ROCK | Dante’s Camaro
w/ Clair Danes, White Boy Crazy, Bully Pulpit, El Camino, DJ KY, Madam Adam, and Action City Blackout
Sat. May 30
6 p.m.
Tin Roof
Five years ago, Dante’s Camaro supposedly called it quits. Not only did that break-up prove to be a massive failure — they’ve played a number of shows ever since, including February’s gig entitled Dante’s Camaro Comes Out of Retirement for Lots of Cash and Black History Month — but there’s actually a celebration of Dante Camaro’s togetherness coming up this weekend as the loud, hard-rockin’, verbally abusive local band throws its own 10-year anniversary party. Made up of former City Paper columnist Jack Hunter along with Ben Dante, Eric Rickert, Collin DeBruhl, and George Robocop, the bitingly sarcastic Dante’s Camaro has made such lofty claims in the past as, “We’ll ruin your life in one night.” That’s probably not gonna happen though, especially considering the band’s been known to cover such fun, lighthearted stuff as Wham, the Golden Girls’ theme song, and the Darkness — but, you know, in a face-melty kinda way. Hunter and DeBruhl will also reunite their other rock band, Action City Blackout, led by vocalist Emily Richards. With other acts like former Charlestonians Bully Pulpit (welcome back, boys) in the cards, this is set to be a rock ‘n’ roll show you won’t want to miss. —Kelly Rae Smith SATURDAY
ASHEVILLE JAMS | Sirus.B
w/ Hank West and the Smokin’ Hots, stephaniesid, and Jordan Igoe
Sun. May 31
3:30 p.m.
$10
Awendaw Green
Asheville is coming to Charleston in the form of a music extravaganza at Awendaw Green. Ryan Kijanka of eight-piece Asheville gypsy-folk-punk group Sirius.B teamed up with Eddie White of Awendaw Green to showcase some of Asheville’s premier musicians. Local singer/songwriter Jordan Igoe will be performing as a welcome to our northern neighbors, and she’ll be joined by Asheville’s Hank West and the Smokin’ Hots, stephaniesid, and Sirius.B. These eclectic artists showcase everything from horn-led honky tonk to soul to grungy blues. The three groups dubbed the Asheville Connection will also play The Barrel on Fri. May 29 and Palmetto Brewery Sat. May 30 for the Loading Dock Series. The Barn at the Seewee Outpost will be the spot this Sunday for the main event. By the way, it’s BYOB on the Green, and your pet (on a leash) is welcome, too. —Kalyn Oyer SUNDAY
AMERICANA-ROCK | The Menders
w/ She Returns from War
Fri. May 29
9 p.m.
$5
Royal American
Wes Forbus would be a wampus cat — the creature American folklore paints as half-woman, half-cougar — if he could be an imaginary creature. “I’m from the outerbanks of North Carolina, and my dad always talks about them. I mean what the hell is a wampus cat? That’s scary as fuck!” says the lead singer and vocalist of Americana-rock band the Menders. Original members Jesse Watson and Johnny Boswell met in a songwriter group at an Irish pub in Gastonia, N.C. and started playing bluegrass music together. Forbus joined later on, and the group restructured their sound with drummer Gavin Glover and bassist Scott Lowder. Lowder, owner of Noalynn Studio, jumped in on bass while recording the group’s first album and became a permanent fixture. Influenced by old bluegrass murder ballads, the Menders channel authentic mountain music with upbeat folk-rock rhythms, harmonica howls, and troubadour storytelling. Titles like “Dead Man a Walkin’” and “Shiny Lil’ Devil” tell dark tales with a mix of old saloon-style keys, gritty vocals, and rock ‘n’ roll riffs. After their self-titled full-length dropped in October, the Menders got back into the studio and will be releasing a five-song acoustic EP in June. There will be a limited pressing of 75-100 hard copies coupled with a free digital release on NoiseTrade. —Kalyn Oyer FRIDAY
BLUEGRASS | Grass in the Hall
w/ The Cane Creek String Band, Dallas Baker & Friends, and Bluestone Ramblers
Thurs. May 28
6:30 p.m.
$15-$25
Charleston Music Hall
The Cane Creek String Band call themselves Charleston’s only traditional Appalachian, old-time string band. Welsh, Scottish, English, and Irish immigrants are thought to have brought this style of music to the United Sates, and it would eventually heavily influence bluegrass and country music. The Cane Creek String band is playing the Appalachia style with an authenticity that comes through with every pluck of a string and every glide of the bow. The group is made up of Lane Gregory on guitar/vocals, Edwin McAllister on clawhammer banjo, Marci Shore on fiddle, Fuller Condon on bass, and Steven Sandifer on bones, washboard, and drums. Cane Creek can take traditional instruments and create a high-energy concert atmosphere that’s nothing short of thrilling for fans of bluegrass, folk, or Americana. The band can play soothing classics like “Cold Frosty Morning” or barn-burners like “Reuben’s Train.” The rest of the Spoleto showcase will be rounded out by the pick burners that are Dallas Baker & Friends and the soaring harmonies of the Bluestone Ramblers. Whether you’re looking for a bit of traditional bluegrass or Americana with a modern bite, you can get your fix at Grass in the Hall. — J. Chapa THURSDAY
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.