Classical music gets dressed-down and intimate at the second Chamber Crawl series from the S.C. Philharmonic. 

The series finds the orchestra that typically performs at the Koger Center for the Arts in downtown Columbia putting on smaller, more relaxed concerts at bars, breweries and coffee shops, hoping to open its programming up to people who might not find its typical concerts accessible.

The Philharmonic kicks off the second year of the series where it did the first time, at Craft and Draft Irmo.

The event “takes classical music to the communities,” said Philharmonic Marketing Director Chad Henderson. 

It’s common for people to think of classical music as something for the “buttoned up and elite,” Henderson said, but, “we feel music is for everyone. Have a beer or wine and engage with the musicians.”

At the intimate event, there is a limit of 100 people. Attire is completely casual and comfortable.

“Blue jeans are welcomed here,” Henderson said.

While last year’s event at Craft and Draft featured a string quartet, this year features a brass quintet. In addition to the brass players, there will be a guest performance by a percussionist, Matt Jones. People can also expect to see Ron Davis, principal on tuba, and Charlie Polk on trumpet. 

The musicians will perform a range of compositions from typical classical pieces to contemporary music, a variety that is meant to keep everyone engaged, Henderson said.

In between playing, the musicians will take time to interact with the audience.

The Chamber Crawl series has made its way to Lexington County frequently since kicking off last year, with concerts also having been held at Loveland Coffee in Irmo and Hazelwood Brewing Company in Lexington.

Already announced for 2023 is the Chamber Crawl 5K, a first-ever run/walk from the Philharmonic that will begin the afternoon of May 4 with the exercise portion and then conclude in the afternoon with another casual chamber concert from some of the orchestra’s musicians. And since the event was postponed from the fall to May the Fourth (Be With You), frequently an occasion for Star Wars fans to celebrate the sci-fi franchise, the Philharmonic is promising that fun inspired by the galaxy far, far away will be part of the festivities.