Having a Good Time With Whiskey Run
- Moose Nicholson
- 18 hours ago
- 5 min read
Whiskey Run
Nights like this are why we built Amp the Alley. The heat finally broke, the air easy again, and people started showing up early — chairs under their arms, drinks in hand, catching up while the band tuned up. It wasn’t chaos; it was rhythm — that steady build of chatter and movement as the crowd settled in and the day started to fade. You could feel it settling in, that downtown heartbeat that always seems to find its groove right before the sun dips low. And when Whiskey Run took the stage, you could tell they were built for exactly this — not for the spotlight, but for the people who show up.
I’ve known Dave and Jason since 2015 — the same year Whiskey Run formed — so basically as long as the band’s been a band. It’s been awesome to watch them grow while staying the same good dudes who just love to have a good time. Then, throughout the show, unraveled a series of events that would mortify any promoter — and I’m more than that, I’m their friend.
First, the sound went sideways. Dave called for a quick pause so Kenny could troubleshoot, crouched behind the monitors tracing cables and checking levels. A few songs later, this fearless little girl stormed the stage mid-song to announce it was her birthday. I mean, mid-song. Later in the night, a guitar string popped — not normally a big deal, but definitely the cherry on top.
Who could know how they’d react? Especially for a band that’s shared stages with Darius Rucker, Old Dominion, Zac Brown, Jason Aldean, Keith Urban, Dwight Yoakam, Luke Bryan — you name it.
I knew.
Like a group of dudes who just love having a good time.
When the sound glitched, Jayson and Jeff kept the rhythm alive until Kenny had it back under control. When the birthday girl made her move, they didn’t miss a beat — they pulled her up, sang her “Happy Birthday,” got the entire crowd in on it, and handed her a memory she’ll never forget. She let out this full-throated growl of “ME!” into the mic like an adorable little monster, and the place came unglued. And when that string finally snapped, the village moved like clockwork — Brian Gibson jumped in to swap guitars, Kenny was already restringing, and Dave never stopped singing. It was professional, seamless, and honestly, pretty damn awesome to watch.
And for all the curveballs, the night had just as many moments that hit perfectly. Jeff tore through “Your Love” by The Outfield, and later closed the set belting “You Shook Me All Night Long” — with Brian Gibson stepping in on bass so Jeff could take center stage. Jamie led the crew straight through “Free Bird” — while drumming — and Jayson’s solos carried that twin-guitar energy even without the second guitar beside him. Dave’s vocals had that feel-good, fun-loving tone — the kind of delivery that sounds like he’s singing with a smile — and Jayson’s harmonies tucked right in behind him like a conversation between two guys who can’t stop making each other laugh. Each guy could easily front a band on his own, but none of them are chasing that spotlight. They’re just there to share the good times — with each other and with the crowd.
Every business owner knows that feeling — the uncertainty of not knowing how the city will respond when you open your doors. I felt the same way with taking over Amp the Alley this year. Who could’ve known how Aiken would react to this little music festival? To my first time every booking bands? To the sound we put out? But nights like this are why we built it.
Because I did know, just like every other business owner in Aiken, who knows our community, who is friends with our community. I knew what would happen when good people come together downtown — when the music’s right, the crowd’s happy, and everyone’s pulling for the same thing. We’re all part of it now. Just a bunch of good folks who love to have a good time.
The Alley
Men Have a Pause Too!
Most folks have heard of menopause, but there’s a version that hits men too — it’s called andropause, a gradual drop in testosterone that can sneak up between 40 and 55. If you’ve been dragging a bit, feeling foggy, or watching that “dad-bod” show up out of nowhere, it might be time to check in. Tasha at Downtown Hydration can help you figure out what’s going on and get your energy back on track. She’s a one-woman powerhouse and just earned the title of Aiken’s favorite Day Spa in this year’s Aiken’s Choice Awards.
Open Mic is Back at The Lounge at Electric Eats!
Electric Eats decided Sundays shouldn’t be quiet—they should be fun. That’s why they turned what could be a sleepy afternoon into a full-day Happy Hour that runs from noon to eight.Open Mic Night is back upstairs at Electric Eats, hosted by Pat from The Grumble — and if you’ve never been, this is your sign to check it out. 🎤 Bring your guitar, your stories, or just your appetite and grab a seat on one of the couches. It’s relaxed, good food, good people, and the kind of energy that makes Thursday nights downtown feel alive. Sign-ups start at 6:15 PM, and everyone’s welcome.
The Bud Light Stage
Bonus Show on the Bud Light Stage!
CanTober — This Friday!
We’re keeping the music rolling with a bonus show this week — the 3rd Annual CanTober Concert & Food Drive on Friday, October 10th! Three great bands — Kenny George Band, Under the Sonar, and Me and Paul — will take the Bud Light Stage for a free night of live music and community giving.
Bring your canned goods, drop some cash or check donations, or scan one of the QR codes on-site — every bit goes straight to the Salvation Army Food Bank right here in Aiken. Music kicks off at 6 PM, and we’re aiming to make this year our biggest yet. Grab your chair, grab a can, and come be part of something good.
Rhumba Rum & Cigar Lounge — Girl Dinners!
Rhumba’s got your midweek treat covered with Girl Dinner Wednesdays — and the new menu is looking sharp. Think pan-seared salmon with pineapple pico over cilantro-lime rice, paired with your choice of wine or cava. It’s clean, cozy, and just the right kind of fancy. Swing by 321 Richland Ave. West and see why Wednesdays might just be the best night to be downtown.
📍 Rhumba, 321 Richland Ave W
📞 803.226.0014 | 📧 rhumbaaiken@gmail.com
Tomorrow: Johnathan Wilson Band
Johnathan Wilson and his supergroup of powerhouse performers is back after the rain cut their performance short last year. Not before the band wowed everyone, including Johnathan, with their impromptu Free Bird jam to usher in the storm that finally shut us down for the evening.
This is a monster band that didn't get the chance to even really show off yet last year, and they have been dying to ever since.
Here is a tiny teaser from the Foxes lair with Johnathan and the legend, Michael Baideme.