Special Favorites

Charleston’s ever-evolving queen of Southern rock turns up the glam with a brand new band.

The last time Charleston caught up with Cary Ann Hearst, the feisty chanteuse was hot off the new release of Shovels and Rope, an elegantly rustic CD recorded with newlywed husband and songwriter Michael Trent.

Ever the entrepreneur and consummate musician, Hearst has turned her attention toward an intriguing new lineup billed as Cary Ann Hearst’s Special Favorite Band, appearing July 24 at the Pour House. “With this group, it’s more about the singing and harmonies and not as much about guitar-based rock,” says Hearst, “and it’s a whole lot more glitz and glamour.”

Along with Trent, drummer Jack Burg, guitarist Bill Carson, pianist Gerald Gregory, and Josh Kaler on pedal steel, the Special Favorite Band will be joined on stage by the Inlaws, featuring Owen Beverly and Joel Hamilton (formerly of The Working Title). The Michael Trent Trio and Atlanta-based classic rock band Ponderosa also appear on the evening’s bill. “Singing with Owen and Joel adds a big choir aspect to the band, and I don’t have the opportunity to do that very often,” Hearst says.

Departing for Los Angeles later this summer, the Southern songstress has her sights set on capturing what she calls “a very stripped down, quintessential Cary Ann Hearst record” with famed producer Butch Walker. Between Walker’s keen ear and Hearst’s soulful approach, all bets are on a special favorite CD hitting Charleston just in time for the holidays.

The Pour House, 1977 Maybank Hwy., Charleston.
Friday, 10pm. $12; $10 advance.
(843)571-4343, www.charlestonpourhouse.com