Schedule:

February 2, 2024

Ritz Fest Eve
This is a theater night on Friday, 2 February 2024. Doors open at 6:00 PM/18:00. Performance times are subject to change. Visit the lobby for tee shirt sales and to view and bid on silent auction items. This page was last updated on 6 January 2024 at 6:00 AM/06:00.

Don DJ Fire Counts - 6:00 PM/18:00

Ron Counts spent over 30 years in the music industry before returning home to Newberry where he was born and raised.  RC Entertainment has pleased crowds from Greenwood to Myrtle Beach and gained followers from all over the U.S. today. He will gain more when doors open and between acts during BOTH days of our event!

ACT I - Pensive

Times subject to change. We will keep this page updated. Last update was 6 January 2024.

John M. Starino - 7:00 PM/19:00

Columbia's own poet.

Standing Up - 7:45 PM/19:45

Created by Jada Mack for the Doko Film Fest, Standing Up is a public acknowledgement made by some students at Ridge View High school of their willingness to step in when they see hate unfolding around them. Hate has led to increased suicide rates for decades and it’s time for it to stop. This short film started off as standing up to hate but now it’s also just about standing up and saying something when you see someone struggling mentally. Doing something is better than nothing.

Letters from Anne and Martin - 8:00 PM/20:00

Anne Frank and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. were born the same year. This play was produced by the Anne Frank Center.

ACT II - Have a laugh - 9:00 PM/21:00

The comedy sets are for older, mature audiences over 21.

Joel Dolinger
Comedian Joel Dolinger quit his soul sucking corporate day job to pursue his dream of being a comedian. And he's been loosing a lot of money ever since. He has hosted, headlined, and been featured in numerous comedy shows. He is known for producing shows that give up-and-coming comics an opportunity to shine. His show for Ritz Fest Eve is for audiences over 21.

Skits & Giggles

Skits & Giggles is Newberry's own gem of an improv troupe that spun off from the Newberry Community Players. Their show is for audiences over 21.

February 3, 2024

Ritz Fest '24

Our concert day is on Saturday, 3 February 2024. Doors open at 11:00 AM/11:00. Performance times are subject to change. Sponsors will be recognized throughout the day. Celebrity emcees will introduce the acts. This page was last updated on 6 January 2024 at 6:00 AM/06:00

Ron DJ Fire Counts - 11:00 AM/11:00

Ron Counts spent over 30 years in the music industry before returning home to Newberry where he was born and raised.  RC Entertainment has pleased crowds from Greenwood to Myrtle Beach and gained followers from all over the U.S. today. He will gain more when doors open and between acts during BOTH days of our event!

The Bucket Brigade - 12:05 PM/12:05

The Bucket Brigade is a Newberry born community percussion ensemble based out of Munson Music. It was created by Vidal Tapia who collected and customized the equipment. The Bucket Brigade has marched in parades in the Upstate, Party and the Pines, Irish Fling and Oktoberfest and is excited to open up Ritzfest this year.

Preston Tran - 12:25 PM/12:25
This 14 year old singer-songwriter is a hit at open mic nights at the Aristocrat and at other venues around Columbia. His musical influences include artists from the 80's and 90's along with current artists like Ed Sherran, Shawn Mends, One Direction, Justin Beiber and Lewis Capaldi. Come enjoy this young man!

SHIFT - 12:45 PM/12:45
SHIFT is a group of friends who get together and have fun playing good music for the midlands of South Carolina.

GPS - 1:20 PM/13:20
Ghaffar, Pinson, and Swaney are three archaeologists from three generations. They have miles on them and miles to come.

Fresh Picked String Band - 1:55 PM/13:55
Fresh Picked String Band is Winnsboro’s Mascot Band and plays whatever music happens to strike them from country, bluegrass, gospel, classics, to Americana. These four friends can often be found playing at the local coffee shop, the Fairfield County Farmers Market, or somebody’s church.

Five on Fire - 2:30 PM/14:30
Newberry's own family band!  Five on Fire plays a variety of music including country, R&B, classic rock, and originals. You will be set on fire in no time as husband and wife Darren and April are joined by their sons Kevin, Darius, and Malcolm.

SET CHANGE - 2:30 PM - 3:00 PM/14:30-15:00
During our set change enjoy Ron DJ Fire Count's and visit our food vendors! If you haven't bought a tee shirt, consider buying one in the lobby. Each sale includes a $10 donation to JFI!  Check out our silent auction items too. Bidding ends at 6:15 PM/18:15.

Voltage Multiplier (VX) - 3:00 PM/15:00
Voltage Multiplier (VX) is a musical exploration of electronic synthesizers, drum machines, and effects within a groove based improvisational performance. Lush atmospheres created by ambient sounds and rhythms set a backdrop for dance and conversation. And the one of a performance and arrangements add to the unique experience with pulsating bass, ethereal melodies, and unexpected twists around every sequence of notes provide chill vibes and good techno.

Gabriel Flores - 3:35 PM/15:35
This talented guitarist is joining us from Augusta.

Martina Williams - 4:10 PM/16:10
Martina Williams is a multi-talented freelance musician from Columbia whose principal instrument is violin. You can see her most Saturdays at Soda City Market, at area venues and special events, or with the Palmetto Chamber Orchestra. If she’s not doing something musical, she’s cooking and eating, playing cards, or cutting up with friends! Martina was fortunate enough to play Carnegie Hall while in high school!

Watson Village - 4:45 PM/16:45
Watson Village is an indie roots alternative band with blues guitar and country songwriting influence. Started in 2014, this quartet recorded their first EP, Watson Village was recorded with Alex McCollum of Stagbriar. Watson Village features Ben Alvarado on drums, Pierce Koichi on bass, Lalon Swaney on guitar, and Tyler Watson on guitar and vocals. They strongly support our cause!

Stillhouse - 5:20 PM/17:20
Formed in 2004, Stillhouse is one of Columbia’s longest-established bands on the local music scene. Drawing from multiple influences, this five piece ensemble is perhaps best known for its powerful harmonies, improvisational skills, and onstage chemistry. Their sets feature original material woven seamlessly in and out of often unexpected cover tunes by a wide range of artists from the world of Americana, country, blues, rock, and even 70’s pop. You'll feel their passion for live performance

SET CHANGE - 5:50 PM-6:20 PM/17:50-18:20
Enjoy Ron DJ Fire Count's and please visit our food vendors! Buy a tee shirt! Each sale includes a $10 donation to JFI.  Make a donation!  Visit the silent auction items. Bidding ends at 6:15 PM/18:15.

Silent Auction - 6:20 PM/18:20
The highest bidders for the silent auction items will be announced.

Say Brother - 6:25 PM/18:25
In a time when popular music has evolved further and further away from the forces that birthed music, Say Brother brings it back to its roots with irrepressible energy of the power of classic rock complemented perfectly with a twangy reverence of country. Led by Tripp LaFrance, Zach Morrison, Ryan Hoskins, and Eric Tyler, this band originally out of Columbia produces one of the best and fiercest Southern Rock sounds around!

THE Dubber - 7:20 PM/19:20
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 himself by infusing musical styles for over 30 years. America's Rock, Jazz and Folk, flavored by international sounds of Reggae, Armenian Music, and Afro Beat, is the complex stew that helps him express his blues and completes such a distinctive sound.

BAGLOCK - 7:55 PM/19:55
When experiencing BAGLOCK, one is either hurtling toward their doom with a malfunctioning parachute or living life to the fullest with Columbia’s finest rock sensation! Breathing new life into modern rock with power ballads, neo-classical shred,and punk rock energy. BAGLOCK is the last of the American Badass Rock ‘n’ Roll bands. Led by the fearless Captain Crews, and featuring The Electric Pigeon, “Pops” Foley and Mongoose.

Plaid Overdrive - 8:30 PM/20:30
Plaid Overdrive is your ticket to the rock and roll fever dream! As a dynamic duo, they channel the essence of vintage rock, weaving a sonic tapestry with analog precision. Their groove-riff sound is reminiscent to the raw energy of classic rock, amplified by the nostalgia of iconic gear with a modern twist. From the growl of vintage amps to the visual spectacle of their retro-infused stage presence, they invite you to experience the magic of rock and roll's golden era reimagined and go plaid!

Closing Remarks - 9:05 PM/21:05
We will give a final shout out to our sponsors, performers, vendors, and attendees when we give an update on the status of reaching our fundraising goal of $5,000 for the Jason Foundation. (Our final total will be announced a few days after the event.)

Chris Reed & the Bad Kids - 9:10 PM/21:10
Chris Reed and the Bad Kids are a suicide prevention band. These rockers put on a great show with their blend of originals, covers and their amazing genre-crossing mashups that bring out the bad kid in all of us!

Date: February 2 - 3, 2024

Location:

Ritz Theatre -

1511 Main St

Newberry, SC 29108

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