St. Pat’s in Five Points, one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the Southeast, announces the lineup for its 43rd event, set for Saturday, March 15, in Columbia, South Carolina. 

This year’s event features a variety of local, regional and national acts set to perform across multiple stages, including headlining performances from Lettuce, Shane Smith and The Saints, The Stews and Badfish. Columbia-based recording artist, producer, entrepreneur and hip-hop activist Master Splnta aka FatRat Da Czar will return as this year’s host.

“While St. Pat’s in Five Points has grown and expanded over the years, its heartbeat has long been the live musical performances,” says Heather McDonald, executive director of the Five Points Association. “This year, we’re bringing 24 acts to the festival’s six stages that showcase a mix of established and emerging talent across a variety of genres, from rock and funk to country, soul and more.”

HEADLINERS 

  • Lettuce | Lettuce is a dynamic six-piece collective that merges the timeless grooves of funk with elements of hip-hop, jazz, soul, psychedelia, and rock. Formed in 1992 by a group of Berklee College of Music alumni, the GRAMMY®-nominated band has spent three decades captivating audiences with their high-energy performances and innovative sound. Known for their electrifying horn section, deep rhythms, and infectious melodies, Lettuce continues to push boundaries while staying rooted in funk’s rich history.
  • Shane Smith and the Saints | Blurring the lines between country, folk, and rock, Shane Smith & the Saints have spent the past decade crafting a unique sound and building a loyal fan base through relentless touring. Their fourth studio album, Norther, showcases their evolution, blending Appalachian fiddle, roadhouse rock, and cinematic storytelling into a vibrant tapestry of American roots music. The Austin, TX-based band’s raw, road-tested performances have earned them headlining spots at iconic venues like Red Rocks Amphitheatre and the Ryman Auditorium, as well as features on hit TV shows Yellowstone and, most recently, Landman. Anchored by Shane Smith’s husky baritone and enriched by the band’s diverse influences, Shane Smith & The Saints deliver powerful, genre-defying songs such as “Fire in the Ocean” and “1000 Wild Horses.”
  • The Stews | With a gritty rock sound infused with modern indie influences, The Stews deliver high-energy performances that resonate with fans across the country. Formed during the pandemic, the band turned downtime into an opportunity to sharpen their songwriting and evolve from a college act to a national touring band. They’ve played sold-out shows at iconic venues like Charleston’s Windjammer and New York’s Bowery Ballroom and hit major festivals like Hangout Fest and River Rocks. With their new album Chicken Fight and a coast-to-coast tour, The Stews are bringing fresh music and unforgettable shows to audiences nationwide.
  • Badfish | Badfish brings feel-good vibes with their high-energy tribute to Sublime’s ska-punk and reggae-rock legacy. For nearly 25 years, they’ve packed venues with passionate performances. Now, Badfish is evolving, blending fresh originals like “High with You” into their set, seamlessly adding their own groove to Sublime’s iconic spirit.

ADDITIONAL ACTS

  • Colony House | Colony House brings “landlocked surf rock” to life with energetic anthems and heartfelt lyrics. Known for hits like “Silhouettes,” a Sirius XM Alt Nation #1 for four months, and the viral sensation “You Know It,” with nearly 100 million Spotify plays, the band has performed on Late Night with Seth Meyers, CONAN, and major festival stages including Lollapalooza and Austin City Limits.
  • Cameron Whitcomb | Cameron Whitcomb is a rising country artist known for his soulful voice and storytelling. Hailing from Nanaimo, B.C., Whitcomb first captured attention as a Top 20 finalist on American Idol in 2022, earning praise for his acapella rendition of Waylon Jennings’s “Rock, Salt and Nails.” Since then, he has built a loyal fanbase through his emotionally charged singles, including “Shoot Me Dead” and “The Devil I’ve Seen,” which reflect his personal struggles and resilience. With over 1 million TikTok followers and a recording deal with Atlantic Records, Whitcomb’s raw talent and dedication are fueling a promising career.
  • SCYTHIAN | SCYTHIAN (sith-ee-yin) delivers a high-energy fusion of Celtic, Eastern European, and Appalachian roots music, blending virtuosic fiddling, driving rhythms, and vibrant melodies. Known for their electrifying live shows, the band creates an atmosphere described by The Washington Post as “contagious enthusiasm” that leaves audiences dancing and cheering for more.
  • Penelope Road | Hailing from Atlanta, Penelope Road blends ’70s rock, funk, and soul with a modern edge, creating what they proudly call “stanky funky junk.” Inspired by legends like Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder alongside contemporary acts like Paramore and Goose, their infectious rhythms and dynamic sound have captivated audiences online, amassing over 6 million views and 167K followers on social media. With their bold fusion of vintage vibes and fresh creativity, Penelope Road is carving out a distinctive place in today’s music scene.
  • Bombargo | Known for their infectious energy and “Goodtime Guarantee™,” Bombargo blends vintage-pop and soul into a high-energy live experience that’s captivated audiences worldwide. Hailing from Canada, the band has shared stages with Michael Franti and Trevor Hall and gained recognition from Taylor Swift, who added their hit “Mr. No Good” to her playlist. With over 10 million streams and a reputation for unforgettable performances, Bombargo continues to spread joy through their unique sound and uplifting message.
  • Winyah | Hailing from a small South Carolina beach town, Winyah blends indie and southern rock with electrifying guitar solos and soulful vocals. Named after Winyah Bay, the band’s music captures the spirit of coastal summers and the nostalgia of their upbringing. With performances alongside The Red Clay Strays and The Stews and a festival debut at Bonnaroo, Winyah is quickly becoming a rising force in modern rock.
  • Virginia Man | Virginia Man is an emotional folk-and-roll band comprised of Kristian Lietzan (singer/songwriter), Stephen Amoruso (bass/vocals), and Jamaal Farrow (drummer). With poetic lyrics bellowing over the sounds of middle Appalachia, these gentlemen champion the sound of Virginia: a strange suspension between the cardinal directions, musical genres, and the changing of seasons.
  • Caminator | Born and raised in Charleston, S.C., Cameron “Caminator” Wescott has been using his original material and abundance of musical influences such as Prince, D’Angelo and Michael Jackson to concoct a fresh sound that inspires others. R&B + Pop = Caminator.
  • Damn Skippy | Damn Skippy brings playful wordplay, energetic flows, and down-to-earth authenticity to the hip-hop scene. Blending humor and resilience, his lyrics capture everyday struggles with wit and grit. From viral freestyles to high-energy performances, Skippy’s unique sound and quirky personality have earned him a growing fanbase and a standout reputation.
  • Congress THE Band | Charleston-based indie rock band Congress is making waves with their high-energy performances and growing national presence. Known for original tracks like “Out The Door” and “Modern Lady,” the band draws inspiration from acts like Hootie & The Blowfish, Led Zeppelin, and Mt. Joy, blending euphoric breezes with nostalgic undertones. Their recent residency at Charleston’s Sharehouse and performances at major festivals have solidified their rising star status, praised by Charleston City Paper as “meteoric.” Fronted by Citadel cadet William Bennett and backed by a talented South Carolina lineup, Congress is quickly becoming a must-book band for 2025.
  • Clay Johnson & the Hard Promises | A little bit of country, a little bit of folk; a little bit of Americana, a little bit of rock; a little bit of all good things southern, but a whole lot of heart all around. Much can be said about the overall collage of sounds and influences that Clay Johnson & the Hard Promises have meshed together, but at the end of the day it’s just earnest songs about life, love, and the experiences of growing up and living in Upstate Carolina. The kind of music you put on while cruising the backroads, windows down at golden hour, taking in the sights and sounds of rolling hills and the Piedmont landscape; all wrapped up with their uniquely southern flavor.
  • Blake Whiten is a 20-year-old singer, songwriter, and instrumentalist hailing from Six Mile, S.C. Known for his distinctive raspy voice, Blake delivers a vocal tone that sets him apart from any other artist. His music is a seamless blend of country and rock, influenced by legends like Morgan Wallen and Lynyrd Skynyrd. Blake’s storytelling abilities shine through his lyrics, crafting songs that explore both personal reflections and universal emotions. His journey into the spotlight began when he gained widespread recognition with a standout cover of Morgan Wallen’s “I Guess,” capturing the attention of Nashville’s top songwriters and producers. This early buzz led to a high demand for his original music on social media, culminating in the release of his debut single, “Breakin’ My Heart.” With this release, Blake has established himself as a powerful new voice, and his artistic journey is only just beginning.
  • Mary English | Originally from North Carolina, Mary English began writing her own music at the age of 14. She has since released a collection of over 18 original songs and has also pursued her craft in both New York City and Los Angeles. Her music has been featured on Apple Music, J-14, TopShop, and MTV. Splitting her time between both Nashville & North Carolina, Mary English attended the University of South Carolina. She attained both a bachelors and masters degree in Marketing and Sport & Entertainment management. While she was there, she fronted her own band and traveled around the Carolinas to showcase her passion for music. 
  • The Donovan Twins | The Donovan Twins are a Folk-Rock band based out of Columbia, South Carolina. Bona fide twins Aidan Donovan (guitar, vocals) and Bennett Donovan (banjo, guitar, vocals) have been playing music together since the age of twelve, crafting their soulful harmonies, honest lyrics, and clever musicianship for around ten years. 2024 welcomed the release of their first singles, “10-4” and “Thieves (Demo Version)” across all major streaming platforms with “10-4” debuting on independent alternative radio. They also had breakthrough live performances including sharing the stage with members of rock band Sister Hazel, opening for social media sensations The Crowe Boys, and performing an exclusive set at Darius Rucker’s “Southern State of Mind” concert.
  • The Third Floor | It’s a familiar story in Columbia, S.C.—USC students pull out their instruments in a dorm room, start a band, and hit the scene. For The Third Floor, that dorm room was on the third floor of Capstone. Now, with a “cosmic gumbo” of indie rock, blues, and folk, this group of current and former USC students is ready to take their sound beyond the dorm walls.
  • Mr. Fahrenheit | Mr. Fahrenheit is a Queen tribute band from Charleston, S.C., known for electrifying performances that capture the legendary group’s iconic sound and energy. With a passion for rock’s golden age and meticulous attention to detail, they deliver unforgettable renditions of Queen’s greatest hits. From “Bohemian Rhapsody” to “We Will Rock You,” Mr. Fahrenheit faithfully recreates the magic of Queen’s timeless classics while adding their own dynamic flair. Stunning vocals, skilled musicianship, and an irresistible stage presence make every performance an exhilarating journey through rock history.
  • MC LOUD | MC Loud is a dynamic DJ and crowd-pleaser hailing from Columbia, S.C. Known for her electrifying sets that span a variety of genres, she has an innate ability to read the room and deliver exactly what the crowd needs to keep the energy high and the dance floor packed. As a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community, M.C. Loud brings an inclusive and vibrant spirit to every performance, creating a space where everyone can let loose and feel connected through music.
  • Soda City Brass BandThe Soda City Brass Band brings the spirit of New Orleans to Columbia, blending traditional and contemporary brass band sounds. With a lively lineup of sousaphone, trumpet, saxophone, trombone, drums, and guitar, SCBB delivers music inspired by Rebirth Brass Band, Soul Rebels, and Preservation Hall. From dixieland to funk, their high-energy performances are perfect for getting the party started.
  • Bernie LoveBernie Love brings the magic of Elvis to life with a sultry tribute featuring Patrick Baxley as the King himself. Joined by the talented trio of Marty Fort, Jay Matheson, and Kevin Brewer, this unforgettable performance channels the romance and glamour of Elvis’s most iconic songs.
  • Elizabeth as Taylor | Elizabeth’s journey as a Taylor Swift tribute artist has taken her on national tours, enchanting crowds with her spot-on performances and infectious energy. Her dedication to capturing Swift’s essence has made her a beloved favorite among fans of all ages.

By steve