Local bluesman Andy “Smoky” Weiner has always been good at keeping time. Something essential for a musician. But it also makes sense considering that Weiner attended the Joseph Bulova School of Watchmaking and even owned a jewelry and watch repair shop in downtown Charleston for several years oin the 1990s. And like clockwork, every year he puts on some of the best and longest-running blues and jazz gatherings in the Southeast over the last 25 years. Since 1999, the Sunday before Memorial Day has become a gathering of some of the finest blues musicians from the region and beyond for what has become known as the Harmonica Romp in the Swamp.
“It’s a great gig every year,” says Weiner, who is bringing the Romp back to Bowen’s Island on Sunday, May 26 for its silver jubilee (that’s 25 years if you didn’t know). In the past, the event has welcomed such blues luminaries as Miss Wanda Johnson and Big Daddy Cade to the Bowen’s Island stage.
For the 25th anniversary of the Romp in Swamp, Weiner has assembled an impressive lineup of seasoned blues musicians, including Elliott & the Untouchables, Juke Joint Johnny, Cotton Blue, and, of course, Smoky Weiner. Tickets for the event are $30 in advance through Eventbrite or $25 cold cash at the door.
Although he doesn’t consider himself truly a promoter, the former watch repairman-turned-electrician (Handy Andy Electric) has been putting on some of the biggest and best blues events in the Southeast right here along the coast at scenic Bowen’s Island. But Weiner’s musical journey didn’t begin among the piles of oyster shells and dolphins swimming along the marsh. The New York Native moved to Folly Beach in 1987 but he began playing music when he was just 8 years old when his grandmother gave him his first harmonica.
“I was always running around with a harmonica,” recalls Weiner. “I really should be a lot better than I am now, considering I’ve been playing for 60 years.”
Always quick with a joke or amusing antidote, Weiner says he grew up playing music with his sister, who had a guitar. They would often play Bob Dylan, Peter, Paul & Mary, Pete Seeger, and other popular folk and rock singers from the day. Weiner actually got to share the stage with the legendary Seegar once upon a time. He also had the privilege of traveling to the Capitol and playing an inauguration reception for President Barrack Obama and an event called the Grits & Granite ball, thrown by the South Carolina Democratic Party and the New Hampshire Democratic Party. He has also played at events for former S.C. Governor and U.S. Congressman Mark Sanford. His band, Smoky Weiner & The Hotlinks, has been a longtime fixture on the Charleston blues circuit. He also helped create and oversaw the Homegrown Blues Series, which was part of Piccolo Spoleto for several years.
These days, he and the Hot Links don’t play as often as they used to, but Weiner is still able to tap into his vast network of blues musicians to pull together a couple of great shows every year, the Harmonica Romp in the Swamp and another Bowen’s Island event held the Sunday before Labor Day every year.
“People still like the music, but there used to be a whole lot more blues bands around, and there are now far fewer. Not as many places to play now either,” Weiner laments. But he and the Harmonica Romp in the Swamp continue to carry the torch for those who love to play and listen to the type of music.
Beyond the great music, this year’s Romp will also feature food from Workman’s Café just up the road on James Island for purchase as well as a cash bar.
The 25th annual Harmonica Romp in the Swamp will be held Sunday, May 26, from 4-8 p.m. at Bowen’s Island Restaurant, located at 1870 Bowens Island Road. To purchase tickets, visit www.eventbrite.com/e/harmonica-romp-in-the-swamp-tickets-861172258407.
