Live Bluegrass every month at the Music Hall
By Samantha Lyles, Staff Writer, slyles@newsandpress.net
Since January of 2015, the Southeastern Bluegrass Association of SC (SEBGA) has staged live concerts on the first Saturday of every month at the Music Hall of Darlington, and entertained audiences with the traditional sounds and exemplary musicianship of bluegrass artists.
“We put on a concert once a month and we normally have two bands playing that evening – one local band and one regional group,” says Kevin Gowdy of SEBGA, “Normally, these are acts from North Carolina, Virginia, Georgia, and from around South Carolina.”
SEBGA’s concerts at the Music Hall typically feature acoustic instruments (guitar, fiddle, banjo, mandolin, bass, etc.) playing what Gowdy calls “traditional” bluegrass music sure to please casual fans and purists alike.
The quality of the acts is pretty consistently high, Gowdy says, noting that some regular guests at these monthly concerts have begun to achieve noteworthy success – like the Hinson Girls, four sisters from Lancaster who have since won acclaim in Nashville and just released their third album.
Gowdy adds that, aside from the chance to see bluegrass stars on the rise, these monthly live events at the Music Hall offer everyone a chance to enjoy the fun and fellowship of playing music together.
“Before the concert starts, we have a couple of hours of jam sessions where people can come in, bring their instruments and play. Everybody has the opportunity to become involved,” says Gowdy.
Adult admission is $10, students with ID $5, and kids under 12 are admitted for free. Snack foods and beverages are available for purchase.
The Music Hall is located at 1945 Harry Byrd Highway in Darlington.
Organized in 1991, SEBGA is a non-profit, tax-exempt 501 (c) (3) organization dedicated to the preservation of traditional Bluegrass music. The SEBGA serves the Pee Dee region of South Carolina. Prior to setting up shop in Darlington, SEBGA held concerts on the first Saturday of every month at Lynches River County Park, near Florence.
To learn more, visit the Southeastern Bluegrass Association of SC on Facebook or on their website at www.SEBGA.org, or call 843-669-6952
