Pour House: Music venue and canvas for artists.
For the last few years, The
Pour House, a popular music Venue on Maybank Highway, has invited artists to come paint images on its walls.
I'll get in touch with Alex, the owner, and get details on how this came about.
It's bright, colorful and very imaginative.
A few night ago I was enjoying a band playing in Charleston for the first time and walked around looking at new murals and paintings.
I commented that I should come back in the daytime to take some pictures.
The next morning I remembered I had NOT remembered to close out my tab when I left. Duh.
That would explain why my credit card was not in my wallet.
You don't expect a phone call to be answered by a late night club early in the morning, so I called later in the day.
Yes my card was there and I could get it around 5 when the club's restaurant
The Lot would open.
I drove out to West Ashley and my card was waiting for me. A $5 tip had been added - standard in cases like this - which actually was a little less than I would normally add to my bill.
Peace of mind restored., I wandered around, taking pictures of the colorful images.
A lot of artistic talent was on display.
"Homegrown Microphone" summed up the PoHo's encouragement of local musical talent.
In addition to the touring regional bands - and some national acts - that play inside, there is a very large outdoor deck area that hosts locals for free concerts.
Mainly cover bands, the tribute players outside have an elevated, covered stage with an excellent sound system.
Paintings adorn the walls out there too.
Daytime is the best time for photography but I have admired these at night as well.
The variety is truly amazing.
Views based on song lyrics abound as well as whimsical views of the world.
The Pour House celebrated its 10th anniversary earlier this year and I salute the decision to make inside smoke free.
The deck was added to serve the smokers and evolved into an expanded outdoor show stage with stand-up tables and its own bar.
And, plenty of paintings.
Started going to the venue when it was still on Savannah Highway.
I remember you were encouraged to bring and play your own copies of jam bands and other groups featured on
"Wide Spread Wednesdays.
Wondered if their clients would trek further out when they moved into the new space, but that was not a problem.
On my latest visit I saw that the carpet had been ripped up and the concrete floor had been acid-washed.
I also saw the outdoor billboard being changed.
The top row shows who is playing outside on the deck.
The lower section lists the bands appearing inside the club.
I had seen
Dead Winter Carpenters the night before.
It was their first time in South Carolina.
The 5-piece Alt-Country band from N. Lake Tahoe had it's touring bus break down and they were driving a rented van.
Enjoyed their sound and hope the bus is running again soon.
(Click on the photos for more details.)
*WSMFP refers to the after party for the 2-night appearance of Wide Spread Panic...WSP.
Labels: cover bands, Dead Winter Carpenters, Homegrown Microphone, muralist Patch Whisky, The Lot restaurant, Wide Spread Panic, WSP
An 8-day week...
Managed to stop by the Pour House three times in a week.
Well, actually, it was 8 days.
The "Po Ho" is one of my favorite music venues and owner Alex presented a varied and interesting line up for my 8-day week menu.
Jimbo Mathus brought his Mississippi Southern Rock show to town Thursday night and had the appreciative fans on their feet till the wee hours.
His newest album,
White Buffalo, was released in February by Fat Possum Records.
I've enjoyed the 46-year old performer from his Squirrel Nut Zipper days (1993 -2000) and into his extensive traveling performances that bring him through Charleston every year.
Between sets, Jimbo told me he remembered being here 3 years ago during the February Blues Bash.
"Oh Yeah, that was the night it snowed on Charleston," he smiled.
Friday night was a return of
Acoustic Syndicate, the North Carolina rock, folk, & bluegrass band who also swings through annually.
One fan in a large top hat caught my eye in the crowd and I angled around to get his silhouette in front of the stage.
There was a dazzling light show as well so when arms were waving in praise and enjoyment - and many beers were held aloft - the party atmosphere was bright and cheery.
The brothers Fitz, Jr. and Bryon McMurry teamed with their cousin Steve and formed a trio in 1992 playing for church groups then really spread out.
The Acoustic Syndicate - brothers and cousin - are well known for their 3-part harmony.
Charles Walker & The Dynamites had started my 8-day week with a rollicking James Brown sound and style.
His new album is titled
"Love Is Only Everything" and he belts out his 1960s Old School soul sounds at every energetic live show.
That was the start of a lively round of music and I returned night after night for more, more, more.
Finally, last night, had a chance to step next door for a meal at
The Lot, the sister restaurant that replaced El Bohio, and then carried my bratwurst back over to the club side.
Good food, cold beer and great entertainment. Life is good.
(Click on the photos for more details.)
"8 Days A Week" is a nice challenge and opportunity to see and hear some great acts.
And, now, Spoleto-Piccolo has begun.
I better take a nap.
Thanks for stopping by.
Enjoy live music.
Labels: Acoustic Syndicate, Bryon McMurry and cousin Steve McMurray, Charles Walker and The Dynamites, Fitz Jr. McMurry, Jimbo Mathus, Love Is Only Everything., The Lot restaurant, White Buffalo
Just Pour It On ...
As part of its 10th anniversary, the
Pour House has presented it's annual mural painting contest.
And a whole lot more.
A stellar musical line up for a week of entertainment.
The murals - out front on Maybank Highway - and on the deck.
And a brand new restaurant called
The Lot.
The Wednesday night I went there, the energetic sextet
Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears filled the room with a happy crowd.
Well, earlier a
"Dead" tribute band played on the deck so many probably stuck around.
A 3-piece brass horn section is always a treat.
When a group plays a straight long set - without a break or intermission - you get all the joy without the wait.
I appreciated this even more because my evening had already included a Thai dinner.
And the movie
Killer Joe across the street at The Terrace theater.
People think it's easy being retired. The hours sometimes are long but I sleep in the next day.
(Click on the pictures for more detail.)
Go to the club and restaurant and check it out yourself.
You'll enjoy it.
A
LOT.Labels: Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears, Killer Joe, mural contest, Please click http://photo.meetup.com/687., The Lot restaurant
