Fairweather Friends: Sxvxnt, Liz Kelley, Fairweather

Fox Music House presents: Fairweather Friends

Fairweather Friends is a quarterly concert series featuring the Americana band Fairweather (John Holenko, John F. Kennedy, and Mike Kaufman) along with special guest artists from different styles/genres of music. The inaugural show on August 15 features rapper Sxvxnt and cross-genre musician, Liz Kelley.

Poignant... Provocative... Captivating... Creative... Poetic... Powerful... Engaging:

Descriptors assigned to classically trained, Chicago bred rapper/singer/musician, and Charleston, SC’s 2023 Hip Hop Act Of the Year, Sxvxnt. By any measure, the Yasiin Bey (fka Mos Def), Nas, Phonte Coleman, and Amel Larrieux influenced recording artist is one of the most dynamic nascent creators in hip hop. And while that's apparent via his critically acclaimed musical offerings (2010's "Delayed Entry EP" and 2023's "Wayfare, Vol. 1" EP), Sxvxnt’s uniquely interactive live performances might be the defining reason he stands out in an increasingly crowded genre. "Nowadays artists rarely, if ever, have hard copies of their music with them at shows, so giving a performance that imprints upon the viewer is everything," the SoFar Sounds staple says about his live show philosophy. "If a viewer is moved by an artist's performance, they're not only more likely to consume the artist's studio material, but also, and more importantly, be an advocate to other potential listeners."

Liz Kelley is a human vocalist, guitarist, producer, music technologist and DIY enthusiast.  Her recent work includes remote recording in her home studio, touring with her previous project Oracle Blue, voice acting for a video game, volunteer composition for a neuroscience firm, and sound design in generative music technology.

During her time in college she received a DownBeat Student Music Award, performed at Montreux, Umbria and Vienna jazz festivals in Europe, and shared the university stage with artists such as Victor Wooten, Jeff Coffin & Steve Bailey.  Occasions of note since entering the professional sphere include an opening set for Nate Smith, an opening set for Makaya McCraven, multiple opening performances for Lalah Hathaway, endorsements from Traveler Guitar and Aston Microphones, a performance at NAMM 2020 and 2022, a European tour, and a recent listing on DownBeat's "What to Stream This Week".

Fairweather is comprised of three well known Charleston musicians. John Holenko, (guitar/mandolin) is a 2024 inductee into the Lowcountry Music Hall of Fame. John has performed all over the country in a variety of styles and settings. He’s played with the Charleston Symphony, the Gatsby Jazz Orchestra, Porto Seguro (Brazilian music), his own band The Hungry Monks and in an endless number of duo/trio settings in any venue worth mentioning in town (and some that aren’t).

John F. Kennedy, bassist, is a staple of the Lowcountry music scene. If there’s a style, a stage or type of music, he’s played it. JFK is bassist for the house band at Forte Jazz Lounge, and has played and recorded with everyone from rocker Graham Whorley to Irish/Country singer Carroll Brown. With Fairweather JFK primarily plays acoustic bass.

Mike Kaufman is a relative newcomer to the Lowcountry who has established himself in the community of songwriters. Primarily a fingerstyle guitarist, Mike has played in festivals, concert halls, churches, bars, coffeehouses, front porches and backyards up and down the east coast. An engaging performer, his music always draws listeners in close, turning audiences into friends.

Since 1928, Fox Music House has been a hub of the music community in the Lowcountry. Piano and organ sales, service, tuning and moving; audio-visual installations; printed sheet music and music accessories, as well as supporting performing ensembles, are all key parts of the Fox Music House mission.

King Bean Coffee Roasters is supporting the series by providing their Velvet Cold Brew Draft coffee!!