Our night out at The Mockingbird
January 20, 2026
By Alan Cooper
Publisher
UpstateBizSC
Last Friday night, we spent the evening at the opening of The Mockingbird, Greenville’s newest music venue. Thanks for the invite, Kara Dullea! We were treated to incredible performances by Maia Sharp and her guests, Georgia Middleman and Gary Burr. The level of musicianship and songwriting was exceptional. Great playing. Incredible harmonies. Top notch songwriting! These are artists whose work has been recorded by legends like Trisha Yearwood, Reba McEntire and Keith Urban, and hearing them share stories – about writing alongside Carole King at a songwriters retreat in France—made the night even more memorable. A couple of my favorites from the evening were Maia Sharp’s, Is That What Love Does and The Wall or the Way Over. The latter was introduced as a song about deciding whether we want to help and encourage young artists [people] through our words and actions, or discourage them.
The venue itself is ideal. Overlooking the Reedy River, The Mockingbird has great sound, an intimate feel, and a relaxed but refined vibe that truly serves the music. Located at 330 S. Main Street as part of the Peace Center campus, this 180-seat listening room is a perfect addition to downtown Greenville.
