It was a beautiful Saturday night in South Carolina’s finest city, Charleston. One of the oldest cities in the United States presented its best bands Saturday and The Charleston Pour House, Charleston’s first-class music venue. With stellar sound, an incredible and friendly staff and the perfect arena for fun, food and music, the final night of shows for Charleston proved to be amazing. Sub Astral of Orangeburg, S.C. kicked off the evening’s events with a style they call Stonerrock. They ripped through a set that was upbeat and on-point. These guys had great compositions and strong vocals. ACE & O.C. pumped up the audience as they pumped out an incredible hip-hop set complete with bass and keys. Their party lyrics and tight rhythms impressed the judges and the audience alike. Kevin West won best bassist for the event and took home a Snarling Dog pedal. These guys will be representing Charleston at the Columbia, S.C. finals at Headliner’s in June. A Decent Animal was an inspiring Indie rock band. They had an interesting use of effects and perfectly pitched harmonies. They were unique, talented and the perfect example of what truly is undefined rock music. Secrets never cease to amaze. Their set was tight, funky and full of energy. With sax, great vocals, thumpin’ bass lines and incredible drumming these guys are the ultimate party band! Their guitarist, Doug Walters, went home with the prize for best guitarist, a Snarling Dog pedal. Unisol perfomed next with an alternative rock set that was amazing. With a strong presence, the rock vocals everyone wants to hear and a talented group of musicians these guys were definitely something to talk about. Guilty Party stepped up to a packed audience. Donned in suits and ties these guys aimed to impress, and did just that. With an energetic front man who belted out original lyrics, great guitar riffs and strong rhythms these guys were too young to sound as good as they did! Kevin West stormed the stage with a very original and tight set. His raspy vocals mixed with heart-felt lyrics made for an entertaining set that had everyone in awe. Great guitar solos, strong rhythms and excellent presence made for an amazing set. His drummer, Allen Brisendine, won best drummer at the final event. Primo Noctis held their own as the only heavy-metal band to perform at Charleston’s final. They raged through their set with tight rhythms and a great mix of screaming and singing. With a good stage presence and a strong band these guys are destined for greatness! Skitch closed out Charleston’s final with an incredible reggae-ska set. With strong vocals, a great use of effects and songs that were unique and spunky this band was the perfect example of what kinds of good reggae bands can come out of an island environment! That wraps up Charleston. Great city, great bands and awesome venue! The Pour House welcomed Emergenza with open arms. The lineup was diverse and entertaining. Good luck to all of the bands in your future endeavors, and congratulations to ACE & O.C. for winning the finals here in Charleston.