5 events not to miss at Indie Grits
It’s hard to narrow down the best Indie Grits festival happenings, but we gave it a shot. Here are five events not to miss:
If you like: Being blown away by a band you’ve never heard of
Go to: Eighth Blackbird; 8 p.m. Thursday, April 14 at Gervais and Gist streets, Riverwalk
Indie Grits kicks off with a performance by Grammy Award-winning sextet Eighth Blackbird. The contemporary classical musicians may not be super mainstream, but they’re good enough to win a MacArthur “genius grant” (Translation: They’re pretty freakin’ good.) The group is also the most expensive act ever booked for Indie Grits. You get what you pay for, right?
Earsight Duo opens the show at 6:30 p.m.
Related: Artists capture flooding in ‘creative and human way’
If you like: Finding the best gaming apps before your friends
Go to: Indie bits and pieces; noon-4 p.m. Saturday, April 16 at 1216 Taylor St.
New this year is the inclusion of card and board games in the gaming competition. Just like the film festival, Indie Bits holds open submissions for any indie game designer with Southeastern connections. Come check out 20 video games and six tabletop games. Watch a demo, then pick your favorites to try out during a freeplay session.
Related: 5 films not to miss at Indie Grits
If you like: Singing/listening to Beyonce’s “Formation” on repeat
Go to: Big Freedia
The New Orleans Queen of Bounce is not to be missed. Just ask her pal Queen Bey, who featured Freedia in “Formation.” In other words, she gon’ slay.
Big Freedia to headline Indie Grits river concert
Indie Grits headliner Big Freedia charged with stealing government funds
If you like: Art that makes you think
Go to: “Anatomy of a Flood” video installation; noon-8 p.m. Thursday, April 14 and Saturday, April 16, noon-4 p.m. Friday, April 15 and Sunday, April 17; 1216 Taylor St.
“Anatomy of a Flood” is a three-way video projection installation with sound by Wade Sellers. Viewers are immersed in the shared experiences of individuals affected by the recent flooding in Columbia. The experimental exhibition format intercuts testimonials of flood victims, archival footage of rising floodwater and an educational video explaining specific phases of the flooding.
If you like: Cabaret or vaudeville acts
Go to: Weekly Revue Bar Mitzvah; 9 p.m.-midnight Friday, April 15 at 1216 Taylor St.
Indie Grits is 10 years old. The Weekly Revue has been a part of the festival for three years. Ten plus three equals another excuse to party. This grown-up bar mitzvah probably isn’t suitable for 13-year olds, FYI. Your host is actor and comedian Toby Lou, who brings his hodgepodge variety show mixed with open mic to Columbia. There will be a dance party afterward.
Honorable mentions
Waterline photo show: Opens Thursday, April 14, and on view during theater hours through April and May in The Nickelodeon lobby, stairwell and second floor gallery.
See photography from several local and regional artists directly involved with the October flooding. The exhibit will also feature photography from a post-flood project by Michael Dantzler and a collection of photos of Dorian Warneck’s past experiences with flooding in Charleston.
Back Alley BBQ: 1-5 p.m. Sunday, April 17 in the parking lot behind The Nickelodeon
End Indie Grits on a high note with barbecue from chef Mike Davis of Terra or the vegan stylings of Lamb’s Bread Vegan Cafe. Live music from Grace Joyner, Avi Jacobs and The Prairie Willows.
This story was originally published April 12, 2016 at 5:15 PM with the headline "5 events not to miss at Indie Grits."