THIS PAGE IS DEDICATED IN MEMORY OF EDDIE BLAKELY. PROMOTOR, PUBLISHER, & BAND MENTOR. MR. STEVE GIBSON. PROMOTER, BUSINESS OWNER, & ENTREPRENEUR. MR. JACK JAKUBS. BUSINESS OWNER, EDUCATOR, AND FRIEND.
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If you were in a band or grew up, attended college, or lived in Columbia or the Southeast during the 1980's and 1990's, Rockafellas', the Five Points (Columbia, S.C.) rock n' roll venue, was your CBGB's and the experiences that you had transcended the simple four gray brick walls and gravel parking lot.
On September 4, 1984, Rockafellas' opened its doors for the first time at 2112 Devine Street, Columbia. No one could imagine that what was a simple rock-n-roll club would become not only Rock-n-Roll's address, but also be so much more to so many. There were certainly early signs. One of the first of decades of monthly flyers, the August 1988 calendar said "Rockafellas' – It's not a concert. IT'S ROCK N ROLL." Even then, the then twice-monthly Free-Times noted that "[o]ften a band would play the club just months or even weeks before they became a household name." History would prove that true. The same issue noted that already "[f]or a lot of people Rockafellas' was a second home… [and those] who worked at the club were not so much employees as they were adopted family members." Indeed, "[l]ong time regulars would ask if they could help pick up some bottled or stock some beer."
This sense of camaraderie and community grew. Anyone who was anyone – or who hoped to become someone – came through the doors and appeared on stage or simply sat at the bar. Artists like The Connells, Don Dixon, Jason and the Scorchers, the BoDeans, Bonnie Raitt, the Byrds, Delbert McClinton, Danzig, Dave Matthews, Dead Milkmen, Fleshtones, Glenn Phillips Band (pre-Toad the Wet Sprocket), Goo Goo Dolls, Henry Rollins, Hootie and the Blowfish, Johnny Quest, Michelle Malone, Roger Manning, Mojo Nixon & Skid Roper, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Royal Crescent Mob, Rob Crosby, Smithereens, Stan Ridgeway, Swimming Pool Q's, Southern Culture on the Skids, Soul Asylum, They Might Be Giants, Widespread Panic, Yellowman, Yo La Tengo, and others, all called 2112 Devine Street home at least for one night.
But it wasn't just Rock-n-Roll. One writer recalled "an act called Ru Paul that to this day rivals anything I think of for best performance in a chicken suit. I mean there was this seven foot guy in elevator shoes covered in red feathers running around the bar!" And there were edgy comedians and far-out performance artists like G.W.A.R. and the Jim Rose Circus Sideshow. It didn't matter who you are or what you did, you were welcome at Rockafellas'.
The stories and memories are legion of the bands that went on to be national household names that Columbians got to see up close and personal… and befriended over a beer after the show. In retrospect, it is amazing that such a parade of talent came to what was then still a sleepy Southern town half the size the Columbia is today.
For just one weekend, November 16 & 17, 2007, the Rockafellas' Reunion will bring together old friends and new. Organized by former Rockafellas' employees, regulars, and friends, the Rockafellas' Reunion will be two days of music, renewed friendships, and new experiences.
Rock and Roll's address may no longer be 2112 Devine Street and 256-ROCK may no longer ring at the phone behind the bar, but Rockafellas', like Rock-n-Roll itself, resurfaces and lives on for one magical weekend – the Rockafellas' reunion
the only two shows i seen at 2112 ,was jason and the scorchers and the blasters ,two of the best shows ever!600 people 400 degrees and 100 proof rock and roll, just cant be beat! thx for the add and the great memories! oh and jason duck walked the bar!
Sorry I missed the reunion gig, I had some great times playing Rockafellas back in the early 90's With Ghostrain and Scatterhouse. We had some great shows back then opening for Hootie and the Blowfish and the Goo Goo Dolls....
Radio. sc is happy to announce that we have set our launch date for Wed. April 30th! To ensure that we get everyone on the same page, we have scheduled a PRE-LAUNCH MEETING for Wed. April 16th, from 6-7pm. The meeting will be held at THE PLEX (2390 Aviation Ave, North Charleston). This meeting, as well as our website, is to be a multi-genre project and will include all; artists, bands, promoters, producers, venues, and Radio. sc staff. The purpose of this meeting is to make sure that everyone has the opportunity to fully understand what Radio. sc is all about, and ultimately how it will help them. It is also a preliminary for the launch party that will coincide with our set launch date. All artists who have not already sent in their original music should be sure that they bring it with them to the meeting. We promise that this meeting will be very informative and vital to anyone who has a vested interest in South Carolina’s local music scene. Once again we thank everyone for their involvement, and we look forward to seeing you there!
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