Live Music Lineup

Join us for live music happening throughout the festival from 10am-4pm at our stage located at Franklin and Sumter Streets!

In the landscape of modern American music, some of the most intriguing stories emerge from the spaces between genres. Prettier Than Matt - the dynamic duo of Jessica Skinner Sims and Jeff Pitts - inhabits this liminal territory with a sound they've dubbed "Americana Pop," though even they admit that labels can't quite capture their musical alchemy.

Armed with a ukulele, a guitar, and a collection of improvised percussion created by their own feet, Prettier Than Matt transforms stages into intimate living rooms where stories unfold through crystalline harmonies and infectious melodies. Their name, borrowed from a friend's playful joke, has become a testament to the way they approach music - with reverence for craft but never at the expense of joy. This balance has carried them from small-town venues to national television, with their songs finding homes on shows like The Bachelorette and Temptation Island, and their live shows supporting acts like Edwin McCain and Sister Hazel.

Since their chance meeting through a mutual musician friend in 2010, what started as a side project quickly evolved into something more magnetic. Five albums deep, with originals like "Anymore" and "Small Town Famous" alongside cleverly reimagined cover songs (don't call them a cover band - they know where you live), Jessica and Jeff have mastered the art of serious musicianship wrapped in deliberate whimsy. Their live performances are as much about the banter between songs as the music itself - though they'll let you be the judge of how funny they actually are. Whether they're touring across America or venturing into Canada, Prettier Than Matt continues to prove that the best music, like the best stories, often comes from the unexpected spaces between the familiar.

Toni Esther is an independent African American artist from Florence, South Carolina. She began her musical journey at an early age singing in church and has since evolved into a dynamic, well-rounded creative who sings, raps, writes, and produces her own music. A graduate of the University of South Carolina, Toni also serves as a school counselor, bringing her passion for mentorship, empowerment, and youth development into both her professional and artistic work.

Her stage name, Esther, is inspired by the biblical queen who courageously sacrificed herself to free her people, reflecting Toni’s commitment to purpose-driven artistry and social impact. Influenced by iconic artists such as Jay-Z, Lauryn Hill, Queen Latifah, Tupac Shakur, MC Lyte, J. Cole, and Big KRIT, Toni blends classic hip-hop roots with a modern, soulful sound. Guided by her philosophy, “Out of the Box,” she delivers music rich in depth and meaning, encouraging listeners to think beyond conventional boundaries—both musically and intellectually.

Formed in 2004, Stillhouse has grown into one of Columbia’s longest-established bands on the local music scene. Drawing from multiple influences, this six-piece ensemble is perhaps best known for its powerful harmonies, improvisational skills, and onstage chemistry. Their sets feature original material woven seamlessly in and out of often-unexpected cover tunes by a wide range of artists from the world of Americana, country, blues, rock, and even 70’s pop. Their passion for live performance is evident at every Stillhouse show: This band not only loves the music they play but they love making music with one another, a combination that has created joyful, dancing audiences for 22 years and counting…

Randy Cottrell – Vocals and Guitar 
Randy is a Columbia native and resident. He has played in bands since Lower Richland High School starting in the late 1960’s. He has 6 children, 14 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. He is active at Eastminster Presbyterian Church and has served as Deacon, Elder and sings in the Chancel Choir. Randy is a professional engineer and owner of Vista Engineering, LLC. Randy has been married to Terry Eaddy for 33 years.

Adam Way – Vocals and Guitar
Adam is a Northeast Columbia native and a Lexington resident and has played with local bands for over 30 years. He and his two daughters are active in Mt. Hebron UMC praise bands, sharing the gift of music with the congregation’s young and old at every opportunity. Adam is an AECOM civil engineer by trade and enjoys Phish getaways and “couch tour” streams with his lovely wife Lauren.

Buddy Chatten – Drums
Buddy Chatten has been playing drums and percussion for over 40 years. He has lived in the West Columbia/Lexington area his entire life. Ina addition to playing in several secular bands, he also plays in worship bands at two churches.

Ben Chatten – Bass
Ben Chatten is a sophomore at River Bluff High School. His love of music began several years ago. He has been playing bass for years and is also proficient in several other instruments. He also plays in the worship band at his church.

Stampede is a rock band out of Freeway Music in Blythewood, South Carolina formed by Michael Atwater of The Casual Kings. After over a decade of evolution, the band entered the music scene with vocalist Jack Powell, drummer Kelvey Powell, bassist Max Berg, and guitarist Sawyer Huss. In August, 2025, they released their debut EP, Scattered Tracks, on all platforms. And after Max went off to college, Jacob Sasine took his place, bringing a fresh shade of bass to the scene.