Sunny Days and Exciting Nights Await at Greenwood’s Festival of Discovery Kicking Off This Thursday

Sunny Days and Exciting Nights Await at Greenwood’s Festival of Discovery Kicking Off This Thursday

GREENWOOD, SC – Get ready for a thrilling mix of sunshine, clouds, and fantastic music as Greenwood gears up for the much-anticipated South Carolina Festival of Discovery, starting this Thursday, July 11. This year’s event promises not only delicious barbecue and enlightening activities but also a celebration of local musical talent through the 2024 Local Focal lineup, highlighting the vibrant Greenwood-area music scene.

Set your calendars because Local Focal, held upstairs at Howard’s on Main in the Stockroom, is offering three full days of incredible performances from community artists. This musical feast, running from Thursday to Saturday, integrates seamlessly with the festival’s beloved Blues Cruise, and the best part? *It’s all free!*

T.J. Jenks captured a memorable image of a packed house during a previous Local Focal concert, and the upcoming series is set to exceed expectations with an even larger turnout. With more than 30 bands and solo artists having reached out to participate, this event is about to become one of the biggest musical showcases Greenwood has seen.

“We’ve wanted to do something special all three days,” says Granger Smith of Greenwood band *Bad Weather States*, one of the event organizers. “Concert crowds have grown, in part, thanks to the incredible musicians we have here. This is the second year in our current format, and it’s amazing to see the community come together to support local talent.”

Among the newcomers this year are the blues/pop band *Man on the Moon*, with Andrew Sheek on lead guitar, and the intriguingly named *Vacation Bible School*, comprising Eli Harrell, Jennings Hollister, and Josh Scott. They will be debuting their single, “*nvrgivup*”, which is set for release right in time for the festival.

Smith emphasized the importance of spotlighting local musicians: “They deserve to be in front of such engaged and sizable audiences. Having a packed room upstairs at Howard’s watching your performance is not an opportunity every band gets.” On Saturday, attendees can immerse themselves in local music from noon all the way to midnight.

This entire event wouldn’t be as grand without the help of dedicated community sponsors who stepped up to fund the three days of Local Focal. “We are exceedingly proud of what we’ve built,” said Smith. “It’s one of the biggest musical events Greenwood has, and the continued support from our community ensures its growth and success.”

If You Go: Local Focal ’24

What: A free concert lineup of 16 Greenwood area bands and solo performers.

When: July 11-13.
Where: Upstairs, in the Stockroom at Howard’s on Main.
Who’s playing:

Thursday:

6-7:30 p.m., The Senators Jazz Band

8-11 p.m., The Jake Bartley Band

Friday:

4-5 p.m., Joshua Manley

5:15-6:15 p.m., DJ and Gus and Doc Brown

6:30-7:30 p.m., Coronaca Band

7:45-8:45 p.m., The Mezz

9-10 p.m., Bad Weather States

10:15 p.m.-midnight, Ryan Pitts and The Southern Gentlemen

Saturday:

Noon-1 p.m., Man on the Moon

1:15-2:15 p.m., Vacation Bible School

2:30-3:30 p.m., Krawfish

3:45-4:45 p.m., Gods of Mars

5-6 p.m., Last Days Parade

6:15-7:15 p.m., Fred Engler and The Troubleshooters

7:30-8:45 p.m., reunion show with O’Doyle Rulz

9 p.m.-midnight, Pope and Bert

Don’t forget to check out the cool Local Focal merch for sale this year, which helps promote Greenwood’s native musical talents. Look for stickers, koozies, and T-shirts.