Big Wednesday Night Show for Joe

For every local musician out there who yearns to play live at some venue, tour outside their hometown, or have their new album heard by someone, there is a small army of non-musicians that helps make that happen. Be it a journalist like myself, publicist, club owner, or head of an independent label, there is a symbiotic relationship that exists between artists and the folks who support them. 

Here in Charleston when a musician falls on hard times, more often than not the community finds a way to help. It happened earlier this year at the Mac'n at the 'Drome benefit concert for Mac Leaphart, who was sidelined late last year with a brain tumor. 

Mac Leaphart (photo by Sarah Hinds)

A small army of musicians, radio folk, techies, and fans came out to raise money to help Leaphart, who has since returned to performing. It's happening right now in the case of Nick Collins, the guitarist and vocalist in the local band Fowler's Mustache.

Nick Collins

Earlier this month, Collins was involved in a horrible car accident where he was first ejected from the back of a vehicle, and then had his legs run over by an 18-wheeler. Collins has had most of his left leg amputated as a result, and faces a long road to recovery. The outpouring of generosity for Collins from the community has already been amazing, and more offers to help keep rolling in. 

The latest member of the local entertainment community in need of assistance is someone I consider a friend. Joe Meli was a majority owner of two legendary nightclubs in North Charleston. As a 20-something part-time radio deejay in the 1990s, I saw many a great show at the Carolina Concert Stage, part of the Desperados complex. Blues Traveler, Sheryl Crow, Crowded House, De La Soul and A Tribe Called Quest are just a few of the great acts I got to see there. Later on, after Desperados closed, Meli and his partners opened The Plex just down the street on Aviation Avenue. By then I was reviewing concerts for the Post & Courier, and I had the chance to experience a dizzying array of acts there, including Violent Femmes, My Morning Jacket, Tom Jones, Cake, Styx, Ted Nugent, George Clinton, The Black Crowes, and The Cult. During my time covering those shows, I was treated quite well by Meli, Bob Shipley, and the rest of the folks at The Plex. Sure, I was there to review the shows they were putting on, so it behooved them to give me access, but Meli was always there with a smile, asking me how the family was, and what else was going on in my life. He's a good guy. After The Plex closed a few years ago, Meli and I lost touch, so it was quite shocking when Shipley contacted me recently to let me know that Meli was dealing with some serious health issues. I won't go into what he's been through, but suffice to say its more than one person should have to deal with in a lifetime. 

Back to the generosity of the local entertainment community. To help Meli with his medical expenses, Shipley is spearheading a benefit show at the Hippodrome downtown.

It's the same venue that hosted the Mac Leaphart benefit show I mentioned earlier. The benefit/appreciation comedy show for Meli will take place this coming Wednesday, August 29th, and will feature nationally recognized stand-up comedians Jerry Farber, Shaun Jones, Just June, Brian Shirley, and Dave Ugly. You get a full evening of comedy for just $20 and the money will go to help pay Meli's medical bills. I plan to be there, if only to see my friend and let him know he's appreciated. I urge anyone reading this who may have been affected by Meli's work—be it as an employee or a customer—to come out and enjoy the evening. Doors are at 7 p.m., and the show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are available in advance at the Hippodrome, The Dog and Duck in Mt. Pleasant, The Noisy Oyster (North Charleston and downtown locations), and the Firewater Grille. Come on out and have a laugh with Joe.