ColaJazz to co-host 90th birthday show for blues artist Drink Small

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The ColaJazz Foundation is co-hosting “A Shot of Blues, Drink Small: 90 Proof” to celebrate blues guitarist Drink Small’s 90^th birthday at the Koger Center for the Arts at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 26.

The celebration concert features on-stage seating and will be filmed and recorded for South Carolina ETV and S.C. Public Radio. Tickets can be purchased online.

The concert will include performances by Brittany Turnipseed, Randy Lucas Trio, the S.C. State University Choir and Drink Small.

Known as “The Blues Doctor,” Drink Small was born in Bishopville, where his family sharecropped. At seven, he taught himself to play guitar on his uncle’s one string. Beginning as a gospel performer, he first recorded with The Spiritulaires on Vee Jay Records in 1956. Small later toured with The Staples Singers and Sam Cooke. He turned his focus to blues in 1959 and became famous for his extremely low bass voice, Piedmont-style guitar and stage banter known as “Drink-isms.” Small was named a National Endowment for the Arts Heritage Fellow in 2015.

“This event is immensely special for ColaJazz, our city and for the entire music community,” said Shelley Magee, chairwoman of the Colajazz Board. “It is an honor to help celebrate Drink Small’s incredible journey and musical legacy. He is a true legend and treasure to us all.”

The event is also hosted by the Koger Center, SCETV and S.C. Public Radio.