 

I think maybe that in all the differences there are a lot of similarities.

It was very interesting to sit at the opening and watch these musicians interact in person and realize that if they had a chance they would play behind each other and work together. Totally  different kinds of musicians from totally different backgrounds but amazingly enough I think thir stories are similar and that narrative is similar.

A lot of them have come from poor areas and gone from playing on the street to playing in the local clubs and venues to playing festivals and things that are more public than commercial. Because a lot of these people are not commercially successful at all, but they have become sort of legendary in what they do and in that they share a commonality.

They really share a history more than they share a genre. To see them all together was extraordinary in that sense because they all see themselves as part of the same thing, as part of South Carolina.

Was there anything you weren’t able to accomplish with this project that you wish you could have done?

Since it’s opened I always stumble across people that say “Wow, this person would have been great...” and that’s the hardest part.

I definitely don’t regret using any of the folks that we did, but I wish it could have been larger to tell you the truth.

Though I think we covered most of the historical genres, there’s a lot of variations within those that we could have explored as well.

Want to go?

•

Where

:  Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum, 3100 S. Ocean Blvd. (near Springmaid Pier)

•

When

: Tues.-Sat., 10 am. to 4 p.m.; Sun., 1-4 p.m., closed Mon.

•

How much

: Admission is free. Donations appreciated.

•

More info

: 843.238.2510 or

myrtlebeachartmuseum.org

Beach Boogie & BBQ Festival combines food, music and fun

Two of the best-known aspects of Coastal Carolina are the sandy beaches and scrumptious Southern dishes which make our area a perfect place to dine and a perfect place to unwind.  

What's often left out however, is a key third element of local culture that will come into focus this weekend: Boogying. 

The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and the Omar Shriners will hold the 6th annual Beach, Boogie and BBQ Festival, an event which combines all three aspects to create a Labor Day Weekend celebration unlike any other on the Grand Strand.

Kicking off Friday and running through Sunday evening the three-day event will take place at Grand Park at The Market Common and will be chock-full of activities from start to finish. 

“We are excited about this year’s lineup of activities and pleased to provide a free, family-friendly event for locals and visitors to celebrate Labor Day weekend again," said Amie Lee, director of festivals and special events for the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce. "The chamber values its partnership with the Omar Shriners and we are thrilled to extend the festival to Sunday with new activities this year!” 

Myrtle Beach Music: Shaggers dance in Grand Park during the 2010 Beach Boogie event.

The Music

Kicking off the musical offerings Friday will be local party band Tru Sol playing the main stage in Grand Park from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m., followed by legendary Beach Music act The Tams from 7:30 to 9 p.m.

The biggest day of music will be Saturday, with live music from Noon to 9:30 p.m. Headlining the event this year will be country music artist Josh Gracin (read full interview here), former finalist on American Idol season two. Gracin will take the main stage Saturday at 8 p.m. for a free concert featuring tracks from two successful albums and his upcoming effort "Redemption" which will be released in September. 

Other performances include variety act Liquid Platinum (noon), Gospel group Envision (1:45 p.m) and Beach-y bands Atlantic Groove (3:30 p.m.) and  Jim Quick & Coastline (6 p.m.).

Sunday, the fun will continue with another afternoon of live acts from noon to 5 p.m. Blues band Cortez & The Killers will kick off the day, followed by shagger favorites Mark Robert & Breeze at 1:45 p.m and the versatile Necessary Band at 3:30 p.m.

 Myrtle Beach Music: A barbecue competition and sampling is a big part of the fun at the festival.

The Food

New this year is the Wing-A-Palooza wing eating competition scheduled for Sunday at 1:15 p.m. 

The festival opens Friday with an “Anything Goes” cooking competition where, you guessed it, teams are welcome to try anything. Samples are available for $1. 

Of course, the main attraction is the finger-lickin, lip-smackin' good food and lots of it from food vendors and competitors. The local Shriners chapter is spearheading the barbecue part of the festival. 

“It’s growing every year,” said Omar Shriners 1st vice president Kenny Craven. “The entertainment has a lot to do with it, and [the chamber has] managed to bring in some great names. People come out to hear that kind of stuff and we’ll feed them.” 

Attendees can sample delicious barbecue from all competing teams on Saturday beginning at 12 p.m. by purchasing a $10 wristband. Kids 10 and under can sample for free. 

The South Carolina Barbecue Association’s barbecue championship will be held from 8 to 10 a.m. on Saturday. Guests are welcome to come watch as teams from around the region prepare chicken, ribs and whole hogs for judging. 

It’s organized by the Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS) and is considered a state championship; the winner goes on to compete for a national crown.

Craven estimates anywhere from 50-60 teams will compete for best barbecue in four separate categories: chicken, brisket, ribs and pork. Each category’s winning team will receive $1,000 and the grand champion (best overall finisher) will get an additional $1,500. 

On Sunday attendees can enjoy a wide variety of wings and look on as hungry competitors challenge each other in a wing 'eat-off'. Kids will do the same in a watermelon eating contest that follows. Lots of great prizes await the winners, as well as free watermelon for all attendees at 2 p.m.

 Myrtle Beach Music: Wakeboard demonstartion will take place throughout the weekend at the lake in Grand Park.

Other activities

In addition to the playing and provisions provided for attendees, there will also be plenty to do in the form of activities.

The will be a Kidz Zone with inflatable and other games, beer and wine gardens for sampling, tons of arts and crafts vendors, and fireworks to close out the fun Saturday night.

A celebrity meet-and-greet with the Bravo’s Top Chef: Season 4 contestant and winner Richard Blais will be held Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. 

Off the grass and into the water at nearby Grand Park lake, wakeboarding demonstrations will commence each day. 

Island Adventure Watersports will put on a show for the second straight year at 7 p.m. Friday, 2, 4 and 6 p.m. Saturday and at 1 and 3 p.m. on Sunday. 

“We have local wakeboarders that really enjoy doing it who come from out of town to do this,” said Charlie Mize, co-owner of the Myrtle Beach-based watersport company. 

He said they had the opportunity to come put on a show at the last two Sun Fun Festivals and last year’s Beach, Boogie and BBQ. 

This year they will have the “splash zone,” an area the wakeboarders will spray with a carve. 

Mize said the demonstrators will execute a maneuver known as a “boat-O” where the slalom skier actually whips around the front of the boat and completes a full circle. 

“It’s not everyday you get to see something like that,” Mize said. “We’re going to try some new things to really entertain the people. People seem to like that.”

Island Adventure Watersports is also bringing two pontoon boats for free boat rides on Saturday.

North Myrtle Beach kicks off area's first Mayfest

It isn’t just another festival featuring food, live music and vendors. The Sixth annual Mayfest On Main festival held in North Myrtle Beach is truly something special.

Largely regarded as one of the East Coast’s largest one day music festival, the annual Mayfest On Main festival has established itself as a staple not only to the community but also as a perfect excuse for visitors to travel to the area.

“Each year Mayfest on Main has grown tremendously,” said City of North Myrtle Beach’s Recreation Coordinator, Callie Jean Wise. “Offering our visitor and residents a wonderful entertainment experience is always a No. 1 goal.” 

Myrtle Beach Music: The horseshoe is packed during last year's Mayfest on Main festival (Waccamaw Publishers photo))

This year, that experience will be heightened by some notable acts.

Original members of the Beach Boys, Al Jardine and David Marks, will join on stage to play alongside Dean Torrence, original member of Jan and Dean, as the “Legends of Surf Music.”

Myrtle Beach Music: The Mighty Tams perform at last year's Mayfest on Main festival (Myrtle Beach Music: The horseshoe is packed during last year's Mayfest on Main festival (Waccamaw Publishers photo)That group is one of nearly a dozen bands set to play the three-day event running May 5 – 7. The first two days are kickoffs featuring outdoor concerts that start at 6:30 p.m. Project 7ven, a Memphis-based funk band, will headline Thursday’s kickoff and legendary Beach music act the Mighty Tams will take the stage Friday night.

“Owner of Waterdog Promotions (the promoter organizing the show and directly responsible for booking the bands), Mikey Hough, has an amazing relationship with bands around the country and showcase their talents as promoters to bring in brilliant acts such as the “Surf City Allstars” to North Myrtle Beach,” Wise said.  “Having original members of the Beach Boys perform brings back memories and provides an ambience of nostalgia that many often crave.”

In its first year, the Mayfest on Main brought between 8,000 – 10,000 people. By 2009, more than 35,000 people descended on the city to rock out. This year, lead organizers expect about crowds in excess of 40,000.

“It’s been beautiful the last two years,” said John Bullard, North Myrtle Beach’s director of parks and recreation. “I’m not saying that my presence has anything to do with it, but we have been very fortunate.

“We’re optimistic that this year will be larger than last year.”

Bullard has been the director for the last four years of the festival’s six-year history. He said the fourth year (2009) was when he witnessed a tremendous growth in numbers and after last year’s Mayfest with headliner Eddie Money in 2010, the group extended the festival to three-days.

“We knew that there was very many visitors who come to town and stay three, four, five nights just so they can see all days of the fstival,” Bullard said. “Extending Mayfest was an attempt by us to attract those out-of-towners into town and have them enjoy themselves for a few days.”

And the acts don’t hurt, either, he said.

Mayfest on Main

• When: Thursday & Friday, 6:30-8:30 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Where: Main Street, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582; from Hillside Dr. to Ocean Blvd.
• How much: Free
• http://www.nmbevents.com/ or details on Facebook.

Main Stage

• Thursday 6:30 p.m. - Project 7ven
• Friday 6:30 p.m. - The Mighty Tams
• Saturday 12:30 p.m. - Danny Woods (former Chairmen of the Board)
• 2 p.m. - The Broadband
• 3:30 p.m. - The Dazz Band
• 5 p.m. - The Legends of Surf Music featuring Al Jardine & David Marks (Beach Boys), Dean Torrence (Jan & Dean) and the Surf City Allstars.

Community Stage

• Saturday 10 a.m. - NMB Pilot Club "Brainminders for Life"
• 11 a.m. - Arts Alive
• Noon - NMB Middle School Chorus
• 1-4 p.m. - NMB High Skoolhouse Rok All Star Jam Band

For more information on the Mayfest on Main celebration in North Myrtle Beach, visit NMBevents.com. 

Twist your Saturday away at Myrtle's Beach Music Festival

The city of Myrtle Beach kicks off its 2011 slate of Mayfest celebrations this weekend with the second-annual Beach Music Festival Saturday.

The event will be a day-long a celebration of the area’s richest musical heritage, Carolina Beach music, as well as a chance for folks to partake in the official state dance, the Shag.

However, this year’s festival will feature a headlining act that well-known for a certain other dance move.

That’s right, Chubby Checker, famous for “The Twist,” will perform the second annual music festival between Eighth and Ninth Avenues North in the heart of Myrtle Beach.

Joining him are five other musical acts as well as numerous food vendors, a beer garden and activities for the younger boogieing crowd. The all-day festival is open to the public and free of admission. We caught up with the musical legend recently to talk about his S.C. roots, his longevity and of course the dance that made him famous:

You were born in S.C. but you grew up south of Philly. Do you still resonate with the southern culture? 

I left Carolina when I was 8 years old, but the best part of my life was really there in South Carolina.

I always tell the people that I was born in Spring Gulley, population of 52!

My dad came out of the Army when I was about 8 years old and he was a hard worker. He used to make me plow behind a mule as a young kid. He even made me stand on Hwy. 544 and wait for the ice man — he came with a 1,000 lbs. of ice — and I’d chip off 100 lbs. and take to it neighbors ice boxes.

Even getting into showbiz: I went to Georgetown to see Earnest Tubb the country musician who really sparked my interest.

The 411

2nd Annual Beach Music Festival lineup:

• Craig Woolard | 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
• Atlantic Groove | 12:15-1:30 p.m.
• The Catalinas | 2-3 p.m.
• Too Tight | 3:30-4:30 p.m.
• The Embers | 5-6 p.m.
• Chubby Checker | 6:30-8 p.m.
• The Spinners | 8:30-10 p.m.

Details at Myrtle Beach Mayfest website.

Who else was a big musical inspiration to you? 

I mean, after I saw Sugar Child Robinson perform, that was it. I was very young but I knew that I was going to be in showbiz. I had no idea it was going to be like this, but I dreamt about being on stage all my life.

How did you get your nickname?

I guess I was 11-years old and I was working on Ninth Street in Philly in this Italian market. I got a job at a produce market because my dad would never let me sit at home.

And so, I’m working at fruit market. I told him my name was Ernest, and he looked at me and said “I don’t like that name. I’m going to call you Chubby.” And I was a bit chubby at the time, and I didn’t like that name, but he said “Listen you S.O.B. …Do you like working here? I’m going to call you Chubby then.”

(Later, Dick Clark would coin his nickname Checker.) 

In 1959, when you recorded the No. 1 hit “The Twist,” how old were you?

I was 18 when I recorded it. It all happened so fast. The first record before “The Twist” was when I was in 11th grade. I toured around South Carolina on a summer vacation and they introduced me as “Chubby Checker, emcee.”

When did you know it was a hit?

I started campaigning that in 1959 and I was still in high school.

That song began being played on the radio, and that’s when I really knew we had made a hit. Not only a hit, but we changed the world.

I like to say we created the light bulb, because everybody used it (the twist dance) and no one even thought about it. Think about it, the only time you ever got to see a girl is when she stood up to go to the bathroom. With the Twist, you got to see her and all she’s got.

I’d say it was the biggest event in the music business at that time.

What are you looking forward to about headlining the Beach Music Festival?

Our show is going to destroy them. We come in and kill, and leave. Our show has kept me in business. It’s not the on-air play, I don’t get that. That show has kept me where we are today.

I can back up my big fat mouth that our show is outstanding. It shows why we are so successful and it shows why we are still here.

Other than perform, what kind of things do you do while you’re here? 

I am really there in Myrtle Beach at all times. I am excited. Every interview, I talk about South Carolina. Everywhere I go I talk about South Carolina. If you look at my food products, some of them are called Spring Gully brand.

But we’re busy people. We’re flying in from Montreal. The day before we get there, we’re performing there. We’ll be in Myrtle Beach for the show, and then drive to Atlanta and fly back to Canada. We were in Disney World celebrating 50 years of “The Twist” earlier this year.

Who surprised or impressed you with their dance of the twist? 

Zsa-Zsa Gabor did the twist and they took pictures. She’s the reason that the song became famous. I never forget who helped me out along the way. I mean, when a woman like Zsa-Zsa does the twist, it was really something to see.

Can you imagine? That woman doing the twist?

And then Jackie Kennedy at the Peppermint Lounge was doing it with her sister with the secret service present. It wasn’t a big deal, but I appreciated her for it.

The twist is like the moon. It’s always been there, we just discovered it. It’s like America. The kids of the inner-city made up a move to the song, and they let me sing it because I was perfect for it. We went out and did this thing, campaigned it because there was no widespread media, and it caught on. The rest is history.

Matt Montgomery is the Entertainment Editor for the Myrtle Beach Herald and VISIT! Visitors' Guide. See his work weekly at www.myrtlebeachherald.com.

The Surf rides its last wave

Myrtle Beach Music: The Surf 94.9 staff Though the annual Midwinter S.O.S. shagging event officially wraps up today, one of the area's biggest supporters of Carolina Beach Music cut out early this year. Radio station 94.9 (WVCO-FM), one of the area's last remaining independently-owned stations, aired its last broadcast as of midnight Sunday.

"The Surf" as it was known, broadcast a format of "Beach, Boogie & Blues," featuring many of the classic hits beach music lovers had come to know as the soundtrack to the area of North Myrtle Beach known for its rich shagging community. Since switching from a smooth jazz format in 1998, The Surf had featured a number of on-air personalities including Billy Smith, Joey Warren, Ted Bell and Ray Scott.

The station's closing comes less than a month after the death of Harvey Graham Jr., who owned the station and was president of its parent company Carolina Beach Music Broadcasting Corp. Graham passed away Dec. 19 at age 66 following an extended illness. A longtime supporter of the Carolina Beach Music community Graham and his wife Selene had recently won an Industry Appreciation Award for their contributions to the genre at the 2010 Carolina Beach Music Awards.

While exact details surrounding the station's shutdown are unclear, the possibility of closing has been looming over the station for some time as a five-year legal battle raged between Graham and condo investors over a failed North Myrtle Beach condominium project called H's Resort and Beach Club that he had been involved with as a developer.

According to a The Sun News story dated May 10, a federal bankruptcy awarded condo investors the ability to sell 8.27 acres of property Graham owned in Loris to help settle a judgment that, with accrued interest, amounted to $856,540.92 to be split among the roughly 385 investors.

That land, which had been valued around $200,000, included the transmitter tower for The Surf. In addition to the land where the tower resided, the tower itself and other broadcasting equipment used by The Surf were part of the collateral Graham pledged for $4.1 million in loans from the bank to develop the H Resort and had been in danger of being repossessed by BB&T. 

While the future of the station remains in question, there has been an outpouring of love from people in the community supporting the station's staff and hoping for efforts to revitalize beach music radio in the area. 

If you want to see what folks are saying, check out this post by midday DJ Ted Bell or leave a comment below. 

ListenUp will continue to pursue information on the status of the status of the station and its staff so please check back for updates. 

*UPDATE - 5:30 p.m. Monday*

It appears that Carolina Beach Music will still have a home on local airwaves. Former 94.9 The Surf DJ Ted Bell announced this afternoon via Facebook that he accepted a position with WNMB 900 AM. He will still be holding down the 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. time slot with a show that features Carolina Beach, Oldies, Interviews and requests.

Check WNMB's web site for details.

*UPDATE - 9:30 a.m. Thursday*

The Sun News had a piece this morning about Beach music continuing to be featured on local airwaves despite the closing of The Surf. Here's an excerpt:

WNMB's owner, Bill Norman, said he and Bell had worked together in radio in North Carolina during the 1980s, so the timing worked out right for them to reunite.

Norman also thinks an FM station in the mold of WVCO will return.

"As a format, it's a good one," he said. "It has lots of fans. The people who are into it are very into it. It's a lifestyle: That sound, that music is very important to them."

Norman said with WNMB's oldies format with music going back to the 1950s, "we already play a lot of the beach tunes that are classics," by artists such as The Tams, Four Tops and the Chairmen of the Board. He said the station will blend in more current beach hits during Bell's show as well.

Read the full story here...

"Nasty Man" Godfrey goes blues

Though Greenville native Rickey Godfrey has always had an ear for the blues, he’s never really been a blues musician.  The pianist, guitar player and band leader has spent his career infusing his unique, souful style into bands that extend well beyond the genre.

Contributing to the music scenes in S.C. and Nashville since the 1970s, Godfrey has played with bands such as Garfeel Ruff, The Sugarbees and The Rickey Godfrey Band, performing rock, soul, r&b and beach music, but never blues — until now. 

With the release of his new solo album, “Nasty Man,” Godfrey has decided to return to his roots and go full force into the music he loves.

“People always said to me ‘Rickey your strong suit is that your were born and raised a blues musician’ and so I finally went out and made as close to a pure Blues album as I could,” he says. 

Godfrey will make multiple appearances in the area this weekend to celebrate the release of the album and take part in the Carolina Beach Music Awards weekend. ListenUp spoke with Godfrey recently to discuss the album, the blues and where he fit into the beach music crowd:

 Myrtle Beach Music: Rickey Godfrey's "Nasty Man"
How did the new album come together and why did you decide to make it a blues record?

The time seemed to be right to do it and I sat down and wrote 10 of the 12 songs that are pretty much squarely in the blues genre. And as I did it I wanted to make sure it wasn’t just 10 or 12 songs that we the typical “oh my woman left me and now I got the blues” style. So I tried to do something with a little twist, and I think several songs on the record are story songs that fit that. 

It’s been a long time coming this album. I started it in Feburary and left it alone fro awhile before picking it back up in July and putting in some 14-16 hour days there for awhile. Then, when it was all finished it was kinda a let down because now I’m having to gear into becoming a promoter and learning now about all the tools to do that nowadays. 

Ten or 15 years ago, there weren’t so many options when you try to market your own product, but now with all the social networking tools and things there’s a lot of different way to do it. 

How has living in Nashville all these years shaped your career and your sound as a musician?

One thing you find out, is that no matter how great a musician is they still have the same hopes and dreams. Just because your successful, doesn’t mean you’re music is better than someone else’s it more just a matter of having a bit of luck and seizing the opportunity.

If anything living here teaches you is that it probably comes down to who you know instead of what you know. And the skill level for musicians here is higher and your networking is quite often going to be the thing that gets you noticed. 

For me I think it’s helped me become more punctual and better organized about the business life, because if you want to take advantage of these opportunities you have to do that.

You’ve played with a lot of amazing musicians in your career. Are there any particular groups or performances that stick out as they highlight for you?

The most important single day in my life was in 2002, at the Hilton in Las Vegas for an event called EATM (Emerging Artists & Technology in Music). 

Sam Moore from Sam & Dave was there and I was on stage with Billy Preston on keyboard, Gary from The Box Tops on bass and on drums was Narada Michael Walton and I was on another keyboard. 

[Walton] came over and gave me his drumstick and said that he just wanted to let me know my music meant something. And he’s this huge producer with all these great record, he wrote the score for “The Bodyguard” and did all this with Whitney Houston and I think that at some point in 1986 he more hit records than anyone in history. 

I was just out there doing my job and when your so busy like that you forget to be nervous, but it was just kinda a moment that let me know there’s not really that big of a gap between obscurity and total fame. 

It’s a bit of luck and being in right place at right time. I’m not a household name by any means, but I’ve been given the opportunity to be around some folks that were, and what it taught me is that it’s not as much about being talented and as it is about being nice and treating folks right. 

They say nice guys finish last but they stay longer when they get there. It’s an example that I’m always going to keep in mind and hopefully no matter what I do I’ll always be accessible to people who want to talk with me or fans who enjoy the music.

Catch him live

Godfrey’s weekend itinerary on the Grand Strand:
Thursday | 5 to 9 p.m, CD release party at Boom Boom’s Raw Bar on 13th Avenue N. in North Myrtle Beach.
Saturday | 7 to 10 p.m., Papa’s Pizza Wings & Things in Little River
Sunday | 9 a.m. to noon, Godfrey will appear at the CBMA band fair at O.D. Beach & Golf Resort.

You’ve performed as a pianist, guitar player and now a singer and band leader. Do you prefer to be front and center or just a player in the band?

I had my own band for several years and from about 2002 to 2008 we were doing the Rickey Godfrey Band. As far as being in the spotlight, I felt like it was about the same comfort-wise for me. 

But I’ll tell you what, being a band leader, there’s a whole lot more to worry about and more responsibilities and in some ways that makes it more stressful. With that, you don have any time to reflect beacuse there’s always a new challenge. 

But it’s nice to know that I can make things happen as a band leader.

You have a very distinct style of playing guitar, was that something you worked hard to develop or did it just come naturally to you?

For me it came naturally. It was something where I was probably honing it when I didn’t even know it. But when you love it that much it doesn’t feel like work. 

I’d say my guitar style is a cross between Django Reinhardt and Johnny Winter and in my music there’s also an emphasis on the vocals. But right now what I’m really trying to do is get the website and business aspect of it down and trying to make the Blues. 

That’s actually one thing I learned from the whole beach music experience is how to market. You gotta be extroverted and out there showing your face at get togethers and constantly exposing yourself, not just sitting home waiting for phone to ring. 

How did you get involved with playing Beach music?

In Greenville, growing up in the 60s and 70s, they didn’t call it beach music it was just soul music being made by folks like The Tams and the Chairmen of the Board which later became beach.

I started working with Clifford Curry and in 2001 and he wanted us to do a record at Bradley House, and they said to come out and sing with the new incarnation of a band called The Sugarbees and I told him that’s OK, but there was some songs I wanted to sing. 

He said “OK, as long as you can shag to them,” and next thing I knew I was in Beach music. I met Bobby Simmons and from 2002  to end of 2007 we had the Rickey Godfrey Band whic played Beach music. 

Up until that point I hadn’t really taken it seriously — I always considered myself a soul and R&B artist never really considered myself a beach music artist. But I come at it from a different point of view than most. 

Tell me a little about the CMBA’s, as a past winner, what did getting that sort of recognition mean to you?

Well it was really flattering for me and just let me know that people cared about what I was doing, and that’s something that’s nice and that makes anybody feel great. 

For me, I though that getting some awards might have led to more work for me in beach music, but it didn’t necessarily happen that way. There are artists in the genre like Band of Oz, the Embers and the Shakers that have been doing it 30-35 years.

For me, I can’t imagine staying in that niche for that long, but I can do what those folks like. I think to be accepted as a full-fledged member of the beach music community it seems like you really have to be at it for quite some time.

In your opinion, what is the difference between Blues music and Beach music?

The blues and other musical art forms, it’s very much about the lyrics and musicianship, that's what sets blues apart from the beach, it’s about “How good can he play?” and “How good are these songs?” 

Beach music is more about the shag than it is about the music. You could even see country artists out there that if the play with certain rhythms can be considered beach because you can shag to it.

At Blues festival it may be 10 bands all playing different songs, whereas at a Beach festival chances are that all 10 of those bands are all going to play the same three songs “Miss Grace,” “Summertime is Calling” and “Carolina Girls.”

What do you think about the future of beach music?

When I first got into it, my thought was that people would adapt to the newer beach music, but from being there in the last several years I’m not sure.

It almost seems like there’s no respect for anything over three years old and under 35 years old. It’s like when something gets a little older its almost like its forgotten unless its a classic.  

When you go to these festivals, they keep playing stuff that’s 35 to 50 years old, and its a huge gap that may keep some folks from accepting the music as a whole. You see that SOS crowd gradually get smaller and smaller each year and I think that what makes music live on is people paying attention to the music and not just the scene.

Although its a very unique culture I think it’s going to slowly die out simply because there’s not enough acceptance of the newer stuff and it’s not about the musicians.

What can folks expect from you this weekend?

Well, I’m gonna be ready. I’m very excited about the new CD, and that will be reflected in what I sing and play.

There’s a lot of really cool songs that I’m ready to share, and expect that I’m gonna be showing off on the guitar and singing and cutting up a bit. They’re going to see a happy guy doing what he loves to do 110 percent — and not just your average boring blues, its blues with and edge.

For more on Rickey Godfrey check out his blog or hear the full “Nasty Man” album at Facebook orMyspace. His album will also be sold online at CDBaby.

Beach Music Weekend comes to North Myrtle Beach

Though the beach weather is gone and the days have grown chilly, the beach music scene will heat up once again as the Carolina Beach Music Awards weekend comes to town.

The annual event, which features five days of shagging and taking in signature soul sounds, culminates in the 2010 Carolina Beach Music Awards show at the Alabama Theater in Barefoot Landing.

“The weekend is just a huge celebration of the music,” said CBMA president Pete Carpenter.

Carptener likens the atmosphere in North Myrtle Beach, where most of the events are based, to a big family reunion for the industry.

Myrtle Beach Music: Peter Carpenter

If you go

• What | 2010 Carolina Beach Music Awards
• When | 3 p.m. Sunday, pre-show begins at 2:20 p.m.
• Where | Alabama Theatre, Barefoot Landing, North Myrtle Beach
• Cost | Tickets are $38-68 for the awards show. Weekend passes are $50.
• More info | For a full schedule of weekend events visit www.cammy.org.

“Since we’re a close community a lot of the musicians have played with each other over the years and know each other and this is a chance for them and the fans to all get together and see some old friends,” he said. “It’s an overload really, to take it all in, but if you’ve ever loved Carolina Beach music it’s the place to be.”

Jessica Worley, who helps coordinate the event for the host hotel, the OD Beach Club & Resort, agrees the weekend is jam-packed full of events.

“There’s a ton of great stuff going on all weekend. We’ve got parties from the welcome event on Thursday to the after party on Sunday.” says Worley, whose family owns the resort.

“There’s performances, showcases, the industry awards ... it’s a huge event for us. Our resort is sold out for the weekend.”

In addition to the happenings at the host resort, many of the bars and clubs of downtown North Myrtle Beach will cater to CBMA fans throughout the weekend.

Iconic beach clubs such as Duck’s and Fat Harold’s will fill up as they host performances featuring bands such as The Holiday Band, Mark Roberts & Breeze and The Tim Clark Band from 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Friday and Saturday nights.

“Everything’s within walking distance. We try to stagger the performances so folks can see most of them,” said Carpenter, who adds that his favorite part of the weekend is watching the fans enjoy themselves.

Fans who plan to attend any of the performances will need to purchase a weekend pass —  good for Friday, Saturday and Sunday — available at any of the participating clubs or at the OD Resort Lobby for $50.

More casual listeners can also get in on the action Saturday as the group hosts it CBMA Benefit Cookout & Showcase, which is free to attend and open to the public.

This event, which runs from noon to 3 p.m., will feature a pig pickin’ fundraiser hosted radio personalities Neal “Soul Dog” Furr and Bob Graves and will raise money for student scholarships provided by the organization. In addition, there will be a musical showcase featuring Fabulous Hot Dog Daddy O’s and the Carolina Breakers.

“It’s very important for us to do the scholarships and invest in our youth,” said Carpenter. “We have a number of the older acts with sons and children playing beach music and help keep it alive.”

Warming up for the next day’s main event, the Spanish Galleon Beach Club will host the 2010 Industry Awards Saturday, recognizing all the radio stations, producers, sound engineers and other behind-the-scenes folks who help keep beach music alive.

On Sunday, the CBMA’s biggest day will feature both a fan-friendly Band Fair at the OD Resort Ballroom and the 16th annual Carolina Beach Music Awards show.

Myrtle Beach Music: Dancers shag during the 2008 CBMA awards show. Photos courtesy of Ocean Drive Happens. Click to see tons more photos from pas CBMA awards and events.
At the band fair, folks will have a chance to interact with their favorite groups and personalities as they meet-and-greet the public from 9 a.m. to noon.

“Basically all the bands set up to sell their CDs, autograph pictures and talk with the fans,” said Carpenter. “Really it’s about the only time all the artists are in the same room together, so it’s a pretty special event.”

Then, at 3 p.m. the prestigious Alabama Theater will host a jam-packed awards show.

“We run it just like the Grammys or any of those big shows, but we’re just for Beach music,” he said. “

With 18 acts scheduled to perform — including the likes of Sea Cruz, The Castaways, Band of Oz — and awards to be given away in 27 different categories, the event promises to give plenty of bang for its buck and be great fun for anyone who loves the genre’s music and dancing.

“You never know what will happen,” says Carpenter. “But it’s always a good time.”

Chairmen to host official General Johnson tribute

The House of Blues announced today that The remaining members of Chairmen of the Board will play a tribute show to honor General Johnson, who passed away at 67 in October, in North Myrtle Beach on Dec. 30.

To date the venue has hosted 49 Chairmen of the Board shows, and this unofficial effort will top off the band's great run at a round number of 50 shows. Tickets for the tribute will go on sale Friday at 11a.m. and will be $17.50 in advance of $20.50 the day of the show.  

Tickets are available through Livenation.com, House of Blues Box Office,  www.houseofblues.com/myrtlebeach, Ticketmaster or charge by phone 800-745-3000.  

Myrtle Beach Music: Chairmen of the Board

Summer never ends in NMB

This Saturday, while many in the area are gearing up for the fall fun that is celebrating Halloween, North Myrtle Beach will be fending off the change of season with its annual Endless Summer Festival.

Main Street will fill up with folks from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. as the downtown area hosts food and craft vendors, a classic car show, a children's area with carnival ride and a community stage featuring live entertainment. 

The music will begin at 11:30 a.m. with a performance by Sea Cruz.

This trio, which is based on the south end, consists of music vets Molly Askins, Butch Barnes and Dino Fair playing a variety of styles including 60s & 70s music, Oldies, Classic Rock, Disco, Beach music and more. They have won multiple Carolina Beach Music Awards over the years and pride themselves on providing a big band sound that appeals to audiences of all types.

Listen to Sea Cruz "Let It Roll"

Learn more about Sea Cruz here.

 Following Sea Cruz from 2-4 p.m. will be headlining act The Extraordinaires.

Since 2003, this Hickory, N.C.-band has been spreading its unique blend of classic R&B, funk and beach music up the coast. With powerful horns and smooth lead vocals, The Extraordinaires have a sound that gets people out of their seats and on the dance floor. 

Listen to The Extraordinaires "Real Mutha For Ya"

Learn more about The Extraordinaires here.

Both acts will play on a stage located at the famous “Horseshoe” at the end of Main Street with the Lindsay Milbourne, Aisha Khan and Nicole Boone, all from WBTW News Channel 13, as emcees.

For more information on the festival call the chamber 866-805-5642 or visit the website.