GET YOUR GROOVE BACK
Hallelujah! Live music is back, and concerts are being safely produced in a variety of outdoor venues. Grab your friends and your dancing shoes, the sounds of summer—from bluegrass to rock, Americana to Motown—will have you toe-tapping, swaying, and smiling all season
The Awendaw Green Scene
Tucked among a grove of pine trees on the grounds of the Sewee Outpost, the Barn Jams at Awendaw Green offer music lovers a shaded and affordable outdoor escape to enjoy live music against a rural Lowcountry backdrop. Each Wednesday evening for just $10 (cash only), visitors can take in a different lineup of artists, including Sideshow Americans (June 2), Pierce Alexander (June 9), Big Sky Revival (July 14), and Bad Cameo (July 28). Bring your mask, your friends, and your beverage of choice; Awendaw Green even allows furry friends as long as they are leashed. 4853 Hwy. 17 N., Awendaw. Wednesday, 6-10 p.m., $10 (cash only). awendawgreen.com (opens in a new tab)
A Jam Good Time
For 49 years, The Windjammer on the Isle of Palms has been the go-to spot for live music on the beach. This summer, a number of acts—ranging from country musicians such as Drew Parker (June 3) and Corey Smith (June 4) to beloved Atlanta-based rockers Drivin N Cryin (June 10 & 11) and Charleston’s own Stop Light Observations (July 2)—take the Bud Light Seltzer Beach Stage. Enjoy the beats and sea breezes, along with bar food bites like chicken wings and your beverage of choice. Note: shows are limited to those age 21 and older. 1009 Ocean Blvd., Isle of Palms. Days & times range. $15-$35.
Around the Bend
Head back up to The Bend— the 20-acre outdoor venue named after the broad turn in the Ashley River—for the last shows of its well-organized and socially distanced outdoor music series, produced in partnership with Charleston Music Hall. Up this month: Grammy-winning bluegrass band The Steeldrivers (June 5) and Tedeschi Trucks Band featuring Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks (June 24 & 25). Go online and get your square (for up to four people), then pack your picnic food, nonalcoholic drinks, blankets, and chairs to cozy up and take in live tunes, epic sunsets, and breezes from the Ashley River. 3775 Azalea Dr., North Charleston. Days vary; gates open at 6 p.m., shows start at 7:30 p.m. $160-$300. thebendcharleston.com (opens in a new tab)
John’s Island Jams
While the popular Reggae Nights concerts on James Island have been canceled for the season, those craving a laid-back, outdoor music experience can head to its sister property, John’s Island County Park. Buy a square for four people in advance, bring chairs and blankets, and groove to reggae wizards Mystic Vibrations (June 5) and the old-school Motown stylings of The Legacy (July 10). Food, from vendors such as Charleston Caribbean Creole and Happy Thai, and drinks will be available for purchase. 2662 Mullet Hall Rd., John’s Island. Gates open at 6 p.m., shows start at 7 p.m. $60 per square. ccprc.com (opens in a new tab)
Field Day
Firefly Distillery winds down its Safe Sounds at Firefly concert series this month with shows scheduled through June 26. Grab one of the 200 squares in the Park Circle distillery’s four-acre field for the lineup, including hometown favorites Motown Throwdown—the name says it all!—(June 5), Night Moves with Taylor Hicks: A Tribute To Bob Seger (June 12), Elise Testone with BlackNoyze and special guest Brandon “Taz” Niederauer (June 19), and local alt-pop party band The Midnight City (June 26). Note: these shows are limited to those 21 and older, so leave the kiddos at home and get ready to have a great time. An assortment of food trucks will be on-site, with beer and wine available for purchase. 4201 Spruill Ave., North Charleston; Days vary; doors open at 6 p.m., shows start at 7 p.m. fireflydistillery.com (opens in a new tab)
Bands on Deck
There’s a hot summer lineup of acts, including Shovels & Rope (June 18 & 19) and Dirty Dozen Brass Band (June 26), on the Charleston Pour House Deck Stage with pod-style seating expanded into the parking lot to maximize the crowd while minimizing the risk. And don’t miss the fun, funky, and free Motown Throwdown Sunday Funday shows during the Sunday Brunch Farmers Market. 1977 Maybank Hwy., James Island. Days, times, & prices vary. charlestonpourhouse.com (opens in a new tab)