Owned by Media Reform SC, a nonprofit, tax exempt organization, and persued by a group of passionate Lowcountry residents, Ohm Radio hopes to “offer high quality, local, low-power FM radio to Charleston in 2015,” adding that “starting this station is an urgent matter to us because we believe that the corporate media giants distort the news and overlook what is really important to local communities.”

To help pay for the costs, the organization recently kicked off a fundraising campaign on Indiegogo, in addition to benefit shows at the Mezz and the Royal American, but time is running out. The campaign ends this Thursday at 11:59 pm, and at the time of this writing, they are only at 30% of their main goal ($30,000).

However, the good people behind Ohm are positive they will be able to reach their goal, but only with the community’s continued donations and support. “The good news is that this is the most money we’ve ever had,” they shared in a recent update. “But to get Ohm Radio up and running as quickly as possible, we need more. We’ll do it, because we’re a never-say-die group.  And your donations, of whatever amount you choose, will help us get there.”

They added, “Because this is a local effort, most of our funding will come from local people and organizations. In a way, that means we’re geographically challenged. But we know that the civic spirit of Charleston runs deep and strong. We’re counting on it to lift us quickly to our goal.”

Think of the value of a unique, truly community-based station that celebrates all things Charleston, from our music to food to the arts, and focuses on local issues that affect our daily lives—then consider taking some action.

To learn more and become involved, visit their Indiegogo campaign site and Media Reform SC.

Judging by the recent promotional video released this week and the slew of “Widespread Panic Week” posts across social media platforms, the team at the North Charleston Coliseum and the city of North Charleston are making a pretty deal of it.

Produced as a friendly montage of concert photos and fan testimonials, the North Charleston Coliseum’s “Welcome Back Widespread Panic” video landed on YouTube earlier this week. To the backing music of Lovin’ Spoonful frontman John Sebastian’s early ’70s hit “Welcome Back,” the clip features longtime fans, North Charleston mayor Keith Summey, members of the Coliseum staff, Charleston Air Force Base reservists, and various food ‘n’ bev folks from around the North Charleston scene.

“We’re thrilled to have Widespread Panic back at the North Charleston Coliseum,” Coliseum general manager Dave Holscher stated in a press release this week. “They’ve played here so often, we consider them our house band. We appreciate the band, their crew, their fans, and all of the great musical memories they’ve made here.”

Coliseum marketing director Alan Coker, a longtime Panic fan himself, says there’s be plenty of Panic-themed treats on hand this weekend as well. “We’re celebrating the band, their fans and all of the great shows they’ve given us over the years,” he says. “We’ll feature photos, set lists, posters, videos and more from the long history of Widespread Panic at the North Charleston Coliseum. And we’ve got a few surprises lined up for Panic fans this weekend that will enhance their concert experience.”

The North Charleston Coliseum parking lots will open at 3 p.m. for attendees both Friday and Saturday afternoons. Doors will open at 7 p.m. and showtime will be 8 p.m. for both nights.

Tickets available at the North Charleston Coliseum Advance Ticket Office, Ticketmaster outlets (including select Publix stores), by phone at (800) 745-3000, and online at LiveNation.com and Ticketmaster.com.

Check out northcharlestoncoliseumPAC.com and widespreadpanic.com for more.

Widespread Panic (provided)

According to marketing manager and staffer Julia Heckman, the Moose received a stuffy cease-and-desist letter stating that the name “Rocktoberfest” was somehow legally unavailable, so they made the cute adjustment. “Moosetoberfest” fits just right.

Joel Hamilton as Mechanical River (photo by Ballard Lesemann)

Booked and organized by Heckman, Tattooed Moose teammate Suzanne Stone, and local musician Joel Hamilton, this week’s Moosetoberfest will run from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. with music on the front deck and in the main bar room.

“We are so excited,” says Heckman. “Joel did an amazing job getting all of these bands together. It’s going to be a great event.”

The lineup features a variety of independent, original rock, pop, and experimental projects from around the state: California indie act Couches, Columbia band Those Lavender Whales (Fork And Spoon Records recording artists), local trio Post Cobra (featuring guitarist Lee Barbour, drummer Ron Wiltrout, and bassist Jonathan Gray), a full-band version of Punks&Snakes (led by singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Jack Burg), garage/punk foursome Dumb Doctors (fronted by Screamin’ Scott Dence), electronic-based act Mr. Jenkins (featuring multi-instrumentalist/composer Nick Jenkins with DJ Lanatron), singer/guitarist Stephanie Santana (a.k.a. Stephanie Bannister), and Joel Hamilton’s current project Mechanical River.

Admission is free. The venue will be accepting donation for the Tri-County Family Crisis Ministries. Visit tattooedmoose.com for more.

Over the last few years, the independent showcase has taken place at the cozy Father Figaro Hall on Upper King Street, coinciding with the Spoleto Festival and Piccolo Spoleto Festival seasons. This year, the 7th annual JAC Jazz Series will be presented as part of Piccolo Spoleto in three big shows at the Charleston Music Hall and one special gig at Kiawah Island.

The full-sized Charleston Jazz Orchestra (“Charleston’s own resident big band”) and the smaller CJO Chamber Ensemble are set for in three special events at the elegant Charleston Music Hall — their usual headquarters on John Street.

On Wed. May 28, acclaimed vocalist and JAC president Leah Suárez and guests will perform a Latin-tinged Piccolo Spoleto set at the River Course Clubhouse on Kiawah Island (10 River Course Lane) at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $10.

The JAC will present the CJO Chamber Ensemble at the Charleston Music Hall on Fri. May 30 as they perform a program titled East of Ellington, featuring the work of composer/pianist Duke Ellington. It’s the CJO Chamber Ensemble’s official debut at the hall. Doors will open at 7 p.m..Tickets are available for $25 ($11 for students).

The Charleston Jazz Orchestra will perform a program of Count Basie standards and faves on Sat. May 31 during two separate shows at 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. Swing! Swing! Swing!: Basie Edition will highlight many of the CJO horn and rhythm section players. Tickets are available for $40, $30, and $11 (for students).

On Sun. June 1, the Charleston Jazz Orchestra will return to the stage with Jazz for the Family, an upbeat set of classic selections and kid-friendly swing numbers. General admission is $15 (it’s free for children under 12).

Visit charlestonjazz.com and jazzartistsofcharleston.org for more info.

Top photo by Mariana Veloso Slater, courtesy of the JAC.

This Sunday, April 27, the 27th annual event is set to take place at the Mt. Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park — a relatively new home for the events after years at Alhambra Hall in Mt. Pleasant’s Old Village neighborhood.

Blessing of the Fleet is presented by the East Cooper Medical Center. The harbor-front get-together has evolved into one of the most highly anticipated events of the year for seafood lovers.

Mt. Pleasant mayor Linda Page recently proclaimed April 22 as the official kickoff of the “2014 Blessing of the Fleet Week.”

Dozens of craft and food vendors will be on hand at the park. Shrimp dishes and other seafood fare will be available. The boat parade is scheduled for 1 p.m. Local variety band Permanent Vacation will hit the stage at 11: 30 a.m. and again at 1:45 p.m. Acoustic singer/guitarist Pete Ledbetter will perform at the end of the pier at 2:30 p.m. Popular Lowcountry oldies/beach ensemble East Coast Party Band (pictured below) — a horn-driven group with an impressive repertoire — will perform two sets of shag-friendly faves and swingin’ hits on the main stage starting at 3 p.m.

Admission is free. Proceeds from sales will benefit the local shrimping industry along with Shem Creek Fisheries. Visit comeonovermp.com and facebook.com/MountPleasantBOTF for more details.

The East Coast Party Band (provided).

The weekly outdoor concerts kick off this weekend at the Charleston Harbor Resort on Patriots Point in Mt. Pleasant.

As always, Party at the Point is situated in a beachy tiki bar/poolside setting along the scenic edge of the Charleston Harbor. The opening event on Friday, April 25 will feature two sets by the Dave Matthews Tribute Band (pictured above) on the main stage between 6-9:30 p.m. Gates will open at 5:30 p.m.

Charleston/Philly-based funk/groove-rock band Long Miles will share the stage with local rock band South Street on Friday, May 2.

Here’s the entire Friday music schedule for the season:

April 25 — The Dave Matthews Tribute Band ($7)
May 2 — Long Miles w/ South Street ($5)
May 9 — Dangermuffin w/ Seven Handle Circus ($7)
May 16 — “A Taste of New Orleans” w/ Lil Brian and the Zydeco Travelers ($5)
May 23 — “Summer Kick-Off Party” w/ The Blue Dogs ($7)
May 30 — Super Deluxe ($5)
June 6 — Sol Driven Train w/ Fowler’s Mustache ($5)
June 13 — Five-Way Friday w/ Scarletta ($7)
June 20 — The Kopecky Family Band w/ Luke Cunningham ($7)
June 27 — “Season Finale” w/ Departure (“The Ultimate Journey Tribute Band”) ($7)

Party at the Point is presented by Ear for Music and local stations 98 Rock and the Bridge 105.5. Sponsors include the Modern Connection and the Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina

“We remember when we first started Party at the Point, and we can’t believe it’s been 14 years,” Ear for Music founder and booking agent Rob Lamble says. “This event has been a lot of fun and has grown over the last few years. The biggest growth for Party at the Point is it will now be a twice-a-year concert series: one in the summer and one in the fall.”

Free parking for the spring series is available on the street near the Charleston Harbor Resort or via valet parking for $5. Visit CharlestonPartyAtThePoint.com for more.

Top photo courtesy of Party at the Point / Little Dog Agency.

Presented by Ford Productions and the busy team at Awendaw Green, the two-day music festival will feature performances by a vibrant mix of local and visiting acts along with savory fare from local food trucks (Lowcountry Creole, Roti Rolls, and Palmetto Party Wagon) and hometown craft brews from Palmetto Brewery and other Lowcountry micros.

Snider regularly performs in the Charleston area, bringing a twangy mix of soul, folk, and rock ‘n’ roll originals and reworkings. As a fan of the Lowcountry music scene and the rustic digs at Awendaw Green and Sewee Outpost, he brainstormed and designed the What the Folk Music Festival earlier this year.

“The What the Folk Festival was formed through a friendship with Todd Snider and his love of playing in this area,” says organizer Brett Ford in a recent release. “The lineup includes musicians that come close to emulating what Todd does as a singer/songwriter. As we plan to make this an annual event, my goal is to continue to have Americana type groups play and get recognized for what they do, since the majority of them don’t receive the radio play or media recognition that they deserve.”

The stage set-ups will resemble other major music festivals at Awendaw Green. Here is the official music schedule for the weekend:

FRIDAY, APRIL 11

6 p.m. — Danielle Howle
6:30 p.m. — Megan Jean and the KFB
7:15 p.m. — HalleyAnna Finlay
8 p.m. — Kevn Kinney (of Drivin’ ‘N Drivin’)
9:15 p.m.  — Todd Snider

SATURDAY, APRIL 12

Noon — Ryan Bonner
1 p.m. — Vinegar Creek Constituency
2 p.m. — Doug Jones
3 p.m. — Sierra Elizabeth Ferrell
3:45 p.m. — Swamp Candy
4:40 p.m. — Caroline Glaser & Liz Longley
6 p.m. — Pierce Edens and the Dirty Work
7:10 p.m. — Charlie Mars
8:30 p.m. — The Bottle Rockets
9:15 p.m. — Todd Snider

Advance tickets are available for $25 for Friday and $35 for Saturday. Camping sites for RVs and tents will be available as well. A portion of the proceeds from festival will benefit Carolina Studios, a local nonprofit organization headed up by musician/educator Mark Bryan (of Hootie and the Blowfish).

Visit whatthefolkfest.org and awendawgreen.com for more info.

Organized by music agency Follywood Productions, the Sea and Sand Festival celebrates the culture and vibes of Folly with local music, local cuisine, and family activities.

On Fri. April 11, the Inaugural Miss Sea & Sand Festival Pageant will take place at Folly River Park at 7:30 p.m.

The Coffin Island 5K Race is set for Sat. April 12 at 8:30 a.m. at the Folly Beach Pier.

The “street party” music schedule on Sat. April 12 starts at 11 a.m. and runs through 5 p.m. with performances by Bret Mosley, the Rusty Hook Ramblers, and the Shakin’ Martinis on the Corona Stage on Hudson Avenue and Sunflowers & Sin, Guilt Ridden Troubadour, and the Folly Beach Reggae Allstars on the Malibu Stage on Ashley Avenue.

Proceeds from a special Silent Auction on Saturday and other events will benefit the Folly Beach Parks & Recreation Department.

On Sunday, April 13, the 4th Annual Sand Sculpting Contest runs from 1-4 p.m. followed by the East Coast Party Band performing oldies and beach music classics on the beach in front of Tides Hotel and Blu Restaurant from 3-6 p.m.

Visit facebook.com/follybeachfestival for more.

Girls Rock Charleston! recently launched an after-school program for girls and transgender youth (ages 13-17) featuring instrument lessons and workshops in which students form their own bands. The program continues through early May at Burke Middle High School in the Rhett Building. A final showcase is scheduled for Sat. May 3.

This spring and summer, Girls Rock Charleston! will need extra volunteers and additional counselors to take on leadership and teaching roles for its new Junior Counselor Program for “high school-aged rockers.” Applications for campers, volunteers, and counselors are due on May 26. They’re available online.

The summer camp will take place at Septima P. Clark Academy on James Island from July 14-18. A live showcase will be held on July 19 at which the campers and the junior counselors will perform.

Organizers will host two volunteer information sessions for those interested in helping out and participating — one at Juanita Greenberg’s on King Street on Sat. April 19 from 4-6 p.m. and another at the Tin Roof in West Ashley on Mon. April 21 from 5-7:30 p.m.

Check out girlsrockcharleston.org for more info.

The event is designed as a tribute and live-band karaoke event featuring a variety of classic and newer material by the veteran Dayton, Ohio-based indie rock band Guided By Voices — mostly from 1994’s influential Bee Thousand and the late-’90s follow-ups Alien Lanes and Under the Bushes Under the Stars … and possibly a track from their latest collection, Motivational Jumpsuit.

Expect a joyful, jumpy blend of power-pop, garage rock, and British Invasion rockstuff and plenty of high-kickin’ impersonations of lead singer Robert Pollard. Hanley and multi-instrumentalist Scott Dence (of Boring Portals, Dumb Doctors) will comprise the core “backing band.”

Many veteran Lowcountry musicians have fond memories of the GBV’s raw, refreshingly uncorrupted rock sound and pop sensibilities. During the heaviest most rocking moments of their classic performances, Pollard would swing his microphone like a spazzed-out Roger Daltrey and deliver soccer-punt high kicks. The group’s solid delivery and cool personality made a powerful impression on many who were hearing and seeing the band for the first time.

A poster for the “Guided by Your Voices” show reads: “We supply the sound, a wig, a shirt shirt, and a taped mic. You supply the vocals, the leg kicks, and the swagger.”

The club is open.

Visit tattooedmoose.com and gbv.com for more.