West Columbia’s Rhythm on the River Spring concerts started last week. The concerts are in the fourteenth year, and they are like a dependable old friend.
“The Greater Cayce-West Columbia Chamber’s opening week of CMC Rhythm on the River was a great success with Back South and Papa String Band,” said Richard Skipper, the Chamber’s executive director. “The newly renovated River Walk Ampitheater was at full capacity and a good time was had by all. This week will be starting when West Columbia’s Kinetic Derby ends. Prettier than Matt will start at 5pm and they will be followed by our headliner Flat Out Strangers. Food trucks, dessert truck and beverages will be available.”
This Saturday Prettier Than Matt opens at 5 p.m. (an hour earlier than usual.) Then Flat Out Strangers play. The 5 p.m. start is to accommodate Saturday’s Kinetic Derby Day crowd. Kinetic Derby Day is free and includes a kinetic sculpture parade, soapbox car racing for adults and children, art, food, and family fun.
The Kinetic Sculpture Parade begins at 10 a.m. on Meeting Street. The adult soap box derby racing begins at 11 a.m. on Meeting Street.
Unwinding after Kinetic Derby Day is a perfect fit with Rhythm on the River. The concerts are sponsored by the Greater Cayce-West Columbia Chamber of Commerce and the City of West Columbia.
Prettier than Matt, playing Saturday at Rhythm on the River. Show starts at 5 p.m.
Tim Thompson, and his wife Mickie, are regulars at Rhythm on the River. They love to go to festivals, too.
“We enjoy Rhythm on the River very much,” said Thompson. “We always have a great time.” Thompson was at the first Rhythm on the River of the 2018 concert last Saturday with his wife, Mickie.
“We always seem to run into somebody we haven’t seen in a while. You see people there you may not see at other places. It’s a time to catch up at a very relaxed and positive, family event.”
Thompson said after a day that may feature a festival, like Saturday’s Kinetic Derby Day, he and Mickie are sure to come to Rhythm on the River to top off the end a good day.
Thompson also said he has been going to the Rhythm on the River concerts for years. He described Rhythm on the River as an example of some of the good things going on in West Columbia.
“It’s an up-and-coming city,” said Thompson. “And the chamber does a great job putting them on. And we’re very appreciative to the City of West Columbia for making these event possible. There is nothing better than Rhythm on the River to help end a long, hard work week.”
Papa String Band
Thompson’s comments are what city officials want to hear.
“The city supports the chamber’s Rhythm on the River with hospitality funds to promote West Columbia,” said Anna Huffman, West Columbia’s public information officer. “We love that people from all over the area can come to West Columbia to use our public space for entertainment to be with family and friends. Bringing people to West Columbia for the event helps promote other local businesses in our area.”
West Columbia Mayor Bobby Horton agrees.
“Rhythm on the River exposes our Riverwalk and the amphitheater to the guests that come here for the concerts,” said Horton. “The crowds at Rhythm on the River are encouraged to use our facilities when they visit.”
Horton also said the city’s police department, public works and sanitation department contribute to Rhythm on the River and that’s an indication of the city’s intrest in supporting the events.
2018 Spring ROR Line-up April 21, Flat Out Strangers: April 28 Sufferin Moses, opener, Moon Pi; May 5, The Distributors, opener, Whisky Tango; May 12, Kenny George Band; May 19, Bellavida; Adrian Michael Band; May 26, Travelin’ Kline, opener, Finnegan Bell.
Full story: http://westmetronews.net/rhythm-river-spring-concerts-kick-off-season-good-vibes-show-5-p-m-saturday/
