Several Iconic Artists Made Their Mark at IOP Beach Bar
By: Jeff Walker, Entertainment Writer
In case you missed it, one of Charleston’s greatest treasures turned 50 this year. The same year that gave us the first scientific pocket calculator, Atari’s video game Pong, and the Dow Jones closed over 1000 points a little-known sports bar on the Isle of Palms threw open their doors.
The same year the country was wrapped up in the Watergate scandal The Windjammer began to welcome guests at 1008 Ocean Blvd. While innovation and political upheaval were taking place around the country The Windjammer was beginning their journey in 1972. The rest they say is history.
In the rock and pop music era durability is everything. When it comes to music few bands or artists have had the staying power of the Rolling Stones, the Eagles or Aerosmith. The same can be said for rock n' roll clubs. From L.A.'s famed Whisky a Go-G, o and CBGB's in NYC to the Bluebird in Bloomington, Indiana and San Fran's Fillmore West, concert venues have become just as legendary as the artists who rock their stages. It appears only those clubs that make a lasting impression seem to stand the test of time, ever evolving throughout the musical landscape.
One such rock n' roll club exists right here in the low country, The Windjammer, front beach on the Isle of Palms. While other infamous low country nightclubs such as the Flying Dutchman, Myskyn's, Stonehenge, Illusions, and the Plex have come and gone over the years, the world-famous Windjammer has stood the test of time, celebrating 50 years in 2022. Although the recently revamped Music Farm continues to thrive, The Windjammer has two decades more history than the popular college hangout in downtown Charleston.
Many of music's biggest names have graced the stage at The Windjammer. From Drivin’ N’ Cryin’ to Hootie & the Blowfish, and from Edwin McCain and Sister Hazel to the Zac Brown Band, several got their start at the small ocean-side bar on front beach Isle of Palms. Throw in cult favorites like the Killer Whales, Cowboy Mouth and preferred local bands such as Uncle Mingo, the Spazmatics, Sol Fish, Occasional Milkshake, and Stop Light Observations, and you have an eclectic mix of music over the years. Not a bad pedigree for a laid-back beach club that originally threw open their doors in 1972 as Isle of Palms first sports bar.
However, now synonymous with music, it wasn't until 1982 when Bobby Ross (now one of the owners) decided to book bands. “I was testing uncharted waters. Up until that time the owners had built a solid reputation as a pretty cool sports bar. A place where locals could hang out, have a cold beer and good food. I didn't know if I was going to screw all that up. We were taking a little bit of a gamble. 40 years later it looks like it was for the best.”
Ross' beginnings with The Windjammer is just one of the many back stories that chronicle the history of the famed IOP beach bar. “I started working here to satisfy a debt. I was unemployed in summer of 1980 and had built up quite a tab here, so I offered to work off the debt by working part time. That led to a full-time position and somewhere along the line I became a co-owner. The Windjammer has provided some of the best chapters in my life.”
Not long after he arrived Ross began to bring in the acts. “We certainly did not want to alienate our existing customers. We were just hoping that by adding music to the mix we might bring in even more customers.” Ross knew right where to start. “I had a subscription to Creative Loafing (entertainment magazine) out of Atlanta. I followed the music scene out of Atlanta and Athens, and slowly started to pull the bands to Charleston.”
Long time Windjammer patrons will remember the early days were somewhat obscure. “Our original club was rather small and initially we had a makeshift stage. The sound engineers had to set up on the shuffleboard table. Ross recalls the first band he booked. “I brought in the Swimming Pool Cues. There was a good buzz surrounding them. They had just signed to A&M Records, so they were expected to take off. Not long after we booked Drivin N‘Cryin. They have actually played here more than any other band.”
Hundreds of acts followed, with The Windjammer becoming a regular destination for touring bands, with the scene peaking during the summer months. “Looking back, it was a natural progression for the club. We had a good rapport with the radio stations, especially 96 Wave when they were the rock station in town.” With increased popularity came bigger crowds, prompting The Windjammer to add on to the original building they once shared with the VFW hall.
Ross adds, “One of the original owners, Malcolm kept the place up, making small changes when needed. Then in 1988 we put a big addition on the back. We had a new office and a horseshoe bar.” The addition was short lived. Less than 10 months later Hurricane Hugo wiped out the entire building. “Had we only known, we certainly would have waited. It's the only time in the 50-year history of the club that we were closed for any length of time.” The current building reopened in 1990 and has been a fixture ever since. “We've made small upgrades over the years. We've added the deck and some fixtures.”
The new decade brought a whole new generation of patrons as well as new artists to the Windjammer. “The 90's music scene flourished in Charleston. I think we paid Hootie $500 when they first played here. They already had a following. They'd have to play for free now, because we couldn't afford them. Sister Hazel played here for $200 in the beginning.”
Edwin McCain and the Zac Brown Band played The Windjammer on numerous occasions while they were gaining in popularity. Sister Hazel continues to bring their Hazel Nut Hang to the Jammer each and every summer. Darius Rucker has performed on the back deck promoting his country music, and Mark Bryan from Hootie occasionally pops in to play with local bands.
“What's really cool about the number of the bands that have come through here, most of them have kept relationships with us. Many of them are close friends today.” McCain and Sister Hazel continue to perform a weekend concert series each and every year. Mark and his band Occasional Milkshake have played several times over the past several years. “We've been good to them and in turn they've be good to us. I think the bands like playing here because the crowds and the atmosphere are a perfect fit for their music.”
The Windjammer may be known for music, but beach volleyball, bikini contests, and burgers have or had become just as synonymous. “By in large all has gone well, however there are times we've had our share of controversy.” Ross is referring to a particular episode during the infamous bikini contests that come with cash rewards. “The swimsuits have become skimpier over the years. And there was this one time, a young lady came out in just cellophane. I said you cannot wear that. We have to draw the line somewhere.” With the current PC climate bikini contests have been discontinued.
There’s been the occasional riff surrounding volleyball as well, but the Windjammer takes it in stride. “We've been playing the sport for 40 plus years out here. Way back then we had lights up so people could play at night. But when the whole thing came up about the sea turtles being affected by lights on shore, we took them down. That was back in the 80's as well. No big deal. We just roll with the times.” With the outdoor stage now in place volleyball has been relocated to the beach area behind The Windjammer.
Of course, there has never been any flak surrounding the food at the world-famous Windjammer. Some of the best sandwiches, appetizers, seafood, and burgers you could expect from a sports bar doubling as a music club. Their motto says it all. “Seven days without a Jammer burger makes one weak.” The burger is the bomb, served hot and juicy, like the diners and roadside joints of old. Topped however you prefer. It is miles apart from any fast-food chain. Do yourself a favor when you're out on IOP, try a Jammer burger.
Although The Windjammer celebrates rock n' roll and the party atmosphere, Ross admits The Windjammer is family friendly. “During the day, lunch and dinner we want parents and kids to come in. We want people to enjoy food and drink as a family, especially if they are spending the day at the beach. It's been that way for a long time. After dinner and during specific concerts it leans more toward the adult crowd.”
Ross says there has been a shift over the past 30 years. “Before the storm a lot of our customers lived on the island. After Hugo it all changed. It became more expensive to live here and our customer base shifted. We draw more now from tourists and from all over the Charleston area.”
The Windjammer has survived a myriad of changes over the years, with their customer base expanding, the music scene ever changing, and a category 4 hurricane. Through it all Ross says their philosophy remains a constant. “I’ve always said he The Windjammer is a place for doctors, lawyers, motorcyclists, and everybody in between. It’s a place where people can come in and have a really great time. During the day they can have good food. At night they can listen to great bands and enjoy being out at the beach. At night it’s a adult bar. We’re on our third generation of customers and we’re happy to have been here for the ride.”
Regarding their staying power Ross adds. “It’s simple. It's the people that have been here, and the people who have run the place. We’ve got a back yard that is the ocean, so there is that. And Malcolm has never been a person that abused the privilege. He never took a lot out from the Jammer, rather he turned around and put the money he made back into the club. He always wanted it to be the best place for the customers. That's the reason we've been around 50 years.”
Many up-and-coming bands first made their mark at The Windjammer. Among those are Palmetto state native Edwin McCain. “I remember begging Bobby Ross to play at the Jammer. It was probably 1992. I was sitting in for a member of Uncle Mingo when I first realized how significant playing The Windjammer was. When he finally said yes, I was given a noon time slot on a Saturday. I was playing to just the normal crowd who mostly had their backs to me watching sports on TV and talking with the bartenders. Nonetheless I was stoked to have had the opportunity to play on that stage for the very first time.”
McCain adds, “The Windjammer is one of those iconic clubs you wanted to play, and frankly still want to play.” McCain returns every summer usually around Independence Day to perform. “I give kudos to Malcolm and Bobby for staying the course. That property is worth millions, yet they understand, especially Bobby that The Windjammer has become a part of the community on the Isle of Palms.”
Hootie & the Blowfish drummer Jim ‘Soni’ Sonefeld has vivid memories of his first time on the iconic Windjammer stage. “I first played the Jammer in August of 1989, about 1 month before Hurricane Hugo hit, drumming for Tootie and the Jones on a Friday/Saturday night. I remember a distinct scent of sand, salt, and slightly stale beer. Even though there wasn’t much of a stage, and I nearly decapitated myself numerous times on the short ceiling, it was still a great music room.”
Soni admits Hootie had to work their way to the main stage. “Bobby didn’t get Hootie & the Blowfish down there until the new Jammer was built. Our test run was a 3:00-6:00pm slot on the outside deck on Mother’s Day of 1991. We must have passed the audition because he gave us a headlining spot on a Saturday night in June, and then a Friday night in July. After that we became regulars.”
He adds, “A band like us was made to play the Windjammer. We were young and energetic, and loved promoting drinking as much as we did consume it ourselves! That’s always good for bar business.”
According to Kevin ‘Kevn’ Kinney front man for Drivin’ N’ Cryin’ not many institutions like The Windjammer remain. “There are only a few of these rock n’ roll embassies that have survived our first travels. Tipitina’s (New Orleans), Cats Cradle (Carrboro NC) and our home away from home The Windjammer.”
Regarding the legendary Bobby Ross. “Every good ship needs a captain, a rock n’ roll concierge, someone who will meet you when you’re loading in, let you know you’re welcome, and give you a few simple rules.”
Kinney like many before him gained respect for Ross. “Bobby settles with you at the end of the night in his office, and we talk about wives, kids, and dogs, and when we’re coming back. We have last call. We hug and talk about the next year we’ll be back. That’s the Bobby Ross that I’ve known for 30 years, the reluctant humility of the ambassador of Isle of Palms rock n’ roll. One of the kindest and truest friends I’ve ever had.”
Guitarist Andrew Copeland of Sister Hazel has equally fond memories of the band’s debut at the famous IOP beach club. “Our first time at The Windjammer was sometime in 1993, several years before we had any major success. We had heard so much about the club from fellow touring bands and we’re excited to play there. I do recall it was pouring down rain when we got there. We just waited in the van until we loaded in.”
When Sister Hazel took the stage, “It was hot, packed, loud, and fun. Ken (Block) and I were both sweaty, but we let it all rip. This is a gig we wanted to play, and this many years down the road we enjoy coming back every year. The guys look forward to our show every summer at the Jammer.”
Copeland adds, “There are certain venues across the southeast that meant the world to bands to perform at, and The Windjammer was and still is one of those venues. The fact that it is on the beach makes it more exciting for us. We’ve always had a great time at The Windjammer.” Copeland’s impression of Ross. “I think I speak for the entire band; Bobby is simply a legend before his time.”
After nearly 30 years of playing The Jammer lead singer with Toad the Wet Sprocket Glen Phillips’ memory is a bit varied. “I’m forgetting if my first time at the Windjammer was solo or with the band. However, I remember loving to run down the island and how great it is to walk outside and be right at the beach.” Regarding Ross, “Bobby has always been a supportive and welcoming host.”
In 2022 the world-famous Windjammer on the Isle of Palms continues to keep the candle burning at both ends. There are music and crowd friendly events happening almost every night of the week, with the Jammer turning it up Friday through Sunday.
With Sister Hazel, Drivin' n' Cryin', Cowboy Mouth, Edwin McCain, and a slew of tribute bands taking the stage week after week, the Windjammer will continue to rock for many years to come. Long live rock and long live The Windjammer. For more on the Jammer and their concert schedule visit https://the-windjammer.com/
