Buckle up, Hilton Head Island. The celebrated “shoulder season” has arrived on the island, when the summer crowds recede and the locals get out and enjoy everything that makes Hilton Head special. And as you’d expect, Hilton Head’s downtown is leading the charge with a schedule of amazing events hitting Coligny in September.
First up on the calendar is a celebration that brings some of music’s biggest names to the island, the Hilton Head Island Jam Songwriter Festival. Boasting some of the most exciting up-and-coming acts, along with recording industry veterans, this festival packs three days of unforgettable performances onto Coligny’s stages September 18-21.
“We are thrilled to welcome these visiting artists to Hilton Head Island,” said Natalie Harvey, Director of Cultural Affairs for the Town of Hilton Head. “All are invited to these free concerts. Join us to hear new music, find out the back story of a well-known tune, and gather with friends and family to celebrate the start of the fall.”
Local musician John Cranford has been part of the team putting this event together for the last three years, and he’s excited to not only bring fantastic musicians to the island, but to shine a light on our own music scene. “This is a big opportunity to show folks on Hilton Head Island what songwriting is all about and introduce them to this world and culture,” he said. “These are chart-topping A-listers playing alongside some of our local talent, giving us the opportunity to play to a different type of crowd.”
The Bluebird Cafe at Big Bamboo will host some of Nashville’s finest singer songwriters.
One huge addition to this year’s event will be the Bluebird Café at Big Bamboo shows running all weekend long, transforming the revered local music venue into the famed Nashville songwriting hub.
“Hosting some of Nashville’s finest singer songwriters to perform on Big Bamboo’s inside stage is once again very exciting and an event we now look forward to annually,” said Big Bamboo owner Tristan O’Grady.
Amie Baima and Jesse Blanco team up in September for “Fried Chicken and Bubbles” at Skillets Cafe.
The fest for the senses continues with the next mouth-watering event on the schedule at Coligny this month. Foodies won’t want to miss a culinary marriage of savory delights as Eat It and Like It brings its Fried Chicken & Bubbles Celebration to Skillet’s September 24. This event has consistently sold out in its nine-year history, gaining a new and exciting dynamic when it moved to Hilton Head.
“I’ve always enjoyed going to these,” said Amie Baima, whose restaurant Skillet’s will host this year’s event. A regular at the dinner, going back to when it was held in Savannah, she was thrilled when host Jesse Blanco decided to move it onto the island. “I always told him he needs to do it on Hilton Head in the fall, when everyone who lives here can breathe a little.”
In addition to sparkling champagne, Skillets’ famed culinary staff will be in full force with golden crispy fried chicken and Southern sides from mac n cheese and collard greens to biscuits and cornbread. But what Baima is most looking forward to is the sense of community these events foster.
“It’s a great way to get to know people that you’re sitting with. Jesse tends to seat you at tables where you might not know anyone, so you strike up some fascinating conversations,” she said.
Space is limited, so reserve your seat at eat-it-and-like-it.square.site.
You can see the full schedule of events at ColignyPlaza.com/Events.