Columbia’s Koger Center Embraces Local Talent with New Outdoor Performances
If you’ve been strolling through Columbia lately, you might’ve noticed that the Koger Center for the Arts has taken a bold leap towards energizing the local music scene. Gone are the days when our beloved indie rockers had to squeeze into tiny bars for a chance to perform. Instead, the Koger Center has opened its doors—and its gorgeous front lawn—to spotlight some amazing local talent.
Avenue for Local Artists
Launched in 2019, the initiative “Koger Center Presents” has been stepping up its game by offering performance opportunities for local artists right within the walls of the center. But when the COVID-19 pandemic brought live performances to an abrupt halt, Executive Director Nate Terracio transformed the sprawling lawn into a pop-up performance area, calling it “Live Outside.”
“Our vision has always been to create an environment where local artists can thrive,” Terracio shared. “The pandemic was a moment of reckoning for us. It gave us the space to dream bigger about what the Koger Center could be.” And dream they did! The stage set up outside has become an incredible canvas for Columbia’s artistic expression.
Creating a Community Hub
With “Live Outside,” the Koger Center is not just inviting musicians to perform; it’s crafting a space to celebrate the city’s unique sound. Local rock band, Bones Hamilton, is among those who’ve taken the stage, and they couldn’t be more excited!
“What the Koger Center is doing matters because they’re not just inviting musicians onto a stage; they’re creating a space where our community’s unique sound can be celebrated,” said Lanier Smith of Bones Hamilton. “It’s the kind of thing that makes people want to stay and contribute to the local arts scene.”
And the Koger Center has been busy showcasing a wide range of local acts like Death Ray Robin, The Industry, and David Rodriguez & the Latin Hustle. For many artists, just being featured in such a respected venue is a dream come true.
From Dreams to Reality
Kwasi Brown, who leads the grassroots group Black Nerd Mafia, is still buzzing about his group’s recent performance. “It felt amazing to see our name on that billboard and perform at that venue,” he recalled excitedly. “Our name was on the same billboard as ‘Hamilton’ and ‘The Lion King.’ That’s crazy!” For many emerging artists, sharing a stage with such legendary productions is a real milestone.
Terracio believes in fair compensation for artists. “The way we treat musicians matters,” he expressed. “I’ve seen firsthand how much effort, dedication, and talent goes into every performance, and it’s our responsibility to ensure that our artists are compensated properly.” With the Koger Center footing the bill, local performers can pull in a fair paycheck while also sharing their art.
Engaged Audiences
Since kicking off “Live Outside,” the Koger Center has also attracted a unique, highly engaged audience. Families, students, and seasoned locals have been flocking to the lawn on laid-back Sundays to soak in the vibrant atmosphere. “It’s about creating space for people who might not have had access to the arts before,” said Smith. The performances are not just enriching the lives of the musicians but expanding the cultural experience of the whole community!
Challenges and Triumphs
Of course, it hasn’t all been smooth sailing. “Turning an outdoor lawn into a performance space was no small feat,” Terracio noted. From ensuring good acoustics to dealing with Mother Nature, there were hurdles to jump over. Nonetheless, the Koger Center’s persistence has turned the initiative into a resounding success.
What’s Next for the Koger Center?
Terracio isn’t resting on his laurels. “We’re just getting started,” he said with confidence. Bones Hamilton echoed this thought, stating, “They’re giving musicians a chance to showcase their talent in a space that feels professional and respected. That kind of support goes a long way and elevates the cultural landscape of our city.”
As Columbia continues to grow its vibrant arts scene, the Koger Center stands ready to spotlight the incredible homegrown talent right in our backyards. You definitely don’t want to miss out on what’s next!
