Charleston, September 15, 2025
News Summary
Charleston’s alternative pop indie band, The Midnight City, has been a vibrant presence in the local music scene for over 14 years. Known for their energetic performances, they have played at over 600 weddings and 2,500 bar gigs. The band combines original music with popular covers and offers insights into Charleston’s culture and culinary scene, encouraging tourists to seek local advice. With a diverse setlist and engaging personalities, The Midnight City continues to captivate audiences and support fellow local artists.
Charleston is home to The Midnight City, an alternative pop indie band with a rich history of over 14 years in the local music scene. Composed of members Brian Jarvis, Taylor Jarvis, Joel Chinloy, and Craig South, the band has gained recognition for their high-energy performances that blend original music with crowd-pleasing covers.
The Midnight City Band has played more than 600 weddings and over 2,500 bar gigs, cultivating numerous memorable experiences throughout their performances. Their diverse setlist combines alternative pop and indie tunes with popular covers that resonate with audiences. The band’s activities often extend beyond performances, as each member partakes in unique pastimes when not on stage.
Craig South enjoys spending his weekends riding motorcycles, attending music events, and savoring craft beers at local favorites like The Whale. Brian Jarvis gravitates towards fine dining at Halls Chophouse and sushi from Shiki, while Taylor Jarvis delights in comfort food from Bertha’s Kitchen, alongside a relaxing evening with beach walks at sunset.
The band shares their culinary favorites, with Craig highlighting the soft shell crab dish from Maison, a French bistro located on King Street. Other popular hangout spots among the members include The Royal American and Sissy Bar, where drink preferences vary between members. For instance, Brian opts for Jameson and Guinness at The Royal American, while Taylor favors a Luscious Lu cocktail at Sissy Bar.
The Midnight City Band is known for their adaptability and willingness to showcase both cover and original music. Band members frequently cite local artists as inspirations or collaborators, with suggestions including Grayson Little, Fo Daniels, and Mel Washington. The band describes Charleston’s music scene as eclectic and full of potential, even suggesting that if the city were translated into a song, it could evoke a compilation of various tracks rather than a specific genre.
In addition to their musical pursuits, The Midnight City Band offers insight into the local culture, urging tourists to gain advice directly from locals instead of relying solely on mainstream media. Members discuss common misperceptions that tourists have about Charleston, including an exaggerated sense of space and comparisons to cities like Nashville.
Describing Charleston in their own words, the members highlight its distinctive character. Craig chooses to frame it as “food, eccentric, food,” while Brian refers to it as “hot, creatively eclectic,” and Taylor succinctly states “laidback, beautiful, hot.”
Looking ahead, The Midnight City Band is set to perform at various upcoming events, including community celebrations featuring interactive activities and local food festivals. Information regarding the band’s upcoming performances can be found on their official website and social media platforms.
FAQ
What type of music does The Midnight City play?
The Midnight City Band plays a blend of alternative pop and indie music, alongside popular crowd-pleasing covers.
How long has The Midnight City Band been performing?
The band has over 14 years of experience in the local Charleston music scene.
What are some favorite local spots mentioned by the band members?
Some of their favorite spots include The Whale for craft beer, Shiki for sushi, Maison for its soft shell crab, and The Royal American and Sissy Bar for drinks.
How many performances has The Midnight City Band completed?
They have performed at over 600 weddings and more than 2,500 bar gigs.
What local musicians does The Midnight City Band recommend?
They recommend local talents like Grayson Little, Fo Daniels, and Mel Washington.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Band Name | The Midnight City |
| Genre | Alternative Pop, Indie |
| Experience | Over 14 years |
| Total Performances | 600 weddings, 2,500 bar gigs |
| Recommended Local Artists | Grayson Little, Fo Daniels, Mel Washington |
| Favorite Local Spots | The Whale, Shiki, Maison, The Royal American, Sissy Bar |
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Holy City Hits a Q&A with The Midnight City
- Count on 2: This Week’s Charleston Live Music Guide
- Charleston City Paper: What’s in Store for the 2025 Piccolo Spoleto Festival
- Live 5 News: Paws Park Returning to Charleston’s Brittlebank Park in November
- CHS Today: 15 Ways to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Charleston
- Wikipedia: Charleston, South Carolina
- Google Search: Midnight City band
- Google Scholar: Charleston music scene
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Charleston
- Google News: Charleston news
Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON
The CHARLESTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREcharleston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charleston, Charleston County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston Wine + Food Festival, and the MOJA Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Charleston Museum, plus leading businesses in tourism and maritime industries that power the local economy such as South Carolina Ports Authority and the Charleston Visitor Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
