RitzFest at the Historic Ritz Theater

RitzFest will feature a night of theatre performances on Friday, Feb. 2 and a benefit concert headlined by Chris Reed and the Bad Kids and 14 other performers on Saturday, Feb. 3. All proceeds will go to The Jason Foundation, which provides training in suicide awareness to public school teachers each year in South Carolina. RitzFest is aiming to raise at least $5,000 for suicide prevention.

According to the CDC’s WISQARS National Data Report from 2019, suicide is the third leading cause of death of 10 to 24-year-olds in South Carolina. The Jason Flatt Act was signed into South Carolina law by Governor Nikki Haley in 2012. 

Ritz Fest Eve, Friday, Feb. 2, 7 to 11 p.m., featuring different theatre performances: 

• ACT 1 - Pensive
• John M. Starino - poet
• Letters from Anne and Martin (a powerful performance about Anne Frank and Dr. Martin Luther King)
• Standing Up, a short film on suicide that was made through the Doko film festival
• ACT 2, have a laugh (for audiences over 18 and NOT easily offended)
• Joel Dolinger, stand up comic
• Skits and Giggles, an improv troupe that is a spinoff of the Newberry Community Players

Ritz Fest Benefit Concert, Saturday, Feb. 3, Noon to 10 p.m.

We will again feature local celebrity emcees like our Mayor, Sheriff, and Fire Chiefs, giving brief public service announcements on suicide prevention and awareness before introducing each act. 

While the exact lineup is yet to be determined and timed, the following acts have committed thus far:

• Chris Reed and the Bad Kids
• Martina Williams
• Stillhouse
• Gabriel Flores
• BAGLOCK
• THE Dubber
• Five on Fire
• GPS
• Plaid Overdrive
• Preston Tran
• Fresh Picked String Band
• Bucket Brigade
• SHIFT
• Watson Village
• Voltage Multiplier