The Newsstand in Rock Hill debuts its Acoustic Showcase with four artists

The Newsstand in downtown Rock Hill merges the not too distant past into a fun future by making a place to hang out for those keenly interested in music, books, artists and authors.

Along with a variety of specialized merchandize, check out their debut Acoustic Showcase featuring Cal Folger Day, Benjamin Shepherd, Elonzo Wesley and King Trouble live, Friday.

Located on the corner of East Main and Hampton streets, this new establishment acknowledges the newsstand that once occupied the space with its selective inventory of approximately 5,000 books and new releases of contemporary and classic rock plus jazz, pop and more on vinyl. The firm also sells turntables, t-shirts and more. So, overall, rounding out their ‘once and future’ aspect by hosting live music performances is an upgrade for all involved.

Among the artists set for this acoustic experience is American singer/songwriter Cal Folger Day. Based in Dublin, Ireland, she patterns her music with ‘jazz leanings’ while controlling her voice as well as the stage via charismatic personality and enigmatic skill. Reviews advocate her sound/style to be ‘timeless.’

Also on this bill, find Benjamin Shepherd from Richmond, Va., touting folk sounds with wit and honesty; Elonza Wesley (aka Jeremy Davis) who mixes beauty and sadness in his brand of folk; while King Trouble (aka Dustin Carpenter) puts some snappy snarl into his folk format.

Now, that’s a lineup with intrigue and promise for the Acoustic Showcase 7 p.m. Friday at The Newsstand Rock Hill. Call 803-389-5250 or check newsstandrockhill.com for more details.

Honky tonkin’

Get on board for a night of honky tonkin’ with Stepside Deluxe live Saturday at Original Empire Pizza in Rock Hill. Blending country with roots rock won’t help you define the music of this Gaston County bunch of rowdies until you add in the ‘Bakersfield factor.’

It’s that shot of southern California finesse along the same lines as Buck Owens, Dwight Yoakam and Merle Haggard that really seals the deal crafting a simple sound that’s powerful behind strong vocals.

Stepside Deluxe includes Bil Jones, vocals/guitar; bass/vocals; Jim Ashton, steel guitar; Rick Cutshaw, drums and Gary Fletcher, guitar. Count on them to deliver hot rod/honky tonkin’ country that’s retro but rocks without losing a beat that’s danceable.

Welcome the rockabilly mood of Stepside Deluxe Saturday for their first show at Original Empire Pizza, 1415 Riverchase Blvd., Rock Hill. Call 803-980-0522 for info. Check reverbnation.com/stepsidedelux and facebook.com/stepsidedeluxe for more on the music.

Elsewhere

Friday: Chubby Knuckles at Luke’s Sports Bar & Grill, Rock Hill; All of a Kind at Empire Pizza II-Newport, Rock Hill; Khaos Kings Acoustic at The Handle Bar, Catawba; Spiral Eyes at Eaglespeak, Charlotte; Justin Morehead at Three Spirits Brewery, Pineville; Early Ray (Rayen Belchere) at Jack Beagles-NoDa, Charlotte.

Saturday: The Rockaholics at John’s Place, Gold Hill Road, Fort Mill; Early Ray (Rayen Belchere) at Gin Mill, Charlotte.

Wednesday: Truckstop Preachers, Jem Crossland, Lara Hope and The Ark-Tones at Milestone, Charlotte.

This story was originally published January 7, 2016 at 2:12 PM with the headline "The Newsstand in Rock Hill debuts its Acoustic Showcase with four artists."