Ms. Lauryn Hill will headline Famously Hot New Year in Columbia, S.C. Dec. 31
October 22, 2015
COLUMBIA, SC – Ms. Lauryn Hill, the music world icon and five time GRAMMY-winning recording artist, will headline the free Famously Hot New Year celebration in downtown Columbia, S.C. on December 31, 2015, playing a full set for revelers leading up to the midnight countdown and fireworks at the S.C. State Capitol. In its fifth year, #FHNY is South Carolina’s largest New Year’s Eve party, with the most colossal NYE fireworks display in the two Carolinas and a range of family-friendly partner events, local attractions, hotels and hospitality districts within blocks of the free concert.
Ms. Lauryn Hill, #FHNY Headliner
After hitting number one as a member of The Fugees with the 1996 album, “The Score” and its now-legendary cover of Roberta Flack’s “Killing Me Softly,” Ms. Lauryn Hill released her debut album as a solo artist in 1998. “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” swept five GRAMMYs — for album of the year, best new artist, best female R&B performance, best R&B song and best R&B album — and it was the first hip-hop record to win album of the year. Moreover, Ms. Hill became the first woman or hip-hop artist to win five GRAMMYs.
Her best-known tracks include the number one hit “Doo Wop (That Thing),” “Ex-Factor,” “Everything is Everything,” and “To Zion.” Ms. Hill communicates readily to her fans, sharing moments from the road and from her personal life at www.mslaurynhill.com.
Ms. Hill is currently touring the globe, playing high-profile gigs such as LA’s Greek Theatre, the Nice Jazz Festival in France and Way Out West in Sweden; collaborating on projects such as a recent Nina Simone celebrity tribute album; and appearing on top shows such as “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.”
Three Homegrown S.C. Support Bands
Three South Carolinian support acts will open for Ms. Hill. Charleston’s Dead 27s will kick off the evening with soulful, vintage rock originals to get the dance floor moving; followed by ColorBlind, a new “folk-hop” project by musicians Justin Smith and FatRat Da Czar with DJ Shekeese the Beast and a full band; and direct support will be provided by the Charleston-based alt-country band SUSTO, a prime mover in what Charleston City Paper calls “Elliotborough’s raging hot music scene.”
Famously Hot New Year Stands with South Carolina
In its fifth year, Famously Hot New Year will extend its mission of bringing diverse communities together by supporting a #SCStrong fundraising drive for the S.C. Flood Relief Fund at Central Carolina Community Foundation, where 100% of donations will go directly to local flood relief organizations. We stand in solidarity with our region and look forward to ringing in a new year of resilience and renewal in South Carolina. Donate to the cause here: www.yourfoundation.org/scfloodrelief
Famously Hot New Year Co-Chairs
Famously Hot New Year co-chairs for this year’s event have been announced; they are Jill Armbruster, marketing director at UCI Medical Affiliates and Amos Disasa, pastor of Downtown Church. Disasa and Armbruster will serve as the official spokespeople for the event.
New Focus on Local NYE Hospitality Offerings
In place of the traditional VIP Crescent Lounge, Famously Hot New Year will encourage the public to support local businesses and restaurants, who will offer their own VIP experiences and pre-parties for New Year’s Eve. Guests can explore their pre- and post-celebration options, as well as hotels and more, online at www.ColumbiaCVB.com.
Background and Details: Famously Hot New Year
Presented by the City of Columbia and BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, Famously Hot New Year is in its fifth season, last year gathering 28,000 people from across the region and nation. A diverse, fun-loving crowd of all ages enjoys a safe, comfortable street celebration that extends down Main Street and beyond, brimming with Southern hospitality. In addition to the huge, free #FHNYconcert and midnight fireworks show, guests enjoy plentiful cash bars serving beer, wine & bubbly; a “comfort zone” seating area with regional food vendors; free parking in city garages; Budweiser Alert Cab discounts; special COMET bus service with park & ride locations; the Main Street Ice rink and the WOW Kids Carnival with games, rides and more.
Past performers have included The O’Jays and Misterwives (2014); Kool and the Gang and Z.Z. Ward (2013); The Wallflowers, Atlantic Starr and Biz Markie (2012) and George Clinton (2011). What started in 2011 as a NYE street concert and fireworks show has grown into a major statewide celebration, set amidst the capital city’s historic downtown dining and shopping districts, with multiple hotels within blocks of the festivities. Plan your #FHNY at www.famouslyhotnewyear.com.
Ms. Lauryn Hill Live at Famously Hot New Year
S.C.’s Largest Free NYE Celebration
Date: Thursday, December 31, 2015
Time: 6:30 p.m. until 12:30 a.m.
Location: Main & Gervais in downtown Columbia, S.C.
Price: Free
About Famously Hot New Year
Set on South Carolina’s Main Street, Famously Hot New Year is the Palmetto State’s largest New Year’s Eve party, with a free, live outdoor concert by Ms. Lauryn Hill and the most colossal NYE fireworks display in the two Carolinas. In its fifth year, Famously Hot New Year extends its mission of bringing diverse communities together by supporting the S.C. Flood Relief Fund at Central Carolina Community Foundation, with the hope of ringing in a new year of strength and renewal for our #SCStrong state. Last year, Famously Hot New Year drew a diverse crowd of more than 28,000 guests from across the region and nation to enjoy the free concert and fireworks; regional food vendors; plentiful cash bars with beer, wine and bubbly in a festival atmosphere; a family-friendly street carnival and ice rink; free parking and more in vibrant downtown Columbia, S.C., the “New Southern Hot Spot.” Plan your #FHNY and donate to #SCFloodRelief at www.famouslyhotnewyear.com.
SOCIAL Facebook: Facebook.com/FamouslyHotNewYear
Twitter: @FamouslyHotNYE
Periscope: @FamouslyHotNYE
Instagram: @FamouslyHotNYE
Pinterest: Pinterest.com/FamouslyHotNYE
YouTube: YouTube.com/FamouslyHotNewYear
Google+: plus.google.com/+FamouslyHotNewYear
