Awendaw Green’s Barn Jam musical showcase continues this summer at Sewee Outpost, boasting a lineup of local and regional musicians.
The Aug. 4 show will feature a folk-tinged roster of performers: soulful singer-songwriter Avi Jacob will be returning to share the stage with renowned musician and Awendaw Green artist-in-residence Danielle Howle; Columbia-based singer-songwriter Lola Grace; Dallas country band Brother and the Hayes; and The Wilson Springs Hotel, a folk-rock group hailing from Richmond, Virginia.
For Jacob, this show is an opportunity to do what he feeds him the most creatively: connect with other human beings. The pandemic shutdown had left him feeling — like many artists forced to put a halt on the performative aspect of their craft — uninspired.
“I write when I’m playing. I’ll play a show, I’ll be inspired, and I’ll write a song,” Jacob said. “Or I’m on tour and I write a song. I’m not inspired by being kind of secluded. Away from the world without connection, it does the opposite for me.”
He did, however, release his latest album, Preservation, during the pandemic for free in order to support those who were struggling. “For me, writing songs is a gift that I have developed, and I am honest with all my music, it comes from a very genuine place where I’m expressing how I feel both in personal relationships and about the world,” he said. “My songs are born from a really honest and painful place, and that kind of music in times like this gains meaning”
He also has unreleased music that he’s looking forward to debuting at the Barn Jam, songs inspired by his frustration with the state of the American political and corporate structure. “I don’t write songs to be consciously political. I certainly don’t set out to, it just happens that what comes out is a feeling, a sensitivity towards the world, and then my own relationships and how they interact.”
A veteran Barn Jam performer, Jacob is looking forward to reconnecting with fellow singer-songwriter Danielle Howle, as well as playing with Brother and the Hayes and The Wilson Springs Hotel for the first time.
“[She] is such a kind, supportive person,” he said of Howle. “She is also writing about very personal things.”
Howle, who, in addition to her residency at Awendaw Green, also hosts the solar-powered Swamp Sessions songwriting workshops in the Francis Marion National Forest, thinks the Aug.4 show will be a remarkable one. “Avi is a very interesting artist,” she said. “His music and voice are amazing, and we are lucky to have him back at Barn Jam.”
She is happy to be reunited with Lola Grace as well. “I love her. I am a fan. Any time a Columbia band comes to the Band Jam, I get so excited,” Howle said.
To Howle, the Barn Jam series is unique. She explained that it is more than just a music venue — it’s a place where musicians and artists can network and come together, forming connections that will continue to flourish years after they play their show.
“It’s been going on for about 12 years, and it’s a creative hub for musicians in our area, and people that are on tour. What’s wonderful about the barn jam is that you have artists from many different states, sometimes other countries, coming into our community. And then they’re mixing with local musicians, and then all these relationships start happening, and then there’s more music in the world and more musicians helping each other,” said Howle, who will headline the show.
“It’s a big gathering of humans. We never know what’s going to happen.”
Fans who aren’t able to make it to the Barn Jam can catch Howle on Daniel Island Aug. 12 as part of the new Club Court Concert Series at Volvo Car Stadium and can keep their eyes peeled for release of her 16th album.
Tickets for the Barn Jam are available at the door for $10 with cash only. Kids under 12 are admitted free. The event is BYOB, with food available from The Roost Bar and Grille and Holy City Popcorn.
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.