From Columbia to coast, five big concerts across state bring variety of music home
With another year comes another concert season, and this year South Carolina is playing host to a number of big-name acts. It won’t be long before humid temperatures aren’t the only thing heating up the Palmetto State.
Miranda Lambert, Dierks Bentley
Jan. 17, 7:30 p.m., Colonial Life Arena
$21 to $51.75
She’s known as the pint-sized country crooner who packs plenty of sass and soul into each of her Billboard chart-topping tracks. Not to mention her three-year track record as the Academy of Country Music’s female vocalist of the year. And he’s known for being really, really ridiculously good-looking — as well as mending broken hearts everywhere with his own trail of No. 1 singles over the years. Now, Bentley and Lambert are starting 2013 with a bang right here in Columbia. It’s the first stop on their “Locked and Reloaded” tour, so you can bet on a powerhouse show that will keep you on your feet. Cowboy boots optional.
Grace Potter and the Nocturnals
Feb. 14, 9 p.m., Music Farm
$25
If you’re looking for a little less traditional romance this Valentine’s Day, Charleston’s famously rocking Music Farm is only a hop, skip and a jump away down I-26. A little bit Janis Joplin and a little bit Courtney Love, the sultry Grace Potter and her band of Nocturnals will be performing an intimate set on this most heartfelt of holidays. Ever the colorful stage act, Potter keeps audiences hypnotized with a unique blend of gritty voice and dynamic presence. Theses rockers will get the blood flowing and the heart pumping — though by the end of the evening you may be pining for Potter herself.
Tenacious D
March 9, 8:30 p.m.
Myrtle Beach House of Blues
$50 to $100
Known for their offbeat (and often nonsense) brand of rock, the chunky rockers of Tenacious D are slated to perform a special “old school” acoustic set at the House of Blues in Myrtle Beach. Comprised of dual-threat vocalists and guitarists Jack Black and Kyle Gass, Tenacious gained critical fame with their first single “Tribute” in 2001. In the past decade-plus, it’s been a rollicking ride through “Tenacious D,” “The Pick of Destiny” and, more recently, 2012’s Grammy-nominated “Rize of the Fenix.” It will be interesting to see what antics the pair have in store with a stripped-down set minus their usual thundering electric guitars and screech-owl howling. One can only hope Black can still reach those piercing falsettos when the Devil’s not on his tail.
Carrie Underwood
April 17, 7:30 p.m., Colonial Life Arena
$43.50 to $63.50
Chances are, if you’re a girl (or a very sensitive male) you’ve had your heart broken. And chances are you turned to Carrie Underwood for a little “tough chick” emotional support. She’s keyed cars then asked Jesus to take the wheel, and now this girl-next-door is heading to Columbia for a pit stop on her “Blown Away” tour. The American Idol winner turned Grammy-winning artist has swept the nation in a wave of megawatt smiles and down-home country roots. Whether you’ve been a fan for years or are just now turning to the Underwood way, her live show promises astounding vocals and even star power to top five Lady Gaga’s. Besides, we all know what happens when someone wrongs Carrie.
Kenny Chesney
May 4, 5 p.m., Williams-Brice Stadium
$31.50 to $227
Topping off Columbia’s jaunt through CMT-land is the tanned and toned Kenny Chesney. Known for his laid-back island style and cutoff tees, Chesney has carved his name on the country stone with hits like “The Good Stuff,” “She’s Got It All” and “Living in Fast Forward.” Now the country star’s “No Shoes Nation” tour brings the beach here, setting up camp at the most sacred stage for Gamecock fans, Williams-Brice. And he’s bringing backup; Columbia sweethearts of the Zac Brown Band are also slated to open for Chesney. It will be the perfect way to ring in the start of summer — and the Columbia heat. Be sure to bring those cutoffs, Kenny.