“We’re excited about the variety and caliber of musical artists performing at St. Pat’s in Five Points.”

     – Stephanie Melora Bailey

 St. Pat’s in Five Points, one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the Southeast, announces the lineup for its 42nd event, set for Saturday, March 16, in Columbia.

“St. Pat’s in Five Points has been a cornerstone celebration in the Columbia community for more than four decades,” says Heather McDonald, executive director of the Five Points Association. “As we unveil this year’s lineup, we’re thrilled to feature an array of genres that showcase emerging talents alongside established artists, reflecting our commitment to providing a diverse and dynamic musical experience.”

More than 40 local, regional and national acts are set to perform across multiple stages and venues, including headlining performances from LawrenceThe War and TreatyFuturebirdsSister Hazel and  Conner Smith, making this year’s lineup the most extensive in the festival‘s history. Columbia-based recording artist, producer, entrepreneur and hip-hop activist Master Splnta aka FatRat Da Czar will return as this year’s host.

HEADLINING BANDS

  • Lawrence, an eight-piece soul-pop band that infuses funk, R&B and rock elements, was founded by New York City-raised siblings Clyde and Gracie Lawrence, who have been crafting songs together since childhood.
  • The War and Treaty, a husband-and-wife duo featuring Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter that blends blues, country and rock, gained recognition while headlining their own shows and opening for music legends such as Al Green, Brandi Carlile, Jason Isbell, John Legend, Lauren Daigle and Van Morrison.
  • Futurebirds, an Athens, Georgia-based band established in 2008, has gained acclaim for their energetic live performances and distinctive fusion of indie rock, country and psych-rock.
  • Sister Hazel, from Gainesville, Florida, rose to fame with their 1997 hit “All for You,” which catapulted their second album to platinum status. The band has since expanded into country music, with four consecutive Billboard Top Country Albums and an appearance on the Grand Ole Opry stage.
  • Conner Smithis a Nashville-born country singer-songwriter. His full-length debut album, “Smoky Mountains,” featuring “Take it Slow” and “Creek Will Rise” is set for release on Jan. 26.

ADDITIONAL BANDS

  • Paul Russellis a rapper and singer based in Los Angeles. He is best known for his 2023 single “Lil Boo Thang,” which peaked at number 23 on the Billboard Hot 100.
  • Little Strangeris an indie hip-hop duo consisting of friends John Shields and Kevin Shields. Originally from Philadelphia, they are now based in Charleston, South Carolina.
  • The Original Wailers, a reggae group established in 2008, continues the legacy of Bob Marley and the Wailers and features Al Anderson from the band’s mid-1970s lineup.
  • Spider Monkey, launched in the summer of 1992 in St. Augustine, Florida, quickly made a name for themselves with an extensive touring schedule. Known for their “buzzsaw pop” sound and legendary live shows, the band took a hiatus in 1999 before reuniting in 2014.
  • The Stewshave been a non-stop touring machine since releasing their debut album “What Was” in April 2022. Forming at Auburn University, the band is known for packed-out shows across the country that feature upbeat, singalong indie tunes and headbanging hard rock.
  • Mo Lowda & the Humble, a self-produced indie rock band from Philadelphia, has been broadening their musical range since their 2013 debut. Renowned for their vibrant live shows and relentless touring, they’ve built a dedicated following across the country.
  • The Collectionis an indie/alt pop band from North Carolina. The group, fronted by David Wimbish, has built a devout fanbase through its honest and vulnerable music and raucous live shows that foster a sense of community and connection.
  • Empire Strikes Brassis a brass funk rock band hailing from Asheville, North Carolina. Known for their emotionally-charged live shows, the band’s sound features a blend of New Orleans-inspired funk, rock and jam.
  • Zach Top, a Nashville-based recording artist from Sunnyside, Washington, is rekindling ‘90s traditional country music. His album, “Cold Beer & Country Music,” is set for release on April 5 and features his debut single, “Sounds Like the Radio.”
  • Hotel Fiction, an Athens, Georgia duo featuring Jade Long and Jessica Thompson, creates whimsical and upbeat music with strong piano elements and harmonious vocals.
  • Happy Landingcaptivates audiences with their blend of indie, punk, bluegrass and folk. Formed by five Ole Miss students, the band is known for their electrifying, costume-clad performances, and has gained a loyal following called “Happy Campers.”
  • Jive Talkis a retro nerd-core, synth-rock band from Nashville, Tennessee that emerged in 2021. Known for their anthemic sound and high-energy performances, they have been featured on Spotify’s Fresh Finds, Apple New Alternative, Sirius XMU and more.
  • Shelby Rayeis a South Carolina-born-and-raised country music artist who is infusing Nashville with her distinctive Southern grit and grace. Shelby’s debut single, “Call Me Crazy,” launched her path toward realizing her lifelong dream.
  • Brandy and the Butcher, a Columbia-based punk rock band, was founded in 2018 and delivers high-octane rhythms with a distinctive raw and powerful sound.
  • DÅZR, a rock band from Clemson, South Carolina, draws significant inspiration from classic rock artists, with a modern edge sound that reflects a deep respect for the enduring legacy of bands from the ‘60s, ‘70s and ’80s.
  • Homemade Haircutsfrom Charleston, South Carolina, has transformed into a dynamic indie rock quartet, with plans to release new music and expand their touring in 2024.
  • Drew Dixon, a Nashville-based musician from Columbia, fuses Delta blues and Southern gothic to create a sound that reflects his musical intuition and heartfelt storytelling.

Multiple venues in Five Points will also feature live performances, including the following:

  • Fountain:Master Splnta, Soda City Brass Band.
  • Breakers Live:The Regulars.
  • The New Brookland Tavern:Hillmouse, Daddy’s Beemer, Steam Killed Lula, The Birdwalkers, H3RO, Aim High, Hellvis, Som’bout, Preach Jacobs, Future Coffins, DJ Kris Love.
  • Electric Alleyway:Player 1 Productions Takeover, The Mixstress Madi Jo B2B M3RMADE, Tymellord, Liquid-L, Rhythm Mechanic B2B Mark Britt, DISKULL, shwiLLy, Kirby Bright.
  • Jake’s on Devine:Droze, Goodnight Lizzy.
  • Logan’s Irish Pub Pop-up:O’Hara’s House Band.

“We’re excited about the variety and caliber of musical artists performing at St. Pat’s in Five Points,” says Stephanie Melora Bailey, president of the Five Points Association Board. “With co-headliners Lawrence, The War and Treaty, Futurebirds, Sister Hazel and Conner Smith this year’s lineup represents what happens when talent meets passion, and embodies our commitment to creating a festival experience that has something for everyone.”

Last year’s event was co-headlined by Moon Taxi, Nate Smith, Drivin N Cryin and Hippo Campus. Some notable artists from previous years of the festival include: Blues Traveler, Blake Shelton, Walker Hayes, Hootie & the Blowfish, Morgan Wallen, Judah & The Lion, The Avett Brothers, Atlas Road Crew, Rodney Atkins, St. Paul and The Broken Bones, Dashboard Confessional and many more.

In addition to live music, the festival also hosts a variety of vendors, food trucks, artisans and family-friendly attractions, including:

  • Get to the Green10K at 7:30 a.m., 5K at 7:45 a.m. and 1-Mile Family Fun Run at 8:00 a.m. All events start and finish on Devine Street near the festival entrance. Registration includes festival entry, a shirt, custom finisher’s medal and post-race refreshments.
  • St. Pat’s Paradebegins at 10 a.m. and covers a one-mile route that starts at Devine Street and Sims Avenue and ends on College Street.
  • Pot O’Gold Playland, a children’s area offeringballoon art, face painting, games, rides and more, will be open from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. in the Andy’s Deli parking lot at 2005 Greene St.

Tickets to the festival can be purchased online at StPatsColumbia.com.

  • General admissiontickets are $30 in advance until midnight on March 15 and will also be available day of the event for $35 online or at the gate.
  • The Saluda’s and Tito’s Ultra-Premium VIP Experiencewill be held at Saluda’s Restaurant, located at 751 Saluda Ave. Tickets are $200 each.
  • The Lucky Leprechaun VIP Loungewill be located near the Postcard Mural in Five Points. Tickets are $105 each, with the price increasing to $125 on Feb. 1.

Last year, St. Pat’s in Five Points welcomed approximately 35,000 attendees with more than 35 percent traveling from outside of Columbia, spanning more than 2,000 zip codes and 30+ countries. The festival brings in $12.6 million to the City of Columbia and Richland County, allowing the Five Points Association the opportunity to give back to the community that has been its biggest supporter. To date, the Five Points Association has donated approximately $1.2 million to local charities.

For more information, visit StPatsColumbia.com, download the “St. Pat’s at Five Points” app, or follow the festival on Facebook @StPatsinFivePoints, Instagram @stpatsinfivepoints and TikTok @StPatsinFivePoints. To learn more about sponsorships, vendor or parade applications and/or volunteering, please email [email protected].