The month of April is chockfull of concerts coming to Columbia, both at small and larger venues. Here’s a roundup of some shows hitting town this month.
April 3 & 7: The Parker Quartet @ Koger Center
Inspiring performances, luminous sound and exceptional musicianship are the hallmarks of the Grammy Award-winning Parker Quartet. They are performing twice in April, once with acclaimed composer and pianist Vijay Iyer for the first time on the Southern Exposure concert series on Wednesday, April 3, and for a family-friendly Sunday concert on April 7. Info at kogercenterforthearts.com
April 5: Stagbriar & Zach Mexico @ New Brookland Tavern
Columbia’s Stagbriar band, featuring vocalist/guitarist siblings Emily and Alex McCollum, has been one of the city’s most interesting bands for a while now. Emily and Alex’s vocal approach is unique and effective, pairing their voices together on virtually every lyric. On their new album, "Telepathy," they’ve expanded far beyond Americana or indie-rock into something far more unpredictable and expansive. Tickets at newbrooklandtavern.com
April 9: Robert Jon & The Wreck @ The Senate
This concert is a classic “see them before they get bigger” scenario. Robert Jon & The Wreck are rapidly ascending to another level; their mix of riff-heavy Southern rock and heartfelt, country-tinged ballads has not only attracted a loyal following, but the attention of nationally known artists like Bonamassa and producers Don Was and Dave Cobb, who worked on The Wreck’s most recent album, "Ride into the Light." More information at thesenatecolumbia.com
April 11: The Drifters @ Harbison Theatre at Midlands Technical College
The Drifters have stood the test of time and made a profound impact on rock & roll genre since their inception in the early 1950s. The Drifters were responsible for many firsts, including being the first group to sell 2 million records and the first African American vocal group to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. For this show, the group returns to timeless hits like “Up on the Roof,” “Under the Boardwalk,” “There Goes My Baby,” “Stand by Me" and more. Tickets and more information at harbisontheatre.org
April 12: Sam Hunt w/ Brett Young & Lily Rose @ Colonial Life Arena
Sam Hunt is nominally a country artist, but his musical style ranges wider than that. Hunt incorporated elements of pop and even R&B on his two albums, "Montevallo" and "Southside." Mixing these styles brought Hunt remarkable success; "Montevallo" went quadruple platinum, and "Southside" has sold a million copies so far. Expect to hear number-one hits like “Leave The Night On,” “Take Your Time,” “House Party” and many more. Find more info at coloniallifearena.com
April 13: Britt Floyd @ Township Auditorium
We’d normally skip over tribute band shows, but Britt Floyd is something special. One of the most popular and highly regarded Pink Floyd tribute bands around, Britt Floyd doesn’t just recreate the hits, they dive deep into the Floyd catalog for some unexpected favorites. And they strive to produce a smaller-venue version of the light show and visuals that Pink Floyd employed so well. Since you’ll never get a chance to see the genuine article anyway, why not give these guys a shot? Ticket and event info at thetownship.org
April 13: Jazz Fest 2024 @ North Springs Park
Chayz Lounge and the Richland County Recreation Foundation host an annual dream show for Columbia jazz fans. Spend the evening enjoying the sounds of jazz and a touch of soul at the 5th annual edition of JazzFest. Enjoy performances by Paul Dozier, Chandra Currelley and Tom Browne, with DJ Prince Ice spinning tunes all night. Find out more at richlandcountyrecreation.com
April 18: Tab Benoit @ Newberry Opera House
Bluesman Tab Benoit is not only a fiery blues guitar player, but he’s also one of the most decorated artists in modern blues music. He’s forged an impressive 30-year career rooted in gritty and soulful Delta swamp blues, cultivating a dedicated fan base and earning numerous accolades, including 5 Blues Music Awards, two BB King Entertainer of the Year awards and an esteemed induction into The Louisiana Music Hall of Fame. Get more info at newberryoperahouse.com
April 18: Flatland Cavalry @ The Senate
If there’s any hope for the redemption of modern country music, Flatland Cavalry will be a huge someday. They’re actually well on their way, grazing the top 40 country albums chart with 2016’s "Humble Folks" and signing to the major label Interscope Records for their 2023 album, "Wandering Stars." This Lubbock, TX sextet has got the genuine country goods. More information at thesenatecolumbia.com
April 18: BAG LOCK, Executive Dysfunction & J.P. Melendez @ Uncle Fester’s
It's a night of homegrown, all-Carolina indie rock at Uncle Fester’s with three talented artists on the bill. J.P. Melendez kicks things off with his light, melodic bedroom-pop style tunes, followed by a more Americana-based approach from West Columbia’s Executive Dysfunction. Heavy alt-rockers BAG LOCK, also from right here in Columbia, close out the show. Tickets and times on Instagram @unclefestersbar
April 20: John Mellencamp @ Township Auditorium
The former Johnny Cougar has spent most of his career pulling away from rock hits and moving towards singer/songwriter introspection, resulting in a stunning catalog of classics like “Human Wheels,” “Check It Out,” “Paper In Fire” and many more. Mellencamp’s “Live & In Person” tour promises to bring you the best and deepest cuts from a remarkable career. Ticket and event info at thetownship.org
April 26: MercyMe @ Colonial Life Arena
MercyMe is one of the most popular Christian pop/rock acts in the country. Their debut album, 2001’s "Almost There," went triple platinum thanks to the smash single “Bless Me Indeed (Jabez’s Song)” which began a remarkable run of success. At one point, the band scored five gold albums in a row, and this tour teams them with two other popular Christian rock acts, the Newsboys and David Leonard. More info at coloniallifearena.com
April 27: The SC Philharmonic presents “The Art of Symphony" @ Koger Center
The SC Philharmonic closes its 59th season with an inspiring interdisciplinary integration of classical music and visual art. Responding to the works and movements presented on this program, South Carolina visual artists will create new pieces to express their reactions. These new creations will be projected over the orchestra during the performance, providing audiences with a distinctive artistic experience. Info at kogercenterforthearts.com
