Vibes And Vocals
Local musician Marci Shore takes a tour through Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island live music hotspots to bring you the lowdown on the vibes and vocals to be found on the sea islands this season. Photos by Steve Rosamilia
BANANA CABANA
thebananacabanasc.com, 1130 Ocean Blvd., Isle of Palms, SC 29451, 843.886.4360
Vibe
Beachfront with an authentic island vibe. The Banana Cabana, opened in 1990, is family-friendly and has something for everyone, serving up seafood, classic American cuisine, quesadillas, pizza, and festive frozen cocktails.
Vocals
Live, weekend acoustic music outside by the bar, just steps away from the beach.
COCONUT JOE’S
coconutjoes.biz, 1120 Ocean Blvd., Isle of Palms, SC 29451, 843.886.0046
Vibe
Location, location. Coconut Joe’s is beachfront on Isle of Palms, and serves up breakfast, lunch, and dinner with panoramic views of the beach and creekside sunsets from its rooftop tiki bar. Under the same ownership, Island Joe’s, in front of Coconut Joe’s, serves up “funfair” foods, including ice cream, coffee drinks, funnel cakes, and hot dogs.
Vocals
For their 16th season, Mystic Vibrations will be on the rooftop bar on Sundays for "Reggae on The Roof" from 1:30–5 p.m. A variety of other groups are showcased on the rooftop on other evenings throughout the week.
THE DINGHY TAPROOM AND KITCHEN
dinghyiop.com, 8 J C Long Blvd., Isle of Palms, SC 29451, 843.242.8310
Vibe
Key West meets the Isle of Palms. Sharing the same owners as The Windjammer, The Dinghy is a proud dive bar, that has come into its own in its first few years of operation. The kitchen slings out a tasty variety of seafood, appetizers, salads and sandwiches.
Vocals
Live, acoustic folk/country classic covers. Wednesday through Saturdays 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. and some Sundays, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. These artists are among the lineup this summer: Donnie Polk, Craig and Jeff, Gracious Day, Sunflowers and Sin, and Josh Hughett.
MORGAN CREEK GRILL
morgancreekgrill.com, 80 41st Ave., Isle of Palms, SC 29451, 843.886.8980
Vibe
Waterfront dining beside the Isle of Palms Marina. Family-friendly location for fine dining and fabulous views on the Intracoastal Waterway.
Vocals
Some of the best local musical talent perform at Morgan Creek. Showtime 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Every Friday and Saturday; Sundays 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
THE REFUGE
therefugeiop.com, 1517 Palm Blvd. Isle of Palms, South Carolina, (843) 242-8934
Vibe
Gourmet fare at reasonable prices in an elegant setting. Coffee bar, bagels, pastries and breakfast sandwiches in the morning, creative sandwiches by day, upscale menu and cocktails by night. Located in the same shopping center as the Harris Teeter grocery store.
Vocals
Jazz focused live music this season, Tuesdays through Fridays, 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. and during Sunday Brunch.
THE WINDJAMMER
the-windjammer.com, 1008 Ocean Blvd, Isle of Palms, SC 29451, 843.886.8596
Vibe
No frills — no problem. Always a Jam Good Time to be had at this Isle of Palms Institution. It’s a favorite with locals and tourists alike since 1972. If you’re staying on Front Beach on Isle of Palms, the Windjammer is within walking distance.
Vocals
Acts scheduled for this summer include Sister Hazel, Jupiter Coyote, Edwin McCain, Cowboy Mouth, Tribute to Michael Jackson, Spider Monkey, The Roosevelts.
DUNLEAVY’S IRISH PUB
dunleavysonsullivans.com 2213 Middle St, Sullivan's Island, SC 29482, 843.883.9646
Vibe
An island staple for over a quarter of a century, visit this family-operated pub for your fix of Irish fare and frivolity. Large booths make it a great setting for groups
Vocals
Music is hit or miss, but at the height of the summer season you’ll find some cover artists Saturday and Sunday evenings. Once a month on Tuesdays there is vintage country, typically on the first Tuesday.
HOME TEAM BBQ
hometeambbq.com, 2209 Middle St., Sullivan's Island, SC 29482, 843.883.3131
Vibe
High-energy, buzzing crowds and nationally acclaimed BBQ. Home Team BBQ on Sullivan’s Island has become a hub for the locals and tourists, and a popular spot for watching whatever sport is being hyped at the time.
Vocals
Music starts late, 10 p.m. most Friday and Saturday nights. Check the online schedule. You’ll likely hear blues, bluegrass or Americana/rock/country by national, regional and local touring talent. Shonuff, Hans Wenzel & The 86ers, Well Charged, Weigh Station, Whisky Diablo, Johnny and the Broken Hearts, Guilt Ridden Troubadour are among the lineup for this summer.
MEX 1 COASTAL CANTINA
mex1coastalcantina.com/sullivans-island, 2205 Middle St, Sullivan's Island, SC 29482 843.882.8172
Vibe
Inside is an inspired ‘come as you are’ atmosphere — a vibe that embodies the surfing and coastal lifestyle of the Baja Peninsula culture. Tex-Mex cuisine made with locally-sourced produce and a creative margarita menu make this one of the island’s hottest spots.
Vocals
Music will go from reggae rock vibe to party-band style this season, every Friday and Saturday, 9 p.m. to 12 a.m.