Tyler Boone

Grit-worthy events 1/16–1/18. Trust us, you'll have a blast.

Grit-worthy events 12/19–12/21. Trust us, you'll have a blast.

Come out for the inaugural all-day music festival at The Royal American this weekend.

Don't find yourself in a jam, and miss all the bands at this summer's first big music festival on the lovely grounds of the Charleston Tea Plantation. Here is a set by set list of who's playing.

Did you go to the star-studded softball game this weekend? My brother played on Team Taco Boy for the annual event to benefit Louie's Kids, and I was in the dugout snapping pics. Here they are!

Love softball? Or local celebs like Bill Murray? Or Louie's Kids? Or helping others? Or smiling? Then get yourself to Saturday's Slim Down the South Celebrity Softball Game. Get the deets here!

Murder, weed, guns—they're the main themes of MIA's 2007 hit "Paper Planes" and Stop Light Obervation's Grit video submission, which is a ballsy cover of the song live at the Music Farm. Video here

Where has Crowfield gone? For his part, singer Tyler James Mechem disappeared into the woods and emerged with this song and video. Spoiler alert: no Sasquatch was found

Which local band has the best video of 2013? You help decide—the winner gets $250 bucks. Check out the first entry and give it a thumbs up or down...

Oh, it sounds tough. But I can predict who comes out on top of every single one of these "contests." Every time. Am I that good, or is it true that the house always wins... Find out here.

Topic A (Tyler Boone's new release, upcoming gig, and marketing scheme) + Topic B (Will local King City Records rule our airways?) = The Big Question: What does it take for a local band to make it?

Should you play at a big-name, cavernous venue like this if you can't draw the crowd, or are you better off at the Tin Roof with a couple dozen devoted fans? Here's what happened (and my answer)...