Aiken offers a wide selection of venues where you can enjoy live entertainment. One such venue is the former Red Pepper restaurant in the Centre South Shopping Center, located at the intersection of Pine Log and Silver Bluff roads. In November 2021, the shuttered Red Pepper was transformed into Habanero’s Mexican Grill. Former Pepper patrons will remember the patio and stage that hosted a wide range of musical acts over the years. I’m happy to report that the patio and stage are still in existence, making Habanero’s the place to be if you’re looking for delicious Mexican food with a serving of hot, local music.
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On Friday, May 20, Aiken band Carolina Cherry was scheduled to play at there. This is a band we were dying to hear. Dean and I headed out early in the evening and made our way across the river to hear the music and see our friend, vocalist and bassist Jeff Mastromonico play with his new band.
It was just after 7 p.m. when we arrived. The patio was packed when we got there. I noticed a bar that lined the wall on the other side of the entrance. I squeezed my way over to buy a beer for each of us. Seating was at a premium as all of the tables were packed with diners, so we grabbed a place to sit on a bench near the stage. Sipping our cold brews, we got settled and took in the show.
Carolina Cherry was already into the set list performing on the patio stage. The six-piece band played a fun and rocking set of songs that spanned decades and genres. Each song segued into the next and added to the party atmosphere. Band members provided the perfect soundtrack to a late spring evening – their songs chasing the sun as it set on what had been a beautiful day.
With high energy and a strong vocal presence, Carolina Cherry got the grove on and kept it pumping with the early 80s classic “Centerfold” by J. Geils Band. Continuing in the 80s, the band treated us with “Pink Houses” by John Mellencamp. Next, the group switched gears and took us back to the 60s, playing “Brown Eyed Girl” by Van Morrison. Jumping ahead to the 90s, they launched into “Hold My Hand” by South Carolina natives Hootie and the Blowfish. Cranking it out, Carolina Cherry then performed “Blue on Black” by Kenny Wayne Shepherd.
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The songs on their set list fit together in a way that only Carolina Cherry could make them. Each song carried a special Cherry taste unique to the musical stylings of the band. The songs they played spun themselves into a seamless quilt of classic rock that covered many tastes and styles. With a tight rhythm section, powerful vocals, and an infectious vibe, Carolina Cherry is a band not to miss. We will for sure catch them again, and often.
Do you like your music rocking, hot, and fun? If so, then Carolina Cherry is the band for you. The group performs on a regular basis at venues around Aiken. They can be found online at https://carolinacherry.wordpress.com
If you’re eager to head out to catch a show and enjoy a margarita at Habanero’s, be sure to get there early. The place fills up fast, and you definitely want a table on the patio to catch all the action. Friday night music starts at 7 p.m. Find Habanero’s online at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100073087071281
This weekend is filled with exciting indoor and outdoor events. Tonight, First Friday returns in a big way with food trucks, vendors and live music at the Augusta Common. The event is free and the fun starts at 5 p.m., so get downtown early. In the mood for comedy? Head over to Le Chat Noir tonight for Schrodinger’s Cat presents: eXtreme Theatre Games. Tickets start at $12.96 and the event begins at 8 p.m. On Saturday, head to Evans Town Center Park for Summer Beach Blast 2022 featuring live music by The Swingin’ Medallions. Tickets start at $10 and gates open at 5 p.m. The concert begins at 7 p.m., so bring your blanket or chair and enjoy an evening under the stars.
Francie Klopotic is an author, artist and music aficionado living in Augusta. She writes The Night Beat column the first and third Fridays of each month.
