Heart & Soul: A Packed Double Header
- Moose Nicholson
- Sep 10
- 5 min read
Heart and Soul
If you want to know where Aiken’s heartbeat can be felt loudest, you only had to be in The Alley last Thursday night. Chairs lined up before sound check, anticipation building with every passing hour until Heart & Soul returned to the Bud Light Stage. By showtime, the crowd was alive, dotted with bright red Randa’s Roadies shirts—a surprise fan club from Randa Berry’s church that cheered every note she sang.
This band isn’t a collection of players—it’s an ensemble where everyone brings something unforgettable. Ashley Foreman looked overjoyed hammering away at his cowbell. Clay Killian’s trumpet soared with a bright, brassy tone that gave songs their beachside shimmer. Darrell Rains absolutely shredded when the moment called for it. Mark Ferriter’s drumming anchored every tune, but it was his vocals—powerful and smooth—that caught people off guard. Mike Terry’s saxophone added that same sunlit beach vibe, weaving in with Clay’s horn. Randa Berry’s keyboards and vocals lit up the night, especially when she tore into Adele and brought the crowd to its feet. And through it all, Steve Moore’s bass held everything steady, the pulse beneath the songs.
The fans said it best:
“They blew me away!!! So good 🤩👍” — Gary R. Sullivan
“You were outstanding both at the Amp and at the Battle of the Bands, Thanks!” — Karen Bunney
“You sure got us out dancing. So much fun.” — Margaret Stiles
And they didn’t just show up Thursday. Two nights later, Heart & Soul returned for Battle at the Alley and left as champions, lifted by their fans’ donation votes. Fellow Amp performers Lost Dog took second—a remarkable feat for a two-piece band in their first season on the Bud Light Stage. It raises an interesting question: is Amp the place where bands catch attention because they’ve already built a following, or is it the stage itself that helps turn great performances into bigger recognition? The truth is probably both—and that’s what makes it so special.
For the second year in a row, Amp bands claimed the top spots at Battle in the Alley, proving this series isn’t just entertainment—it’s a launchpad. Heart & Soul played their part by pouring themselves into the music, but the stage and the crowd returned the favor, helping elevate local talent while raising money for causes like the Aiken County Veterans Council.
That’s the real beauty here. Amp the Alley doesn’t just bring live music—it pumps energy, generosity, and community back into the businesses and people who make Aiken thrive - From Downtown and down Whiskey Road alike. On nights like these, you can feel the heartbeat of Aiken—and the lifeblood running through it all.
The Alley
Boost Your Immunity
Downtown Hydration has been keeping Aiken healthy and energized, and one of their biggest hits is the Tri-Immune Boost. This powerful blend of Vitamin C, Zinc, and Glutathione is designed to strengthen your immune system, fight off fatigue, and keep those seasonal bugs at bay. Offered as either a quick injection or part of a full IV cocktail, it’s a fan-favorite for anyone looking to stay ahead of the “cooties.”
If you’ve been running hard and need a reset—or just want to give your body the extra support it deserves—this is the one to book. Downtown Hydration makes it easy to feel your best so you can keep showing up for all the things you love in Aiken.
Save Thousands!
Reft Equipment is raising the bar for anyone looking to upgrade their yard game. Right now, when you purchase a brand-new Gravely or Wright mower, you’ll get free blades for life. That’s not just a catchy slogan—it’s real savings. Over the lifespan of a mower, homeowners can easily spend $750 to $1,500 on blades, while commercial operators could rack up $2,000–$3,000 or more. Reft is taking all of that off the table.
This deal runs only until September 30, 2025, so if you’ve been thinking about stepping up to commercial-grade cutting power, now’s the time. Swing by their Whiskey Road showroom in Aiken, let their team match you with the right mower, and enjoy a lifetime of sharp, ready-to-go blades. 📍 3175 Whiskey Road, Aiken, SC
📞 803-644-7368
The Bud Light Stage
A Touch of Aiken Tradition
Steeplechase season in Aiken is as much about the style as it is about the sport, and True Aiken has everything you need to elevate your tailgate. Their etched glassware and crystal decanters add a refined touch to your pour, while the Islander Harris Tweed throws bring warmth, tradition, and a nod to timeless craftsmanship.
It’s the kind of detail that turns an ordinary setup into something memorable—because great company and good spirits deserve to be served in style. If you’re gearing up for Steeplechase or just want to add a touch of Aiken tradition to your home, this is where you’ll find it.
A Cuban Party All Weekend
If you’re looking for a weekend that feels like a getaway without ever leaving Aiken, Rhumba Rum & Cigar Lounge has you covered. The party kicks off Friday night with DJ Kenny, a staple of the local scene for decades. Kenny has a gift for reading the room and turning any night into a dance floor—his sets are pure energy, and he always brings the fun.
On Saturday, Rhumba shifts gears into something truly special: a performance by Iliana Rose. A prodigy who began playing piano at age four, Iliana grew up surrounded by the rhythms of her Cuban heritage before training in classical and jazz at the University of Miami. She went on to make her mark in Los Angeles, collaborating with world-renowned musicians and serving as musical director for major projects like The Arsenio Rodriguez Project and Las Chikas, LA’s premier all-female salsa orchestra. Today, she tours internationally, composes for film, and inspires young musicians as an educator. Seeing her live in the intimate Rhumba setting is an experience not to be missed.
Pair either night with Rhumba’s elevated cocktails, savory bites, and the unmistakable Latin atmosphere that makes this lounge one of downtown Aiken’s most unique escapes.
📍 321 Richland Ave W, Downtown Aiken
☎️ Reservations: 803-226-0014
Tomorrow: Savannah Sunday
Tomorrow night, the Bud Light Stage belongs to Savannah Sunday. Fronted by Nashville-recognized songwriter Robb Underwood, this four-piece blends country, classic rock, and modern hits into a setlist built for sing-alongs and good times. With Mark Rich on bass, Reed Moseley shredding lead guitar, and Brandon O’Neill driving the beat, they cover everything from Skynyrd to Stapleton to Swift—always with energy to spare.
Expect crowd favorites like “Sweet Caroline,” “Shut Up and Dance,” “Don’t Stop Believin’,” “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” and “Pour Some Sugar on Me” to light up the night.
As Robb says: “Nothing compares to performing for the people and lighting up the crowd. We feed off their energy and love every minute of it!”
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