City Lifestyle

Want to start a publication?

Learn More

Featured Article

Sounds of Summer

Aiken's Summer Musical Offerings

Article by Nikita Hanif

Photography by Gayle Bryan and Provided

Originally published in Aiken City Lifestyle

Music has methodically shaped our world since the dawn of time. The melodies, the lyrics, the intermingling of skin tingling sounds work like a cohesive binder to bring us together even if only for a moment. Time shifts to a more leisurely pace as that first harmonic note is sung and you catch a couple locking eyes in acknowledgment over a shared memory surrounded in music, you see a toddler dancing haphazardly to a catchy tune, or you see a tear slowly roll down a time-weathered cheek as a moment long forgotten becomes alive again. Music is a generous gift, and Aiken and its surrounding areas are continuously drenched in its rhythmic blessings. If music is your preferred calling card, you will find three stellar local options to satiate your tastes this summer: Amp the Alley in Downtown Aiken on Thursday nights, the Aiken Music Fest at the Highfields Event Center and Three Star Vineyard and Orchard.

Amp the Alley 

The Alley in Downtown Aiken, SC

Get lost under the twinkling lights of The Alley and walk down her paved thoroughfare on Thursday nights and saturate yourself in live music. Every Thursday you can enjoy enticing bands of various genres. The notes hit differently as you co-mingle with locals and enjoy the historic atmosphere and familial vibe of this musical tradition. 

Aiken Music Fest 

Highfields Event Center

If you long for the unadulterated clarity of sound you find in an open expanse of grassy fields, then the Aiken Music Fest is ready to romanticize you. Saturday nights are magical under the open sky and filled with unimaginable musical talent. Grab a blanket and bring the family or a special someone for a memorable experience. 

Three Star Vineyard and Orchard

Johnston, SC

Meander on down to Johnston, South Carolina, and you won’t just find muscadine and scuppernong vines but a venue boasting impressive musical selections. Step into an electric atmosphere that almost feels too grand for the countryside but somehow is perfectly balanced. The venue, the music, and the wine form a symbiotic relationship that favors any visitor. 

UPCOMING SHOWS

July 8th, 2023

Soulful Reunion Music Festival

172 Holmes Pond Road Johnston, SC

threestarvando.com

July 20th, 2023

Kenny George

The Alley, Aiken, SC

ampthealley.com

July 27th, 2023

Forest Colter

The Alley, Aiken, SC

ampthealley.com

August 10th, 2023

Ruskin Yeargain

The Alley, Aiken, SC

ampthealley.com 

August 12th, 2023

Hustle Souls

118 Gaston Road NE Aiken, SC 

aikenmusicfest.com

August 24th, 2023

Muz Mercer 

The Alley, Aiken, SC

ampthealley.com

September 1st, 2023

Captain Midnight Band

118 Gaston Road NE Aiken, SC

aikenmusicfest.com

October 13th, 2023

Big Sky Revival

118 Gaston Road NE Aiken, SC

aikenmusicfest.com

Businesses featured in this article