Back when I had to travel home for Thanksgiving, it wasn’t just about coming home to spend the holiday eating delicious meals with my family. Frankly, it was also about the anticipation of catching up with old friends from various stages of my life and catching up, looking forward to meeting up with my hometown friends at a local establishment to catch up on all the latest. The best places to do so were local jazz haunts or somewhere where we could take in some entertainment while we enjoyed each other’s company.
For those visiting or passing through South Carolina during Thanksgiving week there are plenty of options or jazz entertainment while visiting with relatives and friends. Here’s a list of some can’t-miss options:
Columbia
Tuesday, Nov. 20,
Conundrum Music Hall, 626 Meeting St., West Columbia: Conundrum Jazz Sessions will reconvene with the
Mitch Butler Trio, led by trombonist and educator Mitch Butler. The artist has played with the likes of Branford Marsalis, Vincent Gardner and Darius Rucker and has made a tremendous name for himself through his willingness to blend genres and use music to educate. Every Tuesday at 6 p.m. he can be found at Conundrum Music Hall. Cover is $3, prepare to enjoy!
Hilton Head Island
Friday, Nov. 23,
The Jazz Corner, 1000 William Hilton Parkway: Charleston Jazz Orchestra artistic director
Charlton Singleton joins the Kevin Bales Quartet in a tribute to the late, great Oscar Peterson. Between Singleton’s bottomless supply of energy, the infectious vibe of the club, and the music of one of the best jazz musicians that North America has ever seen, this will definitely be a night to remember.
Greenville
Wednesday, Nov. 21,
High Cotton, 550 S. Main St.: Get ready for The Jamie Wright Experience, a fusion of jazz, funk, and R&B that will pull you up out of your seat. Jamie Wright’s classical background gives her a unique range and ability that keeps listeners coming back for more. Enjoy cocktails at Maverick Southern Kitchen’s Greenville arm on the riverfront and experience it for yourself.
Spartanburg
Friday, Nov. 23,
Blues Boulevard Jazz, 99 S. Church St.: Blues Boulevard Jazz provides Spartanburg with food, music and art, all with a positive attitude of service and giving. The night after Thanksgiving, stop in to listen to Melodious Earth, a “rock-funk fusion group with strong jazz overtones” that is based out of Asheville.
Charleston
Friday, Nov. 23,
The Charleston Grill, 224 King St.: The fine dining establishment inside of The Charleston Place Hotel has developed a reputation for its music scene that is as strong as its amazing meals. The evening after Thanksgiving guests will be able to hear Ron Wiltrout and Friends, a Grill staple for the end of the week. The drummer and his group are mesmerizing and have dept locals coming back during their weekly tenure at the restaurant.