The SureFires Light Up the Sky
- Moose Nicholson
- May 14
- 6 min read
The Thursday Night Party | The SureFires at Amp the Alley
Some nights walk in with confidence.
Others edge in — slowly, cautiously — like they’re not sure they’ll be invited to stay.
Last Thursday was one of those.
By mid-afternoon, the radar looked clear enough. The humidity was a presence. Folding chairs started to appear, and The Alley began to fill — not in a rush, but with quiet optimism. And for a while, it seemed like we were in the clear.
Then came 8PM.
Thunder rolled low behind the sound system. Flashes sparked behind the trees. Kenny and I kept one eye on the crowd and one on the clouds, watching a storm cell teeter north, then swing back toward us again.
There were a few drops. A few early exits. But the storm held off — and so did we.
And that made all the difference.
Before The SureFires even touched the mic, we were treated to a sneak peek of Aiken Community Theatre’s upcoming production of Footloose.
With big vocals, big movement, and a ton of charisma, the cast delivered two numbers that had the whole crowd smiling. They reminded us that the Amp stage isn’t just for bands — it’s for all of Aiken’s performers.
The play opens May 16. If you caught the preview, you already know — it’s going to be something special.
With the threat of weather still looming, Jaycie Ward and Brooke Lundy took the stage with nothing but one guitar, two microphones, and a setlist packed with punch.
Jaycie’s percussive rhythm work added a driving pulse beneath the harmonies, while Brooke’s vocals soared and grounded the songs all at once. From Stevie Nicks to Maroon 5, Chappell Roan to Bob Seger, their takes on crowd favorites didn’t just do the songs justice — they made them feel brand new.
The sound was made even fuller with a new tech upgrade: Kenny debuted a wireless satellite speaker down the center of The Alley, creating a rich, immersive experience no matter where you were standing.
The weather may have chased a few off early, but those who stayed got a full-hearted, full-volume show that felt bigger than two performers and better than most five-piece bands.
More Than Just Music: The Brands, the Bonds, the Bud Light
As is now tradition, intermission didn’t mean downtime — it meant REFT trivia.
Robbie Breland transformed the break into a neighborhood game show, tossing out wildly random trivia questions to a crowd more than happy to yell answers across half a block. You didn’t need to be close to be heard — just bold enough to try.
Winners made their way up after the set to grab some REFT swag, shaking hands and swapping stories.
It wasn’t just branding.
It was bonding.
At Electric Eats, the outside bar was in full swing. Bud Light buckets were making their rounds, and signature cocktails like The Boss and Bikini Island were keeping The Alley cool. If you’re headed downtown this weekend, their new upstairs lounge is open Friday and Saturday — a stylish hideaway you’ll want to discover before everyone else does.
Southbound Smokehouse’s owner Brian Brittingham showed up with Courtney to catch the show — and even snapped a photo with Kenny and his new baby, Guinevere. Aiken’s tiniest regular, and our favorite Amp mascot.
Mellow Mushroom’s patio stayed full all night, a steady hum of conversations and clinking glasses.
In front of The Taproom, the crowd spilled out onto the street like they had nowhere better to be — because they didn’t.
And over at Woodchuckers, the outside bar continues to grow its own circle of regulars — neighbors by chance, now friends by routine.
The music was the draw, but the night?
The night belonged to the whole block.
Celebrity Waiter Night — May 19
It’s one of the most beloved annual events in town, and this year marks the 30th anniversary of Celebrity Waiter Night — a fundraiser where local “celebrities” trade aprons for tips, all in support of Therapeutic Child Care.
This year’s celebrity service lineup includes folks from Whiskey Alley, Prime Steakhouse, and Electric Eats, proving once again that good food tastes even better when it helps a great cause.
If you’ve never been, it’s a night of organized chaos, friendly competition, surprise guest servers, and generous giving — the kind of energy that feels like Amp, just indoors.
📍 Monday, May 19 | Downtown Aiken
💸 All tips and raffle ticket sales go directly to support the kids
Wellness Wednesday - Downtown Hydration
There’s wellness — and then there’s Downtown Hydration’s version of it.
They’ve been changing the way people think about health. This week’s topic? Gut health — and how it affects everything from brain fog and mood swings to anxiety and energy levels. Turns out, if your stomach’s upset, your brain probably is too.
They’re also the go-to spot for hydration drips, red light therapy, and honest conversations that go beyond buzzwords. Whether you’re battling fatigue or just trying to feel a little sharper by Friday, Tasha is ready to get you back to optimal.
The SureFires
Woodchuckers Challenge!
Woodchuckers isn’t just where you throw axes. It’s where you earn stories.
The outdoor bar has quietly become a regular hangout — with people dropping by to drink, joke, and yes, occasionally launch sharp objects at targets. But now they’ve upped the ante with the AXEPERT challenge. Think your throw’s better than the pros? Step up and prove it. Win the showdown, and you’ll walk away with 10% off your next session and, more importantly, a week’s worth of bragging rights.
Just don’t miss.
🪓 Outside bar open during Amp. Challenge available all week.
Live Music Friday at Rhumba
Rhumba is already one of downtown’s most distinctive vibes — a Latin restaurant where the food is as rich as the soundtrack. But this Friday, May 16th, they’re adding something smooth to the mix: a jazz lounge takeover featuring Mike Frost & Jorge Garcia.
Expect classic cocktails, signature small plates, and live jazz that fills every corner of the space. It’s not just a performance. It’s a transformation.
If you’ve been curious about Rhumba, this is your moment to experience it at its most elevated.
📅 Friday, May 16 | 6:30 PM
📞 Call 803-226-0014 to reserve your spot..
Aiken’s Barbershop — Still Cutting It Close
If you wandered past the old police entrance last Thursday, you may have noticed a familiar sight in a new spot: Aiken’s Barbershop has moved their Thursday night setup — still downtown, still sharp, and still giving out free neck shaves to Amp goers.
Whether you’re a regular client or just stopping by for a clean-up and a chat, their crew continues to be part of the scene in the best way. They’ve made Thursday nights a standing appointment — with clippers in hand and their signature blend of hospitality and humor.
It’s not just a trim. It’s a tradition.
📍 Now set up by the old Police Entrance
💈 Book your appointment during Amp — or just swing by and say hey.
More Free Music at The Taproom
AMP EXCLUSIVE - SHOW THIS AT THE TAPROOM TO GET 10% OFF OF YOUR TAB TUESDAY, MAY 20th ONLY ... for now.
The Taproom — Open Mic Tuesdays
If Thursday night gives you a taste for live music, Tuesday is your second helping — served casual and unfiltered at The Alley Downtown Taproom.
Their weekly Open Mic Night is where local talent plugs in, steps up, and puts it all out there — no ticket, no cover, just mics, music, and the kind of crowd that actually listens. You’ll catch everything from first-timers testing a new song to seasoned pros trying something different than their usual setlist.
And let’s not forget the self-pour beer wall. Forty taps. Constantly rotating. Cold and customizable.
Live music. Local talent. Great beer.
That’s three wins, every Tuesday.
📅 Tuesdays | Sign-ups around 6:30 PM
📍 The Alley Downtown Taproom | Downtown Aiken
The Crowd
This Week at Amp the Alley - Mike and Moe
Mike has been playing around the CSRA for quite some time now and has picked up some friends along the way. This week, he is bringing Moe from The Heart & Soul Band for some easy enjoyable music across the decades.
Next Week at Amp the Alley - All The Things
Brooke Lundy is back! This time she is bringing Keith Jenkins (Formerly of the James Brown Band), Brooks Andrews (Formerly of the Kenny George Band), and Dr. J (Currently also playing with Whiskey Run and Radio Fade.) This is talent you don't want to miss... and almost possibly can't if you attend Amp often enough!
Comments