Music has always been an integral part of the Coligny Plaza experience. One of the earliest venues to embrace the local music culture our island has fostered, there has always been a welcoming stage here for artists from around the Lowcountry and beyond.
Between the famed lineups at The Big Bamboo Café to the center stage’s rotating lineup of musicians to the live music on offer at restaurants around Coligny, it has always been a place that gives shopping and dining a soundtrack all its own.
“Think of all the people who have played in Coligny and all the guys playing there now,” said Lee Lucier. “Everyone has played here at some point.”
A pair of outstanding events this month will put Coligny’s musical soul front and center, using rhythm and harmony to unite the community.
The first big event might require a bit of a warm-up lesson in the art of line dancing, and Coligny has you covered with free lessons from local expert Heather Bartolotto. Whether you’re a beginner or an old (ten gallon) hat at line dancing, she’ll be helping you nail down those steps from 5 to 6 p.m. October 6, 7, 13 and 14 at Slowcountry BBQ. Once you’ve perfected your Texas Two-Step, it’s time to show off your moves when the artist behind the song of the summer comes to Coligny.
Columbia-based artist 803 Fresh probably didn’t realize when he released his song “Boots on the Ground” last year how far the influence of his song would spread. Named for the refrain of the song, the “Where Them Fans At” challenge saw TikTokers dancing along to his song, from the online famous to icons like Shaquille O’Neal to pop superstar Ciara. When Beyonce performed it on stage as part of her Cowboy Carter Tour, its status as the song of the summer was cemented.
You’ll get your chance to hop on the viral trend from 4 to 8 p.m. October 18 when 803 Fresh performs at Lowcountry Celebration Park as part of the 843 Lowcountry Southern Boil and Line Dance Festival.
And just when you thought the music couldn’t get any sweeter at Coligny, they’re bringing back one of their most popular events, Rock ’n’ Ribs. Hitting Coligny Plaza October 25, this fan-favorite event pairs two great tastes that taste great together – expertly prepared barbecue from some of the area’s finest pitmasters and toe-tapping tunes from the biggest names in local rock.
Orchid Paulmeier of One Hot Mama’s will be serving up her delicious BBQ.
First, the food. From 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., you can challenge yourself to an all-you-can eat culinary tour of the Lowcountry, with pitmasters including Orchid Paulmeier of One Hot Mama’s, as well as Mothersmokin’ Good BBQ, Slowcountry BBQ, Local Pie, and more. In addition, there’s a heaping helping of live rock music scheduled, including Cranford Hollow, Algorhythm, and a solo set by Nick Poulin.
Organized by Coligny Cares, all proceeds from the event benefit Second Helpings.
“This event is a great showcase for local food, a stage for local musicians, and a benefit for our local food bank,” said Lucier, organizer of the event. “With that trio of purpose and options, how can you miss?”
Algorhythm, an electrifying new group featuring Kevin Offitzer, Kyle Wareham, and Trevor Young, will be performing at Rock ‘n’ Ribs on October 25.