Music in the Midlands: An Irish Christmas concert, heavy metal

Ricky Skaggs to join Irish Christmas show

Country and bluegrass master Ricky Skaggs will make a special appearance in Columbia to play with friends Keith and Kristyn Getty when the duo takes the stage at The Township on Friday, Dec. 18 for their Christmas tour.

The Gettys are contemporary hymn writers from Northern Ireland. Their shows combine traditional carols, modern hymns and Irish folk music performed on Celtic and bluegrass instruments.

Skaggs has won 14 Grammy Awards and is a maestro of mandolin.

A Lobby Jam session, where concertgoers can sing, play and dance along with the band, will follow each performance. Bonus: The concert will feature Irish step dancing.

7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 18 at The Township, 1703 Taylor St. $25-$50. (803) 576-2350 or www.thetownship.org

OTHERS AROUND THE MIDLANDS

Drew Dixon, a Nashville recording artist and Columbia native, will play his annual holiday show. Dixon will perform an acoustic set of originals along with blues, soul, R&B, and classic rock staples.

8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 23 at Tin Roof, 1022 Senate St. Free. www.tinroofcolumbia.com

Noctomb, Marrow of Earth and newcomer Hollowborn present a night of heavy metal, death metal and sludge metal. Expect screaming vocals and harsh instrumentation.

8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 17 at New Brookland Tavern, 122 State St., West Columbia. $5 over 21, $8 under 21. www.newbrooklandtavern.com

Taylor Boys X-mas Extravaganza: Now in its 11th year, the Taylor Boys – Stephen, dad Steve and uncle Joe – put on a night of live music benefitting the nonprofit SisterCare. Mini-sets include the rock ’n’ roll bands Joe Taylor Group; Stephen Taylor, Eddie Speaker and Friends; Pinetop Lightning; and contemporary Americana artist Shelly Waters. Steve Taylor will be the emcee for the evening.

9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 18 at Music Farm Columbia, 1022 Senate St. $10 minimum donation. www.musicfarm.com

This story was originally published December 15, 2015 at 4:00 PM.