After a 7-year break, the free concert series “Five After Five” returns to Five Points

FIVE POINTS OF COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) — A popular festival spanning four different dates is returning to the Five Points neighborhood.

Starting July 18, the patio across from the famous fountain in Five Points will be decorated for “Five After Five,” a free concert series returning after a seven-year hiatus.

Heather McDonald of the Five Points Association says the event was launched in 1996 and now is the right time for its return.

“Music is so important here in the neighborhood because we had live music venues. A lot of smaller bands started out here in Five Points back in the day and it was just a hub for live music. Over the years it’s shrunk a little bit and we’ve had other bars and restaurants move into the neighborhood, but it’s still something that resonates with people who are from here, who went to school here or are now in school here,” McDonald says.

Trae Judy has booked the talent for the series and says each selected musician and band will bring something special – and of course, food and drink trucks will be available as well.

“My main goal was to make sure that each of the events looked good and sounded good and that the band was quality. And then it had to kind of fit that there was something for everyone. All ages, all demographics. If you just want to have fun, come to Five Points, listen to some music, go to one of your favorite restaurants in Five Points. This gives us the opportunity to do that,” says Judy.

Costs and concert times:

Every concert is free for the public and starts at 6pm and ends at 9pm

Musical highlights and dates:

July 18: NOLA to COLA – Mark Rapp & Soda City Brass Band, trumpeter, composer,
Arranger and bandleader Mark Rapp is the founder of ColaJazz.com, a jazz initiative to promote
and support jazz in and around Columbia, SC through events, education, recordings and
Advocacy. Join us on a musical journey as we reflect the Big Easy in Five Points.

August 22nd: Pop, Soul, Folk and more with Lola Grace and the Night, Singer/Songwriter,
Lola Grace has always been a music lover. She brings a new touch to the stage, with
energetic performances and an impressive stage presence. From many different
Inspirations, she is able to offer a variety of styles, from pop, soul, folk, rock,
Country, jazz and more. Her sultry voice and the soulfulness in her singing,
Blend them with the music to create a powerful sound.

September 26th: Calling all Parrotheads! Jimmy Buffett Tribute Night – Gary Roland & The
Landsharks Band, one of the most famous, popular and sought-after beach bands
The Landsharks have played at thousands of concerts and shows around the world
everywhere! Gary Roland & The Landsharks performed with Jimmy Buffett in Key West
and also at Margaritaville. At a Landsharks concert, EVERYONE is part of the show!
You will sing along, dance and have fun all night long!

October 17: A night full of rock n’ roll with Sell Out, who debuted in their original line-up in
October 2020 with an explosive first appearance on the Breakers Live stage in the 5 Points district.
The band’s high energy combined with dueling guitars and bass-heavy percussion
attracted a lot of attention, resulting in a busy schedule for most of the year
with notable performances by Drift Jam 2021 and the Windjammer in Charleston. Sold out
is ready to present a new sound rooted in country and rock. Look forward to classics from
Pink Floyd and The Marshall Tucker Band, as well as hits from country artists such as Garth
Brooks and Darius Rucker. Maybe you like 90s rock, then they are just right for you
Play your favorite hits from The Foo Fighters and Pearl Jam.

Park:

Parking is available throughout the district and free parking is
available at 2221 Devine Street.

“It’s just really important to the lifeline of Five Points and something we’ve always been known for and we were really excited to bring it back,” McDonald says.