Rhythm on the River presents homeboy Justin Smith and the Folk Hop Band
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"We are looking forward to Justin Smith and the Folk Hop band at this year's Rhythm on the River finale and hope that 'three time's the charm' since their last two scheduled performances were altered by inclement weather. I've heard many great things about Justin Smith, who is a product of Lexington, SC. Not only is he talented, he works hard at the business aspect of the band and seems to really understand how to market his product, his music. I admire that in a young man in today's world."
Pinner is very happy with this year's music event. "Our concert series has slowly evolved into a showcase for regional talent as we strive to book artists looking to build a fan base in hopes of getting noticed nationally. They look at our concert series as an opportunity to perform to an audience they couldn't reach in clubs and bars. They enjoy the location and the intimate setting the amphitheatre provides."
Smith picked up a guitar when he was 13. Heavily influenced by Hip Hop, he started rapping as he strummed his acoustic guitar. This style was unknown at the time, which made it hard to locate both influences and band mates. He moved from musical place to place, trying to find an ally in his quest to bring something different to an art form that was used to consistency.
Smith began to fly solo at age 17, convinced he was not going to locate anyone who would embrace his style and put up with his desire to take the music where it needed to go.
Two albums, Acoustic Life , and This is Me, brought regional success and the beginnings of a fan base. He was gaining a following in his hometown of Lexington, and in Myrtle Beach, where he was attending college.
Sinner's Prayer, the third album, brought together a group of people who had bonded with Smith and developed a fondness for his style and an ability to accompany his songs. The band was born.
In addition to Smith, who plays acoustic guitar and sings, the Folk Hop Band includes singers Daniel Strickland and Elise Testone, DJ Lex manning the turntable, Angela Freeman playing bass, Cory Plaugh providing electric guitar licks and backup vocals, Jebb Mac on vocals and keys, and Josh Latham playing drums.
Smith and the band are looking forward to playing. "We have been invited to play the concert series the last three years. The first year we got rained out, the second year our original date was rained out but we were fortunate enough to reschedule and play the encore show, and this year we are scheduled to play the encore show again and we can't wait. The atmosphere is awesome at the river and we always have a great crowd. It's a great place to bring the whole family, including the pets, and enjoy some live music."
The June 27 concert is on the west side of the river, just across the Gervais Street Bridge, and is free. The music starts at six and food, drink, art, and fun will be available at the park. For more information on Justin Smith and the Folk Hop Band, visit folkhopband.com. The West Metro Chamber website provides more information about the Rhythm on the River concert series and other events. westmetrochamber. sc.
