Ticker: News Bits from Charleston’s Music Scene, Nov. 21
Weird New Scientists
A new version of veteran Charleston cover band Weird Science (described by fans as “Charleston’s favorite ’80s cheese) will hit the Windjammer stage on Sat. Nov. 24. Drummer John Befumo, singer/guitarist Jason Gantt, and lead guitarist Donnie Polk recently welcomed bassist Jeff Bateman (of the Stud Farm) and keyboardist Jim Hall (formerly of MacDaddy) to the lineup.
Donnie Polk of Weird Science
Former keyboardist/guitarist/singer Jason Cooper and former bassist Chris McClernon are currently working together in an acoustic Americana combo called Dem Taylor Boys and a new Pink Floyd tribute project called Ordinary Men. They recently performed Dark Side of the Moon in its entirety at the Tin Roof.
Weird Science’s Windjammer show starts at 9:30 p.m. Admission is $7. Visit the-windjammer.com for more.
Jazz Jam Rained Out
The Third Annual Charleston Jazz Jam that was scheduled for Sun. Nov. 18 was rained out and will be rescheduled. Presented by the Charleston Jazz Club, an organization founded in 2009 by Charleston-based businessman Dennis Fassuliotis, partnered with Awendaw Green and Steve Simon Presents to host the concert at the Barn Stage at Awendaw Green. Bassist Jamie Harris, guitarist Joe Wilson, pianist Patience Clements, drummer Anthony Constantine, percussionist Gino Castillo, and guitarist Duda Lucena were among the featured players on the roster. According to Awendaw Green’s Eddie White, they plan to reschedule the jam session in the spring of 2013. Visit facebook.com/chasjazzclub and awendawgreen.com for more.
Duncan Sheik Headlines Oysters on the Point
New York based songwriter Duncan Sheik (pictured above) will headline the Oysters on the Point event on Sat. Dec. 1 at the Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina. A award-winning musician and composer, Sheik made his first splash in the pop world with his 1996 self-titled debut, featuring the hit single “Barely Breathing.” He won a Grammy and Tony award in 2008 for writing the musical score for the hit Broadway musical Spring Awakening. Sheik’s latest disc is Covers ’80s Remixed, a remixed edition of his 2011 album Covers ’80s, which touched on his favorite pop songs from his teen years.
The last time Sheik came to town was in 2008 for a show at the Sottile Theater. The Oysters on the Point concert features opening acts Alpha Rev and Courier, too. Presented by Ear for Music, 105.5 The Bridge, and 98 Rock, the event runs from 2-6 p.m. Admission is $5. Visit duncansheik.com for more.
Slow Runner’s Josh Kaler and Michael Flynn
Slow Runner Hustles to the Circular Congregational Church
Awendaw Green and Suncoast Production present another installment of their Charleston Listening Room series on Sat. Dec. 1 at the Circular Congregational Church. Charleston pop/rock project Slow Runner — featuring singer/pianist Michael Flynn and guitarist Josh Kaler — will headline with support from fellow Charlestonian Rachel Kate (a.k.a. Rachel Kate Gillon) of the Local Honeys.
“We’ve never played this venue before, and we really want it to be a memorable night, so we’re pulling out all the stops on this one,” says Flynn. He and Kaler have been recording and releasing singles throughout the year. Their latest digital release is a tune titled “XXX.” Look for a rerelease of their album No Disassemble next month as well. The all-ages show starts at 8 p.m. Admission is $12. Visit slowrunnermusic.com and awendawgreen.com for more.
Jefferson Coker
Jefferson Coker Issues New Slab
Summerville-based singer/songwriter Jefferson Coker and his band have a new album titled What Were You Expecting ready for release this winter. Coker recorded 11 tracks with Isle of Palms musician/producer Jig Wiggler earlier this year with backing from drummer Chris French, bassist Ricky Feagin, keyboardist Greg Winkler, and mandolin/harmonica man David Grunstra.
Coker, 37, regularly plays around the Lowcountry with a full backing band and as a solo act. Last year, he released a debut album titled Freedom. The Jefferson Coker Band’s official CD release show is set for Fri. Jan. 11 at the Windjammer with support from local quartet Sarah Cole and the Hawkes.
Coker performs several shows this week, including Fri. Nov. 23 at Montreux in Summerville at 10 p.m. and Sat. Nov. 24 at Snapper Jack’s on Folly Beach at 10 p.m. Visit facebook.com/jefferson.coker for more.
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About the Author
Ballard Lesemann is a musician and writer. Born and raised in Charleston, S.C., he spent years playing in bands and working for Flagpole Magazine in the bustling music town of Athens, Ga. He returned to his hometown and served more than seven years as the Charleston City Paper's music editor. He's better at drumming than he is at playing guitar.
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