News Summary
The Beach Blast event in Aiken on May 9, 2025, was a vibrant celebration featuring the Swingin’ Medallions. With lively performances and a dance competition, attendees enjoyed a community-oriented atmosphere. The event highlighted local culture and brought residents together, featuring a great turnout and participation from various community members. The success of this year’s festival set the stage for the upcoming Aiken Standard Beach Music Festival on May 17, 2025, promising more fun and engagement.
Aiken
The annual Beach Blast event took place on May 9, 2025, drawing a vibrant crowd to the festival area on Newberry Street in Aiken. This lively community celebration featured a performance by the well-known party band, the Swingin’ Medallions, who entertained attendees with a selection of classic hits.
Themed songs such as “Love Train,” “Y.M.C.A.,” “Mustang Sally,” and their biggest hit, “Double Shot (Of My Baby’s Love),” filled the air, creating an inviting atmosphere that encouraged revelry. The audience showed their enthusiasm during the performances, with several attendees taking to the dance area to showcase their skills.
Among the participants, Francis and Cyndi Nance graced the dance floor with their rendition of “Be Young, Be Foolish, Be Happy,” while Laura Breckenridge delighted onlookers by dancing with her 10-month-old grandson, Lenny Breckenridge, to a lively version of “Y.M.C.A.” Additionally, Eliel and Jean Villa-Alleman were seen enjoying themselves, further highlighting the sense of community at the event.
Musical elements were complemented by a dance competition, where participants vied for top honors. Vicky Van Frank secured first place, followed by Henry Dowd in second and Eliel and Jean Villa-Aleman in third. The presence of the Swingin’ Medallions’ members, including original band members Joe Morris and Jimmy Perkins, added to the nostalgic feel of the evening.
The mild weather contributed to the event’s success, as noted by Richard Loper, a member of the band. Local beverage vendor Cory Keich reported a great turnout, affirming the community’s enthusiasm for the festivities. Many attendees, including Bob Brueggeman, shared fond memories of previous performances by the Swingin’ Medallions, reinforcing the band’s status as a beloved local staple.
Known for their thematic performances celebrating local agricultural products such as Vidalia onions and peaches, the Swingin’ Medallions have future shows lined up at various festivals, including a poultry festival. Their accommodations for this trip were arranged at The Inn at Houndslake, ensuring the band was well-rested for their performances.
The Beach Blast event aims to foster community engagement through music and dance, creating an environment where people can come together to celebrate local culture. This year’s festivities exemplify the spirit of Aiken’s community, promoting not just entertainment but also social interaction among residents and visitors alike.
Looking ahead, the Aiken Standard Beach Music Festival is scheduled for May 17, 2025, featuring the Swingin’ Medallions once again. The upcoming festival will include food vendors and a Shag Dance contest with cash prizes. Tickets for the event are affordable, priced at $10 in advance or $20 at the gate, with complimentary admission for children aged 12 and under.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Community Events Unfolding in North Augusta and Augusta
Aiken Community Events Set for May 5, 2025
Aiken Prepares for the Beach Music Festival
Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Beach Blast Aiken
- Wikipedia: Aiken, South Carolina
- Aiken Standard: Aiken Beach Music Festival
- Google Search: Aiken Beach Music Festival
- Post and Courier: Aiken Standard Beach Music Blast 2024
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Aiken
- Post and Courier: Upcoming Events in Aiken
- Google News: Aiken events
