Spoleto Festival USA, which will take place from May 24 – June 9, 2024, in Charleston, has announced that 2024 GRAMMY Award-winning singer-songwriter Brandy Clark has joined the Festival’s Front Row Series. Clark’s performance on Saturday, June 1st adds to a star-studded lineup of concerts at the College of Charleston’s Cistern Yard throughout the Festival. Spoleto Festival’s Front Row Series brings nationally touring acts to the atmospheric Cistern Yard for intimate and arresting performances not found anywhere else.
“With its towering live oaks dripping with Spanish moss, the Cistern is easily one of the most picturesque backdrops in Charleston, encompassing 160+ years of Lowcountry history,” says Mena Mark Hanna, general director and CEO of Spoleto Festival USA. “We’re pleased to bring this lineup of popular touring musicians to this historic venue to create a dialogue between past and present, where modern expressions dance with timeworn echoes. This electrifying juxtaposition promises unforgettable performances.”
Front Row Series Lineup:
Old Crow Medicine Show – May 24&25
To kick off the Festival, acclaimed old-time string band Old Crow Medicine Show will perform back-to-back nights on the Cistern stage. The six-piece band, who introduced the world to one of the top-five country singles of all time “Wagon Wheel,” is celebrating their 25th anniversary with the release of their GRAMMY Award-nominated album Jubilee. The band’s first appearances at Spoleto since 2016 will be on May 24 & 26. For tickets, visit spoletousa.org/events/old-
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue – May 27
New Orleans icon, Trombone Shorty will return to the Festival for the first time since 2011 on May 27. The seven-time OffBeat Artist of the Year leads his legendary ensemble in a high-octane performance that blends New Orleans jazz with rock, funk, and hip-hop influences. The GRAMMY Award winner’s extensive list of accomplishments includes touring with Lenny Kravitz; sharing the stage with a diverse array of talents from the Foo Fighters to Bruno Mars, to Ringo Starr, to Green Day; and performing at vaunted venues such as the White House and blockbuster events including the NBA All-Star Game and Coachella. For tickets, visit spoletousa.org/events/
Amos Lee – May 28
With a career spanning nearly two decades, Amos Lee is known for his dreamy folk, rock and soul influences. Lee first became serious about performing while attending the University of South Carolina during the mid-90s. The singer-songwriter behind hits “Windows are Rolled Down” and “Shout Out Loud,” will perform a solo acoustic show on the Cistern stage on May 28. For tickets, visit spoletousa.org/events/amos-
Brandy Clark – June 1
2024 GRAMMY Award-winning singer-songwriter Brandy Clark won her first golden gramophone for Best Americana Performance for her haunting hit ballad, "Dear Insecurity.” The roots-heavy singer has written songs that were recorded by Sheryl Crow, the Band Perry, Reba McEntire, LeAnn Rimes, Billy Currington, Darius Rucker, and Kacey Musgraves. She also composed the music and lyrics for the hit musical comedy, Shucked, alongside her longtime collaborator, Shane McAnally. A star on the rise, Clark will perform tracks off her self-titled album featuring her most personal songwriting to date. For tickets, visit spoletousa.org/events/brandy-
Watchhouse – June 5
Formerly known as Mandolin Orange, Watchhouse is the North Carolina duo of Andrew Marlin and Emily Frantz making their Spoleto debut on June 5. Topping Billboard’s Bluegrass Albums chart, Watchhouse’s work imbues their Appalachian-steeped folk with ambient drone, gauzy soul horns, and experimental texture. For tickets, visit spoletousa.org/events/
Aoife O’Donovan – June 7
Aoife O’Donovan will return to Spoleto for a groundbreaking performance with the Spoleto Festival USA Orchestra. The collaborative performance will showcase her new album All My Friends, set to be released on March 8, which is inspired by the letters and speeches of suffragist Carrie Chapman Catt, sparked by the 100th anniversary of women’s suffrage. Her last appearance at Spoleto was in 2019 with her acclaimed trio, I’m With Her. For tickets, visit spoletousa.org/events/aoife-
Jason Isbell – June 8&9
Six-time GRAMMY Award-winning artist Jason Isbell will be holding back-to-back performances to conclude the 17-day Festival. Critically acclaimed for his raw emotional honesty, singer, guitarist, and actor Jason Isbell has cemented his place as one of music’s greatest performing songwriters. In a rare, solo acoustic performance, Isbell will take to the Cistern stage on June 8&9. For tickets, visit spoletousa.org/events/jason-
Programming at the College of Charleston Cistern Yard is kindly endowed by Carlos, Lisa, and Blake Evans. For more information on Spoleto Festival USA, visit spoletousa.org.
