Forget the ’50s, the ’60s, and everything from the 1980s on. There is no better decade for music than the 1970s. From the rise of the singer-songwriter, the golden age of cock rock, the days of disco domination, the dawn of outlaw country, the birth of punk, the glorious groove-shaking reign of funk to that singular moment in time when KISS ruled the world, the ’70s were the best — ever. Of course, those days are long behind us. And truth be told, things aren’t so bad these days either, especially here in the Lowcountry, where live music reigns. Read on and learn about this summer’s best music fests and concert series.
Under the Sun Tour
August 9
North Charleston Coliseum
For a ’90s throwback night, check out the Under the Sun tour, featuring Sugar Ray, Smash Mouth, Gin Blossoms, Vertical Horizon, and Fastball. While this isn’t exactly a festival, it’s an event you don’t want to miss. They will be jammin’ out at the North Charleston Coliseum on Aug. 9 at 7 p.m.; tickets are $39.50-$59.50. Be sure to wear your favorite pair of acid-washed jeans and cry your heart out while your middle school boyfriend’s mix-tape is played live.
Charleston Beach Music & Shag Festival
Aug. 25-26
charleston.beachmusic.co
You aren’t a true Charlestonian if you don’t know how to shag. See how it’s done at the 8th annual Charleston Beach Music and Shag Festival in August. There will be live beach music and free shag lessons from the Beach Music and Shag Preservation Society. Saturday’s lineup includes the Carolina Breeze Band, Shrimp City Slim and Juke Joint Johnny, Legends of Beach, and Angel Rissoff, while Sunday will feature Jim Quick & Coastline and the Fantastic Shakers. The dance jam will be held at the Embassy Suites in North Charleston and in the ballroom of the North Charleston Coliseum. Doors open both days at 1 p.m. Tickets are $45-$50.
Lowcountry Jazz Festival
Aug. 30-Sept. 1
North Charleston
lowcountryjazz.com
To liven up your Labor Day Weekend, check out the 5th annual Lowcountry Jazz Festival. The fest lasts all weekend long at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center and features the smooth sounds of some big-name jazz artists. Friday night headliners include Dave Koz and Friends, Jazz in Pink, Richard Elliott, and Gerald Albright. Over the weekend, Stanley Clarke, George Duke, and Joe Sample will take the stage. A three-day pass is $183, but there are individual days available for $65-$80.
Music on the Green
Kiawah Island
freshfieldsvillage.com
Ever Friday and Saturday from 6-9 p.m., Freshfields Village between Kiawah and Seabrook Islands is putting on a free outdoor series featuring acts that’ll perhaps be best appreciated by an older-skewing demo.
June 29 David Landeo Band
July 6 Hot Sauce
July 13 Plane Jane
July 20 GrooveTown
July 27 Palmetto Soul
Aug. 3 Travis Allison Band
Aug. 24 Bradford Station Band
Aug. 31 Men of Distinction
Party at the Point
Patriots Point
Mt. Pleasant
charlestonpartyatthepoint.com
Even if you don’t live on the other side of the Ravenel Bridge, you might want to head over to the Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina in Mt. Pleasant for the final two shows in the Party at the Point Series, including this week’s show with former American Idol contestant Elise Testone.
June 28 Elise Testone $15
July 5 Stop Light Observations and Fowler’s Mustache $5
Reggae Nights
James Island County Park
ccprc.com
James Island will have intermittent concerts as part of their 2013 reggae series. Shows begin at 7:30 p.m. and are free to Goldpass holders and children 12 and under. If you don’t fall into one of those categories, the price is $8.
July 13 De Lions of Jah Stay cool. Support City Paper. City Paper has been bringing the best news, food, arts, music and event coverage to the Holy City since 1997. Support our continued efforts to highlight the best of Charleston with a one-time donation or become a member of the City Paper Club.
Aug. 3 Mystic Vibrations