February Blog

DJ TAKE OVER

DJ Natty Heavy and DJ R Dot are taking over the DJ scene in Charleston, SC. Don't believe me? Just watch the video below! From interviewing College of Charleston's Basketball Head Coach, introducing  Biz Markie to The Alley, to Budlight Bingo at Triangle Char + Bar for a chance to win Budlight VIP tickets to St. Patty's Day in Savannah, DJ Natty Heavy and DJ R Dot are definitely laying their tracks across the southeast. 

DJ NATTY HEAVY FOR BEST OF CHARLESTON!

Vote for DJ Natty Heavy as Best Club DJ as well as your other favorites for the City Paper's Best of Charleston 2017!  

Tavern & Table Sweetheart Brunch

With Valentine's Day just two weeks away, Tavern and Table has you covered with their Valentine's Day Brunch on February 12th! This love at first brunch will have a special Valentine's inspired brunch menu, a free chocolate fountain with strawberries and pretzels, and a Bloody Mary and mimosa bar, all while One Kool Blow serenades you and your honey. The Sweetheart Brunch is 11am-3pm, but the love will last forever! 

Patrick Davis & His Midnight Choir at CMH, 2/23

Patrick’s “Patrick Davis & Midnight Choir” is an 11-piece band featuring horns & background singers created by PD in early 2016 from both his own artistic vision & the soundscapes of his songwriting & performing heroes Van Morrison, Lyle Lovett & Bruce Springsteen. Davis borrowed the name “Midnight Choir” from a line in one of his favorite Leonard Cohen songs “Bird On a Wire” & since his eleven-piece outfit starting playing dates Davis & “His Midnight Choir” have witnessed growing congregations across the Southeast. Catch Patrick Davis and His Midnight Choir on February 23 at Charleston Music Hall for a night to remember! 

See Water at Music Farm Chas, 2/24

A world without Type 1 diabetes is a world worth living in. 1770 Records and See Water are teaming up to bring you See Water's Album Release show featuring TreeHouse, Of Good Nature, and Whitehall at Music Farm Charleston on February 24th. PBR has also decided to be a part of this concert that will benefit Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, JDRF, is a major non-profit leading global organization funding type 1 diabetes research. JDRF's goal is to progressively remove the impact of type 1 diabetes from people's lives until they achieve a world without type 1 diabetes. The show starts at 8:30pm and tickets are $10 ADV/$15 DOS. 

Rocketman- A Tribute to Sir Elton John, 2/25

We love the philanthropy among our friends! Dream Makers of GFWC presents Rocketman - A Tribute to Sir Elton John aka Tokyo Joe's, Columbia, SC based band, alter-ego on February 25th at Koger Center for the Arts in Columbia, SC. Rocketman will be joined by Charlie Morgan, Elton John's drummer for 13 years, on drums. Proceeds will benefit local children's shelters. Also, there will be various auction items at the show to raise money for the children's shelters, including the guitar in this photo, below, courtesy of Bobby Barry and Graph-Itty screen printing. The guitar will be played at the show and bids will be taken at the show. Tickets are available at www.capitoltickets.com.

January Blog

HAPPY NEW YEAR from all of us at Ear For Music! What a year it has been, from Party at the Point, Rockin' The River, Woolfe Street Playhouse gigs, weddings, private & corporate events, to closing out the year on a howling note with the Blue Dogs 4th Annual Homecoming Show & 28th Anniversary Concert. We raised more than three times as much as last year and a portion of the proceeds goes to building the new MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital and funding for pediatric cancer research.

With the turn of the new year, we have some serious Bizness to announce in the upcoming months, but for now Markie your calendars for this kick off event...

Biz Markie at The Alley

You and your friend read that right. Biz Markie is coming to The Alley Charleston on January 21st, 2017. Biz Markie has been creating beats and dropping dope life lessons about trust and relationships since the '80s. Also, our very own DJ Natty Heavy will be DJing before Biz Markie takes the stage. So, if you're looking for some sage advice, something to do on a Saturday night, or you just simply love Biz Markie and DJ Natty Heavy, then Markie your calendars for January 21st and get your tickets now before it's sold out! 

Brought to you by The Alley, The Becket Agency, Ear For Music, Southern Eagle SC, David Aylor Law Offices & Breakthru Beverage Group.

 

Fallin' Leaves & Fallin' in Love--The Ultimate September Wedding Blog

With the turn of the month comes the ultimate wedding season. September brings the start of a new season and for many the start of a new life as a newlywed. So what do you expect to see during this wedding season? Well, expect to see a more laid back, fun, whimsical approach to the big day. Gone are the traditional, stiff, boring approaches to weddings, and taking its place are donut walls, boho-style dresses, be your own barista or mixologist, and a hands on approach to weddings with the goal to have their attendees feel a part of the ceremony in more ways than just being the guest of the bride or groom. Following are some of the top trends of this wedding season: 

THE DRESS

For the more laid-back bride go for the boho off-the-shoulder wedding dress. You can even add flowers in your hair to add that extra touch of a free-spirit bride. 

If you’re the more whimsical and fun type of bride then try a fun new trend and go for a nontraditional color or print wedding dress for your big day. 

If you’re more traditional and love the classical, regal look then add a faux fur shawl to your dress to give you a dash of old-Hollywood and glam. 

BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES/GROOMSMEN ATTIRE

Mismatched bridesmaids are the hit this season. Long gone are the overly expensive ugly bridesmaids dresses that you only get to wear once. Now it’s all about the bridesmaids getting to choose their own styles and colors. 

As for the groomsmen it’s all about keeping it simple and neutral. 

THE BOUQUET

Today is all about the wild and the free. So pick those wild flowers and create your own bouquet with long uncut stems and berries. Some favorite picks are wine colored dahlias, Brazilian pepper berries, hypericum berry spray, and small vines of ivy to elongate the shape of traditionally arranged bouquets. 

THE CAKE

Sayonara to traditional big cakes with toppers and fondant. Taking its place are small, simple cakes with no toppers and buttercream icing. One option is a cake with drip designs. 

Or you can match your boho-style wedding with a cake with foliage 

Another in demand cake this season is the “Naked” cake…a cake with little to no frosting on the outside.

THE FOOD

Continuing on the food train, gone are the days of main dishes and only two choices of food. Instead, have a more hands on approach and don’t be afraid to get creative! Instead of only a couple of options for beer do a local craft beer tasting. Or if you’re a taco lover like me, have a build your own taco bar and add a build your own margarita bar to pair with it. If you are opting for a more rustic wedding have a pig roast or BBQ and pair it with a BBQ sauce station to let your guests try a variety of sauces. Another option you can do to give your guests a taste of you and your partner’s background is have the main dish be one from your heritage or have each of you choose your favorite family dish to be shared with your guests. Another fun take on the food option is bite size food with alcohol shooters such as pretzel bites paired with local craft beer, bite size tacos with margarita shooters, bite size apple pie with moscato d’Asti, or brownie bites with frozen espresso shooters. When guests are arriving you can have a doughnut wall for them to munch on while they wait for the ceremony to begin and you can pair it with a gourmet coffee bar to give your guests an extra boost so they can last for the night’s festivities. Glazed Gourmet Doughnuts is our favorite place to get delectable doughnuts here in Charleston, SC and they even have doughnut cakes now!

THE DRINKS

A fun simple way to take care of the drink situation is His & Hers cocktails. The guests are given a glimpse into what kind of drinks you two like and your partner gets to feel like they have a say in the planning of the big day, too. 

Rosés champagne and wine are always a classy go-to. Another more adventurous route is a beer garden or tequila, wine, or margarita gardens. Also, grown-up popsicles are making their statement at weddings and are becoming the must- have treat at your big day. Check out King of Pops Charleston for the best popsicles and grown-up popsicles. With over 500 flavors, you will be able to provide even the pickiest of eaters with a popsicle. King of Pops prides themselves off of creating popsicles with all natural ingredients and no artificial sweetners. They even have vegan popsicles! 

THE RECEPTION

Tables, tables, tables so many arrangements yet still not enough ways to arrange them.
Tablecloths:  Metallic, Glitzy Golds, Rose-gold, but absolutely NO SILVER! 

Instead of large round tables use long rectangular tables or mix of long tables surrounded by smaller square and round tables. 

Table flower arrangements are all about green and leafy:  succulent, eucalyptus, wheat greens, acacia and bay leaf branches. Also, the taller the better if you’re dealing with flower arrangements. Otherwise, short and neat succulent arrangements on tables are the hit for this season. 

A fun addition can be to add some lounge seating for your guests so they can feel more comfortable when taking a break from the dance floor. 

Another way to bring a little bit more of you and your partner’s life into the big day is by adding touches from key moments of your life. For example, if you two are music lovers then instead of a typical reception book use old records of your favorite bands for your guests to sign, then after the wedding you can hang it up in your new home.

THE MUSIC

Many people think that music is just for the dance floor. However, you can add a whole new element to your wedding day by incorporating different genres of music throughout your big day. This season it is all about the variety of music and mixing it up.

For example, you could have a violinist like our very own Seth G. for your cocktail hour to welcome your guests as they become acquainted with your other guests and reminisce on the two of you. 

Then, to kick this celebration into high gear and carry it into the night you can have a DJ or band like our very own DJ Natty Heavy, DJ YNot, or DJ Rdot to get people dancing until the sun comes up.

THE PHOTOGRAPHER/VIDEOGRAPHER

Finally to tie everything together and to give you physical evidence and to allow you to reminisce on your big day for years to come, have a professional photographer and videographer to capture all the moments you were a part of and those you missed. 

August Newsletter

Where has the time gone?! We can't believe it is already August and the kids are getting ready for another school year. But no worries, we have plenty of fun events lined up for this month that we are excited to share with all of you!

Rocket Man- A Tribute to Sir Elton John 

We are thrilled to team up with Charleston Music Hall and bring an eccentric Rocket Man:  A Tribute to Sir Elton John to the community of Charleston, SC on Saturday, August 6th at 8pm. Tokyo Joe's - Rocket Man Tribute conforms to the model of a real Elton John concert. With multiple costume changes, electrifying light displays, and the everlasting music of Elton John, many people will have to constantly remind themselves that they are not at an actual Elton John concert. Performed by the Columbia, SC based rock quartet Tokyo Joe, Rocket Man is sure to leave every Elton John fan feeling as though they have experienced a tribute performance worthy of the original. 

Rockin' The River 

Can you believe we are already past the half way point for Rockin' The River? Neither can we. With only two more left, we are feeling a little bittersweet. But no worries, you can catch the last two Rockin' The River on August 11th with Ellen Drive and Jump Castle Riot and on August 18th with Departure (The Ultimate Journey Tribute Band) at the beautiful Riverfront Park in North Charleston. 

DJ Natty Heavy and Hootie & The Blowfish

We are stoked to have our very own DJ Natty Heavy kick off both nights of the Hootie & The Blowfish Homegrown concert event here in Charleston, SC on August 5th and 6th. This wonderful two day event raises money for area schools and will be at the Volvo Car Stadium in Daniel Island. 

O.A.R - August 20th

We can't wait to have O.A.R at Riverfront Park in North Charleston on Saturday, August 20th. O.A.R is known for its intense, vibrant, live show - including selling out Madison Square Garden twice - and the communal feeling it shares with its fans. So, get your tickets now before it is too late and join us for an unforgettable night on Saturday, August 20th. 

DJ rDOT

Robie Howell, also known as DJ rDOT, is one of Charleston's most talented DJs. He's been entertaining and attracting party-goers from near and far for more than ten years. Whether he's bringing the hype to Charleston's hottest clubs or being asked to work beside the most popular DJs and entertainers in the industry, rDOT has a history of never disappointing. He is available for corporate events, weddings, and clubs. 

November Newsletter

Sibling Rivalry featuring The Steppin Stones and The High Divers

We are so excited about this show featuring the Sibling Rivalry of two of our favorite bands, The Steppin Stones and The High Divers, at The Music Farm on November 28th.  Which sibling are you rooting for? Tickets available at Music Farm Charleston.  See ya there!!

Blue Dogs 3rd Annual Homecoming Show

It’s that time of year again for Blue Dogs 3rd Annual Homecoming Show.  We love working with Blue Dogs and look forward to finding out who the special guests will be this year.  Proceeds of this show go to The MUSC Children’s Hospital.  For more information go to http://www.bluedogs.com/home

Jump, Little Children

The Jump, Little Children shows presented by Ear For Music and The Bridge 105.5 at Music Farm on December 30th and 31st are sold out.   We are stoked that one of Charleston’s legendary bands have come back together for these very special shows. 

Smoke on The Harbor BBQ Throwdown

EFM is proud to work with Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina on one of the tastiest events of the year – The 4th Annual Smoke on The Harbor BBQ Throwdown.  EFM will be bringing some great artists including JamiSun, Bootless, Chase Martin and Bryson Jennings.  There will be public tasting and judging of the best wings, BBQ, a mixology competition and more!  For more information go to http://www.smokeontheharbor.com/schedule-of-events.html.

Headliner of Smoke on The Harbor - Bryson Jennings

Headliner of Smoke on The Harbor - Bryson Jennings

Sol Southwest Kitchen and Tequila Bar

We think that SOL is one of the best restaurants in Mt. Pleasant and Ear For Music continues to bring you some of the best acoustic acts to Sol for Tequila Thursdays.  

  • November 5th - Rotie Salley
  • November 12th - Dave Landeo
  • November 19th - Supper Reggae Man
  • November 25th - Special Wednesday PreTurkey Jam with Patrick Norris

Wild Wing Cafe  - PreTurkey Day Bash!

Looking for something to do the day before Thanksgiving.? All the Wild Wing Café locations that EFM books will be having a PreTurkey Day Bash! See below for your favorite WWC location and artists.

  • Charleston: Chase Martin
  • Mt Pleasant: Plane Jane
  • N.Charleston: Ellen Drive
  • Hilton Head Island: Groove Town Assault
  • Bluffton: Permanent Tourist
  • Savannah: Souls Harbor
  • Columbia, The Vista: DM Radio
  • Columbia, Harbison: Emory Lane
  • Greenville: Johnny Utah & The Ex-Presidents
  • Spartanburg: The Kenny George Band
  • S.Charlotte: Peace & Love
  • Charlotte Epicentre: Frequency 4

The Cove Oyster Grille Sunset Acoustic Series

We are working with The Bridge 105.5 and 98 Rock to bring to you The Cove Acoustic Sunset Concert Series at The Cove Oyster Bar & Grill on Northwoods Blvd., North Charleston.  

  • November 6th - Rotie Salley
  • November 13th- Nathan Salley
  • November 20th - Return Of The Mack
  • November 27th - Randall & Justin from Ellen Drive

Thank You

Thank you to Empire Sports Management for another year of having EFM production manage Denny & Mark’s ProAm Jam.  We are proud to work with your team and be a part of this very special event.  

Thank you to our hard-working production crew for another successful event!

 

RIP

Charleston lost a beloved member of our community, Gary Alameda.  Gary ran G’s Hot Dogs and for most of us visiting his hot dog cart after work, after the bar, or just for a late night snack was the best part of our night.  Our hearts our heavy as we say goodbye to Gary.  For more information on Gary and how you can donate to a Go Fund Me started by his family visit: https://www.gofundme.com/doit4g

Gary Alameda of G's Hotdogs

Gary Alameda of G's Hotdogs

 

July Newsletter

One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain.  -  Bob Marley

Christmas in July

Although most people are sunbathing and swimming this time of year with no sign of snow on their mind, at Ear For Music we are dreaming of a “White Christmas.” July is the prime time to book bands for holiday parties and we have plenty to choose from. We have you covered with variety & party bands, DJs, and acoustic acts for your home or office holiday party.  Check out some of our favorite artists below and book today!

Soul Fish

Playing crowd favorites from country, pop and top 40 hits, Soul Fish will keep a smile on your face and your legs moving all night! http://www.earformusic.com/soul-fish

DJ Natty Heavy

Everyone will be dancing at the party with DJ Natty Heavy entertaining. From mash-ups, to the top 40s, to any genre of music you want DJ Natty Heavy has you covered. Don’t forget to keep this sought after DJ in mind while planning your party! http://www.earformusic.com/djnattyheavy

The Secrets

This funk band’s sound is Motown inspired playing variety music in funk, blues, and jazz styles. If you want to boogie, we suggest booking The Secrets for your event. http://www.earformusic.com/the-secrets

 

Rockin’ The River

Who doesn’t love a free concert? We have partnered with The City of North Charleston and Icebox for our summer concert series at Waterfront Park. Come enjoy some live music next month on August 6;  Bootless Band, a country southern rock band, will be performing. 

Upcoming Events

Slightly Stoopid at the Charleston Tea Plantation

Slightly Stoopid, the Expendables, and the Dirty Heads on July 18th at the Charleston Tea Plantation. Come to a night full of reggae at the country’s only Tea Plantation, the same venue that holds the annual First Flush Festival. Purchase your tickets at the Music Farm box office without a fee open Tuesdays- Thursdays 2 pm- 6 pm or at http://www.ticketfly.com/purchase/event/473461.  Also available Shade Tents and Shuttle Tickets!!

The Scarlet Wedding Tour

We are thrilled to be a part of the Scarlet Wedding Tour again this year.  The tour gives engaged couples a view of some of Charleston’s best wedding venues, food vendors, bar services, florists, and of course music.  Look out for one of our favorite artists, JamiSun, at the Striped Pig Distillery.  For more information go to http://www.scarletplandesign.com/scarlet-wedding-tour/

THANK YOU!!

We want to thank everyone who came out the Party at the Point for The Dubplates on June 19th.   We raised $5000 for the Mother Emanuel Hope Fund and we could not have done it without the donations collected in jars from Party at the Point Patrons, The Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina, The Dubplates, The Bridge 105.5, and Ear For Music’s personal donation.   We are so proud of our city for coming together in such a peaceful way during an absolute tragedy.  We are Charleston Strong!