For five hours, from 9 p.m. until 2 a.m., four bands will perform on stage in the museum’s Congaree Room: Billy Scott and the Party Prophets, The Sensational Epics with special guest Clifford Curry, the Flashbacks and Ceasar and the Sugarbees. The concert also will feature guest performers such as Larissa Holliday, Clay Brown, William Taylor, and other surprise guests. The concert ends with an all star finale.

The concert is part of the State Museum’s 20-hour Birthday Bash, a marathon day of free programs and fun for the public beginning at 9 a.m. Aug. 16 and continuing to 5 a.m. the following morning. "Music, birthday cake, games, demonstrations, movies and stargazing are just some of the activities in store for the community as we celebrate our 20th anniversary," said Tut Underwood, the museum’s director of public information and marketing.

At a special point in the beach music concert, Harry Turner, president of Beach Music Association International, and local TV personality Joe Pinner will present a remembrance in memory of the life of Bill Pinkney. Pinkney is remembered as the legendary hit singing star of the Original Drifters whose phenomenal career spanned 54 years. Performance attire worn by Pinkney and singer James Brown will be on display. Ceasar will perform a live James Brown tribute. Guest performers will join together in a rendition of Bill Pinkney’s signature song recorded with Drifters, "White Christmas," which was featured in the 1990 film hit, "Home Alone."

A South Carolina native son, Pinkney was born Aug. 15, 1925 in Dalzell, S. C. In 1953 he joined Clyde McPhatter along with Gerhardt and Andrew Thrasher to form The Drifters and soon signed with the Atlantic Recording Company. Later, Pinkney split from the group and started the Original Drifters, which garnered fans and popularity, especially with the "beach music" scene, throughout the southeastern United States. Known for his natural bass-baritone sound, Pinkney is prominent on such early Drifters’ recordings as "Honey Love," "Ruby Baby," and "Money Honey."

Pinkney’s music industry awards include induction in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the United Group Harmony Association, Vocal Group Hall of Fame and the Beach Music Hall of Fame. South Carolina twice awarded him the Order of the Palmetto, its highest civilian honor. He was a World War II veteran who fought in the Battle of the Bulge and was the recipient of five bronze stars. Pinkney died on July 4, 2007.

Sponsors of the beach music concert include: Defender Services, SCANA, Progress Energy, Blue Ridge Electric Co-Op, Horry County Electric Co-Op, BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, Duke Energy, Willis Blume Agency, Café Rendezvous (Greenville, SC), Newberry Opera House, Hayes Jewelers (Lexington, NC) and Silver Coast Winery (Ocean Isle, NC).

The following BMAI Awards will be presented that night:

HILDA CARTER AWARD