Haldenwang plays 2 shows – solo and with his band

It’s time to stop talking about age since guitarist/singer/songwriter Jake Haldenwang – live for two shows this weekend – will be 21 this year.

I’ve been covering his dynamic career since he was 12, and age was a definite point at first considering Haldenwang garnered recognition almost immediately.

Haldenwang with his band Halden Vang plays Friday at Empire Pizza II in Newport and an acoustic solo gig Saturday at Original Empire Pizza in Rock Hill.

His “early bloomer” phase gave him an advantage, developing him into a seasoned, talented performer with years of experience and accomplishments under his guitar strap while quite young. The groundwork has been laid. Now, he is maintaining that impetus, aiming for higher ground with stellar goals.

It’s an enviable state of affairs all around. The area appearances this weekend offer a rare chance to witness both sides of Haldenwang’s persona. The Friday gig at Empire II is a whole band performance as the trio known as Halden Vang. Haldenwang, lead guitarist/vocals; will be joined by longtime bandmates Jordan Mattacchione, bass/backing vocals, and Andrew Marcadis, drums/backing vocals. Expect a spirited, even rambunctious, rockin’ blues alt/pop soulful brew mix- up dished out by these three skilled artists.

Saturday, find solo/acoustic artist Jake Haldenwang live at Original Empire Pizza in Rock Hill. Just him, up close and personal, delivering a cross section of original tunes intermingled with covers from multiple artists/genres.

Chances of encountering new originals are also a good bet. Haldenwang and company have just returned from California to record tracks with well-known producer/engineer/mixer Bob Marlette at the helm.

Haldenwang and band spent two weeks recording five new songs with Marlette. These songs, are likely to show up live this weekend as well as soon on a new EP or album.

What a deal. Rootsy rockin’ blues with an alt/modern pop push plus plenty of soul and vintage classic power in two special live appearances. All of that and more from Halden Vang Friday at Empire Pizza II, 4811 Old York Road, Newport-Rock Hill and an acoustic solo gig by Haldenwang Saturday at Original Empire Pizza, 1415 Riverchase Blvd., Rock Hill. Call Empire II at 985-2337 and Original Empire at 980-0522 for details on shows. For more on the music, check Facebook for the band as well as for Haldenwang solo.

Elsewhere

Friday: Rock Star at Sand Bar Grill, 4124 Celanese Road, Rock Hill; Chalkies, Van Huskins, Mr. Gold, The Paindeer at The Courtroom at Gettys Center, Rock Hill; Khaos Kings at Luke’s Sports Bar & Grille, Rock Hill; David Williams at The Handle Bar Tavern, Catawba.

Saturday: Pop Life Saturday at WingBonz Live, Rock Hill; Lipstick on a Pig at T-Bones on the Lake, Lake Wylie; Rayen Belchere Acoustic at Hobo’s, Fort Mill; Stanley Clark at Knight Theater-Levine Center for the Arts, Charlotte.

Tuesday: Willie Nelson & Family at The Fillmore, Charlotte.

This story was originally published February 4, 2016 at 10:34 AM with the headline "Haldenwang plays 2 shows – solo and with his band."