A Week of Madness

A nine-day festival celebrating music, art, drama, and dance with events in Downtown Camden and throughout Kershaw County.

Schedule of Events:

Tuesday, October 3, 2023

3:00 pm - MAD Gallery Crawl
at Downtown Camden

Visit the many galleries of Downtown Camden as they open their doors for a showing of some of the best artists in the Southeast.

About This Event

Visit the many galleries of Downtown Camden as they open their doors for a showing of some of the best artists in the Southeast.

Gallery Crawl:

Rutledge Street Gallery

A contemporary, original art gallery offering paintings, sculpture, furniture, pottery, and jewelry.

Located at 508 Rutledge Street, Camden, SC 29020.

Lisa B. Studios

Lisa Boykin Adams opened Lisa B. Studios in 2004, showing work from nationally recognized hand-painted lamps to acrylic paintings depicting many aspects of the southeastern United States, from landscapes to architecture.

Located at 506 Rutledge St., Camden, SC 29020.

Artists Attic

The Artists’ Attic is a well-known feature of the local arts community, sharing spirituality of all.

Located at 930 Broad Street, Camden, SC 29020.

Camden Art Shoppes

The Camden Art Shoppes feature dozens of mediums and styles from over 80 Midlands artists, making it the perfect place to find that unique gift, treat yourself, or just enjoy the creativity of these talented individuals.

Located at 1011 Broad Street, First Floor, Camden, SC, 29020.

Laurie B. McIntosh Art

Laurie Brownell McIntosh's downtown Camden studio features her own original work, including her latest series of linocut pieces.

Located at 1014 Broad Street, Camden, SC 29020.

Gallery 537

Gallery 537 is a versatile, art-filled space that is both gallery and gathering place—featuring lounge seating and a bar with champage, wine, beer, coffee, tea, and CBD.

Located at 537 E. Dekalb Street, Camden, SC 29020.

Arts Center Exhibition

Visit the Arts Center for a special exhibition, Quilted Impressions 2, by renowned fiber artist, Janet Swigler.

Located at 810 Lyttleton Street, Camden, SC 29020.

Arts Center Reception

The Arts Center will host a drop-in reception from 5:30-7pm to celebrate its latest exhibit, Quilted Impressions 2. Artist Janet Swigler will speak at 6pm to put this incredible exhibition into context. Light refreshments will be served.

Located at 810 Lyttleton Street, Camden, SC 29020.

Wednesday, October 4, 2023

4:00 pm - Blackout Poetry Workshop

Elgin Library (2652 Main St, Elgin, SC 29045)

Join us for an exhilarating Blackout Poetry Workshop at the Elgin Library in Kershaw County! Unleash your creativity as we embark on a poetic journey using book pages as our canvas. Through the unique technique of "blacking out" words, participants will sculpt their own distinctive verses, uncovering profound meanings within the text. To add a personal flair, poets can embellish their final masterpiece with a choice of decoupage, drawing, or a combination of both. For our young wordsmiths aged 12 and below, an adult companion is required to assist, ensuring a fun and enriching experience for all. Come be a part of this transformative fusion of literature and art!

12pm & 5:30pm -- The Poet's Heart: A Performance by Some Strings Attached

Locations:

Some Strings Attached will be performing at two separate locations on October 4th:

1) 12pm at Lyttleton Street United Methodist Church (1206 Lyttleton Street, Camden, SC 29020)

2) 5:30pm at Bethune Baptist Church (304 Blackmon Street S., Bethune, SC 29009)

The Poet’s Heart: Join Some Strings Attached on a captivating journey that explores the intricate relationship between music and poetry, with featured works by Gwyneth Walker and our composer-in-residence, Jordan Knapp. Step into a realm where creativity knows no boundary, and where classical and contemporary melodies intertwine seamlessly. The exploration of this music-poetry connection will reflect our hidden depths and most human experiences.

About Some Strings Attached:

Some Strings Attached values creativity, flexibility, and diversity of programming in music. The name of our group, Some Strings Attached, represents the way we appear on stage: a music ensemble performing with an unspecified number of strings. Though the full group is five members—singer, pianist, violinist, violist, and cellist—we often perform in subsets.

Part of our mission is to promote the presentation of programs where the ensemble members have different roles throughout. We enjoy the freedom to program pieces that allow our members to work together in any combination. This philosophy allows us to present programs encompassing a wider variety of sounds and genres, often juxtaposing classical and popular styles.

We inspire one another to be well-rounded musicians, open to all musical possibilities. For instance, our pianist is also a composer, our singer performs in several vocal registers, some of our players are proficient in multiple instruments, and of course we are all educators in some capacity. Our flexibility allows us to open the borders of classical music traditions and invite our audiences to share in the creative process. It is the hope of Some Strings Attached that the joy of our collaboration touches the heart of every listener.
Group Members

- Jordan Knapp, pianist/composer (Hometown: Monroe, MI)
- Eunice Koh, cellist (Hometown: Singapore)
- Korcan Köstük, violinist (Hometown: Izmir, Turkey)
- Brittany Martin, vocalist (Hometown: Paris, TN)
- Morgan Owen, violist (Hometown: Greensboro, NC)

This is a free event and is fully open to the public.

Thursday, October 5, 2023

6:00 pm - Blankets and Bands: The Dubber & Tetrahedron
at Downtown Camden Cultural District

The City of Camden and the Arts Center of Kershaw County are proud to invite you to the Fall Blankets and Bands Concert Series!

The City of Camden and the Arts Center of Kershaw County are proud to invite you to Blankets and Bands featuring Tetrahedron and The Dubber!

Blankets and Bands brings some of the best talent around to our very own Town Green for an evening of food and fun! The event will last from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm with our headliner beginning at 6:30 pm. The concert will end at 8:30 pm.

Food and beverages will be available for purchase on site, but you're welcome to bring a picnic dinner or get takeaway from one of downtown Camden’s fantastic local restaurants. Beer and wine are permitted, but glass containers are not. We look forward to seeing you there!

Musical Acts:

Tetrahedron

Tetrahedron is a band based in the city of Columbia, South Carolina, who primarily focuses on original music within the funk, jazz and neo soul genres. Tetrahedron is fronted by vocalist and pianist, Robert Leonard along with groove centric bassist J.A. Graham, and Eric Phillips percussionist extraordinaire rounds out the line up on drums. Tetrahedron‘s influences include artists such as Robert Glasper and D’Angelo to composers such as George Gershwin.

The Dubber

In the spirit of the Mississippi Delta Bluesmen, THE Dubber confronts the world with only his words and a guitar. The self- taught singer/songwriter continues to reinvent his blues by infusing any musical genre for over 30 years. Everything from Rock, Folk to Jazz, flavored by the international sounds of Reggae, Maqam (Arabic Music) and Afro Beat is just the beginning of a complex stew that helps him create such a fresh and distinct sound.

Since 2005, the Washington DC born / South Carolina based artist has been trailblazing across the country and abroad with an honest and intimate stage show. His sophisticated one man band guitar style and universal message of UNITY, keeps THE Dubber booked year round. Always a crowd favorite, he has played prestigious events and venues such as South by Southwest Music Conference, South Carolina State Museum and ArtFields Festival.

Time & Date

The music kicks off at 6pm on October 5, and will last until 8pm.

Location: Set up on the Camden Town Green to catch the show!

Food Trucks & Drinks:

Food and drinks will be available for purchase via on-site food trucks.

Requirements: No tickets are needed to attend this event.

Friday, October 6, 2023

6:00 pm -- MAD Music Trail

Celebrate downtown Camden's storied cultural district by visiting our local restaurants and shops, many of which will be hosting live music and artists from across Kershaw County.

Experience the mix of classical southern charm and contemporary artistic brilliance found across Kershaw Camden by joining the MAD Festival's celebration of the Downtown Camden Cultural District. On October 6, the many restaurants and shops of the Cultural District will open their doors to musical acts, artists, and (of course) you! Visit popular local spots such as Broad & Vine and the Silver Leaf Cigar Lounge to experience some of the best food, music, and art in South Carolina.

Participating Locations

See the restaurants and shops that will be celebrating MAD Festival with us.

Broad & Vine

A unique wine bar and downtown mainstay located in historic downtown Camden at 1025 Broad Street, Camden SC 29020. Stop into Broad & Vine for elevated wine selections, charcuterie boards, and delectable desserts.

Camden Art Shoppes

Camden Art & Shoppes features offers are pieces from over 80 different local artists across a wide range of mediums. This is the perfect place to find that unique gift, treat yourself, or just enjoy the creativity of these talented individuals. You'll find Camden Are & Shoppes at 1011 Broad St Suite D, Camden, SC 29020.

Gallery 537

Gallery 537 is a versatile, art-filled space that is both gallery and gathering place—featuring lounge seating and a bar with champagne, wine, beer, coffee, tea, and CBD. You'll find Gallery 537 located at 537 E. Dekalb Street, Camden, SC 29020.

La Fiesta

A true Camden institution, this family owned restaurant serves the best Mexican food around. You'll find La Fiesta located at 29 E Dekalb St, Camden, SC 29020.

Sam Kendall's

Sam Kendall's offers an outstanding dining experience, featuring expertly crafted dishes with exemplary service. Each dish is expertly prepared using the finest ingredients.  From steaks to seafood to salads, we offer something to satisfy every palate. You'll find Sam Kendall's at 1043 Broad St, Camden, SC 29020.

Silver Leaf Cigar Lounge

A premium cigar lounge offering a comfortable and inviting atmosphere for cigar aficionados and novices alike, located at 1015 Broad Street, Camden SC 29020. Silver Leaf carries a wide selection of high-quality cigars and drinks from top brands. If you're looking for a relaxing evening,  discover the Silver Leaf Cigar Lounge experience.

Steeplechase Sports Bar & Grill

The locals spot to watch all sports and relax, Steeplechase Sports Bar & Grill is located at 1044 Broad St, Camden, SC 29020. Come enjoy great food, spirits, and music in an upscale environment!

Event Details

Time & Date

The MAD Music Trail kicks off on October 6 at 6pm, and runs until the closing time for each participating location.

Location

Visit the Downtown Camden Cultural District to see participating restaurants and shops.

6:30 pm -- Quilters

Quilters is an original production—the story of a pioneer woman and her six daughters, told through the fascinating medium of barn quilts.

Location:  Black Box Theatre at the Arts Center of Kershaw County

Registration: This is a ticketed event. Tickets are priced at $20 for adults and $10 for those under 18.

Saturday, October 7, 2023

9 am - 4 pm: MAD Extravaganza

An all-day celebration of the MAD Festival featuring an open house at the Arts Center, food trucks, an artist market, and live music.

The MAD Festival's capstone celebration, join us at the Arts Center of Kershaw county for an artist market, open house, food trucks, and an all-day concert featuring Brighter Beginnings, Marcus Gullen, VillaNova, and The Terence Young Project!

Extravaganza Schedule:

9:00am The MAD Hatter Parade

10:00am Arts Center Open House and Artist Market

10:30am Brighter Beginnings

12:00pm Marcus Gullen

1:15pm The Terence Young Project

2:45pm Villa*Nova

Purchase Tickets

This is a $5 ticketed event. Please note that the MAD Hatter Parade and the Arts Center Open House do not require a ticket. Tickets are required to access the Concert, Artist Market, and Food Trucks.

The MAD Hatter Parade

Join us at City Hall at 9am, where we'll be helping everyone make hats for the MAD Hatter Parade. Make a celebratory hat with us, or bring your most fun one!

At 9:45am, We'll be joined by Mayor Alfred Mae Drakeford, and participants will be invited to to meet with the mayor before walking to the Arts Center to kick off the open house.

Arts Center Open House

Starting at 10am, the Arts Center opens its doors to the public for an open house tour where visitors will get an in-depth look at the Center's many educational programs, artists, and affiliates.

Kershaw County Quilt Guild

Quilters from Kershaw County will be showing their hand-made quilts and explaining various quilting techniques.

Kershaw County Music Association

Music Association members will have a musical playground for visitors to try out and will share information about the associations activities.

Dancin' On Broad

Join Dancin’ On Broad in the dance studio to learn some fun and energetic dance combinations, practice improv, and gain confidence in the dance floor!

Studio Demonstrations

Watch artists as they provide pottery, painting, and drawing demonstrations in the Clay and 2-D studios.

Artist Market

Alongside the Open House, over artists from across Kershaw County will be set up to sell arts, crafts, and more!

If you're an artist or craftsman and would like to participate in the Artist Market, download this form and submit it to Charleston Thompson at [email protected].

Food Trucks

Food will be available, courtesy of food trucks such as Mama's Taste of the World, Dogs On the Run, Kona Ice, and Kombi Keg.

MAD Extravaganza Concert

A day-long concert featuring four musical acts, including Brighter Beginnings, Marcus Gullen, VillaNova, and the Terence Young Project. See the performance schedule below:

10:30am: Brighter Beginnings
12:00pm: Marcus Gullen
1:15pm: The Terence Young Project
2:45pm: VillaNova

10:30am Brighter Beginnings

Brighter Beginnings has roots in Southern Gospel, R&B, and Soul music. As the nieces and nephews of the late Brook Benton of Lugoff, SC, this group has music running in their veins. Brianna Grant, Brooke-Lynn Grant, Leyia Grant, and Nigel Grant grew up in a family who sang together and were later joined by Isaiah Woods when he joined in singing with them on the youth choir at their home church, Unity United Methodist Church of Lugoff, SC.

Over time Brighter Beginnings branched off from being solely a church choir, began incorporating music of different styles and genres, and performed on different stages and events across the state of South Carolina. Each member brings a unique perspective and influence that makes this group one to remember!

12:00pm Marcus Gullen

Marcus Gullen is a magnetic and energetic entertainer who strives to connect with the crowd; encouraging them to use his music to create memories. His influences include Dave Matthews Band, Kenny Logins, Chicago, and Hall & Oats. This makes his sounds flex across several genres enticing many listeners.

1:15pm The Terence Young Project

The Terence Young Project is a six member dance/party band from Columbia, SC that was founded by guitarist and CEO Terence Young. The band is composed of the top South Carolina musicians, with world class front singers and a strong complement of background vocalists. In addition to high energy dance music, they can also provide a tasteful and classy smooth jazz set when requested.

2:45pm Villa*Nova

A long-time favorite of the Midlands, Columbia-based VillaNova mixes 90's and 2000's alt-rock with hip-hop and nu metal influences to create a sound that's excited and captivated audiences for over a decade.

6:30 pm -- Quilters

Quilters is an original production—the story of a pioneer woman and her six daughters, told through the fascinating medium of barn quilts.

Location: Black Box Theatre at the Arts Center of Kershaw County

Registration: This is a ticketed event. Tickets are priced at $20 for adults and $10 for those under 18.

Sunday, October 8, 2023

2:30 pm -- Quilters

Quilters is an original production—the story of a pioneer woman and her six daughters, told through the fascinating medium of barn quilts.

Ostensibly the story of a pioneer woman and her six daughters, Quilters blends a series of interrelated scenes into a rich mosaic which captures the sweep and beauty, the terror and joy, and the harsh challenges and abiding rewards of frontier life.

Illuminating stories depict the life of women on the frontier: girlhood, marriage, childbirth, spinsterhood, twisters, fire, illness, and death. In the end, when the various patches are assembled into one glorious, brilliantly colorful quilt, the effect is both breathtaking and magical—and a theatrical masterstroke which will linger in the mind and memory long after the house lights have risen.

Location: Black Box Theatre at the Arts Center of Kershaw County

Registration: This is a ticketed event. Tickets are priced at $20 for adults and $10 for those under 18.

Buy Tickets

Dates: September 30 - October 8, 2023

Venue: Various Venues in Camden, SC

Click Here for more information.