Music and Local Beer on Tap for Charleston Beer Fest

by Robin Gibson

A dozen musical acts are scheduled to perform on two stages at the Charleston Beer Fest from noon to 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 18 at Riverfront Park in North Charleston.

Presented by Tabor Mortgage Group, Charleston Beer Fest will feature 40 breweries from around North and South Carolina pouring more than 80 craft brews from IPAs, reds, ales, stouts, sours, ciders and many more styles.

Moving to Riverfront Park in North Charleston gives the eighth annual Charleston Beer Fest even more room for breweries, food trucks and tents, games, vendors and music. This year’s festival features two stages and a variety of regional bands and musical acts.

Slated to perform (lineup is subject to change):

• Rock band High Tide, a Charleston party band playing the classics of the 50s and 60s to the newest popular songs
• Pop country singer Karoline Rhett, who was named Female Rising Star Artist of the Year 2017 by Indie Artist Magazine Coalition
• Keys and Company, a rock band led by Greg Keys
• Alternative singer/songwriter Molly Durnin
• Jam band Nocturnal Kernalz
• Folk and bluegrass band Red Cedar Review
• Seitu Solomon Steelpan, a singer/songwriter who specializes in the acoustic guitar and steelpan
• Super Reggae Man, who performs six different instruments as an amazing one-man reggae band - complete with horn section
• Samba Charleston, a live Brazilian music specializing in Samba

In between the musical acts, some of The DJs and MCs from The Dubplates, DJ Tailmix, Big Hair and Sweetfeet, will be spinning tunes.

“Music and Carolina craft beer are the perfect pairing. As Charleston Beer Fest has grown into the largest beer festival in the Lowcountry, we knew music would become increasingly important,” said Jason Kirk, director of development & marketing for Palmetto Community Care. “With our larger space at Riverfront Park, and with the support of our presenting sponsor, Tabor Mortgage Group, we have been able to grow from three musical acts in 2018 to 12 or more for this year. We have so much music that we even added a second stage. Curated by our friend, Dave Brisacher “Big Hair” of The Dubplates, our music for this year offers something for everyone throughout the entire event.”

In addition to all the Carolina craft brews and musical entertainment, festival attendees will be treated to a wide range of food trucks, a Vendor Village featuring dozens of local artisan and craft vendors. The popular Beer Games will expand and return with inflatable pony hops, arm wrestling, a hands-free pizza eating contest, beer stein hoisting and much more. The Homebrewers’ Village also returns to highlight local and regional homebrewers with a winner selected by a panel of regional judges.

Fewer than 20 VIP tickets remain for $50 each and include a commemorative festival mug, 15 beer tickets, early festival access at 11:30 a.m., VIP swag bar and access to the VIP Oasis with shaded seating, misting fans, exclusive activities, free VIP-only beer tastings, light snacks, beer finished whiskey tastings from Chattanooga Whiskey and private port-a-potties.

General admission tickets include a commemorative festival mug and 5 beer tickets. Tickets are $25 each.

A Designated Driver ticket is available for $15. Purchase tickets and learn more at www.chsbeerfest.org. Proceeds from Charleston Beer Fest benefit Palmetto Community Care in its work providing complete compassionate HIV care and prevention education awareness across the tri-county area.

Parking for the event will be free. Pedicab rides from the parking area to the festival will be available for purchase. The event is strictly for ages 21 and over only; no children or pets allowed.