Why the Music Farm is Crucial to the Charleston Music Scene

I’m writing this article because I was looking at the Music Farm’s Upcoming Shows page and trying to decide which ones I want to write about. The problem is, if I wrote about every single show that I think is awesome over the next two months, I would be sitting here writing promotional articles for weeks. Instead, I’m just going to break it down for you, so you can see what I’m talking about and decide for yourself.

First, though, I want to show some love for the Music Farm and what they do for the Charleston music scene. They are basically the only venue downtown that can bring in bigger-name artists without charging you a month’s rent to see the show. I know the Music Hall brings in a lot of great acts too, but I see the Hall as a different beast. You usually don’t go the Music Hall to party and see a show. That’s what the Music Farm is for, and lately I see more and more that they’re tapping the pulse of what kind of shows people in Charleston actually want to see.

By bringing in great touring artists, who may or may not have ever been to or heard of Charleston before, they are not only getting the word out about their venue. They’re also in turn helping the scene here in general. I’ve heard all too many complaints about how great touring acts tend to skip Charleston on their runs down the East Coast. I tend to agree with that sentiment, seeing tour posters for bands I love who zip right through the Southeast, with stops in Charlotte and Atlanta, with nothing in Charleston. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

I believe we’re actually well on our way to changing it. When the Music Farm brings in a touring artist, and they have an awesome time in Charleston, they’re not only much more likely to stop in here on a future tour, but they’re also probably going to tell their friends and label mates how much fun they had at their show in Charleston. That means that more great artists will continue to consider Charleston when deciding where to stop on tour.

I don’t even have to mention the fact that the local bands in Charleston are doing their part by putting out awesome music and building their fanbases well outside of town. This is all cooking up in one giant musical crockpot and will lead to the continued growth of this city as a musical hotspot on the East Coast.

All you need to do, as a music fan and Extra Chill reader, is keep going to shows. So if you see something coming up at the Music Farm (or any other venue), buy a ticket, and go enjoy the music. I’ve included below a list of shows at the Music Farm between now and the end of April that I’m really stoked to on the radar in Charleston, including local artists. Pick a handful of your favorites and mark your calendar.

Wednesday, February 7th
Big Gigantic w/ Shallou and DJ Kevbo
SOLD OUT

Saturday, February 10th
Tyler Boone, Finnegan Bell & Zoe Child
$10 – Tickets Here

Thursday, February 15th
1770 Records Presents: Hip-Hop in the Den
$5 – Tickets Here

Sunday, March 4th
John Oates w/ The Good Road Band
$25 – Tickets Here

Wednesday, March 14th & Thursday, March 15th
SOJA
$35 – Two Night Pass – Tickets Here
$20 – One Night – Wednesday Tickets / Thursday Tickets

Friday, March 23rd
The High Divers Album Release with Hannah Wicklund & The Steppin’ Stones and 2 Slices
$10 – Tickets Here

Friday, March 30th
Turnover, Mannquin Pussy, Summer Salt
$18 – Tickets Here

Sunday, April 1st
Big K.R.I.T. & Cyhi The Prince
$25 – Tickets Here

Monday, April 2nd
Rainbow Kitten Surprise
$20 – Tickets Here

Sunday, April 15th
Gramatik, Mome & Balkan Bump
$25 – Tickets Here

Monday, April 16th
Circa Survive, Foxing, & Hail The Sun
$25 – Tickets Here

Tuesday, April 17th
Dr. Dog & Kyle Craft
$25 – Tickets Here

Thursday, April 19th
Wolf Alice & The Big Pink
$18 – Tickets Here