(Columbia, SC) — The ColaJazz Foundation (ColaJazz) is co-hosting “A Shot of the Blues, Drink Small: 90 Proof” to celebrate Drink Small’s 90th birthday at the Koger Center for the Arts on Wednesday, October 26, at 7:30 p.m. The celebration concert features on-stage seating and will be filmed and recorded for South Carolina ETV (SCETV) and South Carolina Public Radio. Tickets can be purchased at https://kogercenterforthearts.com/event.php?id=1256.
Hosted by ColaJazz, the Koger Center, and SCETV and SC Public Radio, the concert will include performances by:
- Brittany Turnipseed
- Randy Lucas Trio
- The SC State University Choir
- Drink Small
Known as the Blues Doctor, Drink Small was born in Bishopville, S.C., where his family sharecropped. At 7 years old, he taught himself to play guitar on his uncle’s one string. Beginning as a gospel performer, he first recorded The Spiritualaires in 1956 on Vee Jay Records. He later toured with The Staples Singers and Sam Cooke. By 1959, he turned his focus to blues, becoming famous for his basso profondo voice, his Piedmont-style guitar and his stage banter referred to as “Drink-isms.” Small was named a National Endowment for the Arts Heritage Fellow in 2015.
“This event is immensely special for ColaJazz, our city and for the entire music community,” says ColaJazz Board Chairwoman, Shelley Magee. “It is an honor to help celebrate Drink Small’s incredible journey and musical legacy. He is a true legend and treasure to us all.”
