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Main Street Fridays (Formerly Main Street Jazz)
This weekly music series on Main Street at Hyatt Plaza continues for 28 weeks
between late-March and September; featuring jazz, blues, oldies, and soul music
with a series total of approximately 45,000 annually.
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2010 Main Street Fridays Schedule
March 19: Shoeless Joe's
Funk
With the line-up of Mark Dye on Bass, Craig Sorrells on Trumpet, Charles
Hedgepath: Guitar, and Jason Owens: Drums, Greenville's own Shoeless Joes is a
band that is ready to knock it out of the park. Each member a headliner on their
own, combine their musical talents to bring listeners a new soundscape that is
both familiar yet organic, comfortable while still challenging. A blend of
funk/rock with southern sensibilities - groove is the name of the game here and
moving feet is the rule!
March 26: True Blues
Blues Rock
TRUE BLUES has become a Greenville and Upstate South Carolina mainstay since its
inception in 1990. They started as a power trio with Joey Gunter on guitar and
vocals, Pete Cash on bass, and Pete's brother Joe Cash on drums. They recently
added Bill Pappas from Athens, GA on keyboards and guitar. Members of the band
write about half of the material they play, which ranges from straight-ahead
blues, to rockin' Texas style blues, to jazzy blues, to songs that can be
categorized only as original "True Blues". In addition, they cover songs by B.
B. King, The Allman Brothers Band, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and others.
More
April 2: Mac Leaphart
Country/Folk
Mac Leaphart is a singer/ songwriter, playing a blend of country and rock and
roll the Charleston City Paper describes as, “...A rowdy set, which seems to
meld Gram Parsons with the ‘Sticky Fingers’ era Rolling Stones.
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April 9: Gas House Mouse
Variety
Gas House Mouse has been making music since February, 2003. The band features
five road proven musicians from the Spartanburg, SC and Asheville, NC areas. Gas
House Mouse’s blend of Blues, R&B, Rock and even Zydeco has proven to be a crowd
pleaser. Whether it’s an outdoor festival or club, the band comes to entertain
with their unique selection and presentation of songs. It’s an infectious blend
guaranteed to go straight to your feet. Their latest CD, “On A Mission” would be
a welcomed addition to any music collection.
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April 16: The Taylor Moore Band
Blues Rock
Taylor Moore's Band is an ever-changing whirlwind of the most gifted, top-notch
musicians the Southeast has to offer. While Ryan Knowles of Asheville's
Afromotive is often on Saxophone, Greenville's own Jaco-meets-Vic Wooten stylist
Shaun Ritchie frequents bass, and jazz and fusion maestro John Taylor's
typically on drums, you never know what incarnation you're going to get. Be it
the Virgin Islands, Asheville, NC, Atlanta, GA, Greenville, Columbia, Rock Hill
or Charleston, SC, The Taylor Moore Band will always be at the top of it's game,
and outgunning the competition.
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April 23: The Jump Street Band
Variety
JumpStreet Band is an upstate tower of power! This 8-piece dynamic group with a
full horn section has been playing together for over 15 years. They have
performed with and opened for Delbert McClinton, Percy Sledge and many others.
You'll hear great Soul and R&B - everything from Earth Wind and Fire to Frank
Sinatra. JumpStreet is the penultimate culmination of variety and show band!
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April 30: Crowfield
Americana
Crowfield has been burning up the road in a time-honored rock ’n’ roll right of
passage. The stalwart band has been soaring along the East Coast in support of
the polished and heartfelt Goodbye, Goodnight, So Long Midwestern. Hints of the
plaintive balladry of Train and Counting Crows are revealed in songs like
“Give,” while “Love is Hell on the Lonely” would settle comfortably alongside
Ryan Adams’ softer fare.
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May 7: Ten Toes Up
Rock/Roots Music
Ten Toes Up are guys trying to make music that makes people excited to listen
again. In the new world of digital music, the live show takes center stage. This
is where Ten Toes Up accel. High energy shows highlighted by drum solos,
instrument switching, lap steel solos, weissenborn tunes, take the audience on a
ride; a true show to be seen. Music for people who get it.
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May 14: Sarah Mac Band
Blues/Folk
The Sarah Mac Band established their musical collective out of long existing
friendships - friendships which are amazingly unique and span generations. The
trio started in early 2005 with the goal to create original music blending the
unique styles that Sarah Mac, Claire and Charlie each brought to the group. What
emerged was an engaging combination of blues, jazz, folk and acoustic rock that
has been classified as both Americana and Alternative.
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May 21: Southern Crescent
Variety
Southern Crescent, based out of Greenville, SC, was formed in 1980 by drummer
and manager, Jim Ball. Known for its versatility and high energy, the band
performs a mixture of oldies, classic rock, rhythm & blues and beach, always
adjusting the music to the audience's particular tastes. After playing clubs,
festivals and concerts throughout the country, releasing two albums, one of
which resulted in a single being recommended by Billboard magazine, Southern
Crescent came off the road in 1988. Establishing itself as a private party band,
the group began performing for the general public again in 2007, due to numerous
requests from long time fans.
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May 28: The Nightcrawlers Band
Blues
Forget withdrawal symptoms, blues fans just keep coming back for more of the
music! The NIGHTCRAWLERS deliver....everytime they hit the stage. Get ready for
a fast paced and fired up show, with just enough slow dancing to kindle the
fan's flames.
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June 4: Corey Crowder
Country/Folk
Corey Crowder, from Covington, GA is going back to the basics by releasing an
independent follow up to 2008’s “Gold & The Sand” (Tooth & Nail / EMI). The new
album, titled "Lost & Found" was released independently in December of 2009. The
songs on Lost & Found have subtle shades of meaning that are developed through
complex word choice and surprising twists and turns in his storylines. “I’m
finding,” Corey says, “that your mid-twenties are really when you learn a lot
about yourself, and ask the big questions. I really needed to write some songs
about things I’ve never tackled before.” He's certainly done that with the
timeless and continually appealing songs on Lost & Found, and he does it with
music that is delivered in a style that is as rooted as it is contemporary.
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June 11: The Flashbacks
Variety/Beach
The Flashbacks are a 50's, 60's and Beach Music band from Easley, South
Carolina. The group consists of eight professionals from the upstate who
specializes in playing 50's, 60's and Beach Music. The group’s unique and
versatile musical style covers Rock ‘N’ Roll…Beach and Soul. Their range
includes Motown, shaggin’ beach classics and female vocal artists from the
wonderful 60’s. Music in The Flashbacks playlist includes such artists as The
Spinners, The Tams, Lou Rawls, The Drifters, Barbara Lewis, Fats Domino and The
Temptations.
More
June 18: Gigi Dover and The Big Love
Blues/Rock
So earthen is Gigi Dover's singing that it might be echoing through canyons on
the seven continents right now, with or without her involvement. But at the base
of her voice is an underground welt — some sort of cosmic canker. On her new CD,
Nouveau, she collaborates with her backing band the Big Love. The noise they
create collectively is a slow maelstrom of what might be called "Progressive
Country," but it moves way beyond that by merging Hindu strums, electric hums, a
bit of reggae, soft jazz, and island rhythms into a continuous silk susurrus
that may well be Mother Nature's vibrato. The songs cover all the most important
terrestrial matters, including morning dew, deep love, liquid sunshine, Crazy
Molly, and treacherous lovers. Yet she's still hiding something, and so is the
band, but to be let in on the secret you have to perform as a listener.
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June 25: The Go Getters
Folk/Bluesgrass/Acoustic
The Go-Getters are a Greenville based band blending country-blues and rock with
a dash of jazz. The band features original tunes by singer/songwriter Lewis
Baxter. Joined by Nathan Gray on electric guitar, and Matt Fassas on the bass
guitar, this band is guaranteed to rock.
July 2: The Ragged Orchids
Americana/Alternative
Although The Ragged Orchids are a fairly new band, they have already amassed a
significant catalog of original tunes. Their unique blend of Americana,
alt-country and pop draws deeply from a well of influences, ranging from Johnny
Cash, Elvis Costello, and the no depression roots music movement.
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July 9: Juluis Curcio
Pop/Alternative
Philadelphia's alt rock/folk singer/songwriter Julius Curcio is often compared
to John Mayer, Tom Petty and Pete Yorn because of his stunning and entertaining
songwriting and vocal capabilities. He has had songs included on the hit shows
"Ghost Whisperer" and "Men In Trees." His performances have entertained crowds
up and down the East Coast, including performances at prestigious events in
cities including Atlanta, Chattanooga, Nashville, Knoxville and Harrisburg.
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July 16: The Bad Popes
Americana
Based in Greenville, SC, The Bad Popes is comprised of Charles Hedgepath
(guitar, vocals, and mandolin), Mike Bagwell (steel guitars and vocals), Jef
Chandler (guitar and vocals), Chris Garrett (bass), and Kevin Heuer (drums).
Playing original material written by Chandler and Hedgepath as well as a
smorgasbord of covers ranging from Graham Parsons and Willie Nelson to The
Beatles and The Ramones, The Popes are veterans and representatives of many
bands.
More
July 23: Matter of Fact
Rock/Blues
Matter of Fact is one of Charlotte's finest bands, fusing Blues, Southern Rock,
and Improv. Jamming into a unique and solid sound of their own.
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July 30: Groove Planet
Party Band
It's not so much a location as it is a state of mind. When the jazz is tight,
the funk is sweet, the blues are soulful and your behind just can't sit still,
you've arrived on our side of the galaxy. Groove Planet, playing the best of
Motown, dance, funk, blues, and tunes you know and love.
More
August 6: Justin James & Co.
Americana/Folk
Justin James & Co. is a dynamic trio shooting straight from the roots of Folk
Music. With Soul as our sunshine and Rock as our rain, we begin our journey to
put a fresh twist on Americana Music.
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August 13: Marvin King and the Blues Revival
Blues/Rock
Dedicated to blues music with a positive message, Blues Revival is simply a jam
band with a passion to play. With influences such as The Allman Brothers, Derek
Trucks Band, and Government Mule just to name a few. This Greenville, South
Carolina based group has many years of recording experience but definitely
should be seen live to appreciate the improvisational skill and true Revival
experience.
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August 20: Encore
Variety
Since 1998, ENCORE, an eight-piece party band based in Greenville,SC, has
specialized in playing for wedding receptions, corporate functions, outdoor
festivals, and private affairs. Their energetic showmanship gets the crowd
involved and fills the dance floor! From Dinner music to Beach Music, Disco,
Dance, and Pop, Encore will provide musical entertainment that will guarantee
your event or party will always be remembered.
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August 27: Josh Roberts and The Hinges
Rock/Americana/Indie
Josh Roberts and The Hinges formed in early 2005 and immediately began touring
and recording. Their brand of rock n’ roll is the culmination of country, blues,
punk and soul influences intertwined with the raunchy guitar work of Josh
Roberts. “The Sugar Bird Test,” their debut release, was released in September
2005 to excellent reviews and good sales. The band released “My War Cry is Amor”
in 2007 and received great reviews from press throughout the southeast and
online. Josh Roberts has performed across the country from Denver to D.C. and
has shared stages with artists as diverse as Band of Horses, Jason Isbell (Drive
by Truckers), Big Head Todd and the Monsters, Billy Joe Shaver, JGB, Moonshine
Still, Stockholm Syndrome, Angie Aparo, Leon Russell, Sevendust, Acoustic
Syndicate, moe., and many more.
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September 3: The Moderate
Rock
In 2007, DC-based The Moderate was formed by North Carolina natives and
childhood friends singer/guitarist Jim Dempsey and drummer Drew Marks. Oozing
with talent and brimful of potential, The Moderate favors strong narrative
storytelling, sharp rhythms and intricate guitar play. Marks and bassist Tracy
Epperson lay down bold and melodic pulses, allowing Dempsey and
multi-instrumentalist Ian Burke to create dizzyingly pleasant mixtures of
harmony and electricity.
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September 10: Chris Cates and the Master Plan
Rock/Soul
Performing with a fluidity that only a band of seasoned musical brothers can,
Chris Cates & the MasterPlan thrive on taking you on a musical journey each time
they pick up their instruments. Their ability to connect with the audience and
to jump across music genres has always been a trademark with Chris Cates's
unique vocals, guitar, harmonica, Chris Singleton's bass virtuosity, Jason
Peeler's fantastic drumming/vocals and John Kell's brilliant sax/vocals. Chris
Cates & the MasterPlan have been together for almost five years as a collective
unit, however, each member has a rich musical history together older than the
band itself. For example Cates and Peeler started their music careers together
almost 20 years ago as kids and Cates and Kell have toured the world in several
bands since 1999.
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September 17: Big Jar of Jamm
Blues/Pop
The Big Jar of Jamm evolved from a house jam at Smiley's Acoustic Cafe in the
winter of 2009. The group is a jam/rock band comprised of four life-long
musicians whose individual styles meld to form one of the upstate’s hottest new
musical acts. There various influences are distilled into a diverse and genre
shattering sound that is all their own. The band’s powerful rhythm section
comprises of Kebin Abrens (Bass and Vocal) who is also a member of The
Jaywalkers and The Hipshakers as well as Dr. Nathan Cummings (Drums and Vocals)
from The Dirty Audibles. Smiley’s Acoustic Cafe owner David Smith (Guitar and
Vocals) brings his cool swagger to the stage for every show. Dr. Eric Weiler
(Guitar and Vocals) who is also a member of The Dirty Audibles, rounds out the
group with his rebel guitar antics and incendiary sound. It is no secret! When
they take the stage it is time for good music and a good party!
September 24: The Robbie Ducey Band
Rock/Blues
Growing up in the same hometown as the Godfather of Soul, it was only natural
that Ducey was exposed to some of the heavyweights of the rhythm and blues and
soul music scene of the 60's such as Otis Redding, Curtis Mayfield, Albert King,
and of course James Brown. The 'British Invasion' of the late 60's and early
70's brought more influences such as Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Robin Trower,
and Jeff Beck, all of which can be heard in Robbie's guitar style.influences
such as Jimi Hendrix,Eric Clapton,Robin Trower, and Jeff Beck, all of which can
be heard in Robbie's guitar style.
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