Concert Review: Carolina Concert Connections – The 502’s
Written by Amy Garvey
The car was all gassed up, and snacks and water bottles were packed. I had the tickets, my immunization card, and my driver license. I even had my clothes picked out. There was just one problem.
The friend I’d invited to go to the concert had an emergency and wasn’t going to be able to make it – yikes! There was no way I was letting this ticket go to waste. I’d seen this band last year at the Radio Room in Greenville, SC, and I knew it was going to be an incredible show.
My niece Rayney immediately came to mind. As a member of her high school band and one of the most fun gals I know, I knew she would get a kick out of this concert. So, I called her mom, arrangements were made, and we were set.
I knew I wanted to write about the experience, so I got in touch with the band manager Grant Gravitt to see if the guys in the band would mind answering a few questions by email. But he upped the ante and invited us to the “meet and greet” before the show – talk about being blown away!
Photo Credit: Amy Garvey
So, with a little finagling, we made arrangements to leave earlier, and off we went to The Grey Eagle in Asheville, NC to see The 502s!
The trip up I-26 from Spartanburg was remarkably uneventful with only a tiny traffic jam as we got close to town. With construction a constant on this highway, it was a miracle we made it on time.
We found The Grey Eagle easily enough and were immediately impressed. Parking was a breeze, and we received a warm welcome upon arrival. We were given access lanyards and bought t-shirts for the band members to sign as we entered this classic venue.
A moderately-sized space with a max capacity of 550, The Grey Eagle is the perfect locale for an up-and-coming band. It is large enough to provide a party atmosphere, but small enough to retain that intimate feel. I spoke with Nick Marshall, a long-time employee. He told me that this location has been open for 19 years as an all-age friendly music room and Latin eatery with a spacious outdoor patio.
Before the show we got to meet and chat with the band, take pictures, and we were allowed to hang around for the sound check. These self-proclaimed “Undeniable Rays of Florida Sunshine” enjoy writing their music, then bringing it to life for audiences.
Ed Isola, the banjoist and lead vocalist had just flown in from a wedding and remarked that, “It’s always nice to be back in the Carolinas.” I was also able to catch a quick word with keyboardist, guitarist, and harmony vocalist Matthew Tonner who noted that, “The music scene here is in the water – everywhere you go, you can find great music. We’ve been coming here since 2017, and it’s one of our favorite places.”
“The friendships that have resulted directly because of our music are truly life changing,” says Guitarist and Vocalist Jake Isola. Rounding out the sound are drummist Sean Froehlich, horn (and anything) player Joe Capati, and bassist Nicholas Dallas. And as a listener, I can absolutely say that their music is life changing, too.
No surprise, the opening acts were as much fun as the headliners. Samuel Herb, a Jacksonville, FL native now hailing from Nashville, has an acoustic vibe created with a guitar, a ukulele, and killer vocals. Not only that, he also plants a tree (over 800 so far) for every piece of merchandise bought at his shows. It warmed this self-proclaimed hippie-chick’s heart, to say the least.
Photo Credit: Amy Garvey
Happy Landing, the second act to the stage, was equally as vibrant. Coming to us all the way from Oxford, MS, they packed a punch with creative costumes and a spirited, contagious energy. With songs like “State Line” and “Eloise,” they fired up the crowd with raucous rock and an unbeatable style.
Then came the 502s! Their unique, wholesome, joyous sound combines with the energy they bring to create an experience like no other. They dance, bounce, sing, and play like they’re on fire, and the crowd can’t help but join in.
What started out as some cousins sitting around and playing favorites by the Avett Brothers and Lumineers on Sundays quickly evolved as friends who told friends, and the band grew and transformed into their distinctive sound that’s celebrated today. In their free time, the guys like working out, rock-climbing, Foot-Golf, and even a Tough Mudder (perhaps) later this year.
They love the feedback from the crowd, allowing the excitement to translate into their playing and stage presence. And what a presence it is! The 502’s leave 100% on stage, and I, for one, look forward to years of musical magic to come! A cross between folk, rock, and pop, this group just flat-out knocks your socks off!
Photo Credit: Wolfe Elliot