Culture & Rhythm: Why You Can't Miss STEE & The Ear Candy Band at Roots & Rivers

The air in the Lowcountry is about to get a whole lot soulfuller. As the summer heat begins to mellow into the golden hues of September, the community is preparing for a landmark celebration of heritage and harmony. On Saturday, September 12, 2026, the Roots and Rivers Festival returns to the iconic Oyster Factory Park, transforming the Bluffton waterfront into a sanctuary of sound, commerce, and connection.

This isn't just a music festival; it is a pivotal community anchor that bridges our shared history with a vision for a thriving, inclusive future. At the heart of this year’s experience is a performance that promises to be more than a setlist, it is a rhythmic journey led by the incomparable STEE & The Ear Candy Band. Whether you are a lifelong resident or a first-time visitor looking for the most impactful Bluffton community events, this is the day where culture and rhythm collide.

The Sound of the Lowcountry: STEE & The Ear Candy Band

When the clock strikes 5:30 PM, the atmosphere at Oyster Factory Park will undergo a seismic shift. Taking the main stage as our 2026 headliner, STEE & The Ear Candy Band brings a high-energy fusion of Motown, R&B, and Blues that has made them a regional powerhouse. Led by the virtuosic Sterlin Colvin Jr., the band specializes in what they call "urban pop", a sophisticated blend of classic groove and contemporary soul.

The band’s repertoire is a masterclass in musical versatility. From the tight, three-part vocal harmonies reminiscent of The Temptations to the driving, funk-infused rhythms of Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye, their sound is a bridge across generations. But they don't just play the hits; they reinterpret them with a modern edge that keeps every age group on their feet. For those seeking the best Oyster Factory Park events Sept 12, there is no better way to experience the sunset than with the soulful, blues-inflected vocals that have garnered national acclaim on stages like NBC’s The Voice.

Our artisan marketplace provides a high-visibility platform for local Black entrepreneurs to connect with the Bluffton community.

Empowering Our Community: The Marketplace of Black Excellence

While the music provides the heartbeat, our artisan marketplace serves as the festival's soul. We believe that true community growth is rooted in economic empowerment. This year, the Roots and Rivers Festival is proud to host over 40 local artisans and entrepreneurs, solidifying our status as the premier Black-owned business festival Lowcountry supporters look forward to every year.

This marketplace is not just a place to shop; it is an incubator for innovation. By providing a platform for Black-owned businesses, ranging from hand-poured candles and bespoke jewelry to professional services, we are fostering a legacy of self-sufficiency and collective success. In 2025, our vendors reported a 30% increase in post-festival networking opportunities, and for 2026, we aim to shatter that record. When you purchase from a vendor at Roots and Rivers, you aren't just buying a product; you are investing in the economic fabric of the Lowcountry. You can learn more about how we celebrate our legacy through these partnerships.

A Space for Every Generation: Kids Zone and Accessible Fun

Roots and Rivers was designed with the understanding that community means everyone. We have worked tirelessly to ensure that our grounds at 63 Wharf Street are fully accessible, featuring step-free paths to ensure that every guest, regardless of mobility, can enjoy the festivities without barriers. This commitment to inclusivity is what makes us a "third place", a space where people can gather authentically outside of work and home.

For our youngest attendees, the Kids Zone (open from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM) offers a vibrant world of creativity and play. From interactive cultural workshops to face painting and youth-led performances, we are nurturing the next generation of Lowcountry leaders. We believe that by creating family-friendly environments, we are teaching our children that they belong in spaces of joy and celebration. It is this dedication to family-friendly fun that remains a cornerstone of our mission.

The Kids Zone at Roots and Rivers offers a safe, energetic space for children to explore their creativity while families enjoy the live music.

Savoring the Moment: Food Trucks and the Craft Beer Garden

No festival experience is complete without a taste of the Lowcountry's culinary brilliance. Our food truck row features a curated selection of local vendors serving everything from Gullah-inspired seafood to modern soul food fusion. These small businesses represent the grit and creativity of our local food scene, offering flavors that are as diverse as the music on stage.

For the adults, the Craft Beer Garden provides a curated selection of regional brews, offering a perfect vantage point to enjoy the early afternoon sets before the headliner takes the stage. It is a space designed for networking and relaxation, where neighbors can clink glasses and celebrate the progress we have made together. Remember, the Beer Garden is an 21+ area, so please have your valid ID ready as you enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the park.

Our food truck and beer garden areas are designed to facilitate community connection and celebrate local flavors.

Logistics & Tickets: Join Us at Oyster Factory Park

We want your experience to be as seamless as the music. Gates open at 2:00 PM on Saturday, September 12, allowing you plenty of time to explore the marketplace and grab a prime spot on the lawn before STEE & The Ear Candy Band begins their 5:30 PM performance. To make your arrival easy, we provide free parking in Historic Bluffton with complimentary shuttles running throughout the day, ensuring you spend less time looking for a spot and more time enjoying the rhythm.

Event Quick Facts:

• Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026

• Location: Oyster Factory Park, 63 Wharf Street, Bluffton, SC

• Hours: 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM

• Admission: $15 General Admission | $50 Group 4-Packs (Save $10!)

• Kids: Children 12 and under are FREE.

We encourage you to bring your own blankets and lawn chairs to make yourself at home on the May River waterfront. By purchasing a group pack, you aren't just saving money: you're bringing your "village" along to share in this groundbreaking cultural moment.

Oyster Factory Park serves as the breathtaking, accessible backdrop for our annual celebration of culture and community.

A Future Written in Rhythm

The Roots and Rivers Festival is more than an annual date on the calendar; it is a testament to what happens when a community decides to invest in its own excellence. It is a celebration of the "past-present-future" framework, where we honor the Gullah-Geechee heritage that shaped this land while championing the modern innovators who are driving our economy today.

As STEE hits that final high note and the sun sets over the May River, you’ll realize that you aren't just part of a crowd: you are part of a movement. We invite you to join us in this collective legacy. Grab your tickets, bring your family, and let’s make September 12 a day that resonates long after the music stops.

See you at the river!