From big arenas that can sit thousands to smaller venues with an intimate vibe, Columbia’s local music scene has it all. Here are five musical places and their lineups for the upcoming fall.
Township Auditorium
The Township Auditorium has seen artists like Elvis Presley, The Avett Brothers, Widespread Panic, Migos and Rainbow Kitten Surprise perform at its downtown location since its open in 1930.
“Anybody can find a show to see at the Township for sure,” Andrew Horne, the assistant director at Township, said. “When you open the doors and you feel like you’re part of something big where a lot of people are coming to have fun and you’re a big part of it. I think that that’s a great feeling.”
While there is always an act for older concert-goers, Township hosts multiple EDM shows that draw a college aged crowd and is a happy medium between smaller and larger venues in Columbia.
“There’s not really a bad seat in the house. It sounds good everywhere,” Horne said.
Township has a variety of artists coming to perform at its 1703 Taylor St location during fall 2022. Highlights include Patti Labelle — the Godmother of Soul — on Sept. 2, old-time string band Old Crow Medicine Show on Sept. 10 and indie rock band Mt. Joy with the Brook & the Bluff on Oct. 20.
Colonial Life Arena
USC alum and lead singer of Hootie & the Blowfish, Darius Rucker, performed a free concert for students after the women's basketball team won the 2022 National Championship in one of the most recent concerts at Colonial Life Arena.
The venue is the largest arena in the state and the eighth largest campus college arena. It was opened as a $64 million replacement for the Carolina Coliseum on Nov. 22, 2002.
Colonial Life Arena is home to USC basketball, but the arena also hosts various other events, including concerts. With a seating capacity of 18,600, many other big artists have performed at Colonial Life Arena, such as Imagine Dragons and Beyoncé.
Colonial Life is attracting big names for the upcoming fall, like Pitbull for his "Can't Stop Us Now" Tour on Oct. 12 and Post Malone on his "Twelve Carat" Tour with Roddy Ricch on Oct. 15.
New Brookland Tavern
The smallest venue on this list goes to New Brookland, whose capacity of 250 people lends to a more intimate atmosphere. Self-proclaimed as one of Columbia's oldest and longest-running music venues, New Brookland has booked both national acts like Indigo De Souza and locally loved bands like Stagbriar.
“New Brookland has always been known for being in the realm of booking national touring shows, regardless of size,” Carlin Thompson, booking coordinator for New Brookland, said. “It’s a good opportunity for people to be kind of more up close and personal with some of these national touring acts."
New Brookland, according to Thompson, pays attention to the college students in the area and makes connections with any of these young artists who come in, whether they are pursing music, wanting to work in production or just wanting to listen to any genre of live music.
For those who are looking for a long-time established metal hardcore band, The Acacia Strain is headlining on Sept. 17. Music fans who enjoy the classics can attend the Guardians of the Jukebox event, "A Tribute to the 80s" on Sept. 25. Finally, anyone looking to enjoy some indie rock music, can catch Oso Oso on Nov. 5.
The Tin Roof
Neighbor to the Senate and one half of Columbia’s Live Music Block, The Tin Roof is a chain based out of Nashville. However, it has plenty of local personality and community that welcomes any and all music acts, with a definitive "country music vibe."
The Tin Roof provides a comfortable and safe environment for college students. It has hosted functions for Greek Life, celebrated 21st birthdays and is one of the only "come and dance" bars in The Vista, according to Talon Rawls, the assistant manager at Tin Roof.
“You can just go and dance and hangout, feel safe, taken care of, where the bartenders aren’t just gonna poke at you or scream at you,” Rawls said. “(You) can actually get a drink, hang out, sit down or get up on the stage. Go dance and cut loose. We welcome any and all (college students).”
The Tin Roof is hosting a Taylor Swift Night on Sept. 8, followed by country artist Ashley Wineland and rock band Too Hot For Leather on Sept. 9. Country artist Haley Mae Campbell, whose single 'Never Been in Love' went viral on TikTok, will also be performing on Sept. 15.
The Senate
The other half of Columbia’s Live Music Block and neighbor to The Tin Roof, The Senate is a 1,200 capacity concert venue in the Vista that has hosted both local and national talent, including Morgan Wallen, Wallows, J. Cole and many more.
For the fall, The Senate will be welcoming alternative southern rock band the Vegabonds on Sept. 16, genre-experimenter Teddy Swims on Sept. 27 and pop sensation Tai Verdes of 'Stuck In The Middle' fame on Sept. 30.