The annual Indie Grits festival is frequently hyped for its eclectic, socially-poignant film screenings, but an integral part of this year's festival will be the music scene.
In collaboration with the community-driven event Love, Peace & Hip-Hop, Indie Grits will celebrate the opening night of the festival at Tapp's Arts Center, where there will be three stages of music featuring rock, hip-hop and electronic performers. This kick-off event — "Love, Grits & Hip Hop"— is bringing bands from around the Southeast, including groups from Columbia, Atlanta and Chapel Hill.
One such performer is Danny Martin of 2 Slices, a Charleston-based dance-pop band that has performed in Columbia previously. Martin grew up in Irmo and is excited to bring his group to Soda City, where they will play new songs for fans. But Martin is also looking forward to see other musicians perform that he is personally a fan of.
"Niecy Blues is incredible. That's what I'm looking forward to," Martin said.
Niecy Blues, who will also be at Thursday’s event, formerly pursued musical theater before realizing she wanted to record her own music. Now a singer-songwriter based out of Columbia, Blues has zeroed in on developing a personal sound.
"I didn't really start recording and making my own music available until ... three and a half years ago," Niecy said. "Ever since then it's just been like a number one focus for me."
Like many independent artists, Blues' music does not lend itself to a label in one specific genre.
"It's always so hard to classify myself," said Blues. “I guess you could just say maybe, I don't know, alternative ... but there’s always going to be that R&B and hip hop background there."
While music is her main love, her appearance at "Love, Grits, & Hip Hop" incorporates another interest of hers.
“I love Indie Grits," Blues said. "I’m really excited about being able to be a part of it because I have a huge passion for film. That’s another thing that I want to dive into eventually.”
Blues will be performing with psychedelic rock band ET Anderson. While she won’t reveal exactly what she had planned for Thursday, there will be a surprise at her performance.
“I won’t say exactly what it is … but we are at a film festival so I’ll just say that,” she said. "It's gonna be fun."
"Love, Grits, & Hip Hop" will take place on Thursday, April 12 from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tickets are available online or at the door and grant admission to all three stages.