The Pawleys Island Festival of Music and Art is a local cultural event that began nearly 3 decades ago, started by the late Dr. Lee Minton. What was originally a one-night event has blossomed into multiple weeks of artistic celebration with the purpose of bestowing a world-class experience of the arts. The festival explains they value the arts as an essential part of civilization and believe in its role of preserving the accomplishments of humanity, as well as furthering qualities of life by providing equal opportunities to access the arts. It’s quite the noble cause.

The festival gets going on October 3rd, with the 20th annual Pawleys Island Wine and Food Gala. While this may not be totally focused on music and art, it is an exciting kickoff celebration in which all funds go toward the festival’s educational programs. The event will run from 7:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at The Reserve Golf Club in Pawleys Island. Tickets are $100. The event usually sells out, so don’t be surprised if you have to find someone with leftovers! Not to mention there is a $5000 drawing at the end of the night for those who purchased at ticket. So, go get the ball rolling with the Pawleys Island Festival of Music and Arts with great food, wine, and raffles!

 

The very next day, Oct. 4, is the Decades Rewind event. The greatest hits from the 60s, 70s, and 80s will be performed with emphatic costumes changes, flawless choreography, and tons of energy! You’ll feel as if you hopped in a time machine and went back to the glory days of music. Feel free to dance or sing along throughout the night to your favorite throwbacks. With tickets ranging from $30 to $50, you can pay for the specific seating you feel best suits you. The event is also at the Reserve Golf Club in Pawleys Island and is taking place from 7 to 9 p.m. If you’re a lover of the oldies, you won’t want to miss this one.

The Oct. 5 performance features Blood Sweat and Tears, a Jazz-Rock band originally from New York. Their style blends rock, blues, pop, and jazz to create an incredibly unique hybrid experience. This is sure to be a Saturday night you won’t forget! Tickets are available online and the event runs from 7 to 9.m. at the Reserve Golf Club per usual.

Fast forward a few days to Oct. 10 and the festival is back up and running at the Reserve Golf Club with the “We’ve Only Just Begun: Carpenters Remembered” event. The ticket prices range from $30 to $50, all based on your preferred seating arrangement. Starring Michelle Berting Brett, this musical is noted to be incredibly well-produced, as it pays homage to the Carpenters’ duo and their timeless music. As one of the best-selling musical artist groups of all time, their legacy is undeniable. This show gracefully puts on an honorable performance. This crowd-pleasing spectacle is currently on tour across the U.S., so this stop is one you’ll have to make!

 

The following day presents Next Generation Leahy, from 7 to 9 p.m. This family-oriented production showcases the raw talent possessed by the Leahy family’s next generation.

Led by the father, Doug, the show consists of him and his children performing robust and dynamic Celtic music, carrying on the legacy the original Leahy band has left behind. This will be an experience like no other, as it isn’t uncommon for audience members to shout for encores all night long; you’ll wish it never ends. Tickets are priced at $25, $35, and $45, and as usual, it is hosted at The Reserve Golf Club in Pawleys Island.

Headlining Oct. 12 is the world renowned Pablo Cruise and his band. The American pop-rock musicians were traveling the globe back in the 70s and 80s before they took a break from the hustle and bustle of touring. Jump forward to 2005, when the band decided to get back together for old times sake.

They’ve had great success ever since, and now the town of Pawleys Island is fortunate enough to come have them perform live at The Reserve Golf Club. Since the event is sure to be a hit, pricing is a little more expensive, starting at $35, then moving up to $45, $85, and $175 for Platinum seats. This is definitely an event you won’t want to miss!

Get your tickets while you can, because The Marshall Tucker Band is coming to town. The pioneers of southern rock will be playing on Sunday, Oct. 13 from 7 to 9.m., and it is going to be awesome. Since they began in the early 1970s, the Marshall Tucker Band has captivated audiences everywhere with hits like “Can’t You See,” and “Heard it in a Love Song.” Their style of music is something that folks will never  grow away from, as their ability to inspire listeners is perpetual. Formed in the Carolinas, these guys are sure to be excited to get the chance to play to a great crowd in their home state. Tickets are sure to go fast! Hopefully you can find someone with a few extras. 

Kicking off the last weekend of events for the Pawleys Island Festival of Music and Arts is The Lords of 52nd Street. Consisting of Billy Joel’s original band members, these talented artists are not your average band, as they have played in front of thousands at some of the most famous venues in the world. Critics have raved about their recent performances, as the music they play are hits you know and love, as well as originals of their own. Having sold hundreds of millions of records, this band is a must see. So get your tickets for Oct. 17, as the band will play from 7 to 9 p.m. at The Reserve Golf Club in Pawleys Island. 

 

If you’re a fan of Michael Bublé, then you’re in for a treat. On Oct. 18 from 7 to 9 p.m., SHADES OF BUBLÉ: A Three-Man Tribute band will perform at The Reserve Golf Club. Get ready to hear some of your favorite pop hits during this lively and electric performance. This cover band is sure to get you up on your feet and fill your heart with some soulful music. Tickets are on sale now, ranging from $35 to $75!

 

The final show takes place on Oct. 19 7 to 10 p.m. The popular and highly talented Soultown band is coming out to play the greatest hits soul music has ever produced! They’ll be covering famous artists such as Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Ray Charles, and more. Filled with joy and high energy, this event is perfect for the whole family to come out and enjoy. As a tabled event, you’ll need to reserve your seat as soon as possible, or you can buy a general admission ticket and set up your own picnic area! This will be a wonderful sendoff for the festival and you’re sure to leave feeling refreshed and revitalized.

 

Taking place over 3 consecutive weekends, the festival will surely give you something to do this fall. It serves a great purpose and provides incredible entertainment for all ages. For both locals and tourists alike, if you have the opportunity to go to any of the shows, you should surely take it. The Pawleys Island Festival of Music and Arts is a cultural staple for the community and is one that shall carry on for many years to come! So if you are unable to make it this year, it’d be wise to go ahead and set aside a weekend to come and enjoy the festival in 2020; you won’t regret it.