Best Concerts You’ve Seen in Charleston

What are your favorite concerts you’ve ever seen in Charleston?

I’ve been to a lot of really good ones and I wanted to share.

Here are a few that stand out in my memories, in no particular order.

Benny Starr’s A Water Album Live Recording at the Charleston Music Hall – 9/22/18

This night was an important part of my personal journey. Benny Starr recorded the very powerful A Water Album before a packed live audience. I learned so much at this show about the perspective of being black and living in Charleston and it really changed my perspective on life and this city. Still to this day this one stands out as a very special evening and I think people don’t talk about this album enough. Especially because it’s even more relevant in 2024, with how much Charleston has changed and grown.

https://extrachill.com/benjamin-starr-a-water-album

SUSTO in the Royal American Parking Lot – 10/21/17

2017 was a really fun time to be a SUSTO fan in Charleston. That year they released their second album & I’m Fine Today and were starting to gain national recognition. This October show at The Royal American was a homecoming after the album came out and they went on tour and it was just a ton of nostalgic fun. I also remember eating some mushrooms, which may have contributed to my experience.

I have seen a ton of amazing SUSTO shows in my life but this one really stands out in my mind.

SUSTO at Charleston Pour House Back Lot Stage – 4/23/21

If I had to pick one more SUSTO show it was this one… One of my first concerts in the post-pandemic world and it was socially distanced in back of the Pour House… But to see SUSTO again, and to see all my fellow susto-loving friends again… was really special. This was also the first time I heard “Double Rainbow” and I rembember @qrisg already knew all the words

Manchester Orchestra HOPE Tour in the Memminger Auditorium (12/11/14)

I was a senior in college and Manchester Orchestra released the stripped-down HOPE and then played a show at a small theater in downtown Charleston. This was the only time I ever went to that theater and this show really stood out. They played the whole album front to back and then closed with “I Can Feel A Hot One”. Great times. I don’t even know if this venue is still there.

Nordista Freeze at Everybody’s Got Nipples – August 2019

Everybody’s Got Nipples was a DIY festival in downtown Charleston that introduced me to both Nordista Freeze and Briston Maroney. Freeze blew the roof off the place in particular and climbed up onto the balcony and dove into the crowd. I couldn’t believe my eyes and pretty soon I had booked Freeze to play Royal the following February.

https://www.concertarchives.org/concerts/everybody-s-got-nipples-2

Nordista Freeze at The Royal American – February 29, 2020

This was the most packed and crazy Extra Chill show in Charleston and it was right before the pandemic hit (on Leap Day). Nordista Freeze, Easy Honey, and Rex Darling. With members of Daddy’s Beemer and Cry Baby also on stage. There was an entire fake beef that we had going to promote the show and it made the whole thing feel really exciting.

https://extrachill.com/the-extra-chill-leap-year-jamboree-photos-recap

Nordista Freeze at Charleston Pour House – Extra Chill Fest 2023

Yeah, 3 of my favorite shows in Charleston have all been Nordista Freeze. Why do you think I keep booking him? Dude is a mega performer and a great person to work with. Plus, his name is perfect for collaboration with Extra Chill.

Zack Mexico, Secret Guest, ET Anderson at The Royal American – 12/11/16

A Sunday night rock show that was packed to the brim and featured crowd surfing and tons of antics. This was such an exciting era for Charleston’s music scene and The Royal American and it will be with me for the rest of my life.

Daddy’s Beemer at Makeout Reef – 3/10/17

Notable for being my first time seeing Daddy’s Beemer, at the fabled Makeout Reef house show venue downtown. Bonus: here is the first article I ever wrote about Daddy’s Beemer, for their “Rain Dance” video: https://extrachill.com/daddys-beemer-rain-dance-music-video

Okay…. I think that’s all I’ve got for now. This list is already huge and I didn’t even mention Phish or My Morning Jacket… I’ll probably come back and add more in future replies when I remember more!

Can’t wait to hear some other people’s favorite Charleston concert memories!

My personal favorite show i’ve been too ( that wasn’t my own ) was Brave Baby at Music Farm. That show really put in perspective for me what it’s like to be on a bigger stage & honestly how to own it.

 

Band of Horses at village tavern in Mt. P November 2007 or the Hold Steady at pour house August 2008

Secret Guest Live Album Recording Shows w. ET Anderson & Zack Mexico

These back-to-back shows at The Royal American served as Andrei’s last shows with the band and what we thought were the last shows Secret Guest would ever play.

Pip The Pansy & 2 Slices 

Also at The Royal American. This was the first show I ever saw Pip live, and I think 2 Slices is the ultimate band pairing with Pip. I remember just being completely blown away.

Pocket Full Of Shells & UnHeard Ent – Rage Against The Machine/Wu-Tang Clan ’97 tour tribute show at The Music Farm.  Not only did Chubes and I come up with the idea for the show, we packed the place out and I got to watch all my buddies play this huge stage and it was just really memorable.

Susto Rogue Acoustic Live Recording at The Royal American

Whenever you get to see Susto it’s a great and memorable show. Seeing a show that’s recorded live and available to relive at any moment is just awesome.  Great songs and great guests on this album.

Charleston Music Hall Vinyl Post COVID Show

This amazing show not only benefited one of my favorite venues it featured live performances from a wide range of Charleston musicians including Marcus Amaker, Little Stranger, Mel Washington, Babe Club, etc.

Palm Palm at The Royal American 

J Roddy Walston’s balls to the wall rock outfit performed possibly their first live show at Royal and it was bonkers.

Too many more shows to remember.

Daddy’s Beemer corny ahh hell

87 Nights Royal American post Covid return October 2021. This show was absolutely nuts. This was 87s return to Royal post Covid after that big gap of not playing shows and it was right before the first boogie man fest, so it kinda served as a precursor to that epic night. It was nuts at that show and the line extended down Morrison drive. Also someone ripped a damn sink off of the men’s bathroom wall. Core memory for sure

Rubblebucket Pour House, Nick Shoulders Pour House, The Linda Lindas High Water