Cumberland’s Winds Down?
Cumberland’s, one of Charleston’s longest-running live music venues and taverns, is gearing up for a series of farewell events, as owner Sinan Raouf and booking agent Johnny Puke announced the closing of the club this week. For over 15 years, the venue has aggressively booked a wide variety of original rock, punk, ska, indie, tribute, and jam bands. They gave many up-and-coming local acts their first gigs. They hosted the weekly “heavy metal karaoke” series for over three years. Reports came into the music room this week that the landlord hopes to vacate the premises at 301 King Street after the holidays, which means the end of the line. “We’ll spend most of December celebrating the legacy of the club,” says Puke. He’s still putting the final touches on the final weeks, but the club’s calendar is already pretty full. Check www.cumberlands.net for more.
R. U. Ready for the Double Up Tour?
The “R. Kelly Double Up Tour” — fronted by notorious R&B singer R. Kelly with support by R&B/hip-hop acts Keyshia Cole, Ne-Yo, and J. Holiday — is heading to the North Charleston Coliseum next month. Presented by NuDawn Entertainment in conjunction with Rowe Entertainment, the concert is scheduled for Thurs. Dec. 27 at 7:30 p.m. Kelly says his fans should “prepare themselves for a heart-stopping night of entertainment.” His latest album, Double Up, incudes the chart-topper “I’m a Flirt Remix” and “Same Girl.” Tickets are available now for $36 (plus applicable fees) at the coliseum ticket office and all Ticketmaster Outlets, online at www.ticketmaster.com, or by phone at (843) 554-6060. Visit www.r-kelly.com and www.coliseumpac.com for more.
Wolf in the A.M.
Local broadcasting company Citadel Communications’ brand new country radio station 96.9 The Wolf (it replaced Sunny 96.9 WSUY) recently debuted a new morning show. Citadel president and general manager Paul O’Malley says, “The Wolf Wake Up Show is going to turn morning radio upside down in Charleston. We are very excited about the pairings of market legends Janet Walsh and Steve Waters. The chemistry of the entire show’s cast is fun, positive, family-friendly, and very funny!” The show features the aforementioned veteran Carolina radio personalities Walsh and Waters along with Charlie “Byrd” Lindsey and Rowdy Nites. It airs weekdays from 5:30 a.m. ’til 10 a.m. Check out www.969thewolf.com for more. —T. Ballard Lesemann
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