Charleston Goes Folk with Noah Kahan on Small Business Saturday!
Charleston, SC – The charming city of Charleston was alive with excitement as local fans gathered to celebrate the 15th annual Small Business Saturday. This year, the event was graced by the stunning talent of rising folk star Noah Kahan, who rocked the historic Riviera Theater with a heartwarming performance that left concert-goers buzzing with joy.
From Firefly to Riviera: A Cozy Evening
Originally set to take place at the breezy Firefly Distillery, which typically hosts up to 5,000 guests for outdoor concerts, the venue change to the intimate Riviera Theater added a cozy touch to the celebrations. With room for only 600 lucky attendees, the atmosphere was electric, and Kahan couldn’t have been more thrilled. “It’s definitely a more intimate venue,” he remarked, adding, “But sometimes those are the best.” And the audience couldn’t agree more!
A Celebration of Community
Jessica Ling from American Express, the event’s sponsor, expressed her excitement about securing Kahan for the night. “(We are) so excited for him to perform and really celebrate what these small businesses have to offer,” she said, underscoring the spirit of the event that has championed local establishments since its inception in 2010. Amidst the tunes, the vibrant Shop and Stroll event along Market Street showcased booths offering everything from handmade jewelry to fiery hot sauces, truly embodying the essence of small businesses.
Music with a Message
Kahan’s setlist kicked off with fan favorites from his popular album “Stick Season”, like “All My Love” and “Everywhere, Everything.” Not just a performer, Kahan had a special connection with his roots that he wanted to share. In an exclusive chat, he said, “It becomes so much more than just a store—it’s the heart of a community.” He referred to Coburn’s General Store back in Vermont, beautifully emphasizing the significance of small businesses in every community.
Giving Back to Local Heroes
Small businesses face a multitude of challenges, including the aftermath of natural disasters. To counter these struggles, American Express pledged to donate $1 for every eligible card purchase made on Saturday to hurricane recovery efforts. This was in addition to a generous $5 million fund aimed at supporting hurricane recovery grants!
Special Unreleased Tracks
As a treat for the devoted fans, Kahan unveiled two unreleased songs, “All Them Horses” and “If It Helps You,” dedicating them to his cherished home state. The crowd erupted in applause, completely immersed in the moment and connecting with the singer’s heartfelt lyrics.
A Night to Remember
Lucky attendees left the show not just with warm memories, but also with custom tote bags embroidered with the spirit of Small Business Saturday, a special concert card, and delicious sugar cookies from Little Bee Sugar Cookies. Now that’s a memorable night!
The Future is Bright
Kahan, who previously headlined the High Water Festival in Charleston, leaves this intimate venue with plans for greater adventures ahead. Next, he’ll be performing at the Out of the Blue Festival in Riviera Cancun, Mexico. But fans at the Riviera Theater know that this night shared with Noah was truly one for the books, making it an unforgettable chapter in Charleston’s rich musical history!
