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.