Charleston city leaders announced the headliners for the 10th season of the Moses Auto Group Live on the Levee concert series Monday. Among the performers include a multi-Grammy award-winning West Virginian, an American Idol and some very talented Boy Scouts.
Levee Committee Chair Jim Strawn say the Schoenbaum Stage at Haddad Riverfront Park will be packed with talent this summer.
“We have something for everyone, all ages, all types of families,” Strawn said. “It’s just one of those opportunities where you have to come down and enjoy the river, enjoy some entertainment. It’s wholesome fun, some good food and just enjoy the spirit of Charleston, West Virginia.”
The first Live on the Levee takes place Friday, May 24 and features local groups 600 Lbs. of Sin and the Voodoo Katz. That will be followed by a fireworks show.
Other highlights include: Cross Lanes native Kathy Mattea who will headline the show during the state’s Sesquicentennial celebration on July 21, season nine American Idol winner Kris Allen will be featured on July 12 and on August 16 Edwin McCain, known for his songs “I’ll Be” and “I Could Not Ask for More” will headline.
This year some kids will be getting involved. In conjunction with the National Boy Scout Jamboree in July, the Boy Scouts Jamboree Band will play with West Virginia Music Hall of Famer jazz drummer Butch Miles.
Live on the Levee started out in 2003 with some local performers and 25-30 people showing up to enjoy the music. Compare that to 2012 when Live on the Levee averaged 3,000-4,000 people per Friday night. In fact, Strawn says they don’t really have to go looking for acts to play.
“We got well over 100 applications to play [Live on the Levee]. I got one this morning for next year,” Strawn said. “They really want to play here. They don’t play here for the money. They play here for the love and the opportunity to be in front of thousands of people.”
Live on the Levee will be held every Friday from May 24-August 30. To find out who’s playing when, log on to www.liveontheleveecharleston.com.