It’s that time of year again where you can book singers to serenade your valentine on their doorstep for the same price as a bouquet of flowers thanks to Ohm Radio’s Valentine’s Telegram Singers. On Valentine’s Day, local artists will take to the streets to sing to strangers in the name of love, and a good cause.
These $30 romantic gestures offer the community an interactive fundraising experience — all ticket purchases go to running 96.3 FM Ohm Radio, Charleston’s first listener-supported local radio station, currently housed in Workshop.
“It’s personal and unique,” says Vikki Matsis, Ohm Radio co-founder and board president, who has taken over the coordination this year. “We have so much fun doing it, going to the naval base, public schools and people’s houses, spreading joy. It’s just as fun to participate as to receive of these telegrams.”
How it works: Go here to purchase your ticket, after which you’ll receive a confirmation email. Respond with the delivery address and time window, specify what you want your handwritten valentine to say, and pick your song from a selection of six. OHM does the rest. Matsis says, “Someone opens their door, and we sing—anywhere from three to five singers—in harmony.”
It was local singer-songwriter Lindsay Holler who created the fundraiser last year to support the nonprofit, noncommercial radio station. “It was her brain child…but she gave us all her tips,” Matsis says.
This year’s singers include any mix of:
Exavia Baxter
Aisha Kenyetta
Elli Boland
Kanika Moore
Brett Nash
Vikki Matsis
Lee Barbour
Jenna Feeney
Thomas Champagne
Song choices: Love Best of Charleston? Help the Charleston City Paper keep Best of Charleston going every year with a donation. Or sign up to become a member of the Charleston City Paper club.
“Just The Way You Are” by Bruno Mars
“La Vie En Rose” by Edith Piaf (English Version)
“You Are My Sunshine”
“More Than Words” by Extreme
“You Are the Best Thing” by Ray LaMontagne
“Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell
