Shouts & Hollers

Some musical groups are destined to last for decades while others barely make it together to the end of a single set. Most bands fall somewhere in between these two extremes, while fans are left to figure out the shifting lineups while listening to the old demo tracks or bootlegs when the old band no longer exists.

So I was happy to see that the first band I heard/met in Charleston is having a reunion–the Scalliwags (who I encountered as the house band for Wednesday night open mics at The Blue Parrot) will be getting back together on September 12th at the Empty Glass. The Scalliwags are: Johnny Lightning (singer/guitar), Kevin Kidd (bass), and Billy Thomas (drums).

The Scalliwags still play together in various bands: Johnny Lightening (as John “Hurricane” Compton) and Kevin Kidd are in the band Diabolo Blues; they host electric open mic nights the final Monday of each month at the Empty Glass. And Kevin and Billy play in the Spurgie Hankins Band Tuesday nights, also at the Empty Glass. Both of these bands can also be heard around town pretty often.

But for chance to hear these three guys together as the Scalliwags, check out the Empty Glass on Friday September 12th (no set time, but I’m guessing pretty late) along with progressive bluegrass band The Scrap Iron Pickers