The Carolina Beach Music Academy (CBMA) will be announcing the 2023 Hall of Fame Inductees on Friday, April 21, 2023 LIVE on 94.9FM The Surf. Join; The Professor, Harold Ballard, Jim Quick, Jim Morgan, Jay Kinlaw, and CBMA President Peter Carpenter. You can stream the show by clicking the player below and on the Surf website. We look forward to hearing the names as they're announced LIVE from 11:00AM until 1:00PM.
On April 2, 2023 Barbara Swanke shared the following post on the popular Facebook group "Willie C's Beach Music Cafe" - "Sadly WillieC has passed and this Cafe will be taken down.Thank you to all who have expressed condolences. Bill truly enjoyed the music and meeting so many of you with like interests."
We send our condolences to Willie's entire family and we've enjoyed being members of the popular Facebook group where so many shared stories, videos, music and more throughout the group. We've included his obituary below and if you'd like to send your online condolences to the family, please follow the link to the funeral home website.
Obituary
William C. Swanke Jr., age 79, of Little River, South Carolina passed away on Monday, March 6, 2023. Born on September 15, 1943, in Bronx, NY, he was a son of the late William C. Swanke, Sr. and Florence Welch Swanke. He married Barbara on April 24,1984 in New Mexico.
An Assistant VP Director of CIGNA Medicare Systems, William retired following 40+ years of dedicated service in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Tennessee. Following his retirement, he and Barbara moved to North Myrtle Beach, SC.
William was a founding member of United Group Harmony Association "UGHA" in New Jersey and hosted a vocal group radio show, "The Big Beat Show". He was the creator and owner of WillieC's RnB Beach Music Cafe Internet Radio, WillieC was well-known throughout Ocean Drive Beach, and would always be seen at all the SOS hangouts. He was awarded the 2007 CBMA "Michael Branch Award" and the Industry Appreciation Award"; 2008 CBMA "Michael Branch Award" and the "Internet Radio Show of the Year Award", the 2009 CMBA "Michael Branch Award" and was nominated for the 2010 CBMA Internet Radio Show.
Surviving are his wife of 39 years, Barbara Swanke; children, Christine Tucker, Thomas McKeough, and Jeffrey Swanke. He is also survived by grandchildren, Patrick Tucker, Jesse McKeough, Matthew Tucker, Thomas McKeough, and Katelyn McKeough.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 14, 2023 at Lee Funeral Home and Crematory, 11840 Highway 90, Little River, SC 29566.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.leefhandcrematory.com for the Swanke family.
The industry is mourning the loss of Craig Fleming and so many throughout the industry have expressed their condolences by way of social media. We've certainly missed his "Inside the Music" articles on BeachMusic45 and we send our thoughts and prayers to his family. He was such a great guy and wonderful supporter of the beach music industry. You will find his obituary below and if you'd like to send your online condolences to the family, please visit the link to the funeral home website.
Obituary:
Honea Path – Thomas Craig Fleming, 55, beloved husband of Jenifer Bates Fleming, of Griffin Farm Road, went home to be with his Savior on Saturday, April 1, 2023 at AnMed Health Center. Born in Anderson County, he was a son of the late Thomas Charlie and Nancy Sharpe Fleming. As a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, he was active in the Men’s Group. Previously, he served at Bethany World Outreach Center as the pre-worship music minister. He was a 1985 graduate of BHP High School and held an Associate of Arts from Tri-County Technical College. He was manager of CVS Pharmacy of Belton, where he greeted every visitor to the store with a smile.
He loved going to the beach and soaking up the sunshine and was also a member and DJ of the Electric City Shag Club. On many a beach trip, he and Jenifer could be found out on the dance floor “cutting a rug” with the official state dance, the Shag. He also was an avid music fan, and turned that love into a part time passion as a DJ at beach gatherings, weddings, reunions, and special occasions. He also enjoyed watching the Gamecocks play and collected memorabilia from his favorite team.
Surviving are his wife of the home, a sister, Lisa Howell (Russ) of Honea Path, niece, Danielle Allen (Candace) of Williamston, father and mother-in-law, Bill and Jane Bates of Honea Path, brother-in-law Gil Bates (Kelly Jo) of Rockey Top, TN, and brother-in-law Greg Bates (Casey) of Honea Path, and 36 nieces and nephews, and 28 great-nieces and great-nephews.
His celebration of life will be held at 4 P.M. on Tuesday, April 4, 2023, at Trinity United Methodist Church with the Rev. Rickey Knight, the Rev. Chris Arries, and the Rev. Gil Bates officiating. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 P.M. Tuesday in the social hall of Trinity United Methodist Church prior to the service. Burial will follow the service in the Garden of Memories. The family is at the home.
On March 27, 2023, the Association of Beach and Shag Club DJs (ABSCDJS) shared the following post: " We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing or our fellow DJ Billy Layton. Our sincere condolences go out to his wife Nina Carol and his family as we keep them in our thoughts and prayers."
We send our prayers and condolences to his family and friends and we've included a link below to his online guest book if you'd like to send your condolences to the family.
Obituary:
Billy Ray Layton, age 75, a resident of Washington, NC, died Sunday March 26, 2023, surrounded by friends and family at ECU Medical Center in Greenville, NC. The family will receive friends from 7:00PM until 9:00 PM Thursday March 30, 2023, at Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington. Mr. Layton was born in Pitt County on June 16, 1947, to the late Wesley Layton and Frances Merritt Layton. On May 2, 2015, he married Nina Carol Rhodes. Mr. Layton loved being a DJ, listening to beach music, and going fishing. He was a lifelong member of the Eastern North Carolina Shag Club, a member of the Staton House Fire Department for over 20 years, and the DJ Association in Myrtle Beach.
Survivors include his wife, Nina Carol Layton of the home, three children, Richard L. Layton of Greenville, Renea L. McGehee and husband Gary of Biscoe, Tanya L. McGrady of Albemarle, ten grandchildren, Carley J. Williams, Hunter Pierce Layton, Caleb Scott Suggs, Leya Grace Suggs, Joshua David Layton, Hannah Diane Anderson, Jason Anderson, Meghan Anderson, Kayleigh Gaskins, Riley Gaskins, a brother, Glen Layton, two step sons, Jon Ramsey and Larkin of Kinston, Jason Ramsey and wife Rachel of Raleigh, and six step grandchildren, Jaylin, Payton, Caleb, Isla, Owen, and Cole. He is preceded in death by a grandchild, Weston Orr, a step granddaughter, Jessica Ramsey, and a brother, Wesley Layton. Condolences may be addressed to the family online by visiting www.paulfuneralhome.com Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington is honored to serve the Layton family.
On March 13, 2023 the National Shag Championships announced the 2023 results on their Facebook page and we've included that list for you below. Congratulations to the winners!
On Sunday, March 5, 2023 the Band of Oz among so many friends and fans throughout the industry shared the sad news of the passing of Scott Fine. The bands post reads: "It’s with a heavy heart and through tears that I post about one of our Band of Oz Family. Scott Fine passed today, as we get more information we will keep everyone informed. Prayers for Cody, his mom and the rest of the Family. What a great voice, entertainer and Friend. In case you didn’t know, he loved every single one of you!"
We send our thoughts and prayers to Scott's family as well as his Band of Oz family. From all of the memories, comments and posts made throughout social media you can see just how much Scott meant to so many within the beach music community. Below you will find funeral information as well as the band's original post.
Scott's Obituary: Daniel Scott Fine, 40, of Little River, SC passed away at his residence on Sunday, March 5, 2023. A native of Alamance County, he was the husband of Cody Fine, who survives of Little River, SC and the son of the late Paul Daniel Fine and Christine Fine, who survives of Graham, NC. He was a musician and entertainer. He was well known in the beach music industry, playing with The Classics, The Attractions, The Band of Oz, and The Young Guns. He loved cooking and catering for others. He loved time spent with his friends.
A graveside service will be conducted at Cedar Cliff United Methodist Church Cemetery, Graham, NC on Monday, March 13, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. by Rev. Jimmy Wooten. Immediately following the graveside service, the family will receive friends in the Club House of The Challenge Golf Course, 1179 Challenge Drive, Graham, NC. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, Memorial Processing Center, P.O. Box 5216, Glen Allen, VA 23058-5216.Rich & Thompson Funeral Home and Crematory in Graham is assisting the family.
The Band of Oz has welcomed three new members to their lineup. In a Facebook post on Tuesday, February 28, 2023 the band posted: "Help us welcome these seasoned and incredible musicians to the Band of Oz family! Doug Winstead, Tim Clark and Jody Bundy. We are having so much fun and the energy is contagious. You gotta check our calendar at www.bandofoz.com and come see for yourself!"
We've watched several videos of the band that include the new members and we're looking forward to catching a live show soon. We've included the band's original post below along with a post from Tim and Doug from their pages about their new venture.
On Tuesday, February 21, 2023, the Holiday Band announced a new member to their lineup. Their release reads: "THE HOLIDAY BAND welcomes STEVE EDMUNDS to the group!! Steve is a soulful singer and a multi instrumentalist. He will be playing keyboards and singing lead and backing vocals. Steve has been a member of the beach music community for quite some time. He has played with The Castaways and Hip Pocket. He recently had a beach music hit with Gary Lowder with a duet release of the Hall And Oates song Kiss On My List. Steve is also a producer and songwriter. The Holiday Band is excited to join forces with Steve and continue to play the music we love."
Conratulations to Steve and the band and we hope to see you on the road very soon!
Downtown Laurinburg, North Carolina has released their 2023 Laurinburg After 5 band lineup. The series will begin on April 28th and end September 14th. You will find the band lineup below along with the poster from their original post on their Facebook page.
The Bessemer City 2023 Sounds of Summer Concert Series lineup has been announced. The season will kick off on Saturday, April 22, 2023 and run through Saturday, September 23, 2023. All events will be held at Centennial Park located at 114 W Virginia Ave in Bessemer City, North Carolina. Please find the lineup below and on our beach music calendar located on our website and mobile app. Please note that all events are subject to change without notice.
Saturday, April 22, 2023 – Cat5 Band
Friday, May 12, 2023 – East Coast Party Band (Down Home Festival)
Saturday, May 13, 2023 – Dirty Grass Soul (Down Home Festival)
Fireworks Show
Saturday, May 27, 2023 – Gary Lowder/Smokin’ Hot
Friday, June 16, 2023 – ACE Party Band (Juneteenth Festival)
Friday, June 30, 2023 – Too Much Sylvia (Fourth of July Celebration)
Fireworks Show
Saturday, July 22, 2023 – Jim Quick and Coastline Band
Saturday, August 26, 2023 – The Extraordinaires
Saturday, September 23, 2023 – On The Border (Brew & Que Festival)
The dates and bands for the 2023 summer concert series by the Surry Arts Council at Blackmon Amphitheatre have been posted to their website and they've also been added to the Flip Flop Live beach music calendar. They have a tremendous lineup that you should check out and we've included those for you below. If you're interested in attending multiple events, you may want to consider the current sale they have on their annual pass.
The Surry Arts Council announced their 2023 annual pass and the sale they're currently running. The pass is on sale right now for $150 + tax. The post reads: "This pass will give your sweetheart admission to over 50 concerts at Blackmon Amphitheatre and admission to The WPAQ Merry-Go-Round every Saturday morning at The Historic Earle Theatre & Old-Time Music Heritage Hall."
We're not aware when the sale will end but if you're interested in purchasing a pass you can visit their website or evenbrite for full details. We've also included the scheduled bands for their summer series at Blackmon Amphitheatre below and you will also find the events listed on our beach music calendar.
Scheduled 2023 Concerts
APRIL EVENTS
April 29, 2023
- JUKEBOX REHAB
MAY EVENTS
May 4, 2023
- Embers feat. Craig Woolard
May 5, 2023
- Magnificents Band
May 6, 2023
- Holiday Band
May 12, 2023
- Envision
May 18, 2023
- Band of Oz
May 19, 2023
- The Tonez
May 20, 2023
- Cat5
MAy 26, 2023
- Cassette Rewind
JUNE EVENTS
June 1, 2023
- The Catalinas
June 2, 2023
Too Much Sylvia
June 3, 2023
- Extraordinaires
June 8, 2023
- Legendary Motown Revue
June 9, 2023
- North Tower Band
June 10, 2023
Gary Lowder & Smokin' Hot
June 15, 2023
Blackwater Band
June 16, 2023
Entertainers
June 17, 2023
- The Magnificents
June 22, 2023
- Kids in America - Totally 80's Tribute
June 23, 2023
- The Konnection
June 24, 2023
- Part Time Party TIme Band
June 29, 2023
- Jim Quick and Coastline
June 30, 2023
- The Extraordinaires
JULY EVENTS
July 1, 2023
- Holiday Band
July 6, 2023
- Phatt City
July 7, 2023
- North Tower Band
July 8, 2023
- Blackwater Band
July 13, 2023
- Embers feat. Craig Woolard
July 14, 2023
- Castaways
July 15, 2023
- Ryan Perry Band
July 20, 2023
- Legacy Motown Review
July 21, 2023
- Main Event Band
July 27, 2023
- Elkin Big Band
July 28, 2023
- Entertainers
AUGUST EVENTS
August 3, 2023
- Liquid Pleasure
August 4, 2023
- Part TIme Party TIme Band
August 5, 2023
- Phatt City
August 10, 2023
- Embers feat. Craig Woolard
August 11, 2023
- Envision
August 12, 2023
- Kids in America - Totally 80's Tribute
August 17, 2023
- Band of Oz
August 18, 2023
- Extraordinaires
August 19, 2023
- Chocolate Chip and Company
August 24, 2023
- Liquid Pleasure
August 25, 2023
- Too Much Sylvia
August 26, 2023
- Castaways
August 31, 2023
- Jim Quick and Coastline
SEPTEMBER EVENTS
September 1, 2023
- Jukebox Rehab
September 2, 2023
- Holiday Band
September 8, 2023
- North Tower Band
September 15, 2023
- Blackwater Band
September 16, 2023
- Cassette Rewind
September 19, 2023
- Mayberry Days Concert with Envision
September 20, 2023
- Embers feat. Craig Woolard
September 21, 2023
- Band of Oz
September 29, 2023
- The Tonez
OCTOBER EVENTS
October 6, 2023
- Entertainers
October 13, 2023
- Runaway Train
October 14, 2023
- Craig Southern & Phoenixx
We encourage you to contact the venue prior to attending as Flip Flop Live is not responsible for any errors, changes or cancellations our visitors. We will not be held responsible for ticket sales or purchases. Please contact the venue directly to handle those details. Photos and logos remain property of the owner, artist, band, DJ, venue and/or Flip Flop Live. Thank you for supporting Beach Music and for visiting Flip Flop Live. Download our mobile app from the Apple or GooglePlay store. For "Everything Beach Music" be sure to visit us often at: www.FlipFlopLive.com
Jim Rose shared a post on the ABSCDJs Facebook page announcing the 2023 DJ Hall of Fame Inductees. The induction ceremony will take place on Friday during DJ Throwdown in N. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The DJ Throwdown dates are March 2nd through 4th at Fat Harold's Beach Club and you can check our calendar for full details for that weekend. We'd like to congratulate the inductees!
2023 Inductees
- Gary Gibson from Raleigh, North Carolina
- Bobby Vaughn from Spartanburg, South Carolina
- Tommy Samole from Gastonia, North Carolina
2023 Honorary Inductees
- Milford and the late Becky Powell
Jim's original post:
It gives me great pleasure to announce and congratulate the following DJ’s on their being inducted into the Beach Music DJ Hall of Fame. Their induction will be on Friday at DJ Throwdown held at Fat Harold’s The first weekend in March.
Gary Gibson from Raleigh, NC
Bobby Vaughn from Spartanburg SC
Tommy Samole from Gastonia, NC
The Honorary Inductees are Milford and the late Becky Powell.
Please congratulate these deserving DJ’s on their accomplishment and induction.
The Association of Beach and Shag Club DJs announced their top 50 shag songs of 2022 as voted on by it's members. We've included a copy of the chart by clicking on the photo below.
The Town of Sunset Beach, North Carolina have released their 2023 Summer Concert Season band lineup on their website. The concerts will be held every Wednesday beginning June 7th located in the Town Park at 206 Sunset Blvd. North. All events will run from 6:00PM until 8:00 and they have a great lineup that you will find below! They also created a printable calendar by month that you can download here!
If you're a member of the Surf Text Club with 94.9FM you should've recieved a message about the 2023 Ocean Drive Beach Music Festival coming up May 6, 2023. We've included the details for you below and you will also find the information on our beach music calendar here on the website and on our mobile app.
Tickets for the 6th Annual Ocean Drive Beach Music Festival presented by Carolina Outdoor Power Equipment, 94.9 The Surf and the City of North Myrtle Beach are NOW on Sale. The Current Line-up Scheduled to Perform is
Rivermist
Band of Oz
T. Graham Brown
Jim Quick & Coastline
Host DJ/Emcee is Chad Sain to be joined by the Surf DJ Team.
Gates Open at 10am for the Event at 1st Avenue South Parking Lot in North Myrtle Beach
Reserved Tent Spaces - A Limited Number of Reserved Tent Spaces will be released on April 1st. Festival Sponsors and Surf Advertisers get First Priority on Tent Space Locations. You can add your name to the Interest List and we will contact you about available spaces on April 1st.
T-Shirts - We will have a preview of the T-Shirts on the website very soon - You will be able to pre-order those shirts at a special price less than the day of the event.
Official Friday Night Kick-Off Party
The OD Arcade will feature Gary Lowder & Smokin' Hot on Friday Night, May 5th, 2023 - Look for more details as we get closer to the event
The return of the OD Beach Music Festival Shag Contest will be at Fat Harold's on Friday Night brought to you by Charlie and Jackie, Expect awesome prizes and fun for Contestants and Winners.
Sponsors - If you company would like to sponsor the festival this year, please indicate below and we will be in touch with the details.
Thanks for being a member of the Surf Text Club - We look forward to another Great Day in Ocean Drive on May 6th, 2023
This past week the Lake Life Live organizers released their 2023 band lineup that will be held at their outdoor stage located at 416 Virginia Avenue in Clarksville, Virginia. Lake Life Live is a family friendly event held from May until October each year and they were nominated for "Concert Series of the Year" in 2020, 2021 and 2022 by the Carolina Beach Music Academy. They always have a great lineup and this year is no exception! DJ Andy Lucy from Flip Flop Live and Flip Flop Live Radio will be providing the break music between band sets at every event this year so be sure to come up and say hello. Check out the lineup below and make plans to visit Clarksville - "Virginia's Only Lakeside Town".
- Saturday, May 6, 2023 - $10.00 admission
Buggs Island Beach Music Festival
Konnection, Castaways & North Tower
- Saturday, June 3, 2023 - $5.00 Admission
Swingin' Medallions
- Saturday, July 1, 2023 - $5.00 Admission
Band of Oz
- Saturday, August 5, 2023 - $5.00 Admission
Catalinas
- Saturday, October 7, 2023 - $5.00 Admission
Blackwater Band
You can keep up with everything happening with this series on their Facebook page, instagram and on their website. Dining, shopping, fishing, swimming and beach music all from this community in Southside, Virginia. Make plans to stay at an area hotel or campground and enjoy these events all summer long.
Selma Parks and Recreation announced their Rockin' on Raiford 2023 band lineup. For each event, the bands perform from 6:00PM until 8:30PM with food trucks operating from 5:30PM until 8:30PM. The events will be held on Raiford Street in historic downtown Selma, North Carolina. Find the bands listed below along with their Facebook announcement. We have the event details on our website and mobile app calendars as well.
In a Facebook post on Monday, January 30, 2023, Pat Gwinn poated the following: " Wow! So soon? From the ‘70s at WBCU RADIO "UNION COUNTY'S RADIO STATION" through today… now in New York, Philadelphia, San Diego, London, Toronto and many more! Thanks for the memories!!"
Congratulations Pat for years of continued success and thank you for everything you do to support the beach music community.
On January 30, 2023, the South Hill, Virginia Chamber of Commerce announced their 2023 Concerts in the Park band lineup. The events are held annually at the centennial park amphitheater at 225 E. Danville Street in South Hill. Attendees are encouraged to bring a chair or blanket to sit comfortably on the lawn while enjoying a large outdoor dance floor. Food and beverage vendors will be on location. Gates open at 5:00PM and the band starts at 6:30PM. Make plans to attend!
May 19, 2023 - The Pink Slips Band
June 16, 2023 - too MUCH SyLviA
August 18, 2023 - Gary Lowder and Smokin' Hot
September 15, 2023 - Randy Atwood & the Renegades
For more information be sure to visit the chamber's Facebook page or their website.
On January 29, 2023 the Colonial Shag Club shared a post on their Facebook page showing the Certificate of Recognition presented to Lloyd "Scoop" Pitzen. The certificate reads: "Providing literacy excellence in publishing the Colonial Crier in 2022. Your efforts ensured members were informed of newsworthy events in our club and within the shag dancing community." The certificate is dated December 31, 2022 by Michael Dyson, President of the Colonial Shag Club. (See original post/photo below)
Congratulations Lloyd, it's never easy deciding what's newsworthy with all of the various topics available throughout the beach music community and our hats off to you. We've read many of the newsletters on your club website and we must say it's professionally organized and it looks great!
Based out of Newport News, Virginia, the Colonial Shag Club has a wonderful website that includes the above mentioned Colonial Crier along with photos, videos, club information, calendar and more. Use the links below to visit their Facebook page as well as their website.
