There are few places that encapsulate Lowcountry rock 'n' roll quite like The Windjammer on Isle of Palms, and few musicians who embody the spirit of the local scene like Hootie & the Blowfish co-founder Mark Bryan. Taking the iconic beachside stage, Bryan delivered an unforgettable evening packed with local history, soaring guitar riffs, and an all-star lineup of special guests.

A Conversation with Mark Bryan

Ahead of the show, Mark connected with Charleston Live Music’s Samantha Meier for an exclusive interview covering his ongoing impact on the region’s music community. As an alumna of the College of Charleston’s Music Industry program—which Bryan helped establish—Samantha got a firsthand look into what keeps the veteran rocker inspired after decades in the business.

When asked what single piece of advice he offers emerging artists trying to break into the Charleston scene today, Bryan emphasized focusing on the fundamentals first:

"I've always said you play every show that you can get," Bryan shared. "But I want to add to that: I think it's really important to spend the time to get really good at your craft before you take every show. The recording industry has changed immensely over the years, but the one constant has been that people love to see live music and see their favorite artists do their thing in person. That'll never go away."

That drive to constantly create is what fuels his newest side project, SUS AF—a three-song release born out of a desire to react creatively to modern world events rather than sitting idly by.

Though he grew up in Maryland and spent time in Columbia during Hootie’s early days, Bryan made Charleston his permanent home in 1999. Drawn initially by his love of the water, he found something even deeper in the local arts scene.

"The community here is just this wonderfully open, artistic community," Bryan noted, drawing parallels between Charleston and historic music hubs. "It’s got such a unique flavor and character to it—almost to the extent of a New Orleans. I felt a cultural thing here that you don't feel anywhere else."

He fondly recalled early trips to West Ashley guided by bandmate Darius Rucker, along with long-standing friendships with local music royalty like the Blue Dogs, Jump, Little Children, Charlton Singleton, Carrie Ann, and Steven Fiore.

On Stage at The Windjammer

That sense of tight-knit musical community wasn't just discussed in the interview—it came alive the moment music filled the venue. Before even stepping onto the stage, Mark was seen moving warmly through the audience, greeting fans, chatting, and posing for photos around the venue.

Opening under a setting sun and a soft rainbow, Stono River Project—led by frontman Skyler Waddell and joined by singer Allison Gibson—set an inviting tone. Their vocal harmonies filled the beachside air as they showcased material from their growing catalog. Later in the night, Mark brought Waddell back out on stage during the main set to perform Stono River Project's new single, "Make It Home Tonight"—a track Mark produced on Stone Point Records.

The Main Event: Mark Bryan & Friends

Mark Bryan and Jim “Soni” Sonefeld took the stage first as The B. Wrights, performing with the easy chemistry of lifelong collaborators. The entire night was dedicated to Buddy Wright, a beloved longtime friend and Hootie & the Blowfish security guard who recently passed away.

Throughout the evening, guest performers joined the stage for one standout moment after another:

• Steve Lipton brought high energy to "Boom."
• Andrew Copeland (Sister Hazel) joined for "A Little Like Heaven" and a spirited cover of Tom Petty's "The Waiting."
• A crowd highlight was a bluegrass-infused arrangement of "Let Her Cry," which, to this Virginia girl, brought a distinctive Virginia-mountain feel to the beach stage. Between songs, Mark shared personal stories of growing up in Maryland, making the performance feel like a gathering among old friends.
• A surprise sit-in from Robin Wilson (Gin Blossoms) capped off the late set with an electric rendition of Cheap Trick's "Surrender."

Between songs, Mark shared personal stories of growing up in Maryland and his deep roots in the Lowcountry. With the ocean breeze, the infectious crowd energy, and a setlist that celebrated both local roots and rock history, Mark Bryan proved once again why he remains one of the area's most cherished musical anchors.

Show setlist

1. Hannah Jane
2. Leaving
3. Coastin
4. Time
5. Earth Stopped
6. Unafraid
7. Let Her Cry
8. Almost Home
9. I wanna Feel Alright
10. Make it Home Tonight (with Skyler Waddell)
11. Boom (with Steve Lipton)
12. Takin’ a Ride
13. I Go Blind
14. A Little Revival
15. A Little More Rock and Roll
16. Only Wanna
17. A Little Like Heaven (with Andrew Copeland, Sister Hazel)
18. The Waiting (with Andrew Copeland, Sister Hazel)
19. Hold My Hand / Bottle Rockets
20. Surrender (with Robin Wilson, Gin Blossoms)
21. Call Me the Breeze

Show review by Sandy Meier and Samantha Meier. Photos by Samantha Meier.