Columbia SC Photographer: Blog

Angry Whale finds new home at SodaCitizen.com

Sun, 20 Oct 2019 13:19:10 GMT

I’ve relaunched The Angry Whale at SodaCitizen.com - Thanks for the good times.

Daniel Hare: A Photography Exhibit

Fri, 22 Feb 2019 00:38:01 GMT

by Sean Rayford

As we sit down to talk about his photography exhibition, opening tonight in Five Points, I ask Daniel Hare if I may have photographed him "sledding" down University Hill half a decade ago. He tells me we talked about lenses and upon further inspection of the archives, yes, our paths crossed on the same day my roommate bloodied his face "sledding" down that hill on an office chair.

As we try to recall that snowy day, Daniel hears a skateboarders’ wheels rolling on the sidewalk of Main St. blocks before I do. He jokingly refers to it as “Skatedar.” Not surprisingly, Hare’s photography has consistent themes around skateboarding, along with humans and their personalities.

"But this isn't that. There are two people displayed in the show but their faces are not visible,” says Hare about his exhibition, adding that there are also only two skateboarding photos. Instead, Hale was sparked by an image of a street scene he made in Chicago in 2017, a construction site with smoke and windows that reminded Hare of fun house,

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I put things together contextually, “Hare says about his approach to selecting the images, “I had an organizational process looking through hard drives. Just really, really, really looking through. The dirt bike led to the three wheeler, led to the Lincoln Continental. I don't believe it's random. The first photo might have been random but then it just compounded.” He says a big part of it was finding photographs that he had overlooked.

The opening reception for Hare’s exhibition is Thursday night at Bluetile Skateboards in Columbia, SC. According to the artist “The 20+ framed prints all reflect fleeting moments in time pulled from being on the move, traveling, and pursuing storytelling through photography. However, the selected images are not those stories. These photos serve to be keepsakes from the "big picture" and for whatever rhyme or reason, drew considerable interest for being special in their own right.” Accompanying the photos are 24x36 posters designed by Hale and printed with The Half and Half.

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Fake National Emergency Protest: Columbia, SC

Mon, 18 Feb 2019 20:47:12 GMT

Tootsie Holland (above) says that president Trump’s recent declaration of a national emergency is only part of the reason she came out to protest on Monday afternoon at the SC Statehouse. “I am out here because I think that our government is under great duress. We need to have our democracy back in action - it is being taken away,” says Holland, “I met a young German journalist a few days ago and I asked him what he thought of our government and our president. He said, 'Haven't you people ever heard of Hitler? This is how he started. We don't allow this kind of thing to go on now,” she explains, “And I think that he is absolutely right. This is a grab for power and greed for money.”

Holland, a resident of Columbia, SC for 50 years, joined about 50 other demonstrators on Monday at the state capital in response to the president’s recent declaration of what they are calling a “Fake National Emergency.” The nationwide protests were scheduled in more than 240 cities and 47 states.

Photos and words by Sean Rayford

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Photos: New Year's Eve at New Brookland Tavern

Wed, 02 Jan 2019 16:34:19 GMT

At the stroke of midnight on New Years at New Brookland Tavern, after shifting through different roles in Fleetwood Mac on stage, Adam Corbett was looking out for bandmate Marshall Brown (below) when Brown swooped in to steal a kiss from his woman, Bekah Corbett, who often filled the role of Steve Nicks. “Can’t blame him, she is v(ery) hot. But I’m really glad I was there to protect him, Bekah has a involuntary violent flailing sort of reaction to things like that.”

The New Year’s Eve celebration also featured Barnwell as The Strokes, Dear Blanca as Black Sabbath, members of Real Work, Rejectioneers, and The Lovely Few as Jimmy Eat World, and members of Real Work, Rejectioneers, and Lights For Nero as Rage Against The Machine.

Photos and words by Sean Rayford

Related South Carolina photo stories : Papa Jazz Celebrates 40 Years

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Flashpoint Dominoes - Complexities of the Central American Caravan

Tue, 27 Nov 2018 16:16:38 GMT

Near midday on Sunday in Tijuana, a large group of Central American refugees and migrants peacefully marched to the southern entrance of the ‘Puente El Chapparal,’ a half mile long bridge that provides access to the port of entry to San Ysidro, CA. It was here that they were blocked by the Mexican Federal Police and where Sunday’s first major domino fell. Met with a wall of law enforcement, the group multiplied and tensions rose. Instead of funneling the group onto a contained bridge, the authorities forced the marchers in other directions, which is when folks started running, seeking an alternative route to the port and border area.

On Thanksgiving night, a smaller group had participated in a peaceful march over the same bridge to the port where they held a demonstration. Many stayed the night, sleeping on the street and sidewalks nearby.

But on Sunday afternoon, the bridge was blocked and the most physically capable of the group, led them east along the edge of the city where they could gain access to the Tijuana River, which is basically a giant concrete open sewer. Instead of the group being contained on the bridge, where they could have been easily halted near the port side with limited resources, they were spread across a concrete arena greater than the size off ten football fields.

As the vast majority of the caravan marchers crossed back to the southern bank of the concrete slab covered in fecal matter, it was here that a smaller group, made up of a diverse array of people, including what appeared to be handfuls of American anarchists, women and children, even a resident of the riverbed/sewer, reminiscent of a character from Mad Max, gathered at a razor wire fence where some engaged with U.S. Border Patrol, as others sat and watched the events unfold.

I’m not sure what would have happened had they been allowed to continue what was a peaceful march across the bridge, but from my perspective and knowledge of crowd logistics, it appears that leaders had once again failed the people who had travelled some 3,000 miles - because of a long and complicated history of leaders failing them. All I really know is that the caravan is an exponentially complex scenario, created by failures within leadership from the entire world, exasperated by false statements and/or lies from the president of the United States, that has led to Sunday's chain of events with many other flashpoint dominoes along the way.

Note: The title of this post has been edited from Complexities of the Central American Refugee Caravan" to "Complexities of the Central American Caravan" to better describe makeup of the group.

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Photos: Central American Caravan Halted at U.S. Border

Mon, 26 Nov 2018 19:56:54 GMT

Yesterday, in Tijuana, more than a thousand of members of the Central American caravan marched to a bridge that leads to the San Ysidro International Border Crossing. There, they were stopped by Mexican Federal Police, where tensions grew, and the caravan scattered along the edge of the border, crossing the Tijuana River where they were repelled by tear gas launched by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol. This is a small selection of images from yesterday’s news event made by Columbia, SC photojournalists Sean Rayford and Thomas Hammond. When Sean returns from Tijuana, the photographers will host a presentation and panel discussion in Columbia, S.C. Details coming soon.

Members of the Central American caravan run up the north embankment of the Tijuana River as they approach the U.S. border Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018 in Tijuana, Mexico. Photo by Sean Rayford

Members of the Central American caravan flee the United States Mexico border fence after U.S. Customs and Border Patrol officers fired tear gas to disperse the growing crowd Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018 in Tijuana, Mexico. Photo by Thomas Hammond

Members of the Central American caravan run up the north embankment of the Tijuana River as they approach the U.S. border Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018 in Tijuana, Mexico. Photo by Sean Rayford

United States Department of Homeland Security Police observe members of the Central American caravan as they are halted by the steel fence that separates the U.S. and Mexico at the San Ysidro International Border Crossing Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018 in Tijuana, Mexico. Photo by Thomas Hammond

A demonstrator holds an American flag above the crowd as members of the Central American caravan gather on the northern embankment of the Tijuana River where it meets a steel fence separating the United States and Mexico on Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018 in Tijuana, Mexico. Photo by Thomas Hammond

A law enforcement officer with the Mexican Federal Police puts his arm around a member of the Central American caravan after U.S. Customs and Border Patrol repelled the group by launching tear gas at the international border Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018 in Tijuana, Mexico. Photo by Sean Rayford

CORRECTION: This post originally reported that "thousands of members of the Central American caravan marched to a bridge that leads to the San Ysidro International Border Crossing." It has been edited to, "more than a thousand members" in order to more accurately represent the size of the group.

More photo stories available at Sodacitizen.com

Photos: Central American Caravan Thanksgiving in Tijuana

Sat, 24 Nov 2018 18:19:35 GMT

For the Central American refugees and migrants who have traveled a near three thousand mile journey to Tijuana, Mexico, Thursday’s dinner held no special significance, outside of providing tired and hungry humans some much needed sustenance. No turkey. No dressing. No gelatinous cranberry goop from a can. No yearly family traditions watching the Detroit Lions lose. No stuffing. No yams. No lumps in the gravy and no pumpkin pie. No food comas.

For most of the folks, it was a bowl of broth and noodles. And yet I’ve never seen such wide smiles on folks at dinner.

Photos by Sean Rayford - Thanksgiving Day - 2018

Correction: The title of this post was edited from "Photos: Refugee Thanksgiving in Tijuana" to "Photos: Central American Caravan Thanksgiving in Tijuana" to more accurately reflect the makeup of the group.

More photo stories available at SodaCitizen.com

Photos: Central American Caravan continues gathering in Tijuana

Thu, 22 Nov 2018 07:37:02 GMT

I was sitting in the dirt near third base on Tuesday afternoon at Little Padres Park in Tijuana when Alfonso Mejia Castillo (below) struck up a conversation with me about the children playing in the infield. I took Spanish for five years in school, but that was before the turn of the century, so we didn’t get really far on that topic. But I was able to find out that he left his home in Honduras two months ago, so I ask him why he left.

“We are fleeing the violence in our country. We are fleeing the corruption. We are fleeing the "maras" [MS-13] and gangs. We are fleeing our government because if we make a single report, they don’t do anything,” explains Alfonso, later transcribed by a translator.

“What the police want is for them to keep killing us. In Mexico too. Even in Mexico we can’t be here. We are hoping that we can touch the heart of the government and that they will help us because we need help. We need everyone’s help. We need [President Trump’s] help. We know that the United States is very powerful. We are hoping that God will let us touch the heart of the United States government and that they will help us.”

Photos by Sean Rayford made Nov. 20-21 at Campo Unidad Bento Juarez in Zona Norte and Playas de Tijuana.

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Photos: No one is above the law protest - Columbia, SC

Fri, 09 Nov 2018 18:23:51 GMT

Yesterday’s firing of U.S. Attorney General Jefferson Beauregard Sessions III, and the appointment of Matt Whitaker as acting attorney general and head of the “Mueller investigation” led to nationwide rapid response protests organized by MoveOn.org, who claimed events in over 100 cities. About 175 demonstrators gathered at the SC Statehouse after President Trump removed Deputy AG Rod Rosenstein from his oversight position of Mueller’s Russia probe and replaced him with Whittaker, crossing what organizers called “a red line.”

Photos by Sean Rayford

Read more South Carolina photo stories at SodaCitizen.com

Queef headlines "Bohemian Rhapsody" celebration

Tue, 06 Nov 2018 13:06:18 GMT

In the upstairs Pastor’s Study at Lula Drake on Sunday night, Queef headlined a live musical celebration of the new film, “Bohemian Rhapsody,” where mutant versions of Confederate Fagg, Debbie and the Skanks, and the Reggie Sullivan Band were joined by Catherine Hunsinger, John Vail, and Mark Rapp’s band, who began the evening with a jazz version of “The Show Must Go On.”

More of this stuff please.

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Eighty 5 @ Eff 1.four @ the SC State Fair

Wed, 17 Oct 2018 16:13:22 GMT

I added a Nikon 85mm f/1.4 D lens to my kit last year for portrait work. It’s the older version that was in production from 1995-2010 and I picked it up off of eBay for $650. It’s not a versatile lens by any means, and most of the time it sits in a drawer with my backup lenses and flashes.

For the non photo nerds, one of its main features is the ability to produce images with a really shallow depth of field.

But that also means there’s no room for error in your execution of proper focusing. It’s what those nerds might call fast glass. And since I spent most of my day waiting in the Kia service lounge yesterday, escaping only when the they gave up, I needed a stress relief. Which meant picking up my camera and going to the fair with with one lens. The one I use the least.

All the images here were shot with that 85mm at f1.4, in aperture priority mode while using exposure compensation. Photos and words by Sean Rayford

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Read more South Carolina photo stories at SodaCitizen.com

Photos: State Fair Traditions with Cameron

Tue, 16 Oct 2018 14:56:27 GMT

Standing next to the Matterhorn, my friend Cameron asks, “Sean, when will the fair be back?”

And so begins, and ends most every conversation I have with Cameron. Consequently, when I woke him up yesterday from a nap at College Grounds Coffee and asked, “Are you ready to go to the fair?” - it was pretty awesome.

Cameron normally hangs out at Cool Beans and College Grounds Coffee, so if you want to make his day, swing by on the way to the fair, he gets in free with his cane. He doesn’t like any rides that resemble roller coasters or anything that goes in the air. He likes the Matterhorn style rides, bumper cars and performances of any kind. He was really into the Extreme Illusions and Escapes show, which we missed most of, so I’m sure he’d love to catch that. Cameron’s foot hurts and he is walking pretty slow, so he’d probably be perfectly happy if you dropped him off at the performance tents with some food and drink, did your thing, and scooped him up on the way out.

If you don’t know Cameron, who has been homeless much of his adult life, I vouch for him being an excellent dude.

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Photos and words by Sean Rayford

Photos: "Reign in Mud" - Bogging in The South

Tue, 09 Oct 2018 14:53:20 GMT

Before Colby Hensley came into this world, his father raced a 1974 Dodge Power Wagon through pits of mud in a tractor pull, drag race, monster truck mutant style of auto racing. When Colby turned 16, he brought that same truck back to life at the mud bogs.

At the end of the summer I met Colby, now 18, who won his class on an August Saturday night during the “Flag Wars” mud bog at the State Line Complex in Gaffney, SC. “It’s about the adrenaline rush,” says the teenager from Forest City, NC. His accent is thick enough that I have to ask twice where he is from.

I spent the summer traveling to Yemassee, Ulmer, Gaston, Gaffney, SC and Carnesville, GA for a tour of mud bogging in the Southeast.

So what does is take to reign in mud?

Different classes of vehicles, determined by modifications and tire types, make timed runs through straight or U-shaped mud tracks, some with berms and jumps but all featuring a section with a deeper mud pit. Some trucks don’t make it through and officials measure how far drivers get and then they'll pull them out with a cable and some heavy machinery. When the modified trucks speed by, it’s raining mud.

Tips for first time spectators:
Purchase track side parking and go with a group.
Bring a tailgating canopy, umbrellas, a stocked cooler, bug spray, and a pair of boots.
Find a mud bog in South Carolina

Photos and words by Sean Rayford

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Photos: Devastating floods continue in SC weeks after Hurricane Florence

Thu, 27 Sep 2018 18:54:35 GMT

On Sunday morning as I prepared my kayak for a photo mission into a neighborhood flooded by the Waccamaw River, just a few miles from Coastal Carolina, a neighbor reminded me to mind my wake. Some homes where inches from taking in water.

Mind your wake. A photojournalists’ mantra, especially when walking or kayaking through neighborhoods inundated with flat water river flooding. If you shift your weight, even a little, you’ll create ripples, obliterating your mirror image. Patience is key.

For the past two weeks, I’ve been covering the impacts of Hurricane Florence in the state of South Carolina with the Associated Press and Getty Images. By boat, over land, and in air, here is a sampling of what I saw.

For my complete coverage with Getty Images: 9/12-9/18
For my complete coverage with the Associated Press: 9/18-9/27

A guide to helping victims of Hurricane Florence in SC and NC

Words and photos by Sean Rayford

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Above: Trinity United Methodist Church in Conway, SC after flash flooding on Sept. 17

Below: Trinity United Methodist Church in Conway, SC during a second wave of floods, from the Waccamaw River on Sept. 26

Adam Cullum: 1981-2018

Thu, 06 Sep 2018 17:44:58 GMT

Having worked at New Brookland Tavern for over a decade, Adam Cullum has been a consistent reminder of the amazing cogs in the creative scene in Columbia, SC. On Tuesday, the city lost one of its most beloved musicians and all-around best humans. Like many of Adam's friends, I've spent the past few days reading about others' amazing experiences they've shared with Adam. Below you'll find some photos I've made of him over the years along with many of those memories and tributes to Adam and links to his music. I'm sure I've missed many links, so if you desire to add them in the comment section, I'll update the page.

Funeral services for Adam will be held at 4:00 PM Thursday, September 6, 2018 at Suber-Marshall Memorial United Methodist Church, 3900 Live Oak Street, Columbia, SC.

"Once we were rehearsing just he and I at his house on Oliver St., about a year and a half ago, and when I got there I walked into the kitchen and noticed he had made a lot of pumpkin bread. We played and hung out for hours working on melodies for numbtongue that needed special attention, and it was the first time we’d really hung out just the two of us before. It’s the night I think we became friends. As it got dark I wanted to get home to see my kids before the went to sleep. We had already said goodbye, and it was starting rain, I had already gotten in my car at started it when I see this silhouette running up behind on the rear view. Once I realized it was him I thought I had forgotten something. He ran up right as I rolled down the window and he said, or really rather exclaimed “here! Take some pumpkin bread home to your family!” With this grin as sweet as the gift on his face. I’ll never forget that. That was the first time I took a moment as I drove away and said to myself “wow this guy really is one of the kindest people I’ve ever known.”

-Bobby Hatfield

"[Adam] was the most creative player and songwriter in Columbia and I defy anyone to name a sweeter man. It was as if he operated on a different plane than the rest of us. I remember the first time I met Adam. I was with my friend Ashley and we had taken a rather potent hit of LSD and we walked down to the Five Points Fountain to look at the water. And there we found this strange but sweet man playing an accordion. And we weren't sure if he was real or not -- how could he be? After meeting him again, in a more level-headed frame of mind, I still wasn't sure if he was real or not. The mind reels when you think of how many people he must have influenced over the years in this town. I'm not sure if he realized how truly loved he was by so fucking many people. Damn. Tell your people you love them."

-Chris Bickel

"I don’t know why, but when I heard the news, the first thing that came to mind was that ridiculous tie you wore to our wedding. Then I started thinking about the effect your playing had on me during our wedding ceremony. I was so scared and stressed and confused and excited and happy and nervous. I remember you sneaking one of my melodies into one of the songs we asked you to play. And then you snuck in one of Erich’s melodies, and then one of David’s. Before I knew it I wasn't thinking about anything but the music you were playing. Maybe I should have been more aware of my emotions in light of the way I reacted when the music stopped and Jeanette walked in.
I don't think you ever wrote your music to get a response. It was just in you. And it just came out. And responses were inevitable because you were so so so very talented and earnest and alive. You taught me a lot.
I complained to one of our friends last night. I was mad that everyone was sharing their favorite Adam pictures and stories. Then I realized that I wasn't mad at them. I was mad at you! And then I laughed because I was always mad at you, but could never stay mad at you because you smiled even when I was angry. I love you and I'm sorry."

-Ben Walker

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"We lost a friend and a bandmate and the sweetest most gentle man I have ever had the privilege to be around. I hope all the people he touched in our town can draw peace and strength from his music that abounds and how he led his life ,always patiently giving and always listening intently, to every word you said or every note you played, smiling all the way. Innocent- pure-childlike- sad- beautiful, he was the best of all of us."

-Tom Hall

"I can distinctively remember the first time we met, Sarah and I had just moved to Columbia and we were exploring our new church. You walked right up with that infectious goofy grin and introduced yourself. Then you asked me if I preferred to be called Jessica or Jessie. I was a shy 10 year old who couldn’t believe an older boy was talking to me , so I panicked and stuttered “um, I don’t know, both”.
You didn’t skip a beat, “ok, Both it is then!”
From that moment on I answered to the name “Both”, I honestly don’t think you ever called me by my real name after that day.
Thank you for being the closest thing to the big brother I never had growing up! You will be missed, but I know you are somewhere sitting at a piano, playing “Brick” and sounding exactly like Ben Folds."

-Jessie Rosebrock

"I’m not really sure what to say to those who knew Adam that you wouldn’t already know about Adam. We all experienced him the same. The unforgettable creative little light was within him- we all saw it and tried so hard to illuminate it brighter. The same big hugs, the same Counting Crows on CD listing party/craft time on the back porch at Shredquarters. It Was my home away from home where I could be me. So many times I’ll never forget. Thankful that he will live on through his incredible music but so, so very sad. I am so thankful that I got the opportunity to make music with him. I will miss him very much."

-Rachel Kate

"Hi Adam, when I got to the internet today, I expected it to be a little darker because of your passing. Instead, I found the bright light of friendship burning very hot with the love you gave to each person.

I remember one morning after I'd forgotten to go to sleep, you invited me in for a coffee and an egg. From the back porch, you showed me which plants were winning in the battle for your back yard. You told me you've been working on an egg experiment, and invited me to stay for a second, wilder egg.

It was a good egg. You're a good egg.

Thanks for doing the things you didn't have to do. It means more than you know."

-Shigerahu Kobayashi

"Not quite sure what to say Adam Cullum. It has been at least 15 years since we spent several nights a week playing open mic nights across Columbia. So many great memories and songs which led to the last time I remember seeing you before I moved to Charleston. It was a songwriter’s night at Delany’s that we were both playing and we chatted about a song lyric that you had written at least a decade before but you never finished the song. I asked you why you never finished it to which you remarked “you seemed to like it so much back then that I figured you would finish it. So how is it coming?” You were so talented, so selfless and so kind. Truly one of a kind.
This world was a better place for having you in it and is a little darker now that you are gone."

-Justin Register

"Many years ago, as a impressionable (very) young musician in Columbia, Adam had a huge impact on me. His love of music, songwriting, and collaborating with friends changed the way I thought about local musicians. He inspired me to create in a way few others have done. I’ve watched for years as he did this very same thing for many many others. I’ve listened to his songs, watched his bands, seen him care for others and observed him make Columbia’s music scene a better place.

I could go on... but for now, Goodbye Adam. Thank you for caring about a young, naive musician. There is a hole that wasn’t there a coupe days ago. Much love old friend. I’m so sorry."

-Kenny McWilliams

"I met Adam freshman year at Carolina in the Maxcy Residence Hall, now 18 years ago. We became quick compatriots through our musicianship and our love of Radiohead.
I was immediately struck by Adam’s quiet intensity. As others have mentioned, when he looked at you, he LOOKED at you. Working with him through Radiohead covers in the stairwell, I was immediately impressed by his command of not just the songs but how in touch he was with the musicality of them. This guy was on another level. I was just a crackerjack guitarist; this guy had music coming out of every pore. Frankly, his musical wizardry, easy confidence, and exceedingly calm demeanor made him a bit intimidating at the time. He listed off bands that I’d never heard of and I looked them all up eagerly.
When I played with Adam, I wanted to be a better musician than I was. I wanted to try to be on his level. That was his impact. I specifically recall singing harmonies with Adam on ‘Black Star’ in the stairwell and how easily he put his voice where it needed to be. I can't not think of that when I hear the third verse of that song.
I had the pleasure of playing some Radiohead covers with Adam for a talent show at Russell House that same year. I kind of just showed up and plugged in whereas Adam had a band, was switching between piano and guitar, and even knew a guy that played theremin. Of course he did. The guy was friggin’ magnetic.
In the coming years Adam continued to flourish as a songwriter. He became a Columbia Standard. I don’t know anyone in that beautiful town's magical tight-knit community of musicians and fans that doesn’t have something good to say about Adam and his music. May he rest in Peace."

-Jeff Crews

"One time me and Adam Cullum were at some show party and all night we kept saying weird shit to each other like ‘but the script was written before the script began’ and when someone spoke we’d look at each other ‘that was part of the script.’ And we’d giggle and it was like we were in our own world.
I didn’t hang out with Adam much but every time I did, it was like I was outside of time. He was such a unique, beautiful, thoughtful individual, so much himself which is such a complement, such a strength in a world that tries to make everyone the same. I really really really really loved his singing voice, you could hear all that uniqueness, beauty, thoughtfulness when he sang.

I love you Adam, whereever you are, I know it is your world."

-Justin Blackburn

"Adam Cullum: such a kind, gentle and loving soul, the very embodiment of compassion, intelligence, and wit.
And talent, of course.
Adam could effortlessly entertain a room, equally and intimidatingly adroit as he was on guitar, bass, keyboard — or in the absence of those on one beautiful and unforgettable occasion — a steering wheel, the dashboard, and his voice were the only tools he needed for a chill-inducing performance from the driver’s seat of his car.
Rest easy, buddy. You earned it. Our love goes with you forever."

-Michael Jones

"I wish everyone in the world could’ve spent an hour with Adam Cullum. That they could’ve known the joy of receiving a big, from-the-elbow wave or one of his back-breaking hugs. In a conversation, years ago, he told me he thought of his friends as arrows he kept in his quiver. He’s an arrow I’ll always keep in mine."

-Marti Hause Tordjman

"I just ran into you Friday at a dumb restaurant and we stood beside a gum ball machine and made small talk. As I was leaving you said, 'you taught me how to write songs, Erich and I thank you for that," but YOU TAUGHT ME how to write songs. You taught me how to love music. I don't know how he got it mixed up, but he always had a way to brighten up your day by saying something nice as you walked away with this big smile on his face. He was quirky and we didn't keep in touch enough. We were roommates when we were 20 and then again at 23 and fought about stupid stuff. I didn't know you were in pain and I'm sorry for that. I hope they have a nice piano wherever you are tonight, Adam Cullum @ Columbia, South Carolina

-Erich Skelton

"It was about this time yesterday when the crying finally slowed down. Up with my daughter, just she and I like always right now. Every time I stand at the coffee maker on the kitchen counter, with her voice behind me in her high chair eating Cheerios, the way the sun’s light is coming through the window as a white haze ... it will all just be that yesterday that won’t stop happening now. Every bit of the mundane window sill where the succulents you loved so much, some I bought my wife for her birthday, the stare of the groggy morning just warming up ... it will all keep happening to remind me of the moment I heard you’re gone. How it drowned my heart and overtook my whole self; that raw arresting sorrow whose maw wants to swallow me up. Crying so long until my eyes hurt all day. And still today. I shouted the oh Adam, the no we all did when I read the words ... I wanted reach and tell you I’m so sorry.
I wanted to be there and tell you that, as if somehow I could make it untrue and stop it.
I wish I’d been able to give that time I had before having family. The aimless endless hours of younger days. The way you still could and did give, for so many people always. Because I would have given it. I have heard and seen story upon story of those moments made infinite with you, from literally every single person I know. Stretching back what feels like centuries. How did you find all that time for so many?
I was late to the party of you. I just couldn’t bring myself to go last night. We toasted your name at the Whig last night, those who found our way there. It was a good clink.
I want you back in the band again. I want you to walk into practice Thursday and say “sup dorks” and give me one of those back straightening hugs. The kind that helped us stand a little taller in ourselves after. I want to go back and find a way to get you back in the music again, make the time that we couldn’t for all the reasons both in and and out of our control. You were a crucial part of helping me find my musical footing again. You encouraged me that I wasn’t crazy and made me feel like what I was doing meant something. I hate that I cropped you out of a picture for a show announcement the other day just because you weren’t playing with us regular these days and I didn’t want to confuse anyone. Those who wanted to see you playing always. I was so grateful and humbled that you wanted to participate so ardently in my foolish and overwrought endeavor of self expression. I asked you to play trombone, guitar, piano, tambourine, high hats, the drums ... anything to have you be there.
And I wish it didn’t have to fade to black like this.
I want to hear your voice sing harmony again with me, in that one precious moment in the set. I want to tell all the stories of you that I’ve got.
My heart is sore, my soul has a hangover, my whole body feels like whiplash.
I feel like I’m betraying his better longer friendships among so many of you to feel like I did and now still do. I didn’t expect to know him. And then I did. And it was good and warm and kind and loving and hopeful in others and mindful of hurt and yearning and inviting and whimsy and joy and reckless and brave ...
I’m stricken with the deep ache of this..
If all I had was me, what would I be? If all I had was me, could I believe anything? All our plans they fall in love. And I’m thinking if you Even when you’re gone.
If your love is all about you I’m ever gonna know I only feel it in the afterglow...
Your heart is living in my head.
I loved you Adam."

-Bobby Hatfield

"I first met Adam Cullum when, I guess, I was 20 and he was 19. I couldn’t mash down more than four chords on a guitar, but he played along through my screw ups and we yelled Counting Crows songs through the windows of DeSassure 301. We woke up the ghosts of that building that Sherman didn’t burn because it was a hospital during the Civil War.
Adam taught me Nashville Numbers and talked to me about music and writing like I was his equal. Truth was, Adam was always a few planes above me. That’s how I always felt, anyway.
When I was in law school and hated myself, hated where I was, and hated where I was going, I’d see Adam in the bagel shop at Cornell Arms, usually doing prep work at the far end of the counter. He’d often show one of those wild-man grins of his and invariably do or say something to make me feel better. That’s what he did for a lot of people. Adam picked people up.
All through my 20s, my circle of friends and I drove around a lot. I think that’s how we dealt with anxiety. I think that’s how we dealt with being overcome by dreams. We’d burn off to Charleston in the middle of the night just to listen to the ocean. We’d roll out to Dixiana or St. Matthews or someplace, looking for a all-night Gas Station that sold Blenheim. We’d maze around the University, through Shandon and Rosewood, way out to the Lake Murray Dam and back, looking for something we were never going to find.
I remember one of those drives with Adam, up to Johnson City to see a band he’d wanted to see. We set out after we got out of work for the night and got back just in time to go back to work in the morning. It snowed dishrags on the way home.
On the way back to Columbia, we sang Garth Brooks songs like “Cold Shoulder” and “Wolves” because they were songs about snow. We both loved the lyrics and the stories. Whoever wasn’t driving was playing the chords on a guitar, with the seat reclined and the neck turned weird so the driver wouldn’t get poked in the head. We recited our common liturgy about being in Tony Arata’s shoes at a place like the Bluebird, singing a song we’d written like “The Dance,” and having someone like Garth Brooks sitting back at the bar with an ear on it. Adam was a lot closer to those kind of dreams than I was, but he hashed them out with me like we were equals.
I remember seeing him play the Art Bar, sitting behind the kit, singing a song that he’d played for me in Joey Opermann’s apartment sometime before, while he was still writing it.
Funny that Adam’s not really known as a drummer, but my favorite memory of him, he’s on the throne, throwing the sticks around wild, as if he were up on some sacred mount, rolling rocks down, throwing down words, and shooting down fire in a manner so Sagittariesque. I wish I had a copy of that song, because I only remember the hook:
“You’ve got a lot to answer for. You’ve got a lot to answer for.”
I never did ask him who he was examining in that song. I didn’t know what to do, other than drive him around our familiar side of Columbia, on one night he had something really heavy on his heart and a country radio bleeder from our high school years—a goodbye song—stuck in his head. He sang that song word for word, with the car radio off and the whirring of the car engine muted, three or four times over. Slow and painful in a way that made me mad I couldn’t help him with whatever he was carrying.
I didn’t know how to respond on that drive to Johnson City when he talked about a moment in a song I didn’t know (Adam knew so many damn songs) and said “God. That part right there. I could just kill myself.” He repeated what he said two or three times.
It wasn’t cavalier. There was gravity in his voice. I never forgot that. Now, in a very selfish manner, I’m trying to figure out how I could have better responded. As if it was connected across all those years. As if I could have done anything at all, distance of time and space notwithstanding.
Adam and I were not the closest of friends. But he wove through certain stitches of my life in a way that made him a very significant presence across a significant part of the life I’ve lived so far.
The last time I saw him and spoke to him was at my wedding. But when I found out he died, he was sitting right next to me in that candlebox car cabin again, singing songs we loved and talking about people we loved.
Adam Cullum was a wild, wild wind of a man. He was a beautiful human being, and he was my dear friend.
There are people-for the most part in Columbia but thrown out across a whole continent- today who are crying because he’s gone. We are searching through picture piles and looking down fretboards; trying to write bridges to unfinished songs and looking for people to bear hug. Anything to try and break the impenetrable plane, to let Adam know that we loved him. We all lost big when he left.
Rest easy, bud."

-Travis Nagy

MUSIC LINKS

"Friends of Adam Cullum, in our grief and emotion following his tragic passing many tributes have been posted and recordings come from out of the blue. Our old bandmate, John Bolten recorded adam when he showed up needing a place to crash - please Listen to this unscripted version of Townes van Zandt "Pancho and Lefty-" straight off the cuff, one of the most copied songs but I never ever heard it this original and this heartfelt/- his music will always be with us -- its the only cover i can remember him recording and it captures everything about him.. All this music has to be preserved-
from John-
In 2007 I told Adam that if he wanted to crash at my place again, he needed to learn a Townes song... He showed up and pulled out this breathtaking version of Pancho and Lefty. No lyric sheet. nothing... what a loss. I loved that guy.

-Tom Hall

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SGBihSMO6PSTlkmDXWk-PoJb55ORui-y/view

https://magneticflowers.bandcamp.com/
https://fallingoffabuilding.bandcamp.com/music
https://cantkids.bandcamp.com/music
https://soundcloud.com/hopeclaytoncullum
https://www.dropbox.com/s/yydkmqh8toyas42/140826%20falling%20off%20a%20building%20%40%20cmh.mp3?dl=0http://myideaoffun.org/adamcullum/index.html
https://soundcloud.com/jeff-reddekopp/bb-1
https://scenesc.bandcamp.com/track/pop-music
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jvadaRs2Puon6nBhaUUQpu2TUCX43mrH/view
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2y0EbH2aUps
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jvadaRs2Puon6nBhaUUQpu2TUCX43mrH/view

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qCM-oNsN3ljk7lQ_LoiwO3nhRXHzw-OB/view

Photos: "Get Out of the Road" - Chapin Labor Day Parade

Tue, 04 Sep 2018 14:07:53 GMT

After the first few hundred yards of the annual Chapin Labor Day Parade, Rep. Joe Wilson found himself holding on to a .50 cal machine gun mounted on a vintage military jeep with an engine that refused to cooperate.

Insert metaphor here.

Members of his campaign team pushed the vehicle up the hill on Chapin Rd. as the congressman waved to the spectators until a reinforcement Jeep arrived with a tow. Along with other parade traffic, Wilson's adopted son, SC Attorney General, Alan Wilson, passed the disabled vehicle, making sure they didn't need any help.

Above: Sean Carrigan, Wilson's opponent in South Carolina's 2nd Congressional District.

Below: Democratic nominee for governor, James Smith, trades thumbs up with Rep. Joe Wilson, after a brief encounter with SC treasurer, Curtis Loftis, who joked with Smith about "getting out of the road."

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Photos: Prehistoric FT Best Of Party - SC State Museum

Thu, 23 Aug 2018 19:20:38 GMT

Last night I dressed up as jelly fish and went to a prehistoric themed party at the museum. Here are some photos.

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Photos: BrickUniverse wows Lego fans in Columbia

Sun, 12 Aug 2018 12:57:51 GMT

“I started putting some stands together with the north end zone seats and when I put in the walkway - you start to get a feel of how big things are gonna be - I had no idea it was going to get to the size it was," says Charleston’s David Robinson about the Lego replica of Williams Brice Stadium that he built with his son.

Their latest project, a replica of Founders Park, along with dozens of other stunning builds using the colorful blocks, are on display this weekend at the Columbia Metro Convention Center, during the Brick Universe Convention. The convention continues Sunday with two sessions, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.

So what’s next for the Gamecock fans? Robinson says a plastic version of USC’s Horseshoe is the leading candidate.

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Soda Citizen: Sean Thomson loves satanic crabs

Tue, 07 Aug 2018 17:54:26 GMT

Sean Rayford: If you participated in organized crime, what would your role and nickname be?
Sean Thomson: Something boring, like accounting, even though I'm bad with numbers. I'd be the worst person for the job.

And your nickname?
"The Laundromat" I guess.

What do you think of seafood?
I like it. I love deviled crabs.

What are deviled crabs?
It's like a crab cake stuffed in the shell of a crab and fried. It's very much just a harder way to eat crab cakes but it makes it worth it. When you see a bunch of shells lined up, you feel like you've accomplished something.

Tell me about a bad movie that you've seen recently.
Actually, Shana and I have started trying to watch a whole series of bad movies. So we went through all the Police Academies. Every single one. And that last one where they go to Moscow... it's... I need to re-watch it because I was having a few drinks at the time. Just to make sure it really was that bad. But it was so awful. We also watched all the Ernest movies. Which the first few are good, but then it just kinda gets worse. Like "Ernest Goes to Africa" is a rough one.

Do you do Kung Fu?
I would like to one day I guess.

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What's your opinion on South of the Border?
I thought it was this big thing growing up but I'm kinda disappointed.

So, one time in eighth grade I had a substitute math teacher who pronounced our name, "Semen," during roll call. Have people ever royally fucked up your name?
I always get the "Scene." Also, my last name is weird and people will write it "Thompson," with a "P," even if they look at it in an email they just assume I forgot to put the "P" in there.

What's your favorite instrument to play right now?
I always love playing bass because that's what I started with. But it depends on what I haven't been playing. Like if I haven't played guitar in a while, I love playing guitar.

Have you ever toilet papered someone's house?
I have not. I was too wimpy of a kid. Too afraid I'd get caught.

You went to Myrtle Beach recently, tell me about something that you did there.
We went to the Ripley's Aquarium place and had a bunch of tequila beforehand and it was fun. We figured out if you go to Sonic and get frozen limeade they are really good with tequila in it. There is a Sonic in West Columbia across from the Bi-Lo and there is a liquor store next to it, so it's almost like they know. Location is everything.

What occupation would you be interested in doing one hundred and fifty years ago?
I think I'd like to deliver ice. I just think that would be a cool job. I like cold things. I could just hang around ice all day. I usually sweat like a fat old whore.

Do you think those guys were paid decently?
I wonder if hey got free ice too?

Can you smell asparagus pee?
Yea. It's bad when it's your own but it's even worse when it's somebody else's. You go to the bathroom and you're like "aaaaagggghhhhh - NO - why?"

How would you describe a palmetto bug to someone who has never encountered one?
Imagine, a compressed Satan. But that's if you don't have shoes on. If you have shoes on it's just a little bug. If I don't have shoes on, I'll jump up in a man's arms in skinny minute.

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Soda Citizen: Josh Latham is Moist

Sat, 21 Jul 2018 00:30:36 GMT

Sean: Do you talk to animals?

Josh: Yes. It's not really a full on conversation. It's more or less derivations of my dogs' names into songs.

Do you sing at them?

Not really sing. It's just more like murmur. I murmur songs about my dogs: Dennis and Colt.

What is your official job title?

Geo technical engineer. Which is kind of like a civil engineering but mainly soil.

How many bands have you played drums in?

Real bands, probably like six. This is not counting all the random attempts to get up and practice, and then it fizzles.

How many times has that happened?

A lot. I think a lot of people can say the same.

More than the number of real bands?

Yes, absolutely.

If you were a football team, what would your mascot be?

Moist. We would be moist.

Would you be the moisties?

I don't know. It would just be a moist dude. Some guy that is awkwardly sweating.

If you could curse people, what would your curse involve?

Sharting.

Did you have an imaginary friend? Or do you have one now?

I'm going to decline to answer.

Do you subscribe tho the five second rule.

Yes, maybe more.

Favorite smell?

Mint.

Does that mean you like mint chocolate chip?

Yep, that's actually my favorite ice cream.

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If you could have access to some science fiction technology, what would you like to get your hands on?

A Time Machine.

If you were a farmer what would you grow or raise?

Sheep would be pretty cool.

Pet peeves?

People who say, "guy." Like 'hey guy' or "what's up guy?'"That and smacking when you're eating. Any mouth noise while you are eating. That's the official answer, mouth noises while eating.

What were the first words that the aliens said to you when you were taken?

Oh shit. Waddup!

If you passed away and returned to earth as a bird, what type of bird would you like be?

A pelican.

What attracts you to the pelican way of life?

That's honestly just the first bird that I thought of.

Interview edited for brevity, clarity, and your entertainmnet with 2016 photo by Sean Rayford

Soda Citizen: Josh Bumgarner vs. the Giant Duck

Photos: Brookland Beach Bash - West Columbia, SC

Sun, 08 Jul 2018 16:46:55 GMT

Like a dog wiping it’s ass across the carpet, the back end of a tandem kayak slowly took on water Saturday afternoon when a young couple launched from the shore of the Congaree River during the inaugural Brookland Beach Bash in West Columbia, SC. “That pretty much sums up our relationship,” said the young woman in the front, laughing uncontrollably, as they struggled to return the defective vessel to the shore.

The Bash, organized by Soda City and Palmetto Outdoor Center the event featured free kayaking and tubing, live music, food trucks, beer, guided walks, badminton, volleyball, a showing of The Sandlot… and a wedding at Stone River.

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Photos: Hasher battles Congaree River to fetch beer for friend

Mon, 02 Jul 2018 18:51:29 GMT

“Shit happens mate,” explained Dan Cooper when asked about the last stretch of his journey yesterday on the rivers in Columbia, SC. As part of a Hash House Harriers flotilla, one of Cooper’s friends found himself with an empty beer as they approached the Gervais St. bridge. Sandwiched between a flattop and a string of tubes, Cooper was thrust in an epic struggle through the small rapids.

"I was coming on down the river with all my mates. And a friend of mine, he needed a beer. And so I had to go back and get a beer for him off the other float. So I jumped off and I was trying to get a beer and then we hit some rocks and I got a few scratches on my back.”

As described by Cooper, the Hashers are “a drinking club with a running problem. We drink some beers and we run quite a bit of distance. Sometimes we float."

Photos by Sean Rayford

If you are interested in having fun on river, check out Saturday's Brookland Beach Bash.

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About the author: Sean Rayford is a South Carolina photographer, working mainly in journalism for the last twenty five years. He is a 2001 graduate of the University of South Carolina

"DTF: Down To break kids out of detainment Facilities"

Sun, 01 Jul 2018 15:36:26 GMT

In unison with nationwide “Families Belong Together” marches and rallies, planned in over 600 cities, several hundred demonstrators gathered in front of the South Carolina Statehouse on Saturday to voice concerns about current U.S. immigration policy.

"I'm out here to protest the separation of families based on the zero tolerance policy,” explained Gabbi Westbrook (below), “I don't believe that it's okay to separate families and deport humans. I don't think that humans are illegal and I think that people should be allowed to come here for refuge.”

Photos by Sean Rayford

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Photos: Summer grilling with Kristian Niemi

Fri, 08 Jun 2018 21:48:58 GMT

“We are here to grill steaks today,” explained local restaurateur Kristian Niemi last night at City Roots Farm, “The reason we are having this class and the reason I started teaching this class: I’ve gone over to too many people's houses and had shitty steaks.”

Niemi, known previously for his roles at Mr. Friendly’s and Rosso Trattoria, currently with Bourbon and the Great American Whiskey Fair and in the future with Black Rooster, a “Frenchish” West Columbia restaurant with a rooftop bar overlooking the river and city, continued, “I had to stand there quietly, 'you know, hey, they invited me over, I think I should keep my mouth shut and watch them kill their steaks.”

Along with other culinary experts, Niemi offers a series of summer grilling classes, including chicken, vegetables, fish and seafood. Chicken is on deck next on July 19. Here is the complete class schedule.

For those interested in meat and fire, City Roots will be hosting Bonivoche on Saturday. Niemi is a fan. “Bovinoche is the most exciting outdoor cooking event in the state. It’s similar to the asados of Brazil and Argentina, with whole animals cooked over open fires. In addition to being a feast, it’s a visual feast. It’s also a blast to work with Jeff “Rhino” Bannister and the gaggle of local chefs who join in."

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Photos: Sanitized in Myrtle Beach

Mon, 28 May 2018 21:28:44 GMT

Standing on a corner of N. Ocean Blvd. in Myrtle Beach on Friday afternoon of Black Bike Week I wondered where all the motorcycles were. Car after car, after car, crept by like molasses through the miles of the barricaded beach road, part of the city mandated 23 mile long nighttime traffic loop. I thought of it as the "Loop of Death."

“This is ass,” a local told me later in the night, referring to the NAACP challenged traffic patterns and it’s effects on the crowds and atmosphere. He got stuck in the loop for hours last year on his way home from work. And that the cars in front of us have another three hours before they get out.

Breaking my train of thought, wondering where all the bikes were, another car drives by, this one with tags from Tennessee. “Hey! you wanna free piece of chocolate?” a young woman shouts at me from the driver’s seat, gesturing to a friend next to her, “She’s double stuffed!” Eventually she flashes me.

Despite the brief moment of excitement, to address my upcoming assignments I abandoned Myrtle Beach on Saturday and Sunday for Atlantic Beach, about 15 miles north, where everyone went to escape barricades and traffic loops, and where the event first began in 1980. You can see photos from Sunday here: Motorcycle Enthusiasts Attend Black Bike Week In Myrtle Beach. My assignment for The Sun (UK), shot on Saturday, the most lively night was published here: Black Bike Week sees thousands gather to party at annual motorcycle rally in South Carolina

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Photos: Black Bike Week Warms up for Weekend in Myrtle Beach, SC

Fri, 25 May 2018 15:59:58 GMT

I've got Saturday and Sunday assignments photographing Memorial Day weekend in Myrtle Beach, SC - so I decided to get an early start yesterday for some reconnaissance. Today, thousands of bikers and revelers will converge on the beach town for the annual event and I've got the whole day and night to shoot for myself. Come back here tomorrow for that story.

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Photos: Kinetic Derby Day - West Columbia, SC

Sun, 22 Apr 2018 15:22:31 GMT

"Earlier today, we had kind of a breakdown just off the start line with the "Savage Lung." We learned that Kent Sutcliffe is going to be absolutely just fine," says an announcer at the first Kinetic Derby Day in West Columbia Saturday afternoon on Meeting St., “It's the only spectacular wreck we had a little bit earlier today.” It happened when Sutcliffe ate some asphalt on a face plant in front of the Brookland United Methodist Church just after his pushers were letting go at the starting chicken.

“Fantastic. Awesome,” says thirteen year-old Keewan Lopez (above) from Branchville, SC, “celebrating Kinetic energy by pushing these derby cars down the hill and to see which one is going to be faster than others. Mostly, the ones that are like low rider and wheels spread out. The missile ones.”

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SEE VIDEO OF CRASH

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About Last Night: Flogging Molly at Music Farm

Fri, 02 Mar 2018 16:49:56 GMT

Getting an early start on St. Patrick's Day celebrations, Celtic punk rockers Flogging Molly kicked off their "Life is Good" 2018 spring tour last night at the Music Farm in Columbia, SC. The 18 day stint will take the Los Angeles band to stops in Florida, Louisiana, Texas, Nevada, Oklahoma, California and Oregon, promoting their sixth and latest full length during their 20+ year career.

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About the author: Sean Rayford is a South Carolina photojournalist and 2001 graduate of the University of South Carolina.

Photos: Moms demand closing the loop

Wed, 28 Feb 2018 15:54:57 GMT

After morning meetings with state lawmakers concerning gun legislation for the upcoming session, representatives from Moms Demand Action gathered yesterday on the statehouse steps with community leaders and elected officials in support of SC Senate Bill 516. Aimed at closing "The Charleston Loophole," the bill was introduced last March and created in response to the 2015 massacre at Mother Emanuel AME church in Charleston, SC.

A highlight of the event included Rev. Thomas Dixon leading the crowd in a chant shouting "WE CALL B.S.!"

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More Info:

SC students call for gun reforms after Florida

Read more here: http://www.thestate.com/news/politics-government/politics-columns-blogs/the-buzz/article202364084.html#storylink=c

Photos: Spirit of America Rally! Fake News?

Photos: Junior Astronomers at New Brookland Tavern

Sun, 25 Feb 2018 23:14:15 GMT

Junior Astronomers at New Brookland Tavern in West Columbia, SC. 2/23/18

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Onesie bar crawl stumbles through the Vista

Sun, 25 Feb 2018 17:32:44 GMT

As three elderly women waited the in the lobby of Carolina Ale House last night, the front door swung open and a boisterous group of onesie-wearing twenty-somethings paraded past them. Confusion washed over their faces as one woman looked up at me perplexed, "They're wearing costumes?"

And basically, yes. Organized by Bar Crawl USA, the event led participants on a trek to five bars in the Vista with exclusive drink and food specials, and most importantly, an excuse to party in public, wearing something ridiculous.

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Two a.m. mandatory bar closing hearing stretches into afternoon

Tue, 20 Feb 2018 20:44:29 GMT

Some residents near Five Points say that drunk college students have urinated in their gardens, passed out naked on their front porch and been beaten with brass knuckles - and they feel a mandatory bar closing at two a.m. is the solution. Other residents, business owners and service industry workers disagree on that solution.

At one moment during today's public safety committee hearing about the mandatory bar closing, lasting three and a half hours, someone brought up that we can't stop young people from eating Tide Pods, and at another, car windshield penis dust artists entered the conversation. Five Points neighborhood resident David Axe suggested that if folks are concerned about sexual assault, they shouldn't be looking at a mandatory bar closing time, but rather, looking at wealthy white men. The committee, comprised of Daniel Rickemann, Ed McDowell and Sam Davis, will make a recommendation to the full City Council for a future vote.

Pictured above: Third shift worker Sean McManus shows the committee members photos from a recent night at Bar None in Five Points. He is not in favor of a 2 a.m. mandatory bar closing. Below: Bar None owner Marty Dreesen speaks with the committee members about how he started the business aimed specifically at service industry workers.

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More info from the Free Times:

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More photo South Carolina photo stories available at SodaCitizen.com

About Last Night: Confederate Fagg at Art Bar

Tue, 20 Feb 2018 01:31:49 GMT

Celebrating his retirement from the U.S Army, Confederate Fagg drummer, Packer, and bandmates Teabag Balzac, Spanky Swatnasty, and Lady Miss Mango Chutney united last night for a performance at the Art Bar in Columbia, SC. It was the second night in a row I was at a show with a barbeque spread. Thank you Joe.

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About Last Night: Bask, Abacus, Vacation State, Galaxy Chief

Sun, 18 Feb 2018 16:26:12 GMT

"Sean, can you do me a favor?" asked my friend Ryan, a former co-worker at New Brookland Tavern. "Sure," I responded. I waited in anticipation of my task as he reached over the bar and handed me an empty plastic cup. "Can you put some barbeque in this?"

I filled the cup halfway with delicious pork, as he signaled and explained, "I've already had a sandwich."

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Photos: Mardi Gras Festival Columbia, SC

Sun, 11 Feb 2018 15:49:29 GMT

A show at the Elbow Room was my alibi on two occasions in 1998. The first instance occurred when my neighbors in Preston dormitory saved up their pee for a week, storing it in to-go cups from the Grand Marketplace. One of the perps was an individual from abroad who had already served in the military and they built a contraption that allowed the conspirators to hang the pee cups on their neighbor’s door, and when someone opened the door from the inside, the cups would tip over and send the payload into the dorm room. One of them knocked on the door and snuck out their window across the hall. I happened to have walked in the door right after this. I had nothing to do with that and have not seen that culprit in more than 15 years.

The other time that the Elbow Room became my alibi that year was when one of my suite mates discarded computer components out the third floor study room window, as an "art installment" that included the results of baby powder a giant stencil that read “FUCK,” used repeatedly the length of the hallway. It was finals week. I had nothing to do with that either, but yesterday I ran into the culprit for the first time in many years, while he and his wife navigated a stroller with a hellion through a mud pit at City Roots. They’ve recently moved to Columbia after time in the Low Country.

“I’m teaching him to be a terrorist too,” said the stencil man before we returned to our vehicles.

Photos and words by Sean Rayford

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Mardi Gras in the Soda City - 2013

Mardi Gras Kills Camera - 2015

Photos: Mardi Gras Parade Columbia, SC - 2018

Sat, 10 Feb 2018 20:32:27 GMT

Like Bourbon St. on steroids, revelers flocked to the Rosewood neighborhood this morning for the annual Mardi Gras parade in Columbia, SC. Queen Kassy Alia and King Bentz Kirby were honored in the procession, led by Tom Hall, who throttled a whistle and banged on a tractor pulling a boat. Bakari Sellers served as grand marshal.

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Photos: Accident scene of fatal Amtrak crash in Cayce, SC

Sun, 04 Feb 2018 18:35:16 GMT

This morning in Cayce, SC, not too far from the state farmers market on Charleston Highway, an Amtrak passenger train crashed into a freight train, leaving at least two dead and more than one hundred injured. Train engineer Michael Kempf, 54, from Savannah, Ga., and conductor Michael Cella, 36, Orange Park, Fla, both employees of Amtrak, were killed in the accident. Gov. Henry McMaster and state officials said that the Amtrak was on the wrong track, possibly the result of a switching mishap.

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Pass the #DreamActNow Rally at SC Statehouse

Thu, 01 Feb 2018 00:03:35 GMT

As the sun went down yesterday in Columbia, SC about 75 people gathered at the South Carolina Statehouse to rally in support of the Dream Act, seeking legal protections for 800,000 young undocumented Americans who received protection under the DACA program.

Soda Citizen: Alex Strickland of Abacus/Bathe

Wed, 31 Jan 2018 17:12:30 GMT

Sean: Do you believe in aliens?
Alex: No. I want to, but I just don't.

Do you believe that they don't exist or just haven't visited us?
If there is alien life, it's going to be super insignificant. It'll be like, "we found some cell," you know what I mean? We expect green googly eyes... but...

...You don't expect it to be advanced?
I don't know man. I'm scared of space. Space is fucking frightening to me. Space and the bottom of the ocean, it's essentially the same thing to me except one is way closer. I feel like once we go down there, or up there, and explore all we can explore, we're going to find something we're not going to like. Like Space AIDS.

More humans.
Exactly, it's just a whole planet of people from Jersey.

Of the things we already know about in the ocean, what would you least want to encounter?
Giant squid, fucking terrifying.

If you could bring back one extinct animal, which one would it be?
I would love to live in a world where raptors exist. It sounds terrifying and I bet it would be.

But you wouldn't be at the bottom of the ocean.
Space raptors...?

I want raptors to be a thing. I feel like there would be stupid people that would go wander into the fields like in Jurassic Park. And in a bunch of tall grass the raptors are going to be hanging out and it's just to be advanced Darwinism. They'll take out all the stupid people.

How would you protect yourself from the raptors?
I would like to think I’d never go where they’d go and avoid tall grass and wherever they might congregate, but if I happened upon one all of sudden, I would try and kick it in the knee cap and run like hell. Or learn gymnastics. See Jurassic Park 2: Lost World.

If you could live in one movie, what movie would it be?
My initial instinct is 'Apocalypse Now' because it's my favorite movie. But, I also don't really feel like I'd really cut it in Vietnam. I don't know, that Camdodian village with the colonel's weird cult worshiping him. And there's heads everywhere. That would be dope. Colonel Kurtz' weird, in the middle of nowhere Vietnam, fucking cult village. I would like to live there.

Alex Strickland performs vocals in Columbia's Abacus and Bathe, books metal shows and and is the new head chef at Hunter Gatherer on Main. Abacus plays a free show with Bask, Vacation State and Galaxy Chief on Feb. 17 at New Brookland Tavern in West Columbia.

Soda Citizen: Krajewski Defects to Union Side

Photos: Charleston, SC Women's March - 2018

Sun, 21 Jan 2018 15:17:27 GMT

MISGIVINGS OF A PHOTOGRAPHER: I had planned to photograph the Women's March anniversary event yesterday in Charlotte but it started at 10 a.m., in comparison to Charleston's sister event, which didn't kick off til noon, when it would be twenty degrees warmer. I fouled up and went to Charleston instead. No offense to anyone, my analysis is strictly based on picture making. I should have gotten up earlier to take advantage of a walking march traveling through morning light, bouncing off of city buildings in the downtown streets, instead of a stationary rally in a large flat open field at noon. Luckily, there was a sweet dance party, I brought my step stool and camera technology in 2018 is amazing.

Photos and words by Sean Rayford

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Counter Protestors

Photos: King Day at the Dome - Columbia, SC

Mon, 15 Jan 2018 19:36:47 GMT

The South Carolina NAACP hosted the annual King Day at the Dome this morning in Columbia, SC. Following the statewide prayer service at Zion Baptist Church on Washington St., the march traveled down Main St. where about 750 people rallied at the South Carolina Statehouse.

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Photos: New Year's Eve at New Brookland

Mon, 01 Jan 2018 21:56:28 GMT

Over the last decade, the annual New Year's Eve Covers Show at New Brookland Tavern in West Columbia has grown to be one of the capital city's finest cultural traditions, featuring members of the local scene playing make believe for one night while ringing in the new year.. Last night's installment included: Invoking The Abstract as Minus The Bear, the super-group, Damn The Taquitos as Tom Petty, Dead Swells As MGMT, and Daddy Lion as Modest Mouse.

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Photos: Soda Citizens Celebrate Famously Hot New Year (2016)

Gamecock fan booed out of NYE street dance off in Orlando

Photos: Charlotte Groups Rally Against White Supremacy

Fri, 29 Dec 2017 17:44:07 GMT

White supremacists had planned to hold a rally and torch march last night at Marshall Park in Charlotte, N.C. — but instead of tiki torches parading through Uptown Queen City, a diverse array of groups, including Indivisible Charlotte, city council members, a congressional candidate, and local Antifascists rallied in opposition to white supremacy.

During an open mic style forum on Thursday night, Charlotte City Councilwoman Lawana Mayfield defended local law enforcement while the antifascist group responded with chants, “FUCK THE POLICE!!! FUCK THE POLICE!!!” When she urged members of the group to use their votes to battle injustice, a young man dressed in black with a red scarf and equipped with a bullhorn countered, “You can’t vote white supremacy away. It must be destroyed!!!”

During the fall, the Charlotte Observer reported that the white supremacist group, known as Anticom, encouraged its members through social media channels to take their “torches, guns, armor, gear and flags” to Charlotte. Anticom reconsidered on September 28 and cancelled their event, citing safety concerns.

Rally goers on Thursday night suspected the group would assemble for a surprise march.

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Photos: Protests against Richard Spencer - Gainesville, FL

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Photo of the Night - Mikey Collins

Sun, 24 Dec 2017 02:02:29 GMT

Photo of the Night - December 22, 2017

Mikey Collins, performing with Kid Trails and Hunter Park, pays tribute to Tom Petty last night at the New Brookland Tavern in West Columbia, SC.

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Photo of the Night - Josh Roberts

Sat, 23 Dec 2017 00:21:40 GMT

Photo of the Night - December 21, 2017

Formed in 2005, Charleston's Josh Roberts and the Hinges, played at the New Brookland Tavern last night in West Columbia, SC. Kid Trails headlines tonight at the club.

Photos: Birmingham's push for Doug Jones

Sat, 16 Dec 2017 16:55:37 GMT

The Gadsden Mall security had Lee Bains III and the Glory Fires surrounded. Their orange lights bounced off the water of the nearby wildlife park and the exterior walls of the shopping complex.

With a PA in the bed of a Toyota Tacoma, decorated with posters for U.S. Senate candidate Doug Jones, Birmingham’s southern punk rockers were halted somewhere between the food court and Sears, where two former female employees described unwanted advances by Jones’ opponent Roy Moore in the fall of 1977. Getting kicked off of mall property seemed fitting.

Without resistance and with hours until polls opened, the band shut down their show and ended their day long tour campaigning for what would be the first Alabama democrat elected to the senate in 25 years.

In anticipation of working on a Portrait of AIabama Voters, I arrived a few days early in Birmingham a week ago today to take in the atmosphere. And for me, that involves being a photojournalist - without any assignments or deadlines. Here’s a look at Birmingham during the days leading up to last week’s election

IMG_2423.TRIM IMG_2423.TRIM

Portrait: These Alabama voters elected Democrat Doug Jones to the U.S. Senate

Wed, 13 Dec 2017 20:31:05 GMT

Quenetta Gunn, a 33 year-old African American mother of two, was in high school when Doug Jones successfully prosecuted members of the Ku Klux Klan who bombed the 16th Street Baptist Church in 1963 in Birmingham, Alabama. It had been nearly 40 years since a group of white supremacists detonated dynamite sticks at the church, killing four young black girls, injuring 22, and described by Martin Luther King Jr., as "one of the most vicious and tragic crimes ever perpetrated against humanity.” For four decades, two of the four klansmen had escaped justice.

PHOTOS AND WORDS BY SEAN RAYFORD

BARRY BELL - GADSDEN, AL

So when it came time to vote for a new U.S. Senator yesterday, Quenetta Gunn remembered that Jones had led that charge for justice. Gunn wasn’t caught up in the hoopla surrounding Jones’ opponent, Ray Moore, who had been accused by multiple women of sexual predation. “I don’t know of everything that they say to be true,” she said after casting a vote as her boys played on the playground at Avondale Park in the Southside neighborhood of Birmingham, “I was leaning more towards him anyway.”

In September at a campaign rally in Florence, AL, when Jones’ opponent was asked about when America was last great, Moore explained, “I think it was great at the time when families were united — even though we had slavery. They cared for one another. People were strong in the families. Our families were strong. Our country had a direction.”

DAVEY WILLIAMS - BIRMINGHAM, AL

Yesterday, for the first time in 25 years, the people of Alabama elected a democrat to represent them in the U.S. Senate. Leading that charge, 96 percent of African American voters cast ballots for Jones.

“Given that this state is red completely but it's not far fetched for a democrat to have some say in the southern states as well. I think it will be the dawn of a new era. It's like the tides are turning again,” said Gunn, hours before polls closed on Tuesday.

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ROBERT CARROLL - BIRMINGHAM, AL

JORDAN LAWRENCE - BIRMINGHAM, AL

MICHAEL HAGGARD JONES - ATTALA, AL

THOMAS WILBANKS - BIRMINGHAM, AL

NEKO LINDA WILLIAMS - BIRMINGHAM, AL

KAI FORTUNE - BIRMINGHAM, AL

LAUREN CRANDALL - BIRMINGHAM, AL

ANDRE AMISON - BIRMINGHAM, AL

(Andre did not disclose who he voted for)

Photos: '68, Whores at New Brookland Tavern

Fri, 08 Dec 2017 01:59:57 GMT

'68, Whores, Alistair Hennessey (not pictured) performed at New Brookland Tavern last night in West Columbia, SC.

The tour continues:

DEC 08 - Philadelphia, PA
DEC 09 - Amityville, NY
DEC 10 - Cambridge, MA
DEC 12 - Canton, OH
DEC 13 - Indianapolis, IN
DEC 14 - Springfield, MO
DEC 15 - Memphis, TN
DEC 16 - New Orleans, LA
DEC 17 - Atlanta, GA

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13 Practical and Affordable Holiday Gifts for Photographers [$10-$250]

Thu, 23 Nov 2017 19:56:01 GMT

One of the best things about photography - and most creative endeavors - is the unending process of learning. In celebration of such, here’s my list of practical gifts for photographers exploring the craft. No lens shaped coffee mugs or ties with cameras on them here. And the only gimmick is one that I'm selling. This list is aimed at beginner or novice photographers and outside of the book recommendations and the Canon version of the f1.8, I have used all of the items listed. Happy Holidays.

1. Micro fiber cloths: $13.99 - This is an item that I am regularly purchasing. If a photographer already has some, they’ll want more down the road. Perfect stocking stuffer.

2. Light reflector: $20-$40 - If the photographer has an interest in portraiture, this is a must. If they don’t, they might after learning how to use one. It will also give them a basic skill set for being an assistant to a working photographer. The bigger ones are much easier to learn how to use.

3. 50mm f1.8 lens: $125-$175 - It’s a great lens to learn about composition and depth of field, and it’s one of the least expensive styles of lenses for any SLR. You’ll need to know the camera model, but just ask your salesperson. You’ll want to get them an autofocus model. Great portrait lens.

Nikon 50mm Canon 50mm

4. Field Notes Notebooks and accessories: $10-$90 - These are good gifts for any type of creative. Encourage the brainstorms.

5. Rode shotgun microphone: $260 - Most cameras these days are also brilliant video cameras. If your loved one has an interest in video THEY NEED a decent microphone. Rode is the leader in that department and this is probably their most relied upon model.

6. Extra camera battery: $35-$50 - Once again, you’ll have to do a little research to find the camera model but any salesperson will be happy to help. DO NOT buy off-brand camera batteries. If it’s a Nikon Camera, get em a Nikon made battery.

7. External hard drive $75-125 - If they are making photos with today’s technology, they’ll need space to save em. I use Western Digital My Passport Portable Hard Drive for my general use. All sizes for different budgets.

8. Private lessons with a professional photographer: $150+ - This holiday season I am making available a limited number of private lessons redeemable through the end of 2018. I’ve been working with fourth graders this fall semester and can help any age or skill level. For every hour of private lesson someone gifts this holiday, I’ll donate an hour of my time to a local school. DETAILS ON PRICING - Photo Tutor: Columbia, SC

9. Gift certificate to Borrow Lenses: $10+ - Borrow lenses is a gear rental service that lets you rent equipment out. Great for trying things out before purchases or special trips and projects.

10. Everybody Street: $5 - This is a brilliant documentary about some of the best street photographers in the grandest city in the world, New York City. (Some adult content)

11. The Americans by Robert Frank $33 - (book) “The book that changed photography.” -NPR

12. Sleeping by the Mississippi by Alec Soth $50 - (book) “Sleeping by the Mississippi has been ranked with the great representations of the United States, including Walker Evans’ pictures of the depression, Robert Frank’s harsh vision of the 1950s and, more recently, the colour work of Soth’s former teacher, Joel Sternfeld.” -British Journal of Photography

13. Vivian Maier: Street Photographer: $28 - (book) "An unassuming Chicago baby sitter named Vivian Maier was one of the pioneers of street photography. But for 60 years, nobody knew it." -The New York Times Style Magazine

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Photos: Susto at The Music Farm Columbia

Mon, 20 Nov 2017 18:46:54 GMT

Charleston's Susto performed at the Music Farm Columbia and will be heading back out on the road during the month of December as follows. Photos by Sean Rayford.

Nov 30 - New Orleans, LA
Dec 1 - Houston, TX
Dec 2 - Austin, TX
Dec 3 - Dallas, TX
Dec 5 - Phoenix, AZ
Dec 7 - San Diego, CA
Dec 8 - West Hollywood, CA
Dec 9 - The Catalyst Atrium
Dec 10 - San Francisco, CA
Dec 12 - Portland, OR
Dec 13 - Seattle, WA
Dec 14 - Boise, ID
Dec 15 - Salt Lake City, UT
Dec 16 - Denver, CO
Dec 17 - Denver, CO
Dec 20 - Daphne, AL
Dec 21 - Mobile, AL
Dec 22 - Atlanta, GA
Dec 31 - Todos Santos, Mexico
Apr 21 - Charleston, SC

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That time I threw 50 cheddar cheese cubes into the crowd

Photos: First Week at Catitude Cat Cafe

Fri, 17 Nov 2017 04:05:23 GMT

PHOTOS AND WORDS BY SEAN RAYFORD

University of South Carolina grad Andres Ortega had a nice job in corporate America. That is, until he and his girlfriend Maria Garcia took a trip in the drive-thru of the Sonic on Assembly St.

“When we were ordering we saw homeless kitties there. It was on of those cold, wet, rainy days in Columbia and we felt heartbroken that there was very little that we could do.” says Ortega.

The next day he drove into his work headquarters, turned in his ID card and his keys to the company car and told his employer that he was opening a cat cafe. “They had a look of shock on their face. I kinda just ran out the door, hopped in the car and left.”

Last Friday morning when Ortega pulled out his keys to unlock the front door of Catitude Cat Cafe there were about twenty folks waiting for the business to open for the first time. He fumbled them and knelt down in front of Garcia on the West Columbia sidewalk and proposed. She said yes and they had about 45 seconds before getting down to business.

“We have definitely tied our entire lives into this business so I feel it was a great way to show our customers our lives and to welcome them.” says Garcia who is also a current student at USC.

The cafe, located in the former spot of Cafe Strudel next to New Brookland, gives folks an opportunity grab some coffee and decompress with more than a dozen cats in the second story of the building. Most of the cats are available for adoption and there is an hourly fee for the kitty floor.

WHY OPEN A CAT CAFE IN WEST COLUMBIA?
“I graduated from USC and got my big boy job in corporate America and I was flying around everywhere. And it was a nice job because the company paid for all my expenses: my meals, flights, hotels, cars, etc, but the only thing I didn't have was when I was there, was [Maria]. I missed her and I missed our cat,” says Ortega, “So what I would do, was pop into cat cafes in the larger cities that I'd be traveling to for business and when I was there I would hang out there and it would make me feel better. About missing her, about missing our cat. And on the weekends I'd come back here and I saw we didn’t have one.”

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Photos: Shamelessly Hot: Burlesque on State Street

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David Bazan at New Brookland

Fri, 17 Nov 2017 01:28:04 GMT

David Bazan performed last night at New Brookland Tavern in West Columbia. Upcoming shows below:

Nov 16 : The Earl – Atlanta GA
Nov 18 : Club Cafe – Pittsburgh PA
Nov 19 : Rumba Cafe – Columbus OH

Nov 29 : Bijou Theatre – Knoxville TN
Nov 30 : Marathon Music Works – Nashville TN
Dec 01 : 1884 Lounge – Memphis TN

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Photos: Revolutionary War Field Days - Camden, SC

Sun, 05 Nov 2017 17:38:04 GMT

“In colonial America, all able bodied men from teenagers to sixty year-olds served in the militia, a local force that turned out for military service in times of emergency. Official training sessions, or musters, were held once or twice per year in peacetime. Training was often a social occasion with the men dispersing to taverns after a brief drill.

With the coming of the Revolution, militia duty became more serious. Patriot militia often took the field against the British, and after the British occupied South Carolina in 1780, they organized a Loyalist militia. The loyalist militia of Camden District guarded the town during the battles of Camden and Holbrick’s Hill and fought against the American partisans”

Since 1970 reenactors have gathered in Camden, SC for the Revolutionary War Field Days, a two day event aiming to revisit and explore America's beginnings. The preceding quote was taken from a historical marker at the edge of a creek near yesterday’s battle reenactment. More info can be found at Discover Columbia Annual Revolutionary War Field Days.

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One Hundred and Fifty Years Ago - Photos - Sherman Torched Path

One Hundred and Fifty Years Ago...

Photos: Elmwood knows how to Halloween

Wed, 01 Nov 2017 17:26:19 GMT

Children laughing in every direction. Music coming from three. A shriek from a frightened skeleton wearing a tutu and an approaching barrage of little feet on the asphalt as Superman chases a Ninja Turtle. A random crash and more distant shrieks. It’s like the soundtrack to every horror movie that has a Halloween night scene. Except more.

“Grab his hand! Take your brother with you!” A mom tells one of her offspring, whose sibling is frightened by spooky live theatre in a front yard in the Elmwood neighborhood on Halloween night in Columbia, SC. He grabs his hand and off they go.

A drunk zombie redneck stands in canoe with a severed limb hanging from a garden tool. Wearing overalls and holding a jug of shine in the other hand he rocks back and forth, the metal clanging against earth as Adam Cullum sits nearby playing seasonal bayou tunes on the accordion. Drunk zombie redneck is almost indiscernible in his vocal ramblings, but definitely creepy. Watching from the second floor balcony, a zombie bride and groom pace around. Sitting on specially made dock on their front steps, a rotation of characters hands out treats to those brave enough to wander close enough.

Apparently, the Elmwood neighborhood knows how to Halloween better than everyone else. And judging by the hordes of monsters, it’s no secret to area children and their parents.

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Related content: Halloween in Columbia, SC - Photos

Photos: Third Eye Blind last night at Music Farm

Sat, 28 Oct 2017 14:55:14 GMT

The last time I saw Third Eye Blind my friend Fred punched my not friend Larry at a stadium show in D.C. It rained during their set and it was the only time I've ever had a complete stranger on my shoulders or used a giant beachball to hide taking a leak. Among a slew of others, Green Day, The Crystal Method and The Foo Fighters played that day. It was summer of 1998, when I listened to mixed cassette tapes of songs I downloaded on Napster - mostly by New Order and Depeche Mode.

October is Fundraising month

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REMAINING TOUR:

28 Oct - HOB - Orlando - Orlando, FL

29 Oct - Iron City - Birmingham, AL

31 Oct - The Jones Assembly -Oklahoma City, OK

01 Nov - Stubb's Waller Creek Amphitheatre - Austin, TX

03 Nov - El Rey Theater - Albuquerque, NM

04 Nov - Fillmore Auditorium - Denver, CO

05 Nov - The Complex - Salt Lake City, UT

07 Nov - Pub Station- Billings, MT

09 Nov - Commodore Ballroom - Vancouver, Canada

10 Nov- The Knitting Factory -Spokane, WA

11 Nov - Knitting Factory Concert House - Boise, ID

12 Nov - Showbox SoDo - Seattle, WA

14 Nov - City National Civic of San Jose -San Jose, CA

15 Nov - Ace of Spades - Sacramento, CA

18 Nov - Fantasy Springs Resort Casino - Indio, CA

01 Dec - 115 Bourbon Street -Merrionette Park, IL

31 Dec - The Observatory - Santa Ana, CA

01 Jan - Observatory North Park - San Diego, CA

Photo of the Day: Is it Halloween yet?

Fri, 27 Oct 2017 01:37:29 GMT

A server waits for a drink from the bar at Grill Marks in the Vista on Thursday, October 5, 2017.

Photo by Sean Rayford

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Photos -The Making of The Theta Girl

Tue, 24 Oct 2017 15:17:33 GMT

NOT SUITABLE FOR WORKPLACE VIEWING - Adult content ahead

When I walked into the bathroom my friend Jaime Clark was painting a rubber wiener. He looked up, saw my camera and realized his role in the production of The Theta Girl would be identified as the wiener painter. But to clarify, only a very small part of Jamie's role involved painting a wiener and as one of two practical and visual effects supervisors, he made the gore and computer generated visual effects for the film.

The Theta Girl, a self described "psychedelic horror/action/sci-fi film," created by Columbia's Chris Bickel and David Axe, will have it's local premiere November 3 and 4 at Spotlight Cinemas on St. Andrews Rd. Created for less than $15k and filmed in the Midlands during this past winter and spring, it stars Darelle Dove, Shane Silman, Quinn Deogracias and Victoria Donofrio as Gayce, a drug dealing band leader at the center of a violent murder mystery.

During the filming, at times a few blocks from my home in West Columbia, I stopped by to see how things were going.

Photos by Sean Rayford.

I also recently caught up with producer/director Chris Bickel (below, left) to talk about the film.

Sean: What type of film is The Theta Girl?

Chris: If I worked at a Blockbuster and this [movie] came in I would put it in horror even though it's not exactly a horror movie. It' a little bit of an action movie and it's a little bit of a revenge movie and it's kind of an art movie. It's a little bit of all these things so it's hard to pigeon hole it. But if I had to give an answer, it's a horror movie because it's just so violent. It's really brutal and probably nobody is going to be able to sit through it other than horror fans.

Sean: Tell me about your interest in exploitation films.

Chris: That's been one of my favorite genres all my life and I guess since the Nickelodeon [Theatre] asked me to curate the Lowbrow Series over there I think I’ve started to study the genre a little bit more, finding why these movies exist. And by and large, it's because the filmmakers had no money at all. And if you don't have any money, you can't afford name actors and you can't afford big set pieces or really good special effects.

So you have to throw in things that are gonna either shock the audience or titilate them in some way, or keep their attention. And more than anything make them talk about the movie after the fact. So basically, you have to throw in a bunch of stuff that is fucked up and crazy.

Seeing how the great exploitation filmmakers have applied that, it sort of led up to me and David [Axe] brainstorming before he wrote the script with all the things that the movie needed to have. And how often you'd have them. Every five minutes there had to be nudity or violence. Or just something really strange and bizarre. You couldn't have more than three pages of dialogue or else you're going to lose the audience.

So, just hammer it. Like one after another. And with the nudity, a familiar exploitation trait, it's always female nudity. It's always tits and ass. We wanted to make it equal opportunity, so there's a lot of dicks in this movie. Which some people really freak out about. It's fine to have boobs, but they lose their shit if there's a dick. Which great, I want those people to lose their shit.

Sean: Talk to me about the soundtrack to The Theta Girl.

Chris: I think the soundtrack is the most professional part of the entire movie. whereas with the visuals, there's a lot of things that demonstrate the naiveté of the filmmakers and the budget we were working with — in terms of poor lighting in places or some of the set pieces. But as far as the music goes, I think the music and sound design goes head to head with almost any Hollywood movie. Especially with Joe Buck Roberts and the songs he wrote. [They] ended up working so well with the main themes of the film that we brought those to the forefront and it actually takes the movie to a different place. It really, I think it puts it on a higher level than most other movies of it's genre and budget.

Sean: Were the songs created specifically for the movie?

Chris: It was just some recording that Joe had done and I'm not sure he had released them. He just put out some burned CDs out in our free box at Papa Jazz. It's like, 'here are some songs I recorded at home' kinda deal. And I got the CD and listened to it and I was blown away by it and realized that a couple of the songs in particular just fit this movie like crazy. And I asked him if I could use them and he said 'yeah.'

He just saw the movie a couple of days ago and I don't even know if I should say, but it looked like he may have teared up a little bit. I think for him the movie took the song to a place that he didn't even intend - because it all worked so well together.

Sean: Tell me about how your experience trying to make a feature film before creating a short.

Chris: I decided I wanted to make a movie and I didn't want to do a short film. I wanted to do a feature because I just thought there was no point in doing a short film. Because a short film might play a few film festivals but nobody really gives a shit about it. You can't really sell it and there is no shelf life. It's not like ten years down the road people are like, 'Man, that short film I saw ten years ago was so cool, I wanna watch that again.' It just doesn't fucking happen.

So I didn't want to do it but I had several filmmaker friends who were like, "Man, if you've never made a movie you have to do a short first because you don't know how to make a movie. It's such a difficult endeavor, you're just going to be in over your head and you're going to fail if you just try to jump right in." But I was like, "No. I wanna make a feature. I don't want to waste my time doing a short." But the more I thought about it and the more persistent my filmmaker friends were about that, once we decided we were going to do a crowdfunding campaign it made sense to do a short, because you can't ask people for money for a crowdfunding campaign if you don't have any work to show. Why would I give money to somebody if they don't know what they are doing?

So, the idea came up to make a fake trailer for a fake movie just to demonstrate that we could make a movie. And we'd be able to use all of the actors that we'd hired and our crew and that allowed us to sort of test them out and make sure that they were capable of doing the work. And that we could work with them on a personal level. The end result was that we made Teenage Caligula. Which did really well online and helped us raise a bunch of money. And more importantly, it gave me the experience to be able to make some mistakes on that - that I didn't make on the feature.

If I hadn't had that experience I would have fucked up a lot more things on the feature than I did. Which, I did fuck up lots of things, but not bad enough to where it derailed the movie. But if I hadn't had that experience, it could have been devastating.

Tickets for the Nov. 3-4 screenings are available at Spotlight Cinemas box office.

Photos: Protests against Richard Spencer - Gainesville, FL

Fri, 20 Oct 2017 19:14:22 GMT

Three Texas men with extremist ties have been charged with attempted homicide after firing at a group of protestors yesterday in Gainesville, Florida. According to the Gainesville Police Department, the men threatened protestors, “offering Nazi salutes and shouting chants about Hitler,” before firing at the group from a silver Jeep after a speaking event with Richard Spencer. The suspects, Tyler Tenbrick, Colton Fears, and William Fears (below -white shirt), are being held at the Alachua County Jail and bond for the shooter, Tenbrick is $3 million.

Here are 27 photos that preceded the incident at the University of Florida.

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Photos: Bizarro World: Columbia, South Carolina - July 5, 2015

Photos: Anti-Trump Rally in Greenville, South Carolina

Wed, 18 Oct 2017 13:47:39 GMT

Dressed as Lady Liberty, black tape sealing her lips, Miranda Anderson stood next to Brent Hutcheson on Monday night in Falls Park in Greenville, SC to rally against President Donald Trump and his appearance at a nearby fundraising event. Anderson, a local resident who works in occupational therapy cites the president’s “disregard for humanity in general,” as the biggest motivating factor for her demonstration.

“If people don't keep standing up for what's right — I feel like people are getting really fatigued by it and I'm concerned where that is leading us,” says Anderson.

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“

I'm not against Republicans,” says Hutcheson, a nursing student from Clemson who dressed in a clown suit with a flashing nose, “I'm just against Donald Trump. I think that there are rational people out there but I don't understand how he has taken over and not in my wildest dreams did I think I would have to be here protesting him as president. So it's just kind of a crazy situation that we find ourselves in right now.”

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Photos: Jam Room Fest with Guided by Voices

Sun, 15 Oct 2017 15:54:34 GMT

You know something’s afoot when a dude walks past you on Main Street in Columbia wearing a Merge Records t-shirt and you don’t recognize him. Couple that with the largest gathering of college radio alumni since college, and it can mean only one thing: Jam Room Fest. Now in it’s sixth installment and created by the iconic recording studio on Rosewood Dr., the annual free music festival yesterday featured Guided by Voices, Elf Power, Hiss Golden Messenger, Valley Maker, Bask, Bombadil, FatRat Da Czar, Hearts on Fire, Numbtongue, The Lovely Few, King Vulture, and Barnwell.

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About the author: Sean Rayford is a South Carolina photojournalist, living in the state capital since 1997.

Photos: Opening Night at the SC State Fair

Thu, 12 Oct 2017 16:16:32 GMT

Cameron’s favorite amusement ride at the SC State Fair is the Musik Express, a Matterhorn/Flying Bob style ride with the added bonus of blasting pop/dance hits. He likes the Haunted Mansion and bumper cars. He is not interested in the doughnut burger because it is too small. Cameron isn't a fan of the ferris wheel, or anything else that leaves the ground.

Turkey legs? Yes.

Ron Diamond’s Hypnosis Magic Show? Hell yes.

Buttered popcorn and Fiske French Fries? Yes.

Beloved by the local music and the service industry communities, Cameron is a member of Columbia’s homeless population and every time I see him he asks me when The Fair is coming back and if we can go. Yesterday and finally, the answer to his favorite question was “today" and "yes."

After more than four hours of fair time and the addition of a small stuffed dolphin, we walked back to the car around 10 p.m. when Cameron pointed over towards Williams Brice and asked, “You ever been to a game in there?”

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Thanks to everyone on social media who helped me find Cameron yesterday, especially Stephen and Mel. And thanks much to Heather for her help. You have until October 22 to visit the fair with your friends.

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South Carolina State Fair Gracefully Kicks off 2014 Season

Photos: Last night with Manchester Orchestra & Tigers Jaw

Sat, 07 Oct 2017 14:44:43 GMT

Atlanta's Manchester Orchestra booked their first out of town gig in Columbia, SC and singer Andy Hull, along with his bandmates, Tigers Jaw (below) and Foxing (not pictured) were greeted early with a packed house last night at the Music Farm. It was the biggest crowd I'd seen at the venue, but I probably need to go to more shows there. Manchester Orchestra plays a sold out show tonight in Atlanta and then will embark on a three week tour of Europe. Tigers Jaw will spend that time on a short trek through South America.

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Photo of the Day: "Brookland" Takes Shape in West Columbia

Fri, 06 Oct 2017 02:05:03 GMT

Construction workers build the $40 million mixed use "Brookland" project in West Columbia on Thursday, October 5, 2017. Apartments, shops, offices and restaurants, including a high end steak house, will fill the once empty dirt lot between State Street and the Congaree River. Photo by Sean Rayford

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Photos: Columbia responds to need in Puerto Rico

Sat, 30 Sep 2017 18:58:06 GMT

“One is running out of food and the other is running out of water,” says Yanira Rivera about family members who are battling conditions in Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria, “My in-laws are running out of birthday cake that they found in the grocery store because that was it. So that's what they are eating.”

Along with dozens of volunteers, Rivera and a team of organizers gathered Saturday at La Isla Bonita to set up a drop off point for food and supplies to be sent to the storm ravaged island. They'll be collecting items until 4 p.m. and several large trucks will leave Columbia tomorrow.

“My husband has had one communication with his mom and with his brother. I've only spoken to my mom twice and it was less than ten seconds. It was basically, "I'm fine.,” says Rivera, “And the second time, ‘I just want you to know I'm good. I'm running out of food. There's no food but I am OK.”

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Yanira Rivera (Above)

Overnight shooting in Columbia's Vista at closing time

Sat, 16 Sep 2017 11:37:05 GMT

After talking with law enforcement outside of The Empire Supper Club on Lady St. in the Vista early Saturday morning, a man walked under crime scene tape and over to the car that had just pulled into the nearby bank parking lot. A woman got out and they embraced as police officers aimed flashlights at yellow a-frame evidence markers around the corner on Park St. near The Art Bar. On the other side of Gervais St., near The Oyster Bar, another crime scene was taped off.

“I was out at Social after 2 [a.m.] at this point because I was djing on the back patio and I heard shots ringing out in quick succession and it sounded like anywhere between 10 and 15," says DJ Siji Ade, who then exchanged looks with club staff, "We were all leaning out the back patio because that was the closest view to the street and the direction the sound came from.”

“There were people running from that street and down back into the parking lot, and a girl tripped and had fallen and no one was really helping her up. But when she got back up she was walking back toward the street and then more pops started to go off and it was another 10-15 shots fired. I went to go help her and pushed her behind cover.” says Ade, "Then people kept saying, 'someone got shot in the face, Oh my God, a woman got shot in the face."

This is a developing story. For more info:

'Multiple victims' injured in shooting in downtown Columbia

Multiple People Shot in Columbia's Vista Overnight

Police: Multiple people wounded in Vista shooting

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Photos: North Florida's fight with Hurricane Irma

Thu, 14 Sep 2017 20:01:13 GMT

Yesterday in Middleburg, Florida, covered in strands of Spanish Moss and various pieces of foliage, I paddled up to the residence of James Wade. Thirty six hours before, floodwaters from the Black Creek occupied the second level of his home. The Black Creek feeds into the St. Johns and two days before, the St. Johns reach all time record marks. There was nowhere for waters in the creek to empty, especially during high tide. The high water mark in Middleburg was about seven feet above the previous records, recorded by a seventy year-old lifelong resident, who used spray paint on a telephone pole at the height of previous storms.

A group of men were throwing Wade’s water logged belongings onto a dock tied up in the back yard. No one was sure where the dock came from, but since the home was surrounded by water it was the only place to put items destroyed by Hurricane Irma’s flooding. They had tied it up to the house and underneath, there was an jon boat powered by a rope tied to the new shoreline and a few kayaks.

At one point, one of Wade’s neighbors walked by asking about a book of baseball cards while another neighbor ripped out crumbling pieces of drywall. Powdery smoke attempted to fill the room. Outside, there was little to no visual indications where the back yard ended and the creek began.

Irma's Aftermath : 47 photos from northeast Florida days after landfall of Hurricane Irma

Photos by Sean Rayford for Getty Images September 12-13 in Vilano Beach, Hastings, Middleburg and surround areas in Florida.

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Surfing Santas take over Cocoa Beach, FL

Photos: Irma causes record flooding in Jacksonville, FL

Tue, 12 Sep 2017 14:08:56 GMT

Yesterday, after weathering Hurricane Irma in Daytona Beach, FL, I started driving towards the Tampa Bay area to see the the storm's effects closer to where it made landfall. Fifteen minutes later I changed my mind after learning of the severity of the record setting flooding in downtown Jacksonville along the St. Johns River. Fifteen minutes later and I get a call from one of my editors at Getty Images inquiring whether I was still in Florida. I was.

View 29 photos of severe flooding in Jacksonville, FL

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Photos: Blow-up doll "Judy" welcomes Hurricane Irma to Daytona Beach

Mon, 11 Sep 2017 14:29:26 GMT

Just before curfew was enacted due to Hurricane Irma yesterday in Daytona Beach, a blow-up doll named Judy, attached to dozens of balloons, came barreling down the beach in the 40 mph winds. Rebecca Didion and a friend were trying to tie down the contraption on a pole but they lost grip. I had flashbacks of playing second base in Babe Ruth League baseball as a kid. “You got this,” I said to myself as it picked up speed over a 50 year span. I couldn’t believe it was coming right at me, except for the two steps I took to the right. I put my arms and legs out like and X and hoped for the best.

Game winning catch., Roberto Alomar.

I saved Judy.

"The hurricane stuff is so serious all the time, but it's not dangerous right here at this moment right now,” says Rebecca Didion, “It's just a little windy and rainy like a tropical storm. And so, lighten the mood a little bit. You stress out for a whole week because you don't know if it's going to hit you at a four or whether it's going to hit you at a one.”

After 45 minutes attempting to get Judy up in the air like a kite, they lost control again, but this time second baseman was a palm tree.

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Photos: Hurricane Irma and Doyle at the Daytona Beach Pier

Mon, 11 Sep 2017 00:35:29 GMT

As Hurricane Irma migrated north, throwing bands of wind and rain across the sunshine state on Sunday, I encountered a local named Doyle at the pier in Daytona Beach. "I can't tell you my last name because my last name is a first name. People hyphenate it and get it mixed up," explained Doyle, "So, I only go by Doyle. It's not because I don't want you to know who I am."

Last year he spent Hurricane Matthew walking in the woods by Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, where they teach kids to fly no better than he can. I believe him when he tells me the walking part, as opposed to the flying part. When I ask him where he'll go tonight he responded, "North, South, East... West..." he says, "That way no one know which way I'm headed."

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"You know what that tells me?" said Doyle pointing at the waves crashing into the pier, "That tells me that every single human being cannot ever tell me what to do. THAT'S WHY I LOOOOVE THAT!!! There is nobody in control. This planet is in control."

Photos: Hurricane Irma approaches Daytona Beach

Sun, 10 Sep 2017 14:15:50 GMT

My folks have been living in Flagler County, Florida off and on for twenty years now. I spent a couple summers during college break living 30 minutes north of Daytona Beach and their place was a great jump off for two spring breaks at the turn of the century. Club Razzles appears to still be operational but the Desert Inn is long gone. That reminds me, I’ve still got eight rolls of undeveloped film from one of those weeks.

Either way, I’m back at one of the world’s most famous beaches to take in Hurricane Irma. Photos made yesterday in between Marineland and Daytona, where I’ll be staying tonight.

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Photos: DACA Prayer Vigil - Columbia, SC

Wed, 06 Sep 2017 15:17:21 GMT

"God of love and justice, you are the god of all peoples of every nation and yet no nation. For you do not recognize our ways of marking and partitioning, ours and theirs, yours and mine, your mercy knows no boundaries,” said Rev. Tom Wall yesterday evening on the steps of the South Carolina Statehouse during a prayer vigil for those affected by the ending of the DACA immigration policy, “Your rule of law, oh god, is that of compassion and justice written on the human heart. We whose families were all at one time aliens and immigrants in this land lift up these petitions to you. We pray for all dreamers who live in fear of losing their dream. We lift up those so intimately affected by the ending of the DACA program and to live with the possibility of separation from the families that love them and from the country that they have grown to love. We lift up the president and congress who have the power to transform a desert of hostility into a garden of hospitality.”

“We especially pray for wisdom and compassion for our South Carolina congressional delegation. That they would do what is morally right and not politically expedient. So we remember senators Lindsey Graham and Tim Scott and representatives Mark Sanford, Joe Wilson, Jeff Duncan, Trey Gowdy, Ralph Norman, Jim Clyburn and Tom Rice. Give us all hope in this time of uncertainty. May we who stand in the sun this afternoon be willing to stand in the shadows with those who hide in fear. And when discouragement haunts and our energy wains, keep our feet moving toward that promised land of liberty and justice for all. Amen.”

“DACA is not perfect but it was something. It's better than nothing and so today we are supporting the dream act which is a lot better than DACA and we are supporting those who have DACA and telling them that we also believe in their dreams,” explained Ana Garcia of the South Carolina Appleseed Legal Justice Center, an organizing partner for Tuesday’s event.

“I personally became called to immigration issues when I started learning about where my food comes from because I started learning about farm workers and many farm workers are immigrants and learning the need for immigration reform directly affects our agricultural system,” said Appleseed Immigration Policy Community Organizer Christine Burke, "I care so deeply about DACA because it's people who are my age. I'm 26 and DACA recipients are 15-30 and they are young adults and all they want to do is contribute to the community that they love and care for their families. And care for their friends. And they are my friends and they deserve to stay here.”

Photos: March for Science in Columbia, SC

Protestors, pirates, politicians, giant weiner highlight Chapin parade

Mon, 04 Sep 2017 20:29:55 GMT

Chapin Labor Day Parade Julie Edwards shouts into a megaphone during the Chapin Labor Day Parade Monday, Sept. 4, 2017 in Chapin, SC. - Photo by Columbia SC photographer Sean Rayford

As republican senator Lindsey Graham rolled by a group of demonstrators from the back seat of a white convertible in Chapin on Monday morning, they shouted at him, but not like protestors have done earlier this year at one of his raucous town hall meetings. It was a different this time.

“LINDSEY!!! LINDSEY!!! LINDSEY!!!” they cheered, “THANK YOU!!! THANK YOU!!!”

“Most of the time I disagree with Lindsey. I've been to his town halls. I've been up in my chair shouting at him,” explained Julie Edwards (above left), a co-chair at Indivisible Midlands, “So when he saw the indivisible shirt I'm sure he thought that he was going to get a wave of backlash but really we were here to say thank you for taking such a brave stand that a lot of republicans aren't making yet.”

“Us and a couple of immigration rights groups organized people coming out here to support DACA youth and to tell [SC Attorney Genral] Alan Wilson that the lawsuit that he is threatening, that it's basically forcing the president's hand to make this announcement tomorrow. We want him to drop it. He is using South Carolina attorney general resources on a lawsuit that will tear people away from the country that they've known since they were children. And take them to a country that they've never been apart of," explained Edwards.

“I think [Sen. Graham] was shocked to see us there,” says Emily Sutton (below), a refugee and immigrant coordinator in Rock Hill for the SC Conference of the United Methodist Church, “But more than anything I think he was grateful for our support of the dream act, something that he has been working on. I was working with him in 2010. And this has been a twenty year process for me. At one point he stuck a thumbs up at me and I thumbs upped back at him and it was like we are on the same page -- we're gonna get this done.”

Chapin Labor Day Parade Emily Sutton, refugee and immigrant coordinator for the SC Conference of the United Methodist Church hold a sign during the Chapin Labor Day Parade September 4, 2017 in Chapin, SC. - Photo by Columbia SC photographer Sean Rayford Chapin Labor Day Parade DACA protest Photos 126553-3U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) gives a thumbs up during the Chapin Labor Day Parade Monday, Sept. 4, 2017 in Chapin, SC. - Photo by Columbia SC photographer Sean Rayford

SC State Rep. James "Smith running for SC governor? Chapin parade appearance stokes speculation" (above)

Chapin Labor Day Parade DACA protest Photos 127230Chapin Labor Day Parade DACA protestPhotos - Photo by Columbia SC photographer Sean Rayford blog-angry-whale-sc-0557sid nancy Chapin Labor Day Parade DACA protest Photos 126396South Carolina Attorney General ALan Wilson shares five during the Chapin Labor Day Parade Monday, Sept. 4, 2017 in Chapin, SC. - Photo by Columbia SC photographer Sean Rayford