By Ellison Manley, a Skunkfest Coordinator, local music guru, and web designer at Engenius Web.
This is a contributor-submitted Voices piece. Want to join the conversation? We invite you to write for us. Learn how to share your voice here.
If variety is the spice of life then Fall for Greenville’s 2019 music lineup is seasoned to perfection, with acts to please even the most finicky of tastes. There’s country, in all styles, from radio-ready to outlaw to Americana. There’s indie rock and jam-band rock and pop-rock. There’s classical jazz and soulful jazz and funk. There’s not one, but two tributes to great American artists. With all that and more simmering in downtown Greenville, you can bet it’s going to be a delicious weekend, folks!
As a Skunkfest coordinator and overall music lover, I often get people asking me ‘what should I see at Fall for Greenville.’ And while it’s impossible to take in the 60+ shows, here are some of my picks for each day, featuring a mix of genres to help guide you if you’re feeling overwhelmed.
Thursday, Oct. 10
A night of country music kicks things off with 20+ year veterans out of Austin, Reckless Kelly, and local favorites the James Radford Band. Whatever your country music preferences, this should satisfy—they’re both a good bit country, a good bit rock n roll.
Friday, Oct. 11
My picks for Friday include a couple of local favorites, a few indie bands I’ve been hearing about for years, and a nice flashback to the mid-90’s with the return of Cravin Melon!
Shannon Hoover | 6-7 p.m. | Furman Jazz & Blues Stage | Hoover, one of Greenville’s best and most prolific bassists, will be paying tribute to jazz bass legend Jaco Pastorius.
Human Resources | 7-8 p.m. | Carolina Chevy Stage | This band out of Charleston is new to me, but I’m really digging their indie-pop sound. Male harmonies and synths and catchy tunes - what’s not to love?
Phat Lip | 8-9 p.m. | CPI Security Stage | I HIGHLY encourage you to go check out Greenville’s own Phat Lip, fronted by Kelly Jo Ramirez and her beautiful, soulful voice. The band is made up of some of Greenville’s best musicians and they play a mix of originals and covers.
San Fermin | 9-10:30 p.m. | Carolina Chevy Stage | This electronic/chamber pop “collective” appears on my Spotify recommendations a good bit so I’m excited to see them in person. Lead vocals are shared by different band members, and it seems we are the first stop on a tour for their new album Cormorant I, so it should be fun to see what they’ve cooked up for the tour.
Los Colognes | 9:30-10:30 p.m. | CPI Security Stage | This Nashville-based rock band has a throwback style, melding catchy melodies, a bit of country influence, and nice vocals that reminded me a bit of Tom Petty and at times Mark Knopfler.
Cravin Melon | 9:30-10:30 p.m. | Quiktrip Stage | Fans of a certain age can get nostalgic for the college days, as Doug Jones and the band perform their hits as well as some newer music they’ve been working on.
Saturday, Oct. 12
Kyshona | 1-2 p.m. | Live at Aloft Stage | Start your day off with the powerful voice and uplifting lyrics of Kyshona!
Trapfire Brothers’ Almost Petty | 3-4 p.m. | Quicktrip Stage | While not familiar with the Trapfire Brothers, anyone who wants to sing a bunch of Tom Petty songs has my vote!
Becca Mancari | 4-5 p.m. | Carolina Chevy Stage | I saw Mancari open for The Lone Bellow at the Spinning Jenny last year and she caught my attention. She has a really nice Americana sound.
Whitehall | 4-5 p.m. | Live at Aloft Stage | A fun indie rock band out of Charleston. The more I listen, the more I likey.
Wild Adriatic | 5:30-6:30 p.m. | Carolina Chevy Stage | Wild Adriatic has also performed their guitar-centric rock and roll at the Spinning Jenny. Known for their live performance, this band will get you pumped for the rest of the night.
Darby Wilcox and the Peep Show | 6-7 p.m. | CPI Security Stage | Darby Wilcox is a local favorite not just because of her fun personality that shines through on stage, but because she is just damn good, as are the Peep Show bandmates. If you’ve heard of her but never seen her, don’t wait any longer!
She Returns From War | 7-8 p.m. | Live at Aloft Stage | In researching She Returns From War, I came across the phrase “Cosmic Americana” and I love it! Lead singer Hunter Park has a voice that sounds familiar and aching and I’m really looking forward to catching this group for the first time!
White Denim | 7-8:30 p.m. | Carolina Chevy Stage | Rocking band out of Austin, TX known for great live shows. They, too, have a bit of a throwback sound and lots of recognizable influences, so this should be a good time!
Lilly Hiatt | 7:30-9 p.m. | CPI Security Stage | The daughter of well-known singer/songwriter John Hiatt has been making a name for herself in the Americana world with extensive touring and festival appearances over the last few years. My friend Josh says she puts on a heckuva show!
Polyrhythmics | 7-8:30 p.m. | Furman Jazz & Blues Stage | 8 musicians at the height of their powers. This should be a mesmerizing and engaging show!
Sunday, Oct. 13
Dr. Bacon | 2:30-3:30 p.m. | Quicktrip Stage | With a name like Dr. Bacon and a song called “Girl from Caroline”, this band was impossible to resist...
The Work | 3-4 p.m. | CPI Security Stage | Greenville’s favorite Jam Band reunites once again to get you feeling funky, in the best way possible!
Futurebirds | 3:30-4:30 p.m. | Carolina Chevy Stage | I first heard this band out of Athens, GA when they opened for The Revivalist at Zoo Tunes a couple years ago, but their southern vibe sounded familiar in all the right ways. I think I enjoyed them more than the main act, to be honest, and look forward to their return to Greenville.
Babe Club | 4:30-5:30 p.m. | Live at Aloft Stage | These two former members of Susto are now making a very different kind of music together, reminiscent of some of my favorite rocking ladies of the 90’s.
Moon Taxi | 5:30-7 p.m. | Carolina Chevy Stage | Moon Taxi has been on the festival circuit for years, including a past stop at Fall for Greenville if I’m not mistaken, but have recently had more mainstream and commercial success. In other words, they’re kind of a big deal and it’s fun to have them back in the Upstate.
Flow Tribe | 5:30-7 p.m. | Quicktrip Stage | This six-piece from New Orleans will bring the party as they merge New Orleans style jazz, r & b, soul, and hip-hop.
Tribute to Aretha Franklin featuring Jamie Wright & Zataban | 5-7 p.m. | Peace Center Stage on the River | Jamie Wright is one of Greenville’s best vocalist and Aretha is her biggest influence so this is going to be a special show celebrating the life and music of the Queen of Soul.
