Apr 24 2009
Beach Music Day Brings Palmetto Tradition to State Museum May 16
South Carolina beach music fans will have plenty of reason to dust off their shaggin’ shoes May 16 as the official popular music of the Palmetto State returns to South Carolina’s cultural mecca. The South Carolina State Museum has joined forces with the Beach Music Association International (BMAI) to present Beach Music Day 2009.
“May 16 is the date, 7-11 p.m. is the time, and the State Museum is the place,” said an excited Harry Turner, president and CEO of BMAI. This year, the association will combine several terrific artists into the Soul City Classics Revue.
Twice during the evening the Revue will present some of beach music’s greatest performers, including: Billy Scott, Caesar, Marissa Holiday, Clay Brown and Unisoghn.Each set of the Revue will be followed by the great groove and exciting sounds of Mama’s Home Cookin’.
“Speaking of cooking – aside from the cooking going on onstage and on the dance floor – great food and drink also will be available for purchase for hungry dancers,” said Meika Samuel, the State Museum’s director of public programs. In addition, members of the Capital City Shag Club will demonstrate some fancy shag footwork to help pros or beginners improve their moves or learn the state dance during the breaks between acts.“This evening of fun and dance is a demonstration of how the State Museum seeks to preserve and perpetuate – and present to the citizens of the Palmetto State – a part of the unique culture of South Carolina,” said Samuel.
“We hope to have a large and enthusiastic crowd come out and celebrate spring with the joyous dance and music that is such a vital part of our state’s heritage. If you shag, bring your friends and come strut your stuff. If you don’t, come and listen, learn and immerse yourself in Carolina culture.”
Tickets are just $10 in advance and $15 on the day of the event, and may be purchased at the museum ticket desk or online at www.southcarolinastatemuseum.org . Museum members receive discount admission, just $8 in advance or $10 on the day of the event. Beach fans may also order tickets by phone at (803) 898-4936.
This discount on this great event is just one more way that it pays to be a member of the State Museum,” said Membership Manager Jennifer Thrailkill. Membership includes many benefits such as free museum admission year-round, 10 percent off shopping at the museum store, the Cotton Mill Exchange, and in the museum’s Crescent Café, as well as free passes for friends and family and much more.
For more information on this spring celebration of South Carolina culture and major fun, call (803) 898-4952 or visit www.southcarolinastatemuseum.org.
