Ohm Radio 96.3 FM and The Refinery invite the community to celebrate 11 years of independent, nonprofit broadcasting at the Ohm Radio x The Refinery Block Party on Saturday, Sept. 19, from noon to 5 p.m. at The Refinery. This free, family-friendly event will feature live local music, food vendors, community art, nonprofit organizations and live broadcasting from Charleston's only nonprofit community radio station.
Presented with support from a Festival Grant from the South Carolina Arts Commission, this year's Block Party marks a new chapter for Ohm Radio as it expands its annual anniversary celebration into a collaborative festival celebrating Charleston's creative community.
The day will be headlined by Campbell Brown & Sons, with performances by Charleston songwriter Nick Matthews and New Dirty Shoes, an emerging band featuring students and recent graduates of the Charleston County School of the Arts. Together, the three local acts reflect Ohm Radio's commitment to amplifying musicians at every stage of their careers.
Throughout the afternoon, Ohm Radio will broadcast live from its studio at The Refinery, welcoming community members, Ohm DJs and local musicians into the station for live conversations and special performances. The studio itself will be transformed with an immersive art installation, "Dreamwaves," creating a unique behind-the-scenes experience for visitors while celebrating the creative energy that ignites Ohm Radio 96.3 FM.
Guests can also enjoy food from PubFare, Lou Lou's and The Whale; shop a curated selection of local vendors, including Jewel Prints, Collage Kitsch and Super Deluxe, with more to be announced; capture memories at a Chrisman Studios photo booth; participate in collaborative community art activities and a clothing swap; and connect with local nonprofits and artists throughout The Refinery campus.
"As we enter our 11th year of broadcasting, this Block Party reflects all the ways Ohm Radio serves the people of Charleston," said Kate Ledbetter, executive director of Ohm Radio. "We're bringing together musicians, artists, neighbors, nonprofits and local businesses to celebrate Charleston's creative culture while inviting the community into the station that broadcasts their stories every day."
The event is free and open to the public. Additional vendors and community partners will be announced in the coming weeks.