Columbia, S.C. – Beach music fans and shag dancers alike will want to make a date with the South Carolina State Museum on Saturday, Aug. 16 for a free beach music concert presented by Beach Music Association International (BMAI). The concert, which celebrates the 8th annual Beach Music Day, is one of many events being offered to the community at no charge in celebration of the museum’s 20th anniversary.
For five hours, from 9 p.m. until 2 a.m., four bands will perform on stage in the museum’s Congaree Room: Billy Scott and the Party Prophets, The Sensational Epics with special guest Clifford Curry, the Flashbacks and Ceasar and the Sugarbees. The concert also will feature guest performers such as Larissa Holliday, Clay Brown, William Taylor, and other surprise guests. The concert ends with an all star finale.
The concert is part of the State Museum’s 20-hour Birthday Bash, a marathon day of free programs and fun for the public beginning at 9 a.m. Aug. 16 and continuing to 5 a.m. the following morning. “Music, birthday cake, games, demonstrations, movies and stargazing are just some of the activities in store for the community as we celebrate our 20th anniversary,” said Tut Underwood, the museum’s director of public information and marketing.
At a special point in the beach music concert, Harry Turner, president of Beach Music Association International, and local TV personality Joe Pinner will present a remembrance in memory of the life of Bill Pinkney. Pinkney is remembered as the legendary hit singing star of the Original Drifters whose phenomenal career spanned 54 years. Performance attire worn by Pickney and singer James Brown will be on display. Ceasar will perform a live James Brown tribute. Guest performers will join together in a rendition of Bill Pinkney’s signature song recorded with Drifters, “White Christmas,” which was featured in the 1990 film hit, “Home Alone.”
A South Carolina native son, Pinkney was born Aug. 15, 1925 in Dalzell, S. C. In 1953 he joined Clyde McPhatter along with Gerhardt and Andrew Thrasher to form The Drifters and soon signed with the Atlantic Recording Company. Later, Pinkney split from the group and started the Original Drifters, which garnered fans and popularity, especially with the “beach music” scene, throughout the southeastern United States. Known for his natural bass-baritone sound, Pinkney is prominent on such early Drifters’ recordings as “Honey Love,” “Ruby Baby,” and “Money Honey.”
Pinkney’s music industry awards include induction in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the United Group Harmony Association, Vocal Group Hall of Fame and the Beach Music Hall of Fame. South Carolina twice awarded him the Order of the Palmetto, its highest civilian honor. He was a World War II veteran who fought in the Battle of the Bulge and was the recipient of five bronze stars. Pinkney died on July 4, 2007.
Sponsors of the beach music concert include: Defender Services, SCANA, Progress Energy, Blue Ridge Electric Co-Op, Horry County Electric Co-Op, BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, Duke Energy, Willis Blume Agency, Café Rendezvous (Greenville, SC), Newberry Opera House, Hayes Jewelers (Lexington, NC) and Silver Coast Winery (Ocean Isle, NC).
“Billy Scott and the Party Prophets” is one of four featured bands that will entertain audiences during a beach music concert at the South Carolina State Museum Aug. 16th. The concert is one of the many free events scheduled to celebrate the museum’s 20th anniversary.
Photo courtesy Billy Scott and the Party Prophets/S.C. State Museum
“The Sensational Epics,” with special guest Clifford Curry, will perform as part of the State Museum’s 20-hour Birthday Bash and the 8th annual Beach Music Day.
Photo courtesy The Sensational Epics/S.C. State Museum
“The Flashbacks,” nine musicians and vocalists from Easley, S.C., will perform their special blend of 50s, 60s and beach music on stage at the State Museum, Saturday, Aug. 16.
Photo courtesy The Flashbacks/S.C. State Museum
Clay “Mr. Smooth” Brown will sing a playlist of beach, soul, and boogie along with four great beach music bands in a special Beach Music Day concert during the State Museum’s 20th anniversary celebration on Saturday, Aug. 16.
Photo courtesy Clay Brown/S.C. State Museum
Clifford Curry, singer of the hit “She Shot a Hole in My Soul,” will perform with the Sensational Epics at the South Carolina State Museum Aug. 16 as part of the Museum’s 20-Hour Birthday Bash and the 8th Annual Beach Music Day.
Photo courtesy Clifford Curry/S.C. State Museum.