THE SOUL MITES
w/ Writers Block

April 02, 2009 / 6:30 pm


The Soul Mites can't be pigeon-holed into one tiny genre. Perhaps Kevin Oliver of Columbia, SC's The Free Times said it best: "Elder statesmen of the local music scene, (The Soul Mites), have been mashing up rock, funk and soul long before anyone called the practice a "mash-up". . . The Mites are simply one of those bands you have to hear live to truly appreciate. "The Soul Mites rock live shows! Their high-energy sets never let a crowd down."





TREADMILL TRACKSTAR
w/ Remedy

April 09, 2009 / 6:30 pm



Treadmill Trackstar's combination of hot-wired guitars, swirling cello and powerful rhythm section creates a distinctive, hard to pin down sound. The Detroit Free Press called their music "a colorful gush of grassroots pop featuring emotive vocals and bizarre lyrics. . ."We think that about sums it up. After a decade long break to 'catch their breath' the band is back to finish what they started. Let's hope they don't finish too soon and that their music continues to move us for years to come. 




TWILIGHT ARMADA
w/ Tropic of Cancer Band

April 16, 2009 / 6:30 pm

Twilight Armada is aimed towards having a large sound to express large ideas along with keeping a real-life aspect in their music. Using a very unique lead bass to their advantage, they blend jingly guitar riffs and chords, pounding yet intricate drums and sincere but sometimes sarcastic vocals to make a very original yet always catchy sound. 


STARSEED PROJECT
w/ Mudfish

April 23, 2009 / 6:30 pm

The Starseed Project draws from a wide range of styles to create it's own signature sound. Having gained influences from the likes of Iron Maiden, Stone Temple Pilots, Toad and Wet Sprocket, this band creates a sound that fits in an array of genres. Harking back to the late 90's alternative rockers, Our Lady Peace, The Starseed Project's lofty brand of clamoring guitars and downcast vocals explores a similar territory while bearing a bit of Columbia's enigmatic, loud rock allure. 


RAMONA DRIVE
w/ Zach Fowler & The Essentials

April 30, 2009 / 6:30 pm


Ramona Drive, formerly the Kenny Floyd Band, can be summed up as a little bit country, a little bit rock n' roll and a lot of everything else. Veterans to the South's music scene, Ramona Drive has previously shared the stage with such national acts as Vertical Horizon, Hoobastank, Lifehouse, 3 Doors Down and even country giant Toby Keith. They are truly a band to keep a close eye on and even closer ear to. 




LOCH NESS JOHNNY
w/ Drink Small

May 07, 2009 / 6:30 - 10:00

Loch Ness Johnny brings alot to the table. With three vocals, two guitars, fiddle, banjo, bass, and drums they really come up with an upbeat folk rock. If you took a celtic group and somehow got them together with The Charlie Daniels Band you would get Loch Ness Johnny. Come out with your dancing shoes on because your going to need them.


DANGERMUFFIN
w/ Daylight Hours

May 14, 2009 / 6:30 pm

With influences like Tom Waits, Radiohead and Neutral Milk Hotel, Dangermuffin uses a broad brush to tell their story, but it melts seamlessly into a solitary sound that is their own.  Each song is fitting and substantial, wetting the musical appetite, winning over listeners with its notorious jam-band flavors. The trio's togetherness is strong and their embellishments and instrumentation are both cohesive and compelling. 


LESLIE
w/ Shallow Palace

May 21, 2009 / 6:30 pm


Leslie have enough new material for more than a double album's worth of rock, but they're taking their time making serious plans about studio time. On stage, they deliver certain rockisms without simply being derivative. It's less jangle and more sleazy-fuzz. . . plenty of Zeppelin, AC/DC, The Who, and Skynyrd with a bit of Nick Gilder, Thin Lizzy, T-Rex, and James Gang thrown in. There's nothing sneaky about it though. While they wear their influences openly and embrace the best classic rock cliches, they toss them around. Carman regularly "Keith-Moons" his drum kit around with joy while Fox does the "Cliff Williams" head bang at stage right. When watching them you truly feel you're in the presence of greatness.




JUSTIN SMITH & THE FOLK HOP BAND
w/ The Dirty Lowdown

May 28, 2009 / 6:30pm

Discover Justin Smith and the Folk Hop Band's positive folk style rap! The sound is unlike anyone else as the band fuses elements of hip hop and acoustic rock. A full band echoes a solid sound as Justin raps over top delicately placed background vocals and acoustic melodies. The music tells us stories from his worldview and with impressive spirituality. Coming from a grassroots fan base in South Carolina, Justin Smith is bringing sincerity back to Hip Hop. Live the band has a solid rock performance thet gives their rap styling a platform to stand upon. They play with power and give off a cool, save-the-world through-music vibe.


TOOTIE AND THE JONES
w/ Isabelle’s Gift

June 04, 2009 / 6:30 P.M.


Believe it or not, Tootie and the Jones have been playing the Columbia music scene long before Hootie and the Blowfish ever made it big! In fact, a current member of Tootie and the Jones is the one and only Jim Sonefeld! Known to the members and fans of the Blowfish as simply, "Soni", Jim was the nationally recognized drummer for the two-time grammy award winning band. Tootie and the Jones have been around for decades and over the years have earned their own nickname as "Columbia's hometown band". Seen often at local events, festivals and of course, the Five After Five Concert series, these boys always bring an incredible crowd of loyal fans and friends. Tootie's down home, good feelin' brand of Rock n' Roll will have everyone dancing in the streets. If there is one concert you shouldn't miss this season, it's Tootie and the Jones. 



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HOT LAVA MONSTER
w/ Sequoyah Prep School

June 11, 2009 / 6:30PM

What is that? Godzilla? No, it’s Hot Lava Monster. Hot Lava Monster is Columbia’s answer to the lack of good music in the Midlands. Lead vocalist, Patrick Baxley breathes fire upon the stage with his vintage-rock enthralled and hauntingly beautiful vocals. Patrick’s band mates, Hot Lava Mike, Wes Pellerin and Andy Dumiak follow suit by bringing down the house in each live show and with it, bringing audiences to their knees. Hot Lava Monster’s enjoyable live shows and professional stage presence have earned this band an intense following around the
southeast. Hot Lava Monster has paid their dues and this is why they have been asked to play with such national acts as Shinedown, Three Days Grace, and Cracker.


JOSH ROBERTS AND THE HINGES
w/ Dave Britt Band

June 18, 2009 / 6:30 pm


Josh Roberts and the Hinges play Rock n’ Roll. Raw and
uncompromising with country,blues, punk and soul in the mix and dirty guitars
contrasting with beautiful harmonies. Josh Roberts has performed across the
country from Denver to D.C. and has shared stages with artists as diverse as
Jason Isbell (Drive by Truckers), Big Head Todd and the Monsters, Billy Joe
Shaver, 2 Skinee J’s, JGB, Moonshine Still and Stockholm Syndrome.




BALLYHOO
w/ The Beat Foundation

June 25, 2009 / 6:30 pm


Ballyhoo! formed in their early high school years in the summer of 1995. Hailing from the small Maryland town of Aberdeen, the band has crafted a sound all their own, mixing pop, rock, reggae and punk rock. With three albums released, Balllyhoo! has sold a combined 10,000 hard copies and over 90,000 digital downloads, albums and singles. Most notably, the second album titled, "Do It for the Money!"officially put the band on the map. With songs like "Cali Girl" and "Cerveza", the album showcased the band's knack for pop radio songs and sing-along party anthems. The third effort, "Cheers!" was released in 2008 to wide acclaim and rave reviews. It was produced by former 311 producer Scotch Ralston. The first song was mixed by 311 drummer Chad Sexton. Longe time followers of the band were thrilled with the outcome and even went as far as calling the album the band's "best one yet".