Planners unveil musical acts for St. Pat’s in Five Points

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St. Pat’s in Five Points, one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the Southeast, has announced the lineup for its 42nd event, set for Saturday, March 1,6 in Columbia.

“St. Pat’s in Five Points has been a cornerstone celebration in the Columbia community for more than four decades,” said Heather McDonald, executive director of the Five Points Association, in a news release. “As we unveil this year’s lineup, we’re thrilled to feature an array of genres that showcase emerging talents alongside established artists, reflecting our commitment to providing a diverse and dynamic musical experience.”

Last year, St. Pat’s in Five Points drew about 35,000 attendees with more than 35% traveling from outside of Columbia, spanning more than 2,000 zip codes and 30-plus countries. The festival brings in $12.6 million to the city of Columbia and Richland County, according to statistics compiled by the FIve Points Association. 

More than 40 local, regional and national acts will perform across multiple stages and venues, including headliners Lawrence, The War and Treaty, Futurebirds, Sister Hazel and Conner Smith. This lineup is the most extensive in the festival’s history, according to the release. Columbia-based recording artist, producer, entrepreneur and hip-hop activist Master Splnta aka Fatrat Da Czar will return as the host. 

About the headliners

Lawrence, an eight-piece soul-pop band that infuses funk, R&B and rock elements, was founded by New York City-raised siblings Clyde and Gracie Lawrence, who have been crafting songs together since childhood.

The War and Treaty, a husband-and-wife duo featuring Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter that blends blues, country and rock, gained recognition while headlining their own shows and opening for music legends such as Al Green, Brandi Carlile, Jason Isbell, John Legend, Lauren Daigle and Van Morrison.

Futurebirds, an Athens, Ga.-based band established in 2008, has gained acclaim for their energetic live performances and distinctive fusion of indie rock, country and psych-rock.

Sister Hazel, from Gainesville, Fla., rose to fame with their 1997 hit “All for You,” which catapulted their second album to platinum status. The band has since expanded into country music, with four consecutive Billboard Top Country Albums and an appearance on the Grand Ole Opry stage. 

Conner Smith is a Nashville-born country singer-songwriter. His full-length debut album, “Smoky Mountains,” featuring “Take it Slow” and “Creek Will Rise” is set for release on Jan. 26.

Additional performers include rapper and singer Paul Russell; indie hip-hop duo Little Stranger, reggae act The Original Wailers, long-time Southeastern pop and rock favorites Spider Monkey, Alabama-based rock band The Stews, indie rock band Mo Lowda & The Humble, North Carolina alt pop band The Collection, Asheville-based brass funk rock band Empire Strikes Brass, Nashville-based bounty artist Zach, Georgia-based duo Hotel Fiction, indie-bluegrass artists Happy Landing, retro band Jive Talk, South Carolina country artists Shelby Raye, Columbia-based punk band Brandy and the Butcher, Clemson-based rock band DAZR, Charleston’s indie rock Homemade Haircuts and Drew Dixon, a Nashville-based musician from Columbia. 

Multiple venues in Five Points will also feature live performances. 

“We’re excited about the variety and caliber of musical artists performing at St. Pat’s in Five Points,” said Stephanie Melora Bailey, president of the Five Points Association Board, in the release. “With co-headliners Lawrence, The War and Treaty, Futurebirds, Sister Hazel and Conner Smith this year’s lineup represents what happens when talent meets passion, and embodies our commitment to creating a festival experience that has something for everyone.”

In addition to live music, the festival also features a variety of vendors, food trucks, artisans and family-friendly events including the Get to the Green 5K and one mile Family Fun Run, a parade at 10 a.m. and a play area for children. 

Tickets to the festival can be purchased online at StPatsColumbia.com. General admission tickets are $30 in advance until midnight March 15 and $35 online or at the gate on the day of the event.