The West Columbia Riverwalk Amphitheater was overflowing into the parking lot Friday night. Tokyo Joe was filling the air with music as the Rhythm on the River free concert series drew its largest crowd ever.

“I’ve been to all the shows for the 15 years we’ve been having them,” said Steve Cohen, Board president of the Greater Cayce-West Columbia Chamber of Commerce. “This is most people we’ve had here, ever.”

Richard Skipper, the Chamber’s executive director said Tokyo Joe is a popular band with a large following, and that helped pack in the fans. “And it was a beautiful night on the river. Moving the shows to Friday from Sunday afternoon was a factor, too.”

An estimate of the crowd size was 1,000 or more.

Artist Trahern Cook painted the band during the concert. Bill and Stevie Strange bought that painting at auction at the end of the show. The proceeds benefit the West Columbia Beautification Foundation.

The free Rhythm on the River Fall Series is presented by House of Raeford and the City of West Columbia. Chuck Underhill of House of Raeford was with his wife Amanda, and part of the large attendence, Friday. There are two more concerts in the fall series. They are from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The band next Friday is Gaslight Street and the Food Truck is Carolina Cookin’. Oct 19, Ashes of Old Ways and Emma Kate McLain are playing. The Food Truck is Karen’s Mobile Kitchen.
Shuttle service is provided by the City of West Columbia Hospitality Funds.

The Shuttle locations are: Capital Square Shopping Center on Sunset Boulevard and the parking lot at 435 Meeting Street (behind Terra Restaurant.)
There is also public parking available at Moffatt Street Riverwalk Entrance (no trolley pick-up, bike and pedestrian access only. )