Big-name acts play South Carolina State Fair, Tin Roof, Carolina Coliseum
Game
Friday, Oct. 7 — Carolina Coliseum
West Coast hip-hop pinnacle Game, a former member of G-Unit, first rose to fame with 2005’s “The Documentary,” which housed the rapper’s hit single “Hate It or Love It” featuring 50 Cent. Now simply going by “Game,” the hip-hop artist released his latest “The R.E.D. Album” Aug. 23, with track “Martians vs. Goblins” featuring Lil Wayne and Tyler, the Creator. Game tickets are free to USC students, faculty and staff with a valid Carolina Card. Doors are at 7 p.m., and the show is at 8.
Luke Bryan w/ Lee Brice and Josh Thompson
Saturday, Oct. 15 — Tin Roof
“Rain Is a Good Thing” country singer Luke Bryan will be passing through Columbia with “CMT on Tour: Tailgates and Tanlines 2011,” playing Columbia’s Tin Roof. The artist, known for singles “All My Friends Say” and “Someone Else Calling You Baby” will take the stage with Lee Brice (“Love Like Crazy” (2010)). The show starts at 6 p.m. The show’s 3,000 tickets are sold out.
G. Love & Special Sauce w/ The Movement
Wednesday, Oct. 12 — South Carolina State Fair
Philadelphia’s R&B, alternative hip-hop group, headed by Garrett Dutton or “G. Love,” has hit the rock charts with singles “Stepping Stone” and “Astronaut.” The Movement, Columbia’s own reggae rock band, will open for G. Love in the State Fair’s opening show. The show is at 7 p.m., and tickets are $10. Tickets for all State Fair Pepsi Grandstand concerts are available online at scstatefair.org, or at the Grandstand ticket booth 1.5 hours before the show.
Rodney Atkins
Friday, Oct. 14 — 7 p.m., $10
STYX
Saturday, Oct. 15 — 7 p.m., $10
Skillet
Friday, Oct. 21 — 7 p.m., $10
The Roots
Saturday, Oct. 22 — 7 p.m., $10
Trace Adkins
Sunday, Oct. 23 — Pepsi Grandstand
The Louisiana-born country star has established himself as one of the genre’s heavy hitters with singles like “Chrome” and “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk.” His eight studio albums and stint on Donald Trump’s “Celebrity Apprentice” have shaped this country boy into a Grammy award-winning artist. The show is at 7 p.m. on the Pepsi Grandstand, and seats are $15.
Taylor Swift
Friday, Nov. 18 — Colonial Life Arena
Country music’s 21-year-old sensation has won the hearts of girls and boys with her high school love hits like “Teardrops on My Guitar” and “Love Story.” Taylor Swift will be making a stop at the Colonial Life Arena on her “Speak Now” tour, titled after her latest album. Tickets are on sale now, ranging between $27 and $71.50. Australian country artist Adam Brand and Christian-turned-mainstream band NeedToBreathe will open for Swift. Doors are at 5:40 p.m., and the show is at 7 p.m.
Drake
Saturday, Nov. 19 — Colonial Life Arena
Drake will follow Taylor Swift’s “Speak Now” stop — playing the arena the night after the country star. The Degrassi star turned smooth hip-hop star is still making his way up the charts, with singles “Best I Ever Had” and “Successful” cementing his beat in the genre. California rapper Kendrick Lamar will be opening for Drake. Tickets go on sale Friday at 10 a.m., ranging from $29.75 to $69.75. USC students, faculty and staff get a $10 discount on any ticket. Doors are at 7 p.m., show is at 8 p.m.
LOCAL NODS
Toro Y Moi w/ Unknown Mortal Orchestra
Saturday, Oct. 15 — New Brookland Tavern
Columbia chillwave group Toro Y Moi, founded by USC alumnus Chazwick Bundick, will be returning to its stomping grounds this month, playing the Tavern with Unknown Mortal Orchestra. Tickets are $12 in advance and $14 day of show. The show starts at 8:30 p.m.
Graham Colton w/ Matthew Mayfield
Wednesday, Nov. 9 — The White Mule
Graham Colton is best known for single “Best Days” off 2007’s “Here Right Now.” He has found a spot as an opening act on many national tours for the likes of Maroon 5 and John Mayer. Matthew Mayfield, the man behind Moses Mayfield and 2011’s “Now You’re Free,” will be opening for Colton. Doors are at 6 p.m., show is at 8 p.m. Ticket prices are still to be announced.