Awake at Last to perform at Klocker’s Tavern in Myrtle Beach

When Jason Klocker opened Klocker’s Tavern in Myrtle Beach two-and-a-half years ago, he did so with live music in mind. A musician himself, Klocker, who is always pictured in his trademarked spectacles, built a large, permanent stage, installed a P.A., and does his best to promote live, local and touring indie artists. He says he works every day to strike a balance between his personal mission to support his music-making brethren, and keep his bar afloat.

Local bands such as Driven Astray, Sweet Sweet, Bullfrog, The New High, Chainsaw Annie, Matt Parker and the Deacons, Oceans Orange, and countless others are all recent (and regular) performers on the Klocker’s Stage. Voices at Midnight, another local act, will share the bill Saturday, March 5, with Delaware-based rock band Awake At Last. We caught up with touring Awake At Last who will bring their polished rock sound to the intimate venue.

“We use minor keys and heavy elements in our music, but the message is always positive,” says Awake At Last lead vocalist Vincent Torres. The band formed five years ago and tours the east coast regularly. Compared to bands such as My Chemical Romance, the post-modern act tours in support of three EPs, all available on iTunes, GooglePlay and other digital download sites.

“King of the World,” is our most recent project,” said Torres, “but in April we’ll be back in the studio to work on a new one.” With members between 20 and 28 they follow the dreams of many young acts. They hope to “sign to a decent label and quit their crappy day jobs,” said Torres, and “we’re making progress.”

Klocker’s is currently hosting some form of live music five-plus nights per week. Klocker credits a “bit of luck” and the “bad ass service industry” types who frequent his bar at their end of their shifts for the venue’s success. One event in particular has “caught on like wildfire,” says Klocker and he credits longtime local rocker Eric Ness (Power Born Rebellion) with making it happen.

Ness hosts the Myrtle Beach Story Tellers’ Night the third Thursday of every month where singer/songwriter performers tell their stories and present their music in a program unashamedly modeled after the VH-1 television program of the same name.

“They light candles, and really work to recreate the vibe,” says Klocker, and, “Eric is a great emcee. They’ve really built a crowd.”

Additionally Jimmy Mowery’s The New High performs at the club every Tuesday, and Klocker admits the power-pop music of the new band is catchy. “After four weeks now, I find myself singing along to their songs,” he said, “and that means they’ve got good material.”

You’re likely to find bands performing each Monday – Wednesday evening, with added special events rounding out the calendar. Klocker’s Tavern is located at 4807 U.S. 17 Bypass just south of the Market Common in Myrtle Beach.

This story was originally published March 2, 2016 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Awake at Last to perform at Klocker’s Tavern in Myrtle Beach."