By Zach Goins
April 17, 2024
Festival season is here. This weekend, Riverfront Park in North Charleston will transform into a musical oasis with the sixth annual High Water Festival. Curated by Charleston folk-rock duo Shovels & Rope, the two-day event puts the Holy City’s coastal charm front and center, celebrating a stellar lineup of mostly rock-leaning acts.
Michael Trent and Cary Ann Hearst of Shovels & Rope started the festival in 2017, out of a desire to create a more intimate and inclusive festival in the beautiful Lowcountry of South Carolina. The event has quickly turned the pristine Riverfront Park into a top venue in the ever-growing Southeast music festival circuit. With just two stages, High Water doesn’t force fans to pick and choose between which artists they’ll get to see– the Stono and Edisto stages alternate acts all day long, offering music fans a haven along the Cooper River to enjoy every hand-selected act on the bill.
This year’s festival is headlined by Noah Kahan on Saturday and Hozier on Sunday, but beyond the music, the event places a strong emphasis on food and drinks. The dining area, known as The Refuge, will have local favorites like And Lobster, Roti Rolls, Cosmic Charlie’s Grateful Grill, and TAMASHII, and the drinks will flow all weekend long with several brands like Jim Beam, Wicked Weed Brewing, and White Claw activating spaces to enjoy a cool beverage between sets.
As far as the music, there’s something for fans of all rock genres to enjoy. Here’s a look at a few performances we’re looking forward to at High Water Festival 2024:
Houndmouth
Saturday at 3:45 p.m.
Combining alternative country and indie rock sensibilities, Houndmouth catapulted onto the scene with the 2013 album, From the Hills Below the City. Since then, the band has continued to evolve and become a festival favorite with performances at Austin City Limits, Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, and Newport Folk Festival. Known for their infectious lyrics, the Indiana natives, led by singer-songwriter and guitarist Matt Myers, will be a High Water highlight with their anthemic songs like “Sedona” and “On The Road.”
The Dip
Saturday at 4:30 p.m.
A fusion of rhythm and blues and vintage soul, The Dip’s heavy emphasis on horns– featuring multiple saxophones and a trumpet– gives the band a groovy, nostalgic feel. Seattle native Tom Eddy’s lead vocals and guitar brings an aesthetic reminiscent of ‘60s surf rock, which should pair well with the intermittent breezes coming off the Cooper River. The set will likely feature a healthy mix of songs from their three-album catalog, with a heavy dose of tracks from Sticking With It, released through Dualtone Records in 2022.
Fleet Foxes
Saturday at 7:15 p.m.
High Water will mark the first performance on U.S. soil for indie folk band Fleet Foxes, following a short Australia tour run. Fans will be treated to a fusion of their whimsical folk offerings that will surely echo throughout the park. While Fleet Foxes music has an autumnal aura, their music will pair well with the iconic sunset behind the Stono Stage on Saturday night.
The Wallflowers
Sunday at 5:15 p.m.
If you’re looking for a little ‘90s alternative rock nostalgia, The Wallflowers are sure to scratch that itch. Led by Jakob Dylan, the son of iconic folk singer-songwriter Bob Dylan, the band will awaken memories of the days of cassette tapes and when radio ruled music. While the band released a new album, Exit Wounds (2021), expect everyone to be looking forward to classics like “One Headlight” and “6th Avenue Heartache.”
Hozier
Sunday at 9:15 p.m.
Hozier will close out the weekend festivities with a heavy dose of his gospel-tinged blend of blues, folk and soul. The Irish rocker’s mega-hit, “Take Me To Church,” put him on the map back in 2014 but, in the decade since, Hozier has delivered album after album of poetic, wistful lyrics and bold political statements. Hozier’s latest track, “Too Sweet,” has become a viral TikTok sensation, and his latest album, Unreal Unearth: Unheard, topped multiple U.S. charts. While most fans know Hozier for his biggest hits, it’s the storytelling and lyricism in all of his music that lifts fans’ spirits to new levels. Between epic guitar riffs and the thundering drum beats, take a moment to listen closely to the tales of epic Greek myths, 14th century poetry, and some truly captivating lyrics.
For more on High Water Festival 2024 and ticket info, check out their official website.
Read next:
