Melanie McMillan wrote me about a song that she has written “Bright Star of Bethlehem.” She has uploaded a video of her singing this song on Youtube and has a campaign to get this song to Susan Boyle’s attention.

I have now listened to this song at least 10 times. I love it, love the lyrics, love Melanie’s voice. I have been a big fan since I heard her at Harpers in Columbia many moons ago. She sang a song about Florence and I was an instant fan.

I would love for Susan Boyle to sing Melanie’s song and for her to skyrocket to instant fame and fortune…
(You can tell there is a “but” here, right?) The truth? I think its perfect just the way it is. I would pay just as much for a CD by Melanie as I would for one by Susan Boyle.

So, listen and enjoy… and share! Help promote our own Flo-town famous Melanie McMillan so that she may see this dream come true.

Here is the youtube video:

Flossip Featuring reviews, to-do's, and the not quite news in Florence, SC.

There will be a Band Tribute for Allen Johnson Saturday 3pm- until at Creek Ratz in Florence.

There will be 4 different bands raising money for Florence’s own, Allen Johnson. No cover charge, but donations are appreciated.  Johnson has been through both colon cancer and lymphoma and has been left with staggering medical bills.

Allen Johnson is well known in Florence.  Dubbed “the Godfather of the Florence Music Scene” by SC Now, these bands are rallying together to help him in his time of need.

Here is the line up from SC Now:

• 3 to 3:30 p.m.: Borrowed Time Band (bluegrass and folk with beautiful harmonies)
• 3:3:0 to 4 p.m.: Melanie McMillan featuring Allen Johnson (original folk-pop)
• 4 to 4:30 p.m.: Scooter and Teena (Acoustic rock favorites)
• 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.: Dead Petals (rock featuring Floramay Holliday’s equally as talented brothers, twinsJames and Dewey Ervin)
• 5:30 to 6 p.m.: Banks Ratchford (acoustic guitar work and vocals from Allen’s very own nephew)
• 6-6:45: FLOWTOWN  (classic rock, blues and R&B featuring Allen Johnson)
  n 6:45 to 7 p.m.: Allen Johnson with Laura Greenway (folk and bluegrass)
• 7:15 to 8 p.m.: Rodie Ray Band (original band whose female lead singer opened for Sarah McLachlan)
• 8 to 8:30 p.m.: Slug’s Revenge (Riveting punk and bluegrass duo with Allen Johnson)
  n 8:30 to 9:15 p.m.: The Woody’s (classic rock 9-piece)
• 9:15 to 9:45 p.m.:  Andrew Wade and Bryce Leggett (young acoustic duo, impressive guitar work from Famous Last Words)
• 9:45 to 10:30 p.m.: King Street (youthful, grooving rock band)
• 10:30 to 11 p.m.: Ed Clements and Friends (peaceful, easy acoustic sounds from Allen’s favorite Solicitor)
• 11 p.m. to midnight: Midway Blue (winner of the Speed Channel’s national band contest)

Flossip Featuring reviews, to-do's, and the not quite news in Florence, SC.

The Noveaux Honkies! (Seriously, how awesome is that name?)

Florence After Five is tomorrow night July 30, 2010. Florence After Five welcomes home local talent Rebecca Dawkins and her band, The Nouveaux Honkies as they kick off a month long tour starting right here in Florence with two shows and extending up the coast and into the northeastern US. You should really listen to their music even if you can’t come by clicking this site. (You can also listen so you can sing along tomorrow night.) I am currently listening to “Your Twin.” I love their sound– it is a nice combination of country, blues, and rock.

This month’s concert sponsor is Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. Darlington Motor Speedway will be hosting a drawing for two tickets to the Too Tough to Tame 200 coming August 14th.

The After Party will be at Apple Annies after Florence After Five for another dose of the Nouveaux Honkies along with various craft and/or import beer giveaways and specials by Crown Beverages.

(Special thanks to Tim Norwood and Victor’s Bistro for another successful season thus far.)

(I am Flossip and I have a deep love for writing in parentheses. You can follow me on twitter for even more information. )

Flossip Featuring reviews, to-do's, and the not quite news in Florence, SC.

I have had a few people ask me exactly what Florence after Five is. Florence after Five is held the last Friday of the month downtown (behind Harrington Vision Center and across from Central United Methodist Church). There are food vendors, a local band, and tons of Florentines enjoying the community and fellowship of one another.

Every time I go, I have a great time. It is family friendly and you will see kids delighting in being outside enjoying the music. (Really, could any kid NOT use more outdoor time?) The band this Friday will be the “Rick Strickland Band.” “Rick Strickland won a Songwriter of the Year award at the 2005 Carolina Beach Music Awards for the song Something Smooth which was #1 on the Beach Music charts the entire year of 2005. It was voted the #1 Beach Song of 2005 on a chart compiled by 30 different DJs’ top 100 Songs. It also ranked #8 on the top 50 Rhythm and Blues Dance Songs of 2005.”

The Flossip LOVES LOVES LOVES Beach Music! (I took shag lessons from Linda Vaughan’s Shag Connection thank you very much.) Don’t forget to look for my blue hat!

Flossip Featuring reviews, to-do's, and the not quite news in Florence, SC.

This Friday, June 5, is the second Florence after Five! If you missed the first one, you really should try to make this one. (Come on, please get out of the box and do something fun and different!) There is free admission and lots of people had their kids at the last one, so it is fun for the whole family!
I saw our fabulous City Workers out getting the Plaza ready this morning. (Across from Central United Methodist Church on Irby Street.)

The Band Villanova will be playing. Check out their Myspace and listen to their music before Friday, you will definitely enjoy seeing them live.

The fun starts at 5:30 and keeps going until 7:30. There will be a great crowd with a lot of fun people. The rain location is the FDTC parking deck on Cheves Street.

(Click here for a printable PDF Brochure)

Flossip Featuring reviews, to-do's, and the not quite news in Florence, SC.

One of the greatest things about writing this site is I am getting out and enjoying Florence more. This weekend I attended two “first ever” events in the Pee Dee. Friday Night was the first ever Florence after Five, and Saturday was the first ever Blackcreek Kayak Festival. I deem both events huge successes. Fortunately, local photographer Phillip Guyton agreed to let me use his photos from Florence after Five.

Florence after Five had a very nice sized crowd in attendance. I was a little nervous that there would not be a good turn out, and I worried for nothing.

I saw a lot of our local dignitaries enjoying the afternoon. I always like knowing our local elected officials are supporting these events.

The Radio Stations were all gathered to hear the live music:

Best of all, the music was awesome. The Woody’s were there to give Florence a show, and what a show it was! Everyone there from toddlers to seniors enjoyed the music. Here is a great article about the Woody’s from the Morning News.

There really was something for everyone (and every dog) at this event!

I hope I see all of you at the next one!

Flossip Featuring reviews, to-do's, and the not quite news in Florence, SC.

It is FINALLY FRIDAY!! TGIF! Come and enjoy the warm weather at this afternoon’s Florence After Five event. The Woody’s will be playing, cold drinks will be served, it is going to be a BLAST!

Details:

Date: Friday, May 1, 2009
Time: 5:30pm – 7:30pm
Location: Downtown (old McLeod site across from Central UMC)
City/Town: Florence, SC

The Florence Downtown Development Corporation brings you the first ever Florence After Five presented by Victor’s Bistro!! This will be Florence’s own downtown concert series. We will have a different band perform on the first Friday of each month from May until September. Food, beverages, friends, and live entertainment (The Woody’s on May 1)! ADMISSION IS FREE!! No outside food or drinks allowed.

RAIN POLICY: If the rain should come … the event will remain as scheduled but will occur at the FDTC downtown parking deck on Cheves St., which is cool. Thanks Tech!

(Also don’t forget to enter the grouchiest kid contest!)

Flossip Featuring reviews, to-do's, and the not quite news in Florence, SC.

Broken Yesterday, a Christian rock group from Darlington, will be playing at “Praise in the Park” on Saturday.

4/18/2009 2:30 PM at “Praise in the Park”
Timrod Park, Florence, South Carolina 29501
Cost: free

Check them out on the website, they have a very fresh sound. This sounds like a fun concert at the park!

Flossip Featuring reviews, to-do's, and the not quite news in Florence, SC.

I am SO Excited about this fun new concert series that Florence is going to offer! Live Music, Food and drink, FREE admission! The series will be the First Friday of every month– May 1, June 5, July 3, August 7, September 4. It will be held at the Plaza across from Central United Methodist Church.

When I lived in Columbia, we went to the Concerts at the Park at Finlay Park. There was always a great turn out, and a a ton of fun.

The band on May 1 will be the Woody’s.

(Presented by: City of Florence, Florence Downtown Development Corporation, Crown Beverages, Roche, First Reliance, Harrington Vision Center, somebody that has a D for a logo, Pepsi; and Sponsored by Victor’s Bistro and Garden Room.)

Flossip Featuring reviews, to-do's, and the not quite news in Florence, SC.

Tomorrow night at Creek Ratz, Midway Blue (the band I reviewed a while back) will be playing and donating their tips to the March of Dimes Foundation! According to SCNOW:

“The Rockathon Concert to benefit the March of Dimes will be held 7:00 p.m. Thursday, March 12, at Creek Ratz in Florence.

According to a news release from McLeod Health, the free concert will feature local favorite Midway Blue, a live auction for a Nascar Driving Experience in Charlotte, Darlington, or Rockingham, valued at $2500, and a Santee Fishing Expedition including Guide and Lodging.

There will also be a raffle for other items, and tee shirts and bracelets will be sold. All proceeds benefit the March of Dimes. The concert is sponsored by the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity at Francis Marion University, Creek Ratz, Med-Star and Midway Blue. For more information, please call Jeannie Beshere at 777-5059.

The March of Dimes is about all babies—-those born healthy and those who need help to survive and thrive. They’ve been protecting the health of babies for 70 years. From pioneering genetic research to promoting folic acid to fighting for lifesaving newborn screening and finding the causes of premature birth, the March of Dimes continues to champion the needs of moms and babies.”

So please please think about checking this out!! I am sure that the place will be backed and I can guarantee a good time!

-Flossette

Flossip Featuring reviews, to-do's, and the not quite news in Florence, SC.