RenoFest: Best little bluegrass festival in S.C. returns March 25-27
The annual Renofest weekend will be held March 25 – 27 at The Center Theatre and downtown venues in Hartsville, bringing bluegrass musicians from across the United States converging for the popular event held “always the last weekend in March” for this South Carolina bluegrass festivals.
Thanks to the vision and dedication of two Darlington County brothers, Russ and Rob Jordan RenoFest was started in 1998 as a one day concert. Since then, it has become a regional tradition and wonderful opportunity to welcome both the beginning of Springtime and the start of America’s bluegrass festival season. In January of 2006, RenoFest was honored by the SC Festival & Event Association with its most prestigious award, the “State Event of the Year.”
Tickets are available at the door at The Center Theater, 212 N 5th St. in Hartsville.
Friday, March 25:
1:30 – 5 p.m.: The South Carolina Championship Bluegrass Band Contest
The contest, held at The Center Theater, has attracted many great musicians all looking to win the First Place prize of $1500. The winner will play later at the Friday Night Hoe Down.
3– 6 p.m.: The Hartsville Pick ‘n Grin free concerts in downtown venues.
West Carolina Avenue
3:00 p.m. Crema Coffee: Jonah Canepa
3:30 p.m. Frets & Necks: Donny Pines & Pals
4:00 p.m. Burry Bookstore: Lost Boys
4:30 p.m. Crema Coffee: Z and the Swampers
5:00 p.m. Frets & Necks: Allen Johnson
5:30 p.m. Burry Bookstore: Michael Martin Band
East Carolina Avenue
3:00 p.m. SeersuckerGyspy: Stephen Evans
3:30 p.m. Retro Fit: Pinketon & the Brinks
4:00 p.m. The Mantissa: Stephanie Fagan
4:30 p.m. SeersuckerGyspy: Johnny Turner
5:00 p.m. Retro Fit: Pearly Peach
5:30 p.m. The Mantissa: Stan Kennedy
6 – 9 p.m.: Free Downtown Hoe Down
Bring your lawn chairs to enjoy the free street concert on West Carolina Avenue featuring: The Virginia Luthiers Win, Place and Show Winners of the SC State Championship Band Contest Columbia Bluegrass Company (2015 SC State Championship Band Contest Winners) The Virginia Luthiers are four very talented musicians and world-renowned musical instrument builders. Together, they have over 150 combined years of experience building guitars, mandolins, violins, ukuleles, and banjos. Local restaurants will be open for dinner and snacks, some will be serving on the street. The Hartsville High School girls soccer team will be selling drinks to benefit their soccer team.
7 – 8 p.m.: The RenoFest 2016 Band Contest 1st, 2nd & 3rd Place Bands Winners After the bands are announced on the historic Center Theater state, each of the top three bands will play a 20-minute set. The Columbia Bluegrass Company , the winner of the 2015 contest will also play. This Columbia-based group is the brain-child of Duane Davis, vocalist, double bassist, guitarist and song writer. Randy Lucas, the group’s banjo/guitarist, won the RenoFest 2001 and 2015 banjo competition. On the fiddle is Jim Graddick. Ronnie Gregory plays mandolin and the sound is complete with Dave Holder on the bass.
9 p.m. – ‘til the cows come home: Downtown Jam Sessions
Participating venues featuring musicians pickin’ & singing:
The Midnight Rooster; Bow Thai Kitchen; Vintage Craft Beer and Wine Boutique; RetroFit Sit N Seat; Sophia’s Pizzaria; and The Landmark Inn.
At 9:15 p.m., Whiskey Diablo will perform at Mac’s Lounge.
Saturday, March 26
The Center Theater
10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. RenoFest SC State Championship Banjo and Guitar Contests
12:30 – 1:15 p.m. Columbia Bluegrass Company (2015 SC State Championship Band Contest Winners) The Center Theater
1:20 – 2:30 p.m. RenoFest SC State Championship Banjo and Guitar Contest Finals
2:30 – 5:15 p.m. Afternoon Concert Featuring: Band of Ruhks, The Grascals, Ronnie Reno & the Reno Tradition, S.C. State Championship Guitar and Banjo Winners Announced
6:30 – 10:00 p.m. Evening Concert Featuring: The Virginia Luthiers, Band of Ruhks, The Grascals, Ronnie Reno & the Reno Tradition
Hartsville ShopHop
5:00 p.m. – until: 100 Block of West Carolina Avenue and Mac’s Lounge
Sunday, March 27
9:00 a.m. Free Gospel Sing with The Hinson Girls at Wesley United Methodist Church on Corner of 4th Street & College Ave. in downtown Hartsville
