Drifter Merch’s blog features news, events, tour dates and vendor spotlights to music and album reviews.
5th Annual Drifter Fest
The 5th Annual Drifter Fest: Bert Griggs Memorial Jam returns to Charleston on September 5th–7th with a dynamic lineup of live music, celebrating the life and legacy of the late Drifter Merch founder Bert Griggs.
The main event takes place on Saturday at the Refinery Amphitheater with a lineup that includes progressive improvisational rock/jam band Big Something headlining along with soulful powerhouse Kanika Moore & The Brown Eyed Bois plus Just Groove. Doors open at 5 p.m. with music starting at 6 p.m.
Tickets are on sale at DrifterFest.com/tickets. General Admission is $30 in advance, $40 on the day of show. With limited availability, $60 VIP tickets are 21 and older only and include GA access, second-level rooftop viewing area overlooking the event with private VIP bar, inside bathrooms, seating, VIP parking, and commemorative laminate.
The festival kicks off on Friday with a free pre-jam event featuring Machine Funk “A Tribute to Widespread Panic” at Home Team BBQ downtown starting at 6 p.m. After-parties will follow on Friday and Saturday at The Commodore from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. Then on Sunday, the weekend wraps up with a free show featuring Junco Partner at Vickery’s on Shem Creek from 4-7 p.m.
Drifter Fest is an annual event in Charleston, SC that celebrates the life of the late Bert Griggs, co-founder of Drifter Merch. It has grown into a must-attend community celebration of live music, art, local eats, and specialty drinks. This year, a portion of proceeds will benefit Rock ‘n Roll Rescue, a non profit that allows children access to instruments and music education programs. Sponsorship opportunities are available for businesses and organizations interested in supporting Drifter Fest and its mission.
For more information, tickets, sponsorship and other FAQ, go to www.drifterfest.com
10th Annual Five Points JerryFest
Presented by the Five Points Association and Loose Lucy’s in Columbia, SC, JerryFest is a free family friendly outdoor concert annually held on Sunday, October 6th. Featuring local and regional acts on two stages, the annual event also showcases artisan craft vendors, food trucks, kids’ crafts, tie dye, and more. This year’s 10th Annual JerryFest runs from 11:30 am-8:00 pm with an official after party at Publico from 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm.
LIVE MUSIC SCHEDULE:
6:00 – 8:00 p.m. New Potato Caboose
4:00 – 5:30 p.m. JGBCB
2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Machine Funk
12:00 – 1:30 p.m. Grateful Brothers
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Columbia Drum Circle
LIVE THROUGHOUT THE DAY:
PUBLICO AFTER PARTY:
PARTICIPATING VENDORS:
As if you didn’t already know, JerryFest was started to commemorate the life and art of musical legend Jerry Garcia. Garcia was best known as the lead guitarist for the Grateful Dead that inspired legions of followers known as “Deadheads.” The last time the Grateful Dead performed in Columbia was on Halloween 1985 at the Carolina Coliseum. Every year, JerryFest aims to recreate that atmosphere. It is one of Five Points’ signature events for the past 10 years and has grown steadily hosting over 2,000 attendees each year!
Catch Drifter Merch at these October Events
We are buzzing with excitement for October as we have a jam-packed schedule filled with tons of fabulous vending events alongside awesome music. It's going to be a whirlwind of activity and exciting opportunities to connect with other vendors, showcase our products, and network for custom orders.
Five Points JerryFest, a FREE outdoor Columbia, SC concert, returns on Sunday, October 1st from 11:30 am-8:00 pm. The fun-filled event will have more music and regional acts on two stages this year featuring Jerry Garcia and Grateful Dead music from Stillhouse and The Reckoning along with the addition this year of some other jam-band favorites that includes Phish-inspired Runaway Gin and Widespread Panic cover band Machine Funk. In addition to food vendors and beer trucks, there will be family fun activities along with artisan vendors creating a Shakedown Street atmosphere. Merchants include us, Bravefriend Apparel and Design, Bright Star Designs, Grizzly Belle, Hippy Do-Da Creations, HoneyCreek Pottery, Reba’s Dancing Dyes, Revyved Records, Ruffled Rooster Co. & Mercantile, and Zinnialou Jewelry. Guests will enjoy eats and drinks from Senor Burrito, Zosh, Kombucha Bus, Bang Back Pinball Lounge, Publico Kitchen + Tap, Home Team BBQ and Crowntown.
The 6th Annual Day of the Dead will be held on Saturday, October 7th at the Big Winston Warehouse, presented by Fiddlin’ Fish Brewing Co, Pesca Muerta, Broad Branch Distillery, and Celestial Wellness! Day of the Dead is the party of the fall in Winston-Salem featuring live music from Cosmic Charlie, Athens GA’s high-energy Grateful Dead tribute. This year, Dr. Bacon will be kicking the party off with a little Appalachian funk at 5:00. Get here early and check out the lot scene. We’ll have vendors, a tie-dye station, and good vibes all afternoon!
The Palmetto Park Jam will be held on Sunday, October 15 from 12-4:30 p.m. at Palmetto Islands County Park in Mount Pleasant. Get ready to jam with the ultimate Allman Brothers tribute band, Idlewild Revival. Grab your tickets now, and secure your spot for an afternoon of tunes. Whether you're a die-hard Allman Brothers fan or simply love great music, this tribute will blow you away!
The 10th Annual Tribute to the Band will be held on Sunday, October 22 at the Pawleys Island Tavern. 30-plus musicians will gather to pay homage to the music of The Band. This is a free show that will benefit All4Paws animal rescue in Pawleys Island, SC. Artists from near and far sing and play a song or two with the eight-piece house band. It's a beautiful setting under the oaks and the stars. Come listen to the music of The Band in what has become a community tradition for the musicians and audience, alike.
As Widespread Panic will be back in Savannah for Halloween, Drifter Merch will be set up in the lot with many talented Shakedown vendors. Check us out before and after the shows on Friday, October 27 and Saturday, October 28th at Enmarket Arena.