Believe it or not, there is a thriving music scene that doesn’t necessarily spend all its time in Charlotte. In truth, there are many bands in York County that play awesome live shows and are worth checking out!

One such band is Elonzo, based out of Rock Hill. They have a show tomorrow night (Saturday, February 28) at McHale’s on Main Street in Rock Hill beginning at 9 p.m. and you should definitely think about going to check them out in support of local music!

Elonzo is an independant Americana/Folk Rock band based out of Rock Hill, South Carolina. In the heart of the Carolina Piedmont, they write songs about everyday life: sitting around on the front porch, watching the train go by, loss of loved ones, childhood, their hometown and their dreams. Elonzo’s music represents some of the most classic elements of the Southeastern United States: earnestness, good story-telling, and an awareness of tragedy that never seems too far around the corner.

Elonzo originally began a few years ago as a trio including singer/songwriter Jeremy Davis, Maggie Bourdeau (Vocals/Keys) and Dan Bourdeau (Drums/Percussion) but recently expanded to include Dennis Contreras (Bass) and David Sleigh (Fiddle/Guitar) for a more full sound. Their music can fit to many monikers, but seems more like folk rock, which is fitting considering their songs address such topics as sitting around on the front porch, watching the train go by, and their hometown. They have been compared to Red House Painters (another band I highly recommend), and Elonzo’s love for storytelling through music definitely shines through at their shows.

This week I emailed with drummer Dan Bourdeau, who told me, “I have noticed that we get a good response from people in their 30’s and 40’s that are familiar with some of our more classic influences like Bob Dylan, Neil Young, and Johnny Cash… But seriously, what Folk/Rock musician hasn’t been influenced by these guys?” Dan also feels that our area is very encouraging to local bands, saying, “There are some people that really work hard to support the music scene in Charlotte and the surrounding areas.”

So if you are looking for something fun to do on Saturday night and think some great local music and BBQ wings might fit the bill, then go see Elonzo play at McHale’s (122 E Main St, Rock Hill, SC 29730). For more info, you can call McHale’s directly at (803) 329-8580.

If you can’t make the show on Saturday night, they have a few other shows coming up, including an appearance at the Evening Muse on Friday, March 27.