The Best Places to Hear (And Make) Music in Charleston

This place is a mash up of CBGB’s, New York’s former legendary spot, and a classic biker bar, complete with an old school juke box and rock concert posters plastering the walls. “This attracts a lot of indie rock and those that lean into grunge,” says Callahan. Located in the Old Charleston Forge building in the city’s Upper Peninsula, the place is known for rollicking good times. “The stage is small so it makes it all feel pretty intimate and everyone has a great view,” says Callahan, who adds that it can get rowdy late at night. “All of the sudden you’ll see the lights swinging over the bar,” he says.  There’s also a wide-ranging menu with house made beef jerky, pimento cheese and red plate specials. The venue also hosts  pop ups like music festivals, oyster roasts and biker gatherings.

970 Morrison Dr | (843) 817-6925

The tag line for this groovy spot is: Serving local spirits, old school classics and plenty of soul since 1966. Tucked inside the Starlight Motor Inn, a renovated midcentury motel in North Charleston. The Burgundy Lounge gives off 70’s vibes with wood panelling, red leather banquettes and burgundy carpet.  There are also black and white photos of musicians lining the walls of this clubby room. The musical acts are wide-ranging from Brazilian lounge music to acapella groups to jazz greats like Bill Wison and The Ingredients, who are local legends.

3245 Rivers Ave | (843) 874-2843

Serving as the main cultural hub of the Holy City, the center is home to the Charleston Symphony Orchestra and the Spoleto Festival USA, which takes place over several weeks in May.  This elegant 1,800-seat theater  hosts a wide variety of performances from theater to dance to music from the Royal Philharmonic to visiting acts like Diana Krall and Pink Martini. This month, Features Taylor Mac’s Holiday Sauce, a riotous revue performed by the MacArthur “Genius” winner. 

95 Calhoun Street | (843) 242-3099

There’s a free floating fun and energy feel at the Recovery Room,” says Callahan. This windowless shack on Upper King Street doesn’t look like much on the outside, but inside, it just might be the liveliest spot in the city with one of the most eclectic crowds of lawyers, cooks and hipsters. There’s a pinball, a pool, foosball and most importantly DJ’s on Friday and Saturday nights. There’s also plenty of Pabst Blue Ribbon beer sloshing around— the bar has been recognized as selling the most PBR 12-ounce cans in the country over the last few years. The place to drink up and get down.

685 King St | (843) 727-0999

Located on Maybank highway on James Island, Charleston Pour House keeps the party going with stages both indoor and outdoor, the latter built around an old oak tree.  “It’s a mix of a dive bar and a proper venue and leans into the jam band scene,” says Jack Callahan, a local DJ who runs Grooving Violation events in Charleston. Charleston Pour hosts eclectic acts like The Rogues, an Appalachian folk band to the Reckoning, a Grateful Dead tribute band (most Wednesdays) to reggae bands. There are children concerts, pop up food trucks and even a farmers market some weekends. It’s also right next to Kwei Fei, one of the city’s top Sichuan Chinese restaurants for those who want to fuel before or after the show.

1977 Maybank Hwy. | (843) 571-434

Originally built as a passenger train depot before the Civil War, this historical building has hosted some of the country’s top talent including David Byrne and Joan Baez. “It’s known to have some of the best acoustics in town, “ says Hunter Kennedy, a local designer. This intimate venue (there less than a 1000 seats) also hosts the Charleston Jazz Orchestra, a 17- member big band-style ensemble led by maestro Robert Lewis. There’s also movie soundtrack nights, ballet and holiday revues.

37 John St. | (843) 853-2252

Officially known as the Church of the Holy Communion, this historic building is celebrated for its unique design which makes it an ideal place to hear music. The Sounds of Charleston series, which started 15 years ago, showcases the city’s rich musical heritage from gospel to Civil War songs to jazz to the music of “Porgy & Bess,” the famous opera written by composer George Gershwin and based on DuBose Heyward’s 1925 novel “Porgy,” which depicted Black life in the city. The performances, which play throughout the year,  always conclude with a moving version of “Amazing Grace.” It’s a soulful and stirring tribute to the music that has shaped the city over centuries and not to be missed.

150 Meeting Street | (843) 577-6400

After closing during the pandemic, the venue reopened with new management, partnering with the Charleston Music Hall. This beloved institution has always been a favorite of the students of the College of Charleston and brings in crowd pleasing acts from Snoop Dogg to Dave Matthews Band as well as more emerging groups like Band of Horses and Rilo KIley. Whether you’re in the market for hip hop, country or heavy metal, the Music Farm “It has something for everyone” according to one regular.

32 Ann Street | (843) 853-2252