2023 Live on the Levee Artist Highlights

Live on the Levee is an annual concert series held in Charleston, West Virginia. The event takes place on Friday evenings throughout the summer and features a variety of musical genres. What sets Live on the Levee apart from other concert series is that it is completely free and family-friendly, making it the perfect event for those looking for a fun and affordable night out.

The concert series is held at Haddad Riverfront Park, which is situated along the Kanawha River.

The concert series features a diverse lineup of performers, including local and regional musicians, as well as nationally recognized acts. From rock to country to blues, there is something for everyone. Highlights of this year’s schedule are:

HAIR SUPPLY – May 26

Southern West Virginia-based 1980s rock tribute act Hair Supply formed in 2018 as a vehicle for paying homage to the rock hits and anthems of the most decadent decade in popular music history.

Hair Supply enjoys recreating the mega-hits of artists like Poison, Warrant, Bryan Adams, Foreigner, Billy Squire, Journey, and Loverboy, among others. You will be singing along during the entire show. Check out their videos on Facebook.

John Inghram presents: A Tribute to The Who – June 9

For the 5th year, the John Inghram Band and friends take over Live on the Levee with a special tribute. Rock out to songs from one of the most influential rock bands of the 20^th century at the Tribute to the Who.  Bring the family down, make it a date night.

Aristotle Jones – June 16

Known as the Appalachian Soul Man, West Virginia native Aristotle Jones has become a fan favorite in West Virginia, Central Appalachia and beyond. With engagement, connection, and passion,  Aristotle Jones leaves it all on the stage with uplifting music influenced by artists like Bill Withers, Leon Bridges, Ray Charles, Darius Rucker, and other genre-blending  musical pioneers. When he is performing as a one-man acoustic singer songwriter, Aristotle delivers a heartfelt folk-and-gospel-inspired repertoire that includes many entertaining anecdotes about life growing up in rural Appalachia, and spending time on his Granddad’s (Robert Jones) Farm.

On stage with his 9-piece “Amazing Appalachian Soul Band”, Jones captivates audiences with his range, emotion, authenticity, and originality.  With his full band, Aristotle expands the arrangement to include a stellar horn section, a solid rhythm section, and feature soloists.  The music is modern but the feeling of Aristotle’s full-band shows transport the audience with the nostalgic energy of Juke Joints found throughout rural Appalachia.

Jones’ music reflects the values of courage, fortitude, and determination that were taught to him while porch picking with his grandfather, a regional gospel and soul singer who traveled to segregated coal camps performing for black coal miners in the mid 20th Century. Aristotle is proud to carry on the legacy of Soulful Folk music inspired by Doo Wop, Gospel, and Blues in Appalachia.

Rasta Rafiki – June 16

Rasta Rafiki strives to produce music that is equally appealing to the mind and body. Their music promotes peace, equality, and understanding in an ever-desensitized world. Rasta Rafiki also supplies a healthy dose of fun! Featuring Derrick McDonald on lead vocals and percussion, John Schmitt on lead guitar, Thomas P. Batchelor on rhythm guitar and vocals, Andy Lindsay on bass, Steven Markle on drums, and David Lloyd on keyboards.

Shelem – August 18

Isaac Shelem Fadiga, known by his mononym Shelem (pronounced shuh-lem) is a young hip-hop artist and producer. A self-proclaimed true entertainer, his primary focus has always been to bring levity and good times into the lives of his audience. He strives to create a magnificent experience with every song, performance, video, and interaction. Born in Silver Spring, MD, to parents from the Ivory Coast in West Africa, he began producing, writing, and recording his own songs at age 14. After graduating from Marshall University in Huntington, WV, with a degree in Civil Engineering in 2018, he moved to Charleston, WV, to begin his engineering career as he developed a plan to launch his music career.

Shelem’s debut album, The Jaunts, was released September 2018. The following year, he launched his “Delivery Man” campaign in tandem with the release of his song of the same name. For a month, he personally delivered all merchandise orders within a 100-mile radius of Charleston. Later that year, he released a series of 25 one-minute freestyles on social media titled Lemme Rap (Season 1) that showcased his lyrical prowess in unforgettable bite-sized bops. Three of those tracks were released as a packaged single bearing the same name on streaming platforms.

One of the best things about Live on the Levee is that it is a family-friendly event. There is a playground for children to enjoy, as well as plenty of space for families to spread out and enjoy the music. Food vendors are also on site, so you can grab a bite to eat while you listen to the music.

Whether you’re a local or just visiting Charleston, Live on the Levee is a must-see event.