Editorial, Local, Mauldin

“Old Man Winter”, you’ve worn out your welcome. We have other plans.

Taft Matney

Seriously, Winter. Take your coat and leave. This whole 45 degrees one day and 75 degrees the next is tiresome. Just go already.

The azaleas have bloomed, my car is covered in pollen, and we’re all popping antihistamines like Tic Tacs. That means it’s time for you to take a hike.

We’re ready to turn on the stage lights on Friday nights and get everybody back to the Mauldin Cultural Center’s amphitheater for our Beachin’ Fridays concert series, and this year, we’re starting two weeks earlier.

Last year, thousands of people came to Mauldin from across the Upstate for Friday nights filled with music, food, and fun. People constantly told us that the Cultural Center stage is one of their favorite venues and that we needed to make the series longer.

We listened. This year will be bigger and better – with double the shows we had in our inaugural season a few years ago.

Put on your shaggin’ shoes and join us for:

  • May 18 – Jim Quick & Coastline
  • May 25 – The Sand Band featuring Terri Gore
  • June 1 – Rhythm City Band
  • June 8 – The Shag Doctorz
  • June 15 – Carolina Coast Band feat. Rhonda McDaniel
  • June 22 – The Holiday Band
  • June 29 – East Coast Band
  • July 6 – The Embers featuring Craig Woolard (and fireworks after the show)

I love beach music. I always have and I always will. There ain’t no other kind of music in the world that gives me quite the thrill.

All shows begin at 7:00 p.m. – except for the series finale, which starts at 6:30.

There is no charge for any of the shows.

As long as the shows are outside and don’t have to be moved indoors because of weather, lawn chairs and blankets are welcome and encouraged.

Outside food and beverages are not allowed, but don’t worry if you come hungry. Food and beverage vendors will be on site.

If that doesn’t signal the end of winter, nothing does. I know where I’ll be on Friday nights from mid-May to July. Hopefully we’ll see you there, too.

— Taft Matney serves in Seat 1 on Mauldin city Council. He can be reached at tmatney@mauldincitysc.com.

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