So far this year, the Upstate’s concert schedule has been one for the record books.
George Strait turned Death Valley (OK, OK, “Memorial Stadium”) in Clemson to a 90,000-seat honky tonk bar. Jason Bonham, son of legendary Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham, ascended the drum throne at the Peace Center to pay tribute to his dad’s band.
Speaking of the Peace Center, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame member Graham Nash stopped by, as did Cheap Trick. The Foundry at Judson Mill welcomed our beloved Georgia friends Drivin’ N’ Cryin’. And Alice Cooper, God bless him, brought his traveling musical freakshow to Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium.
No way to top that, right?
That’s what you think. Here are some August concerts that will keep the Upstate’s hot musical streak going strong.
Aug. 4, Bryan Adams, Bon Secours Wellness Arena, Greenville: Welcome to an evening of rock ‘n’ roll “heaven,” as one of the best-selling artists of the 1980s and ‘90s comes to town. Expect to hear energetic performances of hits and favorites like “Summer of ’69,” “Run To You,” “Have You Ever Really Loved A Woman,” “Cuts Like A Knife” and many more. Visit bonsecoursarena.com for showtime and ticket info.
Aug. 14, Glass Mansions, Radio Room, Greenville: A beloved former South Carolina band returns home from Austin, Texas for the first time. The duo plays an infectious mix of dance-rock beats and rock muscle, and singer Jayna Doyle is one of the best in the biz. Visit radioroomgreenville.com for showtime and ticket info.
Aug. 20, George Porter Jr., The Mockingbird at Peace Center, Greenville: George Porter Jr. brings his legendary bass grooves and New Orleans funk to Greenville. A founding member of the influential funk group The Meters and a longtime collaborator across the worlds of jazz, rock and soul, Porter Jr. remains one of the most celebrated bassists in American music. Expect an evening of deep grooves, improvisation and Crescent City rhythm.
Aug. 29, Tinsley Ellis, The Mockingbird at Peace Center, Greenville: A longtime Upstate favorite returns, bringing his electrifying blues-rock guitar work to the Peace Center. Known for his fiery solos, soulful vocals and decades-long dedication to the blues, Ellis has built a reputation as one of the genre’s most respected contemporary performers. Expect a night deep grooves and road-tested blues.
Aug. 30, Goo Goo Dolls, CCNB Amphitheatre at Heritage Park, Simpsonville: Goo Goo Dolls bring their signature alternative rock sound to CCNB Amphitheatre, with hits including “Iris,” “Slide” and “Name” highlighting a career that has spanned more than three decades. The band will be joined by Neon Trees for an evening of ’90s nostalgia, power-pop hooks and fan favorites.
