For the first time, the Koger Center will host a free, outdoor music festival on April 30th, 2023, from 5 to 8 p.m. The festival, titled “Southern Sounds Music Festival,” continues the “Southern Sounds” series that the Koger Center started earlier this year. The featured acts are Lindsay Holler, Rebekah Todd and Admiral Radio, with the latter being the act to introduce the series altogether. Now that Lindsay Holler has moved from the Lowcountry to the capital city, she has gotten to really start feeling for the magic of Columbia music performance. We spoke to Lindsay Holler about what it’s like to be a part of this lineup, becoming a part of the ever-growing Columbia music scene, and more.
Jasper: What’s the one thing you’re most excited about with this music festival?
Holler: I’m in the process of finishing recording a new record, so this show is an opportunity for my band and I to start taking these new songs and studio arrangements and working them out on stage. From my experience, songs can sometimes take on a new life when they migrate from studio to stage.
Jasper: This is the first free music festival of this scale produced by the Koger Center. How does it feel to be a part of a brand-new project like this?
Holler: It’s a great opportunity for my band and I, and we are grateful to be a part of it! The Koger Center obviously has an amazing reputation in Columbia, and as a recent transplant, this kind of festival affords us some additional exposure for my band, when we’re able to share a bill with multiple acts.
Jasper: Have you worked with Admiral Radio or Rebekah Todd before?
Holler: I’ve never had the opportunity to work with Rebekah Todd. I have had the pleasure of working with Admiral Radio many times before. When I lived in Charleston, I produced a concert series at the Charleston Music Hall, called the “Women &” series. Becca was gracious enough to come down to Charleston and perform in several of these “Women &” concerts. I’ve performed with all of Admiral Radio several times in Charleston too, but this is my first Columbia show with them!
Jasper: What’s your favorite thing about performing live? What pushed you to pursue music performance as a career?
Holler: I’ve always been able to sing, and started out singing in the church choir and school chorus when I was growing up. I was accepted to Berklee College of Music, on a vocal scholarship, and earned a Bachelor’s in Jazz Performance from the College of Charleston. Once I got out of college, I focused on writing my own songs and working on my own sound. The music scene in Charleston was a fruitful place, when I was coming up – lots of talented creative people to play with and try things. I love performing live and communicating with people. It’s a collective experience that is so exciting and can’t be replicated!
Jasper: Have you gotten acquainted with the local Columbia music scene? Have you played anywhere locally since you moved here, or are there any places on your performance bucket list?
Holler: I’m still new to the scene here and finding my way. Back in the day, when I was still living in Charleston, I did come up to play some shows at Conundrum in West Cola and The White Mule on Main Street.
The Southern Sounds Music Festival will take place on the Koger Center’s Plaza Stage. Food and drinks will be for sale through Horseshoe Catering and food truck vendors. If you have any questions, contact the Koger Center at (803) 777-7500.