The 5th Annual Charleston International Film Festival (CIFF) presented by Charliewood Pictures, will kick off Opening Night on April 11 at the Sottile Theatre. A reception with Mayor Riley will begin the evening from 5-7 p.m., with Sundance Award winning film ‘Robot and Frank’ immediately following.

Films of all lengths and genres will be showcased from the Lowcountry and across the globe at Sottile Theatre and Cinebarre, including an outdoor screening under the stars. There is also a screenplay competition, nightly after-parties, and an awards gala.

This year, CIFF is working in cooperation with Mark Bryan and Carolina Studios to announce a “Stuff the Music Bus” art supply drive in support of Yo Art! Carolina Studios provides at-risk students with a creative outlet outside of the public school system by giving them the opportunity to write and record their own original compositions in their Charleston-based studio on wheels, allowing for a natural organic cooperation between the groups. Yo Art provides children living in public housing and attending Title One schools the opportunity to explore their aptitude in the arts by ensuring that they have access to the proper art supplies, and education to do so. The group is working in eight public schools that are predominately in low income districts and they are filling the gap where funding has diminished for art related education.

“Our programs expand on the arts by relating to global and local issues such as recycling, good nutritional habits and community service,” says Gene Furchgott, founder of Yo Art.

Local artist Douglas Panzone will also be on site painting a street mural live during the festival. In addition, the SC Film Commission presents the Young Filmmakers Project on Saturday April 14, at 11 a.m. at the Sottile Theatre. The Young Filmmakers Project gets kids out into state parks across S.C., learning creatively through media arts.

“The union between Yo Art, Carolina Studios, SC Film Commission and the Charleston International Film Festival is the perfect collaboration to expose at risk kids and teens to traditional art, music, and film and we are proud to be a part of it.” says Ron Krauskopf, Marketing Director for CIFF..

The Carolina Studios Bus will be parked outside of the theater each day during the festival, April 11-15, and will be available for people to tour and admire. It will be parked outside the theaters at these specific times: Sottile Theater: Wednesday & Friday 5-7PM, Saturday 11AM-7PM. Cinebarre: Thursday 5-7PM, and Sunday 11AM-5PM.

Get a glimpse of the bus at CarolinaStudios.net. Anyone leaving art supplies behind during their bus tour will receive a coupon for $5 admission to any CIFF film block throughout the festival. Please provide only newly-purchased art supplies.

Tickets for CIFF are available online at CharlestonIFF.com or by contacting the CIFF office at (843) 817- 1617. Price per screening block is $10.00, but special promotions and giveaways will be done through CIFF’s Facebook & Twitter pages. Festival passes are available good for access to all screenings, panels and parties (excluding the awards dinner) for $99.

For more information on Yo Art go to YoArtInc.org. For more information on Carolina Studios go to CarolinaStudios.net. For more information on the Young Filmmakers Project and SC Film Commission go to FilmSC.com. 

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A sand sculpting competition is part of the fun at the Folly Beach Sea & Sand Festival.

The 2012 Folly Beach Sea & Sand Festival will take place the weekend of Saturday, March 24 and Sunday, March 25. Center Street will be shut down at 8 a.m. March 24 and the arts, crafts and food vendors and non-profits will open their booths at 10 a.m.

At 11:30 a.m., the street party and live music will get kicked off on the Follywood Stage by Reid Stone and Jeff Davis of Guilt Ridden Troubadour, followed by the Folly Beach Bluegrass Society from 12:50-1:50 p.m., and the Shakin’ Martinis from 2:10-3:10 p.m. Concrete Jumpsuit will close the festival down on that stage from 3:30-5:00 p.m.

Meanwhile on the Chill & Grill Stage (the main stage), Champagne & Friends will get things rolling at noon and play until 12:50 p.m., followed by Weigh Station from 1:10-2:10 p.m., Jupiter’s Garden featuring James Justin Burke from 2:30-3:30 p.m., and Stereo Reform will bring it home from 3:50-5:00 p.m.

The Folly Art Guild will also be holding its Tides of March Festival in the Folly River Park on Saturday.

Sunday the festival will continue with the Folly Wahine Surfing Competition and the Folly Beach Now Sand Sculpting Competition. The day will culminate with the East Coast Party Band concert at the Tides Resort.

This festival is free and open to the public, and there will be nearly 100 street vendors offering arts, crafts, clothing, concessions, children’s games, silent auctions plus much more.

The Folly Beach Sea & Sand Festival is presented by the Folly Association of Business, Follywood Productions and Blue Planet Green Events. More information can be found online at www.follybeachseaandsand.com.

Coordinators for the event are now accepting sponsorship and vendor applications, volunteer sign-up forms, silent auction items, etc.. To donate a gift for the silent auction, sign up as a sponsor or vendor, contact Toni Reale at toni.reale@gmail.com. For more information about the music lineup for this year, contact Ben Bounds at follywoodrocks@gmail.com. To join the Folly Art Guild, contact Andie Weathers at andiew@earthlinnk.net or Kerry Hupp at kerryhupp@bellsouth.net. To sign up for the Wahine Surfing Competition, contact Nancy Hussey at nancy@follywahine.com. To pre-register for the Sand Sculpting Competition, contact Vince Perna at vperna@dunesproperties.com.

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Based out of Greenville, SC, The Bad Popes are a five-piece ensemble consisting of Jef Chandler (guitar, vocals), Charles Hedgepath (guitar, vocals), Chris Garrett (bass), Mike Bagwell (pedal steel), and Joe Cash (drums). All veterans of the South Carolina music scene, The Bad Popes have been playing as a unit since 2002, with Joe Cash coming on board in 2010. Adept in many different styles of music that fall under the umbrella term Americana, the band plays everything from Western Swing in the manner of Bob Wills to rock in the spirit of the Allman Brothers to straight up country material like Hank Williams, Sr. Featuring original material as well as select covers, The Bad Popes showcase the dueling leads of Mike Bagwell and Charles Hedgepath, and the rhythm section of Chandler, Garrett, and Cash. Having released their eponymous debut CD in 2009, the Bad Popes are currently touring to support their latest release Town and Country, which was released in 2012.

The Bad Popes will be performing at the Surf Bar on Folly Beach on Saturday, March 24 at 9 p.m. For more information on the show and the band check out http://www.badpopes.com/

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Graham Whorley loves Folly Beach. He’s a pioneer and a trailblazer of the music scene here on the island. When they write the book about music on Folly, there will be a whole chapter on him — talking to him is an education on where we are and why we are here.

The Graham Whorley Band includes Carl Anderson on drums and Will Ames on bass. The group has included several lineups along the way, with Herb Shirey spending ten years on bass until he retired.

This month will bring the release of Permission to Think, Whorley’s sixth album since moving to Charleston.

“It’s the best stuff I have ever done,” says the songwriter, who composed all of the music and lyrics and plays all the instruments. As he describes the sounds on the album, Whorley beams with pride and joy. He spent two years crafting the album with engineer Roger Reynolds, who recently followed Graham down from his childhood home in Virginia. As the success of the album grows, Whorley is planning an East Coast tour with the full band.

Twenty years ago, Graham found himself stuck in a small town in Virginia, knowing his talent and music deserved a better venue. On a bitterly cold and snowy day, he decided to follow his sister down to Charleston. She’d told stories of the great climate and cool culture. He discovered Folly Beach and fell in love, now considering the area his home.

Later, his sister lost a battle to ALS, which sparked his interest in raising money to fight the disease. A “Band Together” concert was recently held, raising $10,000 for the newly formed SC chapter of the ALS society. Whorley calls it a huge success and says it’ll be an annual event, citing the host of musician friends who donated their talents to the cause.

Graham is a family man, with a wife and two kids, and he does his best to separate music and family. “Music can consume and overwhelm you, and my family is too important for that,” he explains. Whorley encourages his kids to get involved in music, teaching them how to play and inviting them up on stage.

“I believe music is a great tool to help teach you to overcome life’s struggles,” says Whorley, whose children have spent their entire lives on the beach. “Folly is a great place to raise kids. There are plenty of things for the kids and the family to do.”

Sitting and talking to Graham is like hearing the timeline of Folly music. He tells of how Folly Beach was less traveled when he arrived. Hugo had just happened and the beach had a completely different look. There were a few hot spots to play music, but not nearly as many as there are today. A tight knit group of musicians existed, and they would cross Center Street to sit in with each other during breaks in their own shows. It was a very organic environment, which dictated the sound of the music, interesting and laid back.

Whorley began his Folly career by running the open jam night at Robinson Crusoe’s, and playing the Pelican on Monday nights, launching the Graham Whorley Band. “I remember, the crowd was so large, the fire marshal would shut down the Pelican nearly every time we played there,” he recalls. He remembers watching Everett Bigbee play, and his favorite band was Dunzip with Jesse Prichard and Hawke.

Whorley identifies with Jesse in the way the pair have survived for so long on Folly. “Folly has taken a slow gradual climb, which means it has deep, strong roots,” he says. “When I moved here, we were struggling to make a scene — now Folly bands are going national.”

He remembers the Sand Dollar always having great blues and rock music,
telling about a show where the “Sauce Boss” would perform while cooking Gumbo on stage, later serving it up to the crowd along with some tasty blues jams. The Chill & Grill gets credit for contributing to building the scene, and now Loggerhead’s is a great music venue, so “The future is bright.” “Whether you are born here or came here, this is a community with an interest in art and music and diversity, and it wants to keep growing in good ways,” says Whorley.

Whorley’s side projects include Stone Silicon, Gypsy Jazz with Will Austin, and a solo loop show. Stone Silicon is a ‘super-band’ consisting of Whorley, Louis D, Carl Anderson, and Jaime Crisp. It is a fun time when they all get together, which is rare considering they all have to juggle the schedule of their own bands to get a gig together. When it happens, it’s a special occasion, so clear the schedule and bring your boogie shoes.

You can see Graham Whorley on October 14th at the Brick House Kitchen, October 22 at Follypalooza, and October 26th at the locals party at the Blu. Make sure to get a copy of the new album Permission to Think.

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Classically trained, and having toured all over the country, Eric Penrod has successfully built up a steady following here on Folly Beach. He heads the Eric Penrod Trio, a funk/jazz fusion band which includes Jake Holwegner on bass and alternates between Quentin Ravenel and Stratton Moore on drums.

Penrod writes all the music and lyrics for the band, although live shows include large amounts of improvisation.

“I draw much of my writing from everyday life, starting with an event or occurrence, and allowing that to manifest itself into song,” he explains.

Growing the trio is his current goal, and on the side he is collaborating with Ross Bon, a vocalist new to town that may soon be a household name. He also plays with the 17 South Party Band. “I never thought I would enjoy it, but we have a lot of fun,” he laughs about that gig.

Penrod grew up in Ohio, and remembers his parents always being supportive of his musical ambitions. He started playing guitar at age 10, after listening to Eddie Van Halen’s shredding guitar solos. He took music lessons growing up, and eventually studied at the University of New Orleans under Ellis Marsalis, where he mastered the classical and jazz styles. Since then, his homes have included New York and Chicago. He’s a founding member of the band Skinny, which toured all over the country.

“We were touring over 250 days a year,” Penrod recalls. When the band split up, the guitarist remembered how cool Charleston was when he played here, so he made the move, two years ago. “It reminded me of New Orleans,” he says.

Soon after, Penrod discovered Folly Beach and knew it was right for him.

“I love the vibe on Folly Beach,” he says. “There are also so many killer musicians out here that could survive in any big city. It’s interesting that so many great musicians are in such a small area.”

Penrod’s influences are jazz and bossa nova and old blues, including Muddy Waters. He also loves Stevie Ray Vaughn, Pat Metheny, and The Black Keys. His favorite local artists are Lee Barbour, “incredible guitarist” and Elise Testone, “awesome voice.” He recently shot a video for “Be Alright”, which is a great song and features beautiful Folly Beach scenery. You can view it at www.ericpenrodmusic.com.

You can catch Eric at the Folly Beach Brew Pub on October 21, and Blu on October 23, and see the Eric Penrod Trio October 28 at Loggerheads.

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Beneath the hopeful and soothing sounds of local songwriter Nathan Calhoun’s music lies an ardent pursuit forged by adversity.

Diagnosed three times with melanoma between 2008 to 2011, Nathan’s recurring bouts with cancer ushered in a solo musical career and, on the heels of an unexpected recovery, this month the devout musician released a triumphant debut E.P., Carolina Breeze.

“There are a couple of dramatic songs, but most of the album is pretty up-beat,” says Nathan, who began recording while recovering from a second diagnosis, at home in Louisville, Kentucky.  The album was completed in  February.

Turning to music to alleviate fear and anxiety during treatments, Nathan couldn’t resist breathing life into a hopeful work of art while faced with calamity.

“It was so freeing,” says Nathan, referring to his call towards songwriting.  “I wasn’t rushed, but I wanted to complete it as soon as I could — I wasn’t sure I’d be alive to finish it.”

Positive Vibes

First-time listeners would never guess that Carolina Breeze was conceived under bleak circumstances.  Mirroring Folly Beach’s cheer-filled streets, the aptly-named album leads listeners through heartfelt lyrics and vibrant melodies.

“I wrote a song about the pace of Charleston and Folly Beach, and the locals, too” says Nathan, about the lighthearted title song, “Carolina Breeze.”

“It’s a great CD to break into the original scene,” adds Nathan’s girlfriend and band manager, Elizabeth Adams, whose diligent efforts behind the scenes steadily land him gigs.

A long time familiar face on Folly Beach’s music scene, Nathan consistently delivers dynamic performances as the front-man of Calhoun’s Calling, a cover act rendering classic songs from various artists, including Dave Matthews Band, Jack Johnson and the Foo Fighters.

“We have a lot of fun” says Nathan.  “We play for the crowd.”

Conceived roughly two years ago by Nathan and saxophonist Andy Childs, the high-energy cover act has since accrued many charismatic band members, including lead guitarist Shane Greer, bassist John Birkenheuer, and drummers Kendal Brown, Darryl Williams and Jared Kerns, whose distinct contributions helped shape Carolina Breeze.

“It was perfect timing with this last album,” says Elizabeth, referring to constant encouragement from Nathan’s fellow musicians and friends.  “All these musicians happened to be present at the right time.”

“They’ve been a part of some of the best times in my life,” adds Nathan.

Although continuing involvement with the entertaining group, Nathan’s decision to embark on a solo career has refined the musician’s songwriting ability.

“I’m really looking to dig into the original scene,” says Nathan.  “I feel I have a little more voice now, and I feel stronger as a songwriter.”

The raw recordings and minimal effects of Carolina Breeze create a sincere and intimate listening experience.

“I wanted to keep it as organic as possible,” says Nathan, referring to the recording process.  “I’m so obsessed with keeping everything real and organic.”

Nathan’s ability to create an authentic album, however, stems from a humbling string of cancer diagnoses that sparked an honest and optimistic outlook. Upon moving to Charleston in 2007 from Louisville, Nathan was unexpectedly diagnosed with stage three melanoma, urgently requiring surgery at MUSC to remove a neck tumor and lymph nodes.

Four to five months after recovering, the cancer metastasized and Nathan was diagnosed for a second time with stage four melanoma — a rare, terminal disease with limited treatment options.  To halt the cancer’s rapid spread to vital organs, Nathan underwent surgery and experimental treatments at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), resulting in the removal of his lung.

“It’s so rare and it’s not like skin cancer,” says Nathan, who recalls his doctor admitting eight months of survival would be a gift.  “Many people think stage four melanoma is a skin cancer; but when they’re [doctors] telling you it’s in your lung, brain and liver, it doesn’t feel like skin cancer.”

Healthy for roughly 14 months, the battered musician was re-diagnosed in 2011 with stage four melanoma and, as a last resort, braved interleukin treatment — a process activating the immune system — at NIH.

Teetering between life and death while in and out of treatment centers brought the musician eye to eye with his volatile condition.  “I met other patients who seemed fine, then three weeks later they were dead,” says Nathan.

Nathan’s relentless exposure to mortality rendered every passing moment as a gift.  “I took a step back after I was first diagnosed,” says Nathan.  “I didn’t want to take anything for granted anymore, and that’s when I started making music.”

With a guitar in his hands during the early stages of treatment, Nathan clung to hope and found solace in his music.

“He always had a guitar in his hands,” says Elizabeth, who remained a consistent source of comfort amidst Nathan’s fluctuating circumstances.  “Music just started snowballing.”

After an impressive performance at a benefit in Louisville, the recuperating musician’s on-stage appearances steadily increased, ultimately leading Elizabeth and Nathan back to Charleston.

“I didn’t know I’d ever come back here,” says Nathan.  “It was very emotional coming back to Charleston,” adds Elizabeth.

Despite the musician’s turbulent experiences, themes of serenity and gratitude prevail in “Carolina Breeze.” Alongside Nathan’s near-fatal cancer diagnoses, the death of his grandfather, Roy McCarty, in 2004, as well as a timely and reviving relationship with his girlfriend, Elizabeth, inspired the uplifting album. From beginning to end, the six track E.P. is sewn together by hopeful and eager-minded sentiments.  On a feel good track titled “Fly Away,” Nathan sings:  “Give us a new day, let’s board this plane and fly away.”

Elements of folk, swing and jazz seep into Nathan’s style, creating a wholesome sound reminiscent of Steely Dan and Simon and Garfunkel, and gentle percussion fluttering alongside lush melodies often serve as a canvas for the musician’s earnest lyrics.

“Slow down and enjoy the things around you,” says Nathan.  “The album says that.”

A Community Effort

While Carolina Breeze reflects the musician’s persistence and natural talent, Elizabeth and Nathan commend Folly Beach residents’ compassion and generosity in making the album possible.

“We couldn’t have done all this without the community,” says Elizabeth. “I see this record as a way to give back to the community and their support,” adds Nathan, who credits the annual Follypalooza festival as a major buffer for his treatment costs.

Now in it’s fourth year, Follypalooza launched in 2008 to round up community members and local bands.  D.J. Rich, Folly Beach city councilman and co-owner of Planet Follywood, cooperated with general manager Mike Lewis and chef Chris Ludy of Folly Beach’s former restaurant, The Conch, to organize the lively early-fall event.

Initially raising funds for a handful of residents struggling with cancer, including Nathan, the annual event’s reputation grew each year, alongside the number of residents receiving support, according to Rich.

Supporting Nathan throughout his diagnoses, Rich gained great respect for the musician’s never-give-up persona.

“He’s one of the most optimistic guys I know,” says Rich, about Nathan’s enthusiasm.  “To be diagnosed with cancer all those times and come out as happy as he did, it’s amazing. I never saw him down — he just wanted to play music and have fun.”

After celebrating Carolina Breeze during an album-release show July 7 at Loggerhead’s Beach Grill, Nathan’s has recommenced performing throughout the Charleston area.

“He’s really booked up crazily this summer,” says Elizabeth, who’s booked Nathan shows at the Windjammer on the Isle of Palms, Music Farm and the Brick in downtown Charleston, as well as the Pour House on James Island.

Currently, Nathan performs from 9 p.m. to 12 a.m. every Friday at the Crab Shack on James Island, as well as roughly every other month at Planet Follywood.

Nathan’s remarkable ability to bounce back and deliver passion-laced performances is a testament to his resilient character.

“I’ve always been impressed by Nathan’s talent and raw ability, says Elizabeth.  “But for him to come back like he did, and sing songs with such power with only one lung, it’s unbelievable.”

Finding refuge in music, Nathan’s hardships laid the groundwork for a sincere approach to songwriting and, filled with gratitude and ambition, the bright-eyed musician rests patiently on the brink of a promising musical career.

“It was my saving grace,” says Nathan, paying homage to music’s life saving powers.  “I’ll never be able to give back to music what music has given me.”

Nathan plays at Planet Follywood on Sunday, July 24, and at Locklear’s on the Folly Pier on Wednesday, July 27. To check out Nathan’s upcoming shows, view photos, or contact him, visit: www.nathancalhoun.com.

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Anyone who has been on Folly Beach for any extended amount of time is bound to have heard the musical stylings of Kevin West.  A staple of the island’s live music line-up for close to 20 years now, West has played at nearly every venue that’s come and gone from Center Street.

Since on Folly Beach from New Jersey as a young man, Kevin has found his home, his favorite place on earth, and a place to thrive musically.  Embraced by this town of music lovers, both personally and creatively, Kevin has grown as an artist and seen his music develop in multiple different styles and genres, generating a live show that truly has something for everyone.  You can find him regularly as both a soulful solo act or with the full band for a night of absolute rock ‘n roll bliss.  Either way, you are likely to experience a full array of musical styles, from blues, hard rock, hip-hop, metal, and even a taste of some smooth groovy jazz.  Whichever mood Kevin finds himself in that night, one thing you can count on is that you will find it almost impossible not to be moved out of your chair singing and dancing along.

In 2001, Kevin released his first album, On the Way to Nowhere, a collection of recordings that he made throughout the ’90s.  In 2006, Kevin released his second album, My Life & Times, infusing hip-hop beats and jazz chords into his arrangements. In the July/ August 2006 issue of American Songwriter Magazine, Kevin took first place for his hauntingly beautiful lyrics in the song “Dear Mama,” which shares letters from two sons, one in jail and one fighting in Iraq, to their Mom.

With two albums under his belt and some critical acclaim starting to come his way, Kevin went to the stage to do what he does best — play for the fans.  And he played everywhere all over Charleston, from big shows at places like the Music Farm to small intimate shows all over the islands and downtown.  He then took to the road to share his music with other parts of the country, including Chicago, New Orleans, New York, Atlanta, and Richmond.

Kevin says his newest album, Once in a Lifetime, has been a labor of love for years.  The album became Kevin’s highest priority, tragically, after the sudden passing of his older brother and biggest fan, Brian, in late 2010.  Since then, every ounce of energy and every spare moment has been spent in the studio trying to create the best line up of music that Kevin had in him — something that Brian would be proud of.

The celebration will be on the Friday, July 8, at the Pour House on James Island, where not only will you have the opportunity to pick up your own copy of the CD, but there will also be limited copies of a Kevin West DVD available.  Filmed and created by Ellie Payne, the DVD features tons of photos, old concert footage, and one on one interviews with Kevin about his life and his music.  The CD release party will include The Kevin West Band and special guests such as Brittany Linder, members of L-MOB, and RIGHCHUS.  The doors will open at 8pm, and the first 100 early birds receive a free copy of Once in a Lifetime.

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Blue Mountain front man Cary Hudson from Sumrall / Oxford, Mississippi, returns to Charleston to play the Surf Bar on Thursday, July 29, for his first show on Folly Beach.

Folly Beach attracts interesting characters from all corners of the world: authors, actors, artists, musicians, poets, athletes, politicians, diplomats, vagabonds and everything in between. This month, two highly-regarded singer-songwriters will make their first trips to the island – Cary Hudson of Blue Mountain and Bret Mosley.

“I played the Lowcountry for the first time in February of 2009, in Beaufort,” Mosley says. “Right after my set, a grinning six-and-a-half-foot tall Bubba in a tie-dye t-shirt walked up to me and said, ‘You in gee-tar country – WE LIKE YOU.’ I’ve been back every month or two since then. The soulfulness and the generosity of spirit in the south – that’s the thing about it that draws me, the audiences, the artists. Their hearts are available to one another. When I sing the words, ‘feel the Love, y’all’ down here, it lands and it sticks.”

Mosley hails from Brooklyn and plays a very original, hybrid brand of alternative rock, roots music and funk. Some critics refer to it as “Bluebilly Funkjam.” Touring tirelessly, he has shared the stage with Trombone Shorty, Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk, The Subdudes, The Blind Boys of Alabama, Garry Burnside, Jackie Greene, Outformation, Kaki King, Kelly Joe Phelps, Jerry Joseph and Stockholm Syndrome. Mosley has also drawn comparisons to Chris Whitley, Steve Earle, Van Morrison, Keller Williams, Ben Harper, Taj Mahal and Beck.

Cary Hudson comes from Sumrall, Mississippi, but has relocated a handful of times to Oxford, where he made his stand in the late 1980s as the frontman for the seminal blues-rock and alt-country act Blue Mountain (originally the Hilltops). The original lineup included Hudson and twin brother-sister duo John Stirratt (of Uncle Tupelo and Wilco) and Laurie Stirratt. After the divorce of Hudson and Laurie Stirratt, the band went on a decade-long hiatus, but has reformed in the past three years and toured nationally with a new energy, a couple of new albums and a rejuvenated fan base.

Hudson and Blue Mountain have been credited as being pioneers of the alt-country movement. The band graced the cover of the second issue of No Depression Magazine, and is perhaps most well-known for their hit songs “Soul Sister” and “Jimmy Carter.”

Follywood Productions strives to be the Lowcountry’s most complete event coordinating service, handling live entertainment and promotion for local and regional artists, venues, festivals, fundraisers, universities and special events. This is Follywood – This is The Edge.

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james justin burke

By Vince Perna

Meet James Justin Burke, a local Folly Beach musician and songwriter. I sat down recently for an interview with this burgeoning star and found that, while he appears to be a confident young man sure of his craft, deep down the kid inside him remains giddy with excitement and anticipation. It is this energy that drives his music. As the front man for local rock band Jupiter’s Garden, Justin recently went solo with the band James Justin & Co., a group which presents a soulful rock-grass sound with hints of Americana and country. Every time I have his new album playing someone asks about it; the sign of a truly good record. I highly recommend getting one for yourself, but be careful, it may never come out of your CD player.

VP: Why did you make a solo album?

JJB: Every show someone would talk to me about this great connection they had to one of the songs I wrote, and I thought about how cool it would be to continue these connections on an album. I never really thought twice about it, but it felt like I was meant to do it.

VP: Tell me about the new album.

JJB: “Southern Son, So Far” is an album of love songs. It has nine tracks and song selection was a big decision. There are more songs that did not make it because they just didn’t fit the feeling of this album. Every good record tells a story and the songs I chose were about my wife and how she changed my life. It already has been a gigantic success.

VP: What experiences did you have with the album creation process?

JJB: I had nothing but extremely good experiences. I was surprised at the love and support I received from so many places. Jim Donnelly from Plowground Productions produced the album and made the process effortless. I went in not knowing anything and came out with something that I never knew would go this far. It is very scary to give away your heart and soul, and Jim eased my mind and was confident that it will rival anything out there. I could not have done it without him. Then my friends and some of my heroes offered to be a part of the album. Ben Bridwell was happy to help and his respect was a huge gift. The guys in Dangermuffin were there to support and Howard Dlugash. They all helped me through it.

VP: Are you writing new music and touring now?

JJB: Absolutely. In fact, I could probably make five records. I am very active and a second album may be in the works very soon. My albums are all concepts so I am searching for a sign that makes the second one complete. James Justin & Co. is planning a Charleston Charity tour which has eight dates in late June / early July benefiting Carolina Studios. Then we are taking off to Wilmington, NC, then Floydfest in Virginia and Camp Barefoot in West Virginia, touring Virginia and singing the national anthem at the Richmond Braves game. Then in the fall we have a tour planned from Boston to Miami and over to New Orleans. We plan on being very busy.

VP: How do you feel about the Folly Beach music scene?

JJB: The sounds going on here are incredible. People who aren’t paying attention need to know that there are three major bands making it out there on the road, all based on Folly. Countless others are equally as good and you can hear one nearly every night. The amount of good bands you hear up and down Center Street encourages each one to try harder and get better. It is all a product of where we live and where we come from. Crossing the bridge and arriving on the island relieves all my troubles and creates a huge sigh from deep down within. I can’t imagine my life without Folly.

Buy the album at JamesJustinMusic.com. You can check out James Justin & Co. on June 20 & July 3 at the Surf Bar, June 24 on the Folly Pier, July 1 at Sunset Cay Marina, and July 2 at Folly Beach Brewing Co. If you are one of the religious readers of the Folly Current, you can see him tonight, June 11, at the Chill & Grill with Jupiter’s Garden.

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Singer/Songwriter Justin Burke has manned numerous musical projects before, namely Jupiter’s Garden, as well as several Rock/Funk bands consisting of close friends, but his new album harkens back to an old sound. Familiar originals are given new life after years of performance refinement, and new tunes invite fans back to the Folk/Blues roots which have helped identify Burke as an island icon.

While playing with Jupiter’s Garden and occasionally with local band Dangermuffin, Burke’s performances have ultimately led to funky renditions of Beatles tunes, as well as other classic covers. In his inaugural album “Southern Son, So Far,” Burke opens the floor to island friends and musicians, all of whom contribute to this grassroots album of folk lyrics, bluegrass breakdowns and organic mixture of Southern music.

Although it seems that the use of so many different instruments throughout the album would set the stage for more elaborate compositions, the songs are surprisingly concise and to the point. Whether it involves keys or trumpet, banjo or mandolin, electric guitar or acoustic, Burke and his plethora of musicians create an atmosphere that is very relaxed, specific, and indefinably local.

Dan Lotti and Mike Sivilli of Dangermuffin are audibly visible throughout the album, with Lotti singing backing vocals and Sivilli lending some electric guitar solos on tracks like “In the Garden,” “Free Love,” and “I Know You Will.” Band of Horses front-man Ben Bridwell also throws in his range of vocals in “The Rescue.”

The majority of the songs feature melodic instrument accompaniments in an almost Southern ballad-type structure, though the album is also peppered with several rock tunes with classic electric guitar feedback and bluegrass progressions.

The content of Burke’s album should be familiar to anyone who has lived on the island, its overall style reminiscent of a combination of the Avett Brothers, Robert Johnson, Bob Dylan and The Band album “Basement Tapes.” His live sets are always extremely positive, and this mindset definitely translates into these well recorded studio tracks.

The subject matters of Justin’s songs are always soulful and optimistic, mainly dealing with the joys of living set to clean, emotive arrangements. On songs like “I Know You Will,” and “Turn This Thing Around,” Burke unleashes this Dixieland sentiment: “Take me back to the good old days, when I was young, I know you will.”

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