Music brings people together and 2020 has definitely thrown off our groove, if you know what I mean. If you're like us, you are patiently waiting for the new dates of all those cancelled concerts to be announced and seriously missing live music. Musicians and venue management teams know it is best to continue to wait until larger venues have a plan to accommodate large crowds. Until that time we will keep waiting.

So, we’ve been wondering how we can listen to local tunes safely.

While this may seem rough for us, the concert-goers, the coronavirus has seriously impacted Columbia’s musicians. Gigs were cancelled and everything was shut down for weeks, but Cola came together online to support the local music + arts scene with Zoom performances and virtual tip jars. We know this isn’t the same as an in-person experience but at least we could have a dance party in our living rooms.

Music venues are now permitted to reopen with maximum capacity limited to 50%, or 250 people, whichever is less.

With that is mind, we did some diggin’ and have put a list together of locations around Columbia + Lexington that are hosting live music. The outdoor spaces allow for social distancing and masks are required in the City of Columbia, City of Cayce + Town of Lexington.

Here’s to jammin’ out with all of you again soon and supporting our local music scene. 🤘

https://www.instagram.com/p/CB-5e6DH8eR/

○ Market on Main | 1320 Main St. #150 | Not only is the restaurant known for its food, but Market on Main hosts many different artists to set the perfect soundtrack for your next outdoor meal. With their outdoor stage, it’s easy to take in the sounds of local artists all while staying socially distanced. The employees wear masks, temperatures are checked before being seated + tables are spaced six feet apart.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CASqWRLHsnr/

○ The Grand on Main | 1621 Main St.| More than just a boutique bowling alley, this gem on Main Street offers live music on the patio weekly Friday-Sunday. Tables are spaced six feet apart and musicians stay in their designated spaces. Guests are also asked to wear masks when not eating or drinking. Check out the Facebook schedule for a full list of performers.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B0KAOndFWvw/

○ TLC Sports Bar | 963 S. Stadium Rd. | Also known as The Loose Caboose, this outdoor stage right next to Willy-B will give you all the gameday feels, minus the gameday. The outdoor area is spacious enough to social distance but close enough to see and hear the jams.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CA718Y4nekn/

○ Steel Hands Brewing | 2350 Foreman St., Cayce | Live music + a cold one in hand is what you can expect if you visit the brewery Thursdays - Sundays. Steel Hands has an outdoor stage plus picnic tables and plenty of green space. ProTip – They encourage you to bring your own lawn chair. All employees wear masks, use single serve cups, and have undergone Palmetto Priority Seal – ServSafe COVID precaution training.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CCHRY70p6ny/

○ Chayz Lounge | 607 Meeting St., West Columbia | This lounge takes wine + dine to the next level. Not only do they host live jazz on the weekends with outdoor and indoor seating options, they also are taking safety precautions including temperature checks, mask requirements and reduced capacity to help keep date night safe.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CCHRY70p6ny/

○ Icehouse Amphitheater | 107 W. Main St., Lexington | Outdoor shows are a summertime favorite at Icehouse Amphitheater. The large, expansive seating area makes social distancing easy and every seat is the best seat in the house. Also stay tuned for updates on a new stage currently under construction in the area.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CCEd7v3n4qi/

○ LJs Par and Grill | 381 Pilgrim Church Rd., Lexington | LJ’s, formerly known as The Caddy Shak, offers a spacious outdoor deck with live music overlooking a driving range. Guests can grab a bucket of golf balls + get into the swing with the live music.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B8oNDAIlP6v/

○ The Dam House | 1830 N. Lake Dr., Lexington | What pairs better with live music than having your toes in the sand? Good news, you can have both at the Dam House. Listen to live local music at this outdoor space right next to the dam to get all the beachy vibes.

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