IslandVibesIOP.com 29 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Gracious Day is a beloved Lowcountry-local band centered on old and new country, with a blend of Americana and singer-songwriter original songs that have entertained crowds since 2010, whether Mike and Beth Thompson were playing at the Dinghy, The Windjammer or downtown at Henry’s. Gracious Day originated like all bands do, with humble beginnings. Mike Thompson and Beth Sanders started singing together in 2009, doing all full-band gigs and since then they have evolved as musicians and even as life partners. Beth traded her maiden name, Sanders, for Mike’s last name, Thompson, in 2014, and they officially became a duet sound following the wake of COVID-19. “We found it [being a duet] as our strong suit, showing off our love for harmonies,” said Beth. The unique name, Gracious Day, is a nod to their Lowcountry upbringings, as both are South Carolina natives. “We Artist of the Month: Gracious Day Husband-and-wife duo bring the country harmonies By Ella Duane were struggling to find a band name, and one day I responded to Mike being silly with the old Southern phrase, ‘gracious day!’” In a moment of awe, they bonded over the nostalgic memory of their grandparents using that phrase frequently in their youth. “We decided it was perfect,” recalled Beth. It’s now been nearly two decades since Gracious Day first emerged on the music scene in Charleston and the couple find the most gratifying part has been watching the community growth among the crowds and musicians. Specifically, Mike and Beth have played at the Dinghy since its opening in 2010 alongside several other local favorites. Reflected Mike, “The group of locals that have continued to come out and support live music is massive; we’ve grown amazing friendships throughout the years and, as Beth likes to say, walking into these places is like getting a great big hug.” Most importantly, no matter where they play or which community they expand into, Gracious Day brings the Thompson duo’s dreams to life. Beth said, “It [Gracious Day] has afforded us to play for people from Colorado all the way to the Virgin Islands and many places in between, [playing] with each other, which is so important to us.” When it comes to their sets, Gracious Day loves to play various eras of country music and include some of their favorite originals like “Carolina Sky,” “Change Her Name” and “Finest Kinda Fancy.” The dynamic duo agreed, “When someone happens to request our originals, it’s a real treat!” The Thompsons could not settle on their favorite venue to play, though. “The IOP locations bring us a lot of love and support from locals and places like Henry’s downtown on Market bring us lots of new faces and new requests,” said Beth. Added Mike, “Asking our favorite venue to play is like asking a mother who her favorite child is.” Moving forward, Gracious Day continues with the same aspiration they have had since the beginning, which Beth described as “to bring joy to listeners and hope they leave with a smile on their faces … and less cash in their pockets.” Wellness by the Sea Regenerative Medicine & Aesthetics Board-certified medical professionals that offer personalized state-ofthe-art treatments for face & body. WE DESIGN A PLAN FOR YOUR UNIQUE NEEDS. TRUST THE EXPERTS. Lasers, toxins, facials, weight loss and more. REQUEST YOUR PERSONALIZED CONSULTATION IN A SERENE ENVIRONMENT. 843.894.0955 YoungerYoustudio.com 1022 Carolina Blvd. Isle of Palms, SC
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