In addition to Charleston’s award-winning cuisine, deep-rooted history and thriving art scene, our destination’s culture is defined through the music of the Lowcountry. The Charleston area’s rich musical history includes plantation era spirituals, Civil War camp songs and native Darius Rucker, the platinum certified singer whose second solo album is titled Charleston SC 1966. Bluegrass, jazz, Gullah spirituals – it’s the soundtrack to every season in Charleston. Scroll through our guide and experience the music of the Lowcountry for yourself!
Paired with live jazz every evening, this clubby restaurant located in the luxurious Charleston Place hotel is a favorite of locals and visitors alike.
82 Queen
It is impossible to calculate how many bowls of She Crab soup are consumed in the Lowcountry daily, but it is a sure bet that 82 Queen has served more of the Lowcountry specialty than any other restaurant on the peninsula. Go for the dish and stay for the live jazz in their courtyard every Thursday at 9:30 PM.
Halls Chophouse
Savor the soulful sounds of gospel music alongside a steak omelet and Halls' Famous Bloody Mary during the Sunday Gospel Brunch.
Charleston Gaillard Center
A lively hub for artistic and intellectual creativity, Charleston’s first-ever concert hall is a major musical milestone for the city’s cultural life. Designed in the tradition of a European opera house, the Gaillard Center Performance Hall is built to deliver an unforgettable experience for artists and audiences alike. The venue boasts a 1,800-seat hall complete with an orchestra level and pit, three tiers of balconies and both lower and upper-level galleries.
5Church
Head to 5Church Wednesday nights from 6 - 10 PM for live music, a sophisticated scene and world-class cuisine by Top Chef Alum Chef Jamie Lynch.
Elliott House Inn
Check in to the Elliott House Inn and enjoy live music once a month during the Inn's complimentary wine & cheese reception in the hidden courtyard.
The Rooftop at The Vendue
The Rooftop at The Vendue, Charleston's art boutique hotel, provides sweeping views of Charleston Harbor, Waterfront Park and the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. Enjoy refreshing cocktails and live music every Sunday from 6 - 9 PM.
HarbourView Inn
Overlooking Charleston Harbor and steps away from Waterfront Park, HarbourView Inn's rooftop offers one of the best views in town, as well as live music for hotel guests every Friday from 5 - 6 PM.
Thoroughbred Club at Charleston Place
Classic bartenders reign over a sophisticated lounge atmosphere filled with dark wood and rich leather. Sip and savor fine handcrafted cocktails, like the iconic Mouzon Mash, while indulging in savory bites from the tapas menu. This cozy space is complete with a fireplace, nightly live entertainment, and a lushly landscaped patio open seasonally.
Bay Street Biergarten
From 90s boy band tributes to local country musicians, Bay Street Biergarten's calendar is chock full of live music events!
Gibbes Museum of Art
With more than 10,000 works of art in permanent collection, there is a colorful canvas or intriguing object to spark every imagination at the Gibbes Museum of Art. Visit in the spring to catch their live concert series in partnership with Charleston Music Hall or stop by in the summer for live jazz and poetry inside the gallery in partnership with Charleston Jazz!
Home Team BBQ
Head to Home Team for finger licking good BBQ, brew and live "pop up" bands downtown, and every Tuesday and Wednesday at 7 PM at the West Ashley location.
Charleston Music Hall
The Charleston Music Hall is the perfect venue for shows of all varieties. Boasting the best acoustics in town, the Music Hall is a listening room and intimate theatre in which the audience and the artist can interact on a more personal level.
High Cotton
Enjoy Southern favorites, including buttermilk fried oysters and Lowcountry boil, along with the sounds of jazz in a classic Charleston setting complete with heart pine floors and antique brick at High Cotton.
Freshfields Village
Grab your beach chairs or blankets and mark your calendar for 6 - 9 PM each summer Friday for Music on the Green, a complimentary concert at Freshfields Village!
Andell Inn
Check in to this charming boutique hotel, situated on Kiawah Island and nestled within Freshfields Village, and enjoy live jazz music every Thursday from 6 - 8 PM.
Pier 101
Located on the Folly Beach fishing pier, Pier 101 offers one of the best ocean views in Charleston. With live music every weekend, this seafood spot is a must.
BLU
BLU combines spectacular views with a menu dominated by sustainable seafood, regional flavors and local ingredients. Located within the Tides hotel on Folly Beach, it’s the perfect weekend spot for live music and beach hangs.
Home Team BBQ - Sullivan's Island
Re-fuel & refresh after a sunny Sullivan's Island day at the beach with Home Team BBQ's bites, cold brew and live music every first Friday of the month at 10 PM.
HonkyTonk Saloon
Strap on your boots and head to the Lowcountry's only country music venue for award-winning BBQ, live music and a good time.
Boone Hall Plantation
Learn about Gullah culture during Boone Hall's live presentations. The educational performances, featuring Gullah singers, take place at The Gullah Theater.
Colour of Music Festival
The Colour of Music Festival offers a musical kaleidoscope highlighting the impact and historical significance of black classical composers and performers on American and world culture. The festival delivers a global offering of the leading black artists with featured performers from France, Colombia, Great Britain and the Caribbean. The festival will take place this year October 24 - 28 in Charleston.
The Sound of Charleston
From Gospel spirituals to jazz and light classics, The Sound of Charleston helps define Charleston's rich heritage, and is our soundtrack to every season.
Spirituals Concert
Christmastime at Drayton Hall, the meticulously preserved 270-year-old plantation house perched on the Ashley River, is truly special. Native Gullah spirituals, by Ann Caldwell and The Magnolia Singers, soar through the night air during Drayton Hall's Spirituals Concerts, a can't-miss around the holidays.
Spoleto Festival USA
The Charleston area is electrified by 17 days and nights of round-the-clock performances during Spoleto Festival USA. Scores of venues hum with the energy opera, jazz, theatre, orchestral, chamber, contemporary music, literary and visual artists during this internationally renowned compendium of talent.
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