After 7 year hiatus, free concert series “Five After Five” returning to Five Points
FIVE POINTS OF COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) — A popular festival that stretches over four separate dates is returning to the Five Points neighborhood.
Beginning July 18th, the patio across from the famous fountain in Five Points will be decked out for “Five After Five,” a free concert series that’s back after a seven year hiatus.
Heather McDonald with the Five Points Association says the event started in 1996 and the timing is right for its return.
“Music here in the district is so important because we had live music venues that were, a lot of smaller bands got their start back in the day here in five points and it just was a hub for live music. Over the years it’s kind of dwindled down and we have other bars and restaurants that have moved into the district, but it’s something that still resonates with people that are from here, went to college here or are in school now,” McDonald says.
Trae Judy booked the talent for the series, and says each musician and band selected will bring something special — and of course food and beverage trucks will be available as well.
“That was the main goal of mine was to make sure each of the events looked good and sounded good, and the band was quality. And then that it kind of fit that it was for everybody. All ages, all demographics. If you just want to have a good time, come out to five points, hear a little music, go to one of your favorite restaurants in five points. It gives us an opportunity to do that,” says Judy.
Cost and Concert times:
Each concert is free to the public and begins at 6 p.m. and ends at 9 p.m.
Music Highlights and Dates:
July 18: NOLA to COLA – Mark Rapp & Soda City Brass Band, trumpeter, composer,
arranger and bandleader Mark Rapp is the founder of ColaJazz.com, a jazz initiative to grow
and support jazz in and around Columbia, SC through events, education, recordings, and
advocacy. Join us for a musical journey as we mirror the “Big Easy” in Five Points.
August 22: Pop, Soul, Folk, and more with Lola Grace and the Night, singer/songwriter,
Lola Grace, has been a music lover all her life. She brings a new edge to the stage, with
energetic performances and a commanding stage presence. Pulling from many different
inspirations, she is capable of providing a variety of styles, ranging from pop, soul, folk, rock,
country, jazz, and more. Her sultry vocal tone and the soulfulness in her vocal delivery,
combine with the music to create a powerful sound.
September 26: Calling all Parrotheads! Jimmy Buffett Tribute Night – Gary Roland & The
Landsharks Band, as one of the most well-known, well-liked, and in-demand beach bands
in the world, The Landsharks have performed at thousands of concerts and shows
everywhere! Gary Roland & The Landsharks have appeared with Jimmy Buffett in Key West
and also at Margaritaville. At a Landsharks concert, EVERYONE is part of the show! They
will have you signing along, dancing, and having fun all night long!
October 17: A Night of Rock n’ Roll with Sell Out, who debuted with its original line up in
October 2020 with an explosive first outing on the Breakers Live stage in the 5 Points district.
The high energy nature of the band along with the dueling guitars and bass heavy percussion
garnered a fair amount of attention leading to a full schedule for the better part of their year
with notable performances from Drift Jam 2021 and the Windjammer in Charleston. Sell Out
is poised to showcase a new sound rooted in country and rock. Expect to hear classics from
Pink Floyd and The Marshall Tucker Band, as well as hits from country artists like Garth
Brooks and Darius Rucker. Perhaps you love 90’s rock, they’ve got you covered there
playing your favorite hits from The Foo Fighters and Pearl Jam.
Parking:
Parking is available throughout the district and free parking is
available at 2221 Devine Street.
“It’s just really important for the lifeblood of Five Points and its something we’ve always kind of been known for and were really excited to bring it back,” says McDonald.
