Dave Mercer Trio: The Greatest Folks in the World...Tribute.
- Moose Nicholson
- Sep 3
- 5 min read
Dave Mercer Trio
Dave “Muz” Mercer has always been hard to pin down. Some nights he’s a one-man loop-pedal show. Other nights he’s side-by-side with Josh Pierce in Guns for Hire. He’s backed Chris Ndeti, sat in with Kenny George, and now he’s fronting his own power trio with Jo Bone and JT Smith.
And with the Trio, it wasn’t just Mercer on display — it was the chemistry. Think Pantera soaked in turpentine. The layers peeled back, stripped raw, but every now and then a flash of 3 young metal heads showed through: Jo dropping thunderous thumps on bass, JT sneaking in a run of double-kick because he still drags both pedals no matter the gig. At their roots they’re still rockers — music junkies through and through — but now it’s aged and smoothed, more like a good whiskey. The bite is still there, but it goes down easier.
That’s the beauty of the Trio show. It was a psychedelic, bluesy, indie rock cocktail. The set list ranged from Hendrix to Incubus to 311, but it all carried Mercer’s fingerprint — a spirit of tribute, a willingness to blend, and an openness that invites others in... and by that I mean convince Jo and JT they could pull this off. And that’s also the beauty of Amp. It isn’t about a single voice or a single sound; it’s about talented people stepping in, playing together, and letting the moment become bigger than the stage.
However Dave shows up, he finds a way to make the music fit the moment.
That trait traces back to his late mentor Jim Hampton, the larger-than-life bandleader who reignited Dave’s love for music. Jim never cared who was on stage or what style they were playing, as long as everyone was playing together and having fun. When Dave dedicated January to Jim Thursday night, it wasn’t just a song choice — it was proof that Jim’s ethos is still alive every time Mercer picks up a guitar.
In fact, much of Dave’s music is driven by tribute. Say Hello 2 Heaven, Changes, and January honoring people who shaped him. Walking Down Broad paying homage to Augusta, the city that raised him. Even his teaching is a form of tribute — passing the torch forward. Tribute has become Mercer’s language, his way of making sure the people and places that matter never fade — HOLO123!
And then came the night’s most unexpected tribute: his stepdaughter Layla showing up with brushes and canvas, painting as he played. Her work wasn’t literal — no guitars or faces — but swirls of abstract color that looked like feelings captured mid-song. Watching her, it was almost as if she was painting the music itself. The pride on Dave’s face said it all: full circle, another generation paying tribute back to him.
When Mercer struck the first iconic notes of Voodoo Chile, the effect was violent in the best way — people were snatched out of their seats, slung toward the stage as if pulled there against their will. Then came the drop, the band settling into a low, smoky blues stretch. The whole Alley seemed to hold its breath, anticipation simmering — was this how it would end? But no. Slowly, deliberately, they built it back up until the finale erupted, a power-rock detonation that rattled the street and felt like Hendrix reborn in real time.
That arc wasn’t just the shape of a song — it was the shape of Dave’s own story. He’s always had a love for music, but there was a lull, a quieter chapter. Then Jim Hampton stepped in, the mentor who sparked the explosion that put Dave back on this path, one that’s carried him through every band, every stage, and every Thursday night since.
And maybe that’s why Mercer feels so at home at Amp and why he's played 3 shows this year. Because Amp itself is a tribute — to the music that raised us, to the businesses that keep downtown alive, and to the community that keeps showing up, ready to be snatched out of their seats and carried wherever the night decides to go.
The Alley
🎉 One Year of Wellness in Downtown Aiken! 🎉
Our friends at Downtown Hydration are turning ONE ! 💧 On Wednesday, Sept 3rd, they’re throwing a little anniversary party with treats and giveaways as a thank-you for all the love this past year. It’s wild to think they’ve only been here a year — they already feel like part of the downtown fabric. Pop in, say hi, and raise a bottle (of IV hydration, of course) to year two.
🔥 September Savings Are Here at REFT! 🔥
Heads up: all Bison products are 20% off at REFT this month. That’s coolers, gear, all of it — American-made and tough as nails. Whether you’re tailgating, camping, or just need something that’ll actually keep ice frozen in this heat, now’s the time to grab one. We love seeing local folks stock gear that can go toe-to-toe with the big names, and this is a steal.
The Bud Light Stage
🥒✨ Pickle Night is back! ✨🥒
By popular demand, the pickle party is back! 🥒 Pickle Night returns to The Lounge upstairs at Electric Eats on Friday 9/5 and Saturday 9/6, starting at 4 PM. Think pickle flatbread, pickle dip with chips, pickled shrimp cocktail… and yes, the pickle-tini and pickle marg are making their comeback too. If you missed it last time, here’s your shot at briny glory.
Authentic Cuban Flavor
So… do we have your attention now? 🦐 Rhumba just dropped Seafood Paella on the weekend menu, and it’s every bit the showstopper you’d expect. Shrimp, mussels, octopus, all the good stuff, all in one pan. Pair it with a Spanish red (they’ve got plenty), and you’re basically on vacation without leaving Downtown Aiken.
Tomorrow: Heart & Soul is Back!
The last time they played, The Alley was shoulder-to-shoulder — one of the biggest crowds of the year. Heart & Soul brings that big band energy, classic hits, and the kind of feel-good sound that turns an ordinary night into a block party.
This Thursday, they’re back to help us close out summer in style. One more chance to soak up the season with music, friends, and a packed Alley under the lights.
Comments