Saturday at High Water Music Festival
*See Taylor's full gallery below
The High Water Music Festival marks the beginning of spring here in Charleston, SC each year, and it truly feels like a Lowcountry dream come to life. With equal parts indie-folk celebration and riverfront hangout, the festival takes place annually at Riverfront Park, with this year’s dates falling on April 18 and 19.
Saturday kicked off with South Carolina natives, Winyah, at the Edisto Stage. This was the second time that I’ve seen them and I can confidently say that they get better every single time. They brought an electrifying set that really kicked the energy off for the day. Over at the Stono Stage, Trousdale followed and I am officially obsessed with these girls now! This pop-folk trio delivers powerful vocals and harmonies that feel almost magical. A fun bonus is that their coordinated outfits gave Powerpuff Girls energy, adding even more personality to their performance. They were easily one of my favorite discoveries of the day.
Our third set for the day was a really fun one - The Runarounds. This band is made up of five guys and was formed originally in 2021 for the Amazon Prime series - The Runarounds. Though the tv show was not recently renewed for a second season, these guys are not losing steam any time soon. They drew one of the most hyped up crowds I saw all day - and this was in the peak of the Charleston heat. I am really excited to see where this band goes in the next few years as they are currently working on their debut album.
Some standout sets that brought a more atmospheric, laid back vibe came from Watchhouse and Jensen McRae. Their performances offered a nice contract to the high-energy acts, balancing the overall flow of the day. Funny enough - I realized watching Jenson McRae’s set that although I was not familiar with her music career, I have followed her written work on Substack for quite some time.
The fabulous Maren Morris closed down the Edisto Stage with a jaw dropping performance. Singing classics from her discography like, “The Middle” and “The Bones” along with songs from her latest album, Dreamsicle, like “People Still Show Up” and “Be A Bitch”. She rocked an all black outfit and sunglasses and wind blown hair courtesy of the onstage fans, she fully commanded the stage.
As the sun set, anticipation built for the headliner, Grammy Award-winning Southern rock band Alabama Shakes, who took the Stono Stage at 9:30 PM. The crowd was massive with devoted fans camped out at the barricade all day for that exact moment. When they finally took the stage, it was clear why - they delivered a performance that had the entire park locked in. Brittany Howard is a total powerhouse, with a voice to match her undeniable presence.
Beyond the music, festivalgoers could recharge over in The Refuge where majority of the food and merch was housed! This area was home to all sorts of local eateries such as Smash City Burgers and Southern Roots Smokehouse and national festival favorites like Roti Rolls and Island Noodles. There were also multiple branded activations that kept music lovers busy - like playing table tennis over at the Beatbox Party Hub, cooling off with an ice cold seltzer at the White Claw Shore Club, or enjoying a free pimento cheese bite with Cabot Creamery.
What really sets High Water apart, though, is its atmosphere. Walking through the festival, you’re just as likely to see groups dancing near the stage as you are to find families and friends relaxing on blankets under the trees, taking in the music and river views. With two alternating stages, the schedule can feel fast paced if you want it to but it never forces you into the chaos. In fact, the layout and signage actively encourages a more relaxed experience with designated spaces for both lounging and livelier crowds.
Overall, Saturday at High Water Music Festival struck a perfect balance between energy and ease. The riverfront location is ideal, with a constant breeze rolling through, and the lineup truly offers something for everyone. It’s a festival that lets you choose your own pace - whether you are chasing the front row or soaking it all in from a blanket - and that’s what makes it so special.
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