Dark clouds filled the sky and threatened to pour down upon us Sept. 22. No matter, though. We had unbreakable dinner-with-music plans. Paula Carlson & Acoustic on the Rocks, a band hailing from Southern Pines, N.C. was slated to play in North Augusta for an early evening show. We’d not been to The Hammond’s Ferry Larder in a hot minute, so when we discovered there would be live music that night, we defied the threatening weather and headed across the river to The Hammond’s Ferry Larder.
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Located off the beaten path in the Hammond’s Ferry neighborhood, the Larder is a quaint little restaurant serving up an array of wings, sandwiches, and salads. The bar is tucked into a corner with televisions positioned above the shelves, lending a cozy ambiance for those seeking a cold beer to go with their favorite game. Though small, the restaurant is large enough to accommodate live music. For those who visit the Larder to enjoy dinner and see a show, the seating is perfect.
We grabbed a seat at the furthest table from the stage set up along the back wall. It was a high-top table with bar stools that allowed us to view the action over the heads of everyone in front of us. This was a good move as the place began to fill up shortly after we arrived.
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The menu at the Larder was small but everything listed sounded quite appealing. We ordered the spicy feta dip with pita points for an appetizer. After waffling between a sandwich and an entrée, Dean and I both ended up ordering one of the night’s specials. Just like we did the last time we went out for live music and a meal, the choice for each of us was fish and chips.
The way we’ve been eating fish lately, you’d think we were both raised on the coast.
Paula Carlson started her set promptly at 6 p.m. Accompanied by a cajon player (a cajon is a wooden box that is played like a drum), Paula asked the crowd if there were any requests. Someone shouted “Hold My Hand,” and she made good on the request by playing the classic hit from South Carolina’s own Hootie and the Blowfish.
The duo brought an Americana-tinged bluesy vibe to each of the songs in their repertoire. Their set included classic rock hits like “Turn the Page” by Bob Seger and “Going to California” by Led Zeppelin. Right after Zeppelin, they performed a medley by Janis Joplin. If you closed your eyes, like I did, you’d swear Janis was there on stage as Paula crooned “Mercedes Benz” and “Me and Bobby McGee.” Her rendition of the two Joplin hits gave me the shivers.
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As we sipped our drinks and nibbled our fish, I couldn’t help thinking about the refreshing set of songs they played! Their set was filled with several tunes I’ve never heard played anywhere in the area, other than on classic rock radio. The songs Paula brought to the Larder took me way back in time to summer days during my early childhood. I could almost smell honeysuckle in the air.
If you are looking to experience a unique selection of classic rock tunes with a blues-driven twist, then keep an eye out for Acoustic on the Rocks. Paula has powerful pipes tailor-made for the blues, and she can belt it out just as well as anyone. If I had to compare her voice that of a famous singer, I’d have to say she reminds me a lot of Melissa Ethridge. Paula Carlson is a powerhouse performer. Go see her.
The Hammond’s Ferry Larder is located at 89 Crystal Lake Dr., North Augusta. Find it online at https://hflarder.com
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Paula Carlson and Acoustic on the Rocks travel across their home state of North Carolina, but they do pay Georgia a visit now and then. Be sure to watch the website for upcoming shows: https://www.reverbnation.com/paulacarlson
Looking for some hot sounds this weekend? Head over to The Stables Restaurant at Rose Hill in Aiken Oct. 1 for the dynamic sounds of Chris Ndeti. Show starts at 6 p.m. Also tonight, bands Violent Rays and Ashes to Omens rock the Highlander starting at 9 p.m. On Saturday, Oct. 2, Salazar serves a heaping helping of country music on the Chevy’s stage at 9 p.m.
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.
