May 13, 2025

Fifth Annual Drifter Fest Celebrates Music and Community

News Summary

Charleston’s Fifth Annual Drifter Fest: Bert Griggs Memorial Jam will take place from September 5 to September 7, 2025. The event will feature local artists and highlight a vibrant musical atmosphere with performances, tribute bands, and after-parties. This year’s festivities will also include community support initiatives, benefiting music education for children through Rock ‘n Roll Rescue.

Charleston will host the Fifth Annual Drifter Fest: Bert Griggs Memorial Jam from September 5 to September 7, 2025, promising a vibrant celebration of music, community, and remembrance. This year, the festival will begin with a free pre-jam event at Home Team BBQ downtown on Friday at 6 p.m., featuring Machine Funk, a tribute band dedicated to Widespread Panic.

The main event on Saturday will take place at Refinery Amphitheater, with doors opening at 5 p.m. The lineup will include Big Something as the headlining act, alongside local talent Kanika Moore & The Brown Eyed Bois and Just Groove. Concertgoers can look forward to an evening filled with live performances, with music scheduled from 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. After-parties are set to occur at The Commodore from 11 p.m. until 1 a.m. each night.

The festival will conclude on Sunday with a free show featuring Junco Partner at Vickery’s on Shem Creek, running from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tickets for the event will be available for purchase starting May 9, 2025, through the official festival website at www.drifterfest.com/tickets. General Admission tickets will be priced at $30 in advance and $40 on the day of the show. Additionally, VIP tickets available for guests aged 21 and older will be sold for $60, offering perks such as access to a rooftop viewing area, a VIP bar, and more.

A portion of the proceeds from the festival will benefit Rock ‘n Roll Rescue, a nonprofit organization focused on providing music education and access to musical instruments for children. The Drifter Fest aims to not only honor the life and memory of Bert Griggs but also to foster a sense of community by bringing together local musicians, artisan vendors, and eateries.

Lorrie Dixson Griggs, the founder of the festival, expressed that the event serves to celebrate her late husband’s legacy and his unique ability to connect with people through music. The festival has become a gathering that showcases both established and emerging talent while furthering community involvement.

Sponsorship opportunities are currently available for businesses and organizations interested in supporting the Drifter Fest. Those interested in media inquiries or pass requests can contact the festival organizers directly via email.

As the festival approaches, attendees can anticipate a weekend filled with rich musical experiences, lively atmosphere, and opportunities to support local causes, all while commemorating a beloved figure in Charleston’s community.

Overall, the Drifter Fest: Bert Griggs Memorial Jam promises to be a memorable event for music lovers and community members alike, showcasing the best of Charleston’s musical talent and the spirit of unity.

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Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON

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