on Dec. 29 at Charleston Music Hall | Rūta Smith file photo
The dog days of summer may be winding down, but Charleston’s live music calendar is just getting warmed up.
As the year moves into its final quarter, the Holy City’s concert scene shifts into high gear with a steady stream of touring favorites, genre-spanning club shows and hometown acts filling stages from downtown rooms to larger outdoor venues.
The fall months have always been a sweet spot for live music here — cooler temperatures, packed calendars and a post-summer rush of artists making their way through the Lowcountry. Whether you’re looking for roots rock, country, jazz, indie, jam bands or something a little harder to define, here are 10 coming shows that offer plenty of reasons to leave the house for some great tunes:
Aug. 29: Goo Goo Dolls
Credit One Stadium
Alternative rock veterans Goo Goo Dolls brings a catalog of radio staples to Credit One Stadium for a night of ’90s and early-2000s nostalgia. Led by John Rzeznik and Robby Takac, the band has spent more than three decades crafting emotionally charged rock anthems, including “Iris,” “Slide” and “Name.”
Sept. 2: The War and Treaty
The Refinery
Husband-and-wife duo The War and Treaty brings a powerful blend of soul, gospel, blues and Americana. With Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter’s soaring vocals at the center, the pair has earned acclaim for its electrifying live performances and emotionally charged songs that draw from love, struggle and resilience.
Sept. 10: Billy Currington and Kip Moore
Firefly Distillery
Country hits take over Firefly Distillery when Billy Currington and Kip Moore share the stage for a night of laid-back anthems and radio favorites. Currington’s smooth vocals and songs like “People Are Crazy” and “Good Directions” pair with Moore’s heartland rock edge and fan favorites including “Somethin’ ’Bout a Truck” and “More Girls Like You.”
Sept. 14-15: Little Feat
Charleston Music Hall
Cult favorite band Little Feat is doing one last, very long run of shows before retiring. This Charleston stop is a two-night stand celebrating more than five decades of the band’s genre-bending music. Known for its distinctive blend of rock, blues, country, funk and New Orleans-inspired grooves, Little Feat’s catalog includes enduring favorites like “Dixie Chicken,” “Willin’ ” and “Fat Man in the Bathtub.” Live onstage, these songs grow to epic jams.
Oct. 14: Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox
Charleston Music Hall
This band reimagines modern pop hits through the sounds of bygone eras, transforming familiar songs with vintage jazz, swing, soul and big-band arrangements. The rotating collective has built a global following with its creative covers, theatrical performances and old-meets-new approach to contemporary music.
Oct. 20: Chucho Valdés’ 85th Birthday Celebration
Gaillard Center
Cuban jazz legend Chucho Valdés celebrates his 85th birthday with a special performance highlighting a career that has helped shape the sound of modern Latin jazz. A Grammy-winning pianist, composer and bandleader, Valdés is known for his virtuosic playing and his groundbreaking work blending Afro-Cuban rhythms with jazz improvisation.
Nov. 14: Hudson Westbrook
Firefly Distillery
Rising country star Hudson Westbrook represents the next wave of artists carrying the genre forward, blending traditional country influences with a modern edge. Known for his heartfelt vocals and honest songwriting, the young Texas singer-songwriter has quickly built attention with his emotionally charged performances and classic country-inspired sound.
Nov. 21: Kurt Vile and The Violators
Music Farm
Indie rock favorite Kurt Vile creates some hazy, guitar-driven soundscapes with his longtime backing band, the Violators. Known for his laid-back vocal style, hypnotic songwriting and blend of psychedelic rock, folk and lo-fi experimentation, Vile has become one of the most distinctive voices in modern alternative music.
Dec. 13: Aoife O’Donovan and Chris Thile
Gaillard Center
Two of roots music’s most accomplished voices come together for an evening of intricate songwriting, virtuosic musicianship and genre-defying collaboration. Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Aoife O’Donovan and mandolin virtuoso Chris Thile bring deep bluegrass, folk and contemporary acoustic influences to a performance built around their distinctive voices and instrumental mastery.
Dec. 29: Blue Dogs
Charleston Music Hall
Charleston favorites the Blue Dogs close out the year with its traditional “Homecoming” show. After 40 years, the band still has its signature blend of Southern rock, roots and Americana. The show allows the Blue Dogs to stretch out, bring on special guests, do a little storytelling and send the year out on a high note.
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