Things to do this weekend: SC Peach Festival, Frida Kahlo exhibit, Blues at Peace Center

This weekend in the Upstate is shaping up to be hot. According to the National Weather Service, temperatures are expected to reach the high 90s.

Are you looking for something fun to do this weekend in the Upstate? There are many events, such as live performances, comedy shows, run/walk events, and community gatherings.

Blues at Peace Center

Grammy-nominated guitarist Tab Benoit and award-winning musician Anders Osborne are taking over the Peace Pavilion stage with special guest Mike Zito at 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 12.

Lawn seats are $45, and Genevieve's tickets are $70. The venue is at the SW corner of Broad and Main Streets in downtown Greenville.  Call 864-467-3030 for more information.

Frida Kahlo exhibit in Greenville

The Upcountry History Museum, a Smithsonian Affiliate, is presenting the traveling retrospective, "Frida Kahlo: Through the Lens of Nickolas Muray," an intimate look at the artist herself as seen through the photographic lens of her long-time friend, Nickolas Muray.

In May 1931, photographer Muray (1892-1965) traveled to Mexico on vacation, where he met Frida Kahlo (1907-1954). The two started a romance that continued on and off for the next 10 years and a friendship that lasted until she died in 1954. Approximately 50 photographic portraits taken by Muray are featured in this exhibition. The photographs, dating from 1937 to 1946, explore Muray’s unique perspective and bring to light Kahlo's deep interest in her Mexican heritage, her life and the people significant to her with whom she shared a close friendship.

The exhibit will be on display through Sunday, Oct. 13. This traveling exhibition, organized through the Nickolas Muray Archives, is circulated by GuestCurator Traveling Exhibitions in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

The Upcountry History Museum is located at 540 Buncombe St., in Greenville. Its hours of operation are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. For more information, call 864-467-3100 or visit www.upcountryhistory.org.

Frida with Olmeca Figurine, Coyoacán, 1939.
Frida with Olmeca Figurine, Coyoacán, 1939.

South Carolina Peach Festival

The South Carolina Peach Festival in Gaffney has plenty of weekend events. Go to www.southcarolinapeachfest.com for more information.

Thursday, July 11

Downtown Events

  • 6 p.m. -- Food trucks, shopping, inflatables

  • Location: Capri, 302 N. Limestone St., Gaffney

  • 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. -- Comedian Julie Scoggins

  • 7 p.m. -- Peachy Bar Tour

Friday, July 12

Dirt Track Race at Cherokee Speedway, 153 Speedway Road

  • Time: 7 p.m. - 11 p.m.

  • Tickets can be purchased at Cherokee Speedway.

Saturday, July 13

Fishing & Concert at Lake Whelchel

  • 6 a.m. - 3 p.m. -- Fishing Tournament

  • Time: First act starting at 6 p.m.

  • National Anthem -- Logen Belmont

  • 6 p.m. – 6:45 p.m. -- Mason Cole

  • 7 p.m. – 7:45 p.m.  -- Wally Pride

  • 8 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. -- Craig Henry Band

  • 9 p.m. – 10 p.m. -- Chris Cagle

Greenville's Main Street Fridays

This weekend in Greenville, consider starting your weekend on Friday, July 12, with a Greenville Heritage Main Street Fridays at NOMA Square from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., with bands playing at 5:50 p.m. and 7:40 p.m.

Enjoy listening and dancing to local artists from around the Upstate.

'Kinky Boots' at Chapman Cultural Center

The Spartanburg Little Theatre will be presenting "Kinky Boots" at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday at the Chapman Cultural Center in Spartanburg.

Featuring a Tony-winning score by Cyndi Lauper and inspired by a true story, "Kinky Boots" follows Charlie Price, who has reluctantly inherited his father’s shoe factory, which is on the verge of bankruptcy. Trying to live up to his father’s legacy and save his family business, Charlie finds inspiration in Lola, a drag entertainer who needs some sturdy stilettos.

Go to chapmanculturalcenter.org for more information.

Shuler King at the Comedy Zone

The fun doesn't stop there. Consider ending your night with a comedy show at the Comedy Zone at 221 N. Main Street, featuring the hilarious comedian Shuler King.

He will also perform on Saturday, July 13, and Sunday, July 14, at 6 p.m.

King is an accomplished stand-up performer who adapted during the pandemic and started broadcasting his thoughts from his car instead of a comedy club stage.

Comedy Zone. (JOSH MORGAN/GREENVILLE NEWS FILE PHOTO)
Comedy Zone. (JOSH MORGAN/GREENVILLE NEWS FILE PHOTO)

He quickly resonated with audiences and amassed a following of over 2 million fans across platforms.

King now tours nationwide to sold-out audiences and is one of the most energetic rising comedians in the business.

Miles with the Mayor

If you're up for some physical activity, consider attending the Spartanburg Miles with the Mayor event at 50 Dewey Ave on Saturday, July 13 at 8 a.m. at Spartanburg Area Mental Health, 250 Dewey Ave.

The event features a Community Cares Mental Health Awareness Fair from 9 a.m. to noon, during which participants can learn about various mental health resources.

The Spartanburg Miles with the Mayor Event is a community fitness event that promotes physical activity and brings people together.

Spartanburg City Council members including the city's new Mayor Jerome Rice at the C.C. Woodson Recreation Center on Jan. 10, 2022. Here, Jerome Rice is sworn in as mayor.
Spartanburg City Council members including the city's new Mayor Jerome Rice at the C.C. Woodson Recreation Center on Jan. 10, 2022. Here, Jerome Rice is sworn in as mayor.

Participants can run or walk a designated course alongside Mayor Jerome Rice and other community members.

This event is a great way to stay active, meet new people, and support the local community.

Community Impact Free Makeover Day

School starts for Spartanburg students on Monday, August 12. Back-to-school shopping can be pretty expensive.

If you or your children need a haircut, braids, or a massage to relieve stress, consider attending the Kenny Mitchell Community Impact Free Makeover Day on Sunday, July 14, from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The event will be held at the Dr. T.K. Gregg Community Center at 650 Howard St., in Spartanburg.

There will also be free food, giveaways, and much more.

Legends Concert Series in Anderson

Music goers rejoice. The Legends Concert Series starts at the Anderson Sports and Entertainment Center, 3027 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, from July 12 to Oct. 11.

The series will showcase multiple tribute bands, with each set performed by a different band.

Food and beverage vendors, booths, sponsorships, and group sales will be available on-site.

Legends of Music Concert Series. To Honor Our Legends of First Responders, Law Enforcement, Military, and Veterans.
Legends of Music Concert Series. To Honor Our Legends of First Responders, Law Enforcement, Military, and Veterans.

"We hold six concerts per season spanning six months, attracting over 18,000 plus fans per season," concert promoter Michael Randall said. "Each show offers a night of enjoyable family entertainment and is filled with patriotism."

"We love good music with good friends," said County Administrator Rusty Burns. "It will be great to look forward to going to a concert on the second Friday of each month, July through October, in our beautiful amphitheater.”

Click here to learn more information about the event.

Legends Concert Series tickets are currently available for purchase. First responders, law enforcement, military, and veterans (active or retired) are eligible to receive a complimentary concert ticket of their choice by emailing [email protected] with their valid ID or status.

General Admission is $40; bring your chairs. Platinum Seating is $75, chairs are included. VIP seating is $125 and includes your chair, drink and a food coupon, VIP Parking, and access to the VIP Tent.

Season packages are available at www.andersonevents.com.

July 12 – Three tribute bands: Styx - Pat Benatar - Journey

Aug. 9 – Three tribute bands: Fleetwood Mac - The Cars - Tom Petty 

Sept. 13 – Two tribute bands: Elton John - Billy Joel

Oct. 11 – Two tribute bands: Chicago - Eagles

Click for more information about the event.

Music at Magnetic South Brewery

If you prefer to attend a music event indoors, consider visiting Magnetic South Brewery, 516 N. Main St., Anderson, on Friday night from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. to check out local band Secondhand News.

Magnetic South Brewery
Magnetic South Brewery

Magnetic South Brewery specializes in crafting flavorful, handcrafted beers and American food.

Travis Rose covers Anderson County for the Independent Mail. Reach him via email at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Anderson Independent Mail: Peach Festival, Frida Kahlo exhibit, blues concert top weekend events