October 7, 2026 – 6-7:30pm

In Conversation with Jim “Soni” Sonefeld: The 2026 Townsend-Neuffer Lecture

2026 Townsend-Neuffer Lecture

The McCausland College of Arts and Sciences at the University of South Carolina is pleased to welcome Jim “Soni” Sonefeld, author, songwriter and drummer of Hootie and Blowfish as the featured speaker for the 2026 Townsend-Neuffer Lecture Series hosted on October 7th in the Karen J. Williams Courtroom at the Joseph F. Rice School of Law (located at 1525 Senate Street, enter at the Senate Street).

What was it like to be part of one of the world’s biggest bands? What role did living in Columbia and being a student at the University of South Carolina play in the formation and success of Hootie and the Blowfish? What is it like to write world famous lyrics and songs? How much does place matter to a songwriter and author? What are the challenges that accompany astounding success? In this conversation, Jim Sonefeld tells us the answers to these questions and much more as he details his life with Hootie and the Blowfish.

This event is sponsored by the Townsend Lecture Series and the Neuffer Lecture in Southern Literature within the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences. The Townsend/Neuffer Lecture is dedicated to exploring Southern culture and literature and aims to help explain the importance of place in shaping the meaning of the American South.

Doors will open at 5:00 p.m. The program will begin promptly at 6 p.m. This event is free and open to the public, but pre-registration is suggested.

The conversation will be hosted by Dr. Mark Smith, a Carolina Distinguished Professor of History and the Director of the Institute of Southern Studies, from 6 -7:30 p.m.