Copyright Charleston Post and Courier
GREENVILLE — The Mockingbird will host its first concert in early 2026, kicking off a yearlong series of intimate, monthly concerts curated by a longtime Nashville singer-songwriter. The 180-seat venue will open Jan. 17, marking a major step in the expansion of the Peace Center, the sprawling entertainment and arts complex in the heart of downtown. Other projects include a second venue called the Coach Music Factory and site improvements. The Mockingbird is designed to provide an immersive experience that brings artists and audiences together. “The Peace Center is proud to open The Mockingbird as a space that celebrates musical artistry and human connection,” Peace Center CEO Megan Riegel said in the announcement. “It’s a place where the song takes center stage, and audiences can experience live music the way it’s meant to be heard — up close and personal.” Tickets for Song Sessions, the monthly performance series, go on sale Nov. 7 at 10 a.m. Eastern Time. They’re curated and hosted by longtime Nashville singer-songwriter Maia Sharp, who has written songs performed by a slew of artists, including Bonnie Raitt, The Chicks, Cher and Art Garfunkel. Song Sessions initial lineup: Jan. 17, 2026 Maia Sharp with Georgia Middleman & Gary Burr Feb. 20-21, 2026 Maia Sharp with David Ryan Harris & Adam Wright March 20-21, 2026 Maia Sharp with Emma-Lee & Tera Lynne Sharp will join each of the fellow artists for performances and stories about the musician’s life. “There’s something powerful about a small room built for listening,” Sharp said in the announcement. “It lets the emotion, the stories, and the songs breathe. The Mockingbird will be that kind of place, and I can’t wait to share these weekends with the people of Greenville and the entire region.” Although its name is designed to pay homage to Nashville’s iconic Bluebird Café, the Mockingbird is still “destined to become a marquee Greenville experience,” the announcement said. Song Sessions will continue one weekend each month through December 2026. Audiences will hear the performances Friday and Saturday evenings, while aspiring musicians can attend songwriting workshops with Sharp and the featured musicians on Saturday afternoons. Each workshop is $50 and only has 12 spots.
