March Blog

Ear For Music Moves Across The River

With the new year comes a new office; Ear For Music relocates to Mt. Pleasant, SC. It has been a fun and wild ride in the heart of Charleston, SC, but we are ready for a change in scenery. You will now be able to find us in the up and coming town of Mt. Pleasant at 1007 Johnnie Dodds Blvd, suite 100. Out team is over the moon with this new modern office space. The building itself is shared among plenty of new and unique start-up companies that we can't wait to possibly team up with for some exciting new projects. Our new office space also gives us access to shared conference rooms and huddle rooms. We can't wait for you to visit us at our new location and continue to work with us here at Ear For Music. 

Little Bird Live at The Commodore

If you were one of the lucky ones who caught Little Bird at Woolfe Street Playhouse a few months ago, then you know just how amazingly talented they are and you know just how unique the venue is at Woolfe Street Playhouse. However, if you missed them then here is your second chance to see Little Bird, check out a hip venue, and kill two birds with one stone. The first bird is Little Bird, they will be live at The Commodore on April 6, 2017. Little Bird hails from Annapolis, MD and has called Charleston, SC home for the past two years. They blend surf rock, jazz, and Americana into a high energy killer live show. In 2015 and 2016, the band played and headlined festivals such as Bayfunk, Pink Moon, Silopanna, Doah, EastPortaRockin' and more. Little Bird has also shared the stage with G. Love & Special Sauce, Pressing Strings, Long Miles, Fortunate Youth, and many more. Little Bird will continue their bird call at The Commodore on April 6, 2017.

The second bird is The Commodore, a local vintage bar and music venue. This posh venue has hosted many jazz and soul bands over the years. The Commodore building, formerly known as A Touch of Class, has occupied its spot on Meeting Street since the 1950s. These walls have witnessed the greats from the jazz, soul, and funk era such as James Brown and Marvin Gaye. On April 6, 2017, The Commodore is excited to have Little Bird imprint their music into its walls, too. 

Greg Humphreys Electric Trio at The Commodore

Who's ready to have an electric time with Greg Humphreys Electric Trio at The Commodore on Thursday, May 11th. Fresh off their debut of "Lucky Guy", Greg Humphrey and his Electric Trio are ready to positively charge the dance floor and have their music resonate throughout the venue. "Lucky Guy" is their debut album that finds the critically acclaimed artist creatively invigorated. Within this album, you will find your ears tickled with sweetly soulful Americana and raucous roots rock that showcases Humphreys' elegant virtuosity and his heartfelt songwriting. Greg Humphreys Electric Trio and The Commodore is a match made in heaven, and it would be sinful to miss them on Thursday, May 11th. 

Diner En Blanc - Charleston, 4/27

We are absolutely charmed by this exquisite event better known as Diner En Blanc. This elegant large-scale picnic that originated in Paris will be gracing the lovely town of Charleston, SC in a top secret location that will be revealed at the very last minute. The eloquent Le Diner en Blanc recalls elegance and glamour of French Court Society. Draped in all white with the comportment of the greatest decorum and etiquette, patrons gather for a mass "chic picnic" in a public space that is kept secret until just minutes before their arrival. Over the course of the evening, guests from different backgrounds engage one another, experiencing the beauty and value of their city's public space by participating in the unexpected. Beyond the spectacle and refined elegance of the dinner itself, guests are brought together from diverse backgrounds by a love of beauty and good taste. Feel free to glance at their Facebook page and website for more information. 

We Love Our Clients

We absolutely love receiving reviews like this from our clients! We love music and what we do and here is the proof. Great job DJ R Dot! 

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. 

Rockin' The River with Ellen Drive and Jump Castle Riot- 8/11

"Did Ellen drive to the jump castle for a riot?"
"Um...no. But, you can catch Ellen Drive AND Jump Castle Riot at Riverfront Park on Thursday, August 11th for the second to last Rockin' The River."

Can you believe it is already the second to last Rockin' The River for this year, and that there are only four more months left for this year, too? We can't either! If you feel like time keeps slipping away without any memories to go with it, then you need to change that and go see Ellen Drive and Jump Castle Riot this Thursday at Rockin' The River. Ellen Drive is a jazz, R&B, and rock band that reigns from Summerville, SC. They consist of a four-man band with Randall Fowler as frontman, Aron Robinson on drums, Justin Hodge on guitar and vocals, and Andy Freeman on bass. Teaming up with Ellen Drive is Jump Castle Riot. 

Jump Castle Riot is a blues/rock band from Charleston, SC. They consist of a female and male four-piece ensemble with Nina-Rose Murchison on vocals and guitar, Julia Van Raalte on guitar and vocals, Asher Dibernardo on drums, and Richard Hartnett on bass. Since their formation in 2015, Jump Castle Riot has performed with a variety of people including The Travelin' Kine, Dead 27's, Atlas Road Crew, Elise Testone, Thomas Champagne, and blues legend Buddy Guy. So, come make another lasting memory for this year and see Ellen Drive and Jump Castle Riot this Thursday, August 11th at Rockin' The River. 

Join us next week for the last Rockin' The River, on August 18th, with Departure:  The Ultimate Journey Tribute Band. This is a FREE show with FREE parking thanks to Ear for Music, Icebox, and the City of North Charleston. 

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. 

Rockin' The River with The Dave Matthews Tribute Band--August 4th

"Where are you going?"

"To Grey Street."

"Why?"

"To listen to the song that Jane likes at Riverfront Park."

"Oh nice! But don't drink the water!"

"Don't worry. I'll let it crash into me instead." 

But, instead of Grey Street make sure you go to 1001 Everglades Dr, North Charleston, SC on Thursday, August 4th at 5:30pm to catch The Dave Matthews Tribute Band. The Dave Matthews Tribute Band is the only nationally touring tribute to the Dave Matthews Band. This 6-piece ensemble's goal is to pay homage to their famous counterparts by matching the excitement, energy, intensity and intimacy of a Dave Matthews Band live show. Many people agree that these guys sound like the real Dave Matthews Band. Even Rick Grant of Entertaining U in Jacksonville, FL said, "The Dave Matthews Tribute Band turned out to exceed its billing as a quality improvisational band that uses Dave Matthews material as themes to improvise. Clearly, this distinguishes them from their other so-called tribute bands. The band is exceptionally tight and produces a solid groove over which the players improvise with hot chops." So, come on out and join us for the next Rockin' The River this Thursday, August 4th at Riverfront Park in North Charleston gates at 5:30pm and show starts at 6:30 with The Dave Matthews Tribute Band. 

Don't miss out on next week's Rockin' The River with Ellen Drive and Jump Castle Riot on Thursday, August 11th at Riverfront Park in North Charleston. 

Rockin' The River with The Dubplates--July 28th

What? Can this be true? The Dubplates are back?! Yup, you heard that right. The Dubplates are back and better than ever, but this time at Rockin' The River at Riverfront Park this Thursday at 5:30pm. The Dubplates, a reggae/dancehall riddim band born and raised in Charleston, draws much of its identity from the diversity of both its members and its fanbase. Performing with anywhere between seven and ten members, the Dubplates are a combination of traditional Jamaican Patwah and Lowcountry pride. Charleston native Dave "Big Hair" Brisacher started the band with his business partner "Daddy" Brady Waggoner back in 2002 as Dub Island Sound System. Somewhere between 2007 and 2008, the band brought in a full horn section, a few more vocalists and percussionists, and became the Dubplates. They have been the backing band for great names such as Tanya Stephens, Zumjay, and Future Fambo. So, come on out to Riverfront Park on Thursday, July 28th gates at 5:30pm and show starts at 6:30pm and enjoy great music by The Dubplates and a tasty dish and drink from one of our many food trucks and our wine/beer garden. This is a FREE show with FREE parking thanks to the gracious people at City of North Charleston, Icebox, and Ear For Music. 

Don't forget to join us next week for another Rockin' The River with The Dave Matthews Tribute Band on Thursday, August 4th at 5:30pm. 

It's Time To Get Funky with Super Deluxe at Rockin' The River on July 21st

Are you ready to get down and funky this Thursday to some of your all time favorite songs? If so, then we have you covered! We present to you Rockin' The River with Super Deluxe, Charleston's premiere party band, this Thursday, July 21st at 6:30pm. Super Deluxe is led by founder, lead singer and saxophonist, Wilton Elder. He started the group in 2008 with the goal of being the area's ultimate cover band, and a long list of satisfied clients would say he has accomplished just that. Super Deluxe is ready to jump-start your weekend with some of the greatest hits from the 20th and 21st century. They have a plethora of amazing songs such as "ABC" by The Jackson 5, "Bennie and The Jets", "Can't Stop the Feeling" by Justin Timberlake, and "Kiss" by Prince. But, in order to enjoy this fun-filled night, you will have to come out to Riverfront Park in North Charleston to see which groove-infused songs they will play for you on Thursday, July 21st doors at 5:30pm, show starts at 6:30pm and goes until 9:30pm. 

Don't forget to join us next Thursday for more Rockin' The River with The Dubplates. 

Kick Your Boots Off with Sgt. Submarine and Bootless July 14th & 15th

Party at the Point with Sgt. Submarine (A Tribute to The Beatles), July 15th 

Come together right now with Sgt. Submarine this Friday, July 15th at Party at the Point. Sgt. Submarine is the Lowcountrys very own Beatles cover band with over twenty years of experience playing Beatles shows. They play everything from early mop-top Beatles, bearded Beatles, to solo Beatles. So, whichever version of The Beatles you like best, Sgt. Submarine is sure to deliver. Whether you have hair down to your knees or live in a yellow submarine, we want you to help close-out our final Party at the Point this season on Friday, July 15th at 5:30pm. 

Rockin' The River with Bootless, July 14th

But, before you twist and shout the night away on Friday come out and join us at Charleston’s premiere homegrown music series on Thursday, July 14th at Rockin’ The River with Bootless from 5:30pm to 9:30pm. Rockin’ The River is a North Charleston, South Carolina monthly concert series held at Riverfront Park North Charleston. This week Bootless, a local original country/southern rock band, will take over the stage. They successfully blend country-themed lyrics with soulful harmonies and a dash of rock and roll. So, come out and join us at Riverfront Park this Thursday, July 14th and grab a tasty dish from one of our many food trucks and a refreshing drink from our beer and wine garden that we will have on-site. Finally, to put the cherry on top of this homegrown music-filled night, both admission and parking are free! Gates open at 5:30pm and Bootless will take the stage from 6:30pm to 9:30pm. Can’t wait to see all of your smiling faces in this beautiful place this Thursday and Friday!

July Newsletter

Sorry Florence + the Machine, but the dog days are not over. In fact, they are just beginning, but no worries we have a plethora of exciting events to beat this heat! With Party at the Point getting ready to close out another stellar season, Rockin’ the River is ready to take over the mic, not to mention Prohibition coming at you with A/C and live music, we have had a lot on our plate and could not be more pleased about it. Here are some things that we have been up to that we are thrilled to share with you: 

Party at the Point Featuring The Dubplates and Sgt. Submarine (A Tribute to The Beatles)

The Dubplates are a traditional reggae riddim band whose main goal is to force people to feel the love and happiness that lives in Reggae music. So, come help us spread the love on a sandy front over-looking the water with a drink in hand a good vibes in the air on Friday, July 8th at 5:30pm.

We all live in a yellow submarine with Sgt. Submarine (A Tribute to The Beatles) on Friday, July 15th. With Sgt. Submarine in command, you will be transported back to the ‘60s because your mind will be playing tricks on you making you believe you are both seeing and hearing Paul McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr. Unfortunately it is still 2016, but if you want a night of time travel across the universe then come join us on Friday July 15th at 5:30pm and twist and shout your way into the night to the songs of The Beatles. 

Rockin’ the River is Back!

Ah, how we have missed Riverfront Park in North Charleston. It's almost time to go take in the breathtaking views of the Cooper River all around you at the Rockin' the River concert series. RTR will begin on Thursday July 14th with Bootless and continue through Thursday August 18th with Departure (The Ultimate Journey Band). 

Riverfront Series

 With Rebelution under our belt, we are excited to help bring the rest of the shows to you! So, come out and join us for Slightly Stoopid on July 31st, O.A.R. on August 20th, and a two-night finale with Umphrey’s McGee on September 23-24th at the beautiful Riverfront Park in North Charleston. 

Rocket Man at Charleston Music Hall

                We are excited 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 August 6th at 8pm. 

Blue Dogs Are Back Barking Again!

 This year Blue Dogs 4th Annual Homecoming and 28th Anniversary Show will take place at Charleston Music Hall on December 28th at 8pm. Tickets have already gone on sale, so get yours now before it’s too late! An Americana group from Charleston, The Blue Dogs are a huge hit among country-rock fans. The band has released nine albums and has performed on the same stage with several well-known and diverse artists including Willie Nelson, Widespread Panic, Bruce Hornsby, Edwin McCain, Radney Foster, Hootie and the Blowfish and more.  The Blue Dogs have an annual Homecoming show at the Charleston Music Hall that raised over $50,000.00 for the new MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital and also went towards pediatric cancer research.  Ear For Music is proud to work with the Blue Dogs on this annual event and be a part of raising funds for such an important cause plus, it's really fun to work with some of our dearest friends. 

EFM Weddings

Good music and everlasting love is in the air this season, especially when you book through Ear For Music. We are already super busy booking weddings all the way through the end of 2017! Make sure to call us and plan ahead and get your choice of all the amazing artists and DJs we work with including DJ Natty Heavy, DJ RDot, and DJ YNot. We literally live to make your big day the most special and memorable that it can possibly be—ask any of our satisfied clients! 

Ear for Music did a phenomenal job for my bride and groom's wedding at Founders hall!  From the very beginning, they were a joy to work with and Erika was quick to respond to every call and email!  We adored DJ rDOT!  He did a wonderful job at the ceremony and was very professional and kind.  He brought the house down at the reception and everyone was on that dance floor!  He does a great job knowing what the guests want!  I strongly recommend EFM.  You won't be sorry!! 

-Lauren Messina, ASID, NCIDQ 

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!