WSBF-FM, Clemson’s student-run alternative radio station, hosted its first concert of 2025 this past Saturday. The show, titled “WSBF is For Lovers,” was Valentine’s Day-themed, and offered concertgoers a deal: bring a date for free.
The concert was a hit. Couples donned their heart-shaped accessories and red outfits, and some of the more daring music lovers even anonymously shared a Valentine’s Day secret at the table outside.
The night opened with a selection of WSBF DJs doing their take on romantic sets to warm up the crowd.
DJ Cooper Stapleton, who hosts “The UNRegular Show” on WSBF, was first up, spinning a set of crowd-pleasing indie pop hits.
Rachel Bertram, from the poetry-themed show “Caesura,” followed with a low-key selection of dream pop and shoegaze tracks.
Liam Forde — who hosts the WSBF radio show “DONT LISTEN TO THIS!!!!!” and was the third DJ of the night — gave The Tiger some insights.
“I usually play more punk music, but tonight I’m going to be playing a hip hop, R&B sort of set. It should be pretty light listening, very straightforward,” Forde said.
“I’m looking forward to getting up there and doing my thing and to the bands we have tonight, Sawyer Norman and Benny Hagerty are both very good.”
After Forde, the first band to take the Moe Joe stage was Benny Hagerty, a folk singer who performs regularly in the Clemson area. He was a mellow opener for the two live acts of the night and had all the lovebirds in the crowd swaying and swooning.
Hagerty covered multiple songs from popular names like Tyler Childers and Mt. Joy and gave the audience something to sing along to. He closed out with the song “Feathered Indians” to dial up the romance.
Sawyer Norman stepped up to close the night.
Norman, a singer-songwriter local to the Upstate, had a folk sound reminiscent of his predecessor. He exhibited the almost whiny, yet gritty when necessary, vocals that have captivated indie audiences for years.
“Everyone outside, come inside,” he said to an eager crowd, following up microphone feedback by saying, “I thought it would be fun to play this sh—y guitar.”
It was fun — despite the squealing microphone.
Norman’s set of originals from his latest album “Funny Fish & Bread” gave the audience a perfect end to Valentine’s Day weekend.
If you missed this concert, make sure to follow WSBF on Instagram @wsbf_fm for updates on future shows.
