The Budweiser Lowcountry Blues Bash® is Charleston, South Carolina’s annual celebration of authentic blues music. With ten days of performances in select clubs, restaurants, hotels, and other venues, the Bash boasts some of the most innovative blues festival programming in North America. It’s all there -- from traditional to post-modern, from underappreciated downhome veterans to provocative up-and-coming talent, you will find The Budweiser Lowcountry Blues Bash to be delight for blues purists and new fans alike.
What's new for 2004
Real Folk Blues -- a series of early-start (8 pm), no- smoking, listener-friendly concerts in the delightful confines of Gage Hall. This is our first time using this performance space and we are thrilled -- great acoustics and very intimate. Gage Hall is located on Archdale Street at the intersection with Clifford St. (extension of Cumberland St.); only one block off King Street (please see map). Advance tickets are highly recommended as Gage Hall holds slightly more than 80 (eighty). See "Advance Tickets" for ordering info. Soft drinks, snacks available for purchase. All concerts start at 8 pm and finish by 10 pm (two sets with brief intermission).
The 'Real Folk Blues' series includes:
Friday, Feb. 6:
Memphis Gold, with special guest Charlie Sayles.
Saturday, Feb. 7:
Juke Joint Johnny & Silky Sam.
Sunday, Feb. 8:
The Wiyo's
Friday, February 13:
Drink Small (acoustic)
Saturday, February 14:
Wes Mackey.
Films at the Charleston County Library -- As a bonus this Bash, the Charleston County Library will present "The Blues" series produced by Martin Scorcese and aired on ETV during October, 2003. If you missed some or all of this controversial seven-part series, here is your chance to catch up. Each film is 90-minutes long and will be shown in the Library's auditorium. Please note that the film series starts on Wed. Feb. 4, two days before the first live performances of Blues Bash 2004.
Wed. Feb. 4, 6:30 pm:
"From Mali to Mississippi"
Thurs. Feb. 5, 6:30 pm:
"Warming By the Devil's Fire"
Fri. Feb. 6, 6:30 pm:
"The Road to Memphis"
Tues. Feb. 10, 6:30 pm:
"The Soul of a Man"
Wed. Feb. 11, 6:30 pm:
"Piano Blues"
Thurs. Feb. 12, 6:30 pm:
"Godfathers and Sons"
Sun. Feb. 15, 2:30 pm:
"Red, White, and Blues"
Performances
The Blues Bash offers a vast range of performances (see schedule) held at a number of locations in both downtown Charleston and adjacent communities. Many of these are small, intimate venues; perfect places to enjoy blues music.
Venues Information
It is recommended you arrive early in most cases. Nightclub performances are essentially for blues fans twenty-one years of age or older. These performances ordinarily begin at 9:30-10:00pm. Other performances (of which there are many) in non-nightclub venues (restaurants, hotels, etc.) are all-ages and range from afternoons to evenings. Handicapped access varies according to venue. Please call ahead!
Contests & Promotions
Autographed guitar raffle to benefit Blues Relief Fund: Again this year, MBT International is donating a NEW GUITAR (a JB Player electric or acoustic; t.b.a.) TO BE RAFFLED OFF to benefit the Lowcountry Blues Relief Fund. The Blues Relief Fund is our emergency fund for blues musicians. Since its inception (year 2000), the Fund has helped numerous needy individiuals in our area and beyond. The cool thing is that, each year, we have all the artists of the Blues Bash autograph this guitar before we raffle it off (drawing will be February 15, 2004 at Cumberlands). You do not need to be present to win. In fact, you do not need to be present to buy raffle tickets! Tickets are only $1 each (make check payable to Lowcountry Blues Relief Fund)...send a note with your check to Blues Relief Fund, POB 13525, Charleston, SC 29422. We will ship the AUTOGRAPHED GUITAR if necessary (last year's guitar was shipped to the winner in Georgia). From the bottom of our hearts, thank you!
About Charleston
Founded in 1670, Charleston, South Carolina, is one of America’s loveliest cities, priding itself in a subtropical climate, a rich history, natural beauty, a fascinating mix of cultures, and a full range of services and accommodations. For general information on transportation, lodging, restaurants, etc., please check the Charleston Convention & Visitors’ Bureau home page.
Sponsors
The Budweiser Lowcountry Blues Bash® is made possible through the vital support of the following sponsors:
