Roofing company in Murrells Inlet, SC

Stephen King is the manager and lead singer of Columbia-based 80s and 90s rock tribute band Radio Source.

Before we go too deep, it’s important to note that this is not his stage name. He shares it with his father as well as with the iconic horror scribe.

"It would be a lot more important if I had one of his paychecks, but I just can’t seem to get one of those," he said. "I keep trying, though."

King said his father told him he came out singing.

"It was just in my nature – leading the school plays, on to the high school plays and on to a theatre major in college.”

That school was College of Charleston, where he began as a double major in business and theatre but decided to double down on theatre, which he loved.

"At that age, I didn't care about things like, you know, money," he said. "Since then, I've gotten a master's in IT security. However, that theatre major has served me well over the years."

King started performing in bands in his mid-20s and soon after formed his company, King Entertainment – a business that runs the gamut from DJ/karaoke, trivia, photo booth, motivational speaking, specialty booking and much more.

His first band was Living Proof, an original/cover project.

"You can still find our music on Spotify, Apple Music, et cetera," he said. "We traveled around and were together for a good 10 years. And then I went around doing Stephen King and the Machine."

King said he had that name long before the advent of Florence and the Machine – and it was a two-to-three-piece acoustic outfit where he would draw from a stable of hired guns for gigs in the Columbia area.

"At that point, I had young kids, so I had to stay close to home – but I had to get out to perform, sing and do all of the good stuff," he said.

But he said life threw him a curveball when he became a single father of his three boys.

After focusing on his sons for a time, he formed Radio Source in 2015.

"I'm the only founding member left, but we’re growing. We’re becoming a Southeast regional band rather than a local band," King said.

This growth includes being asked to open for national touring acts. Radio Source recently opened for arena rock tribute outfit Hairball at the Miller Theater in Augusta, Ga., and is set for a headliner show at the Hardin Auditorium in Evans, Ga. in November.

Radio Source plays from North Carolina to Georgia, and King said the band is making inroads into Florida. Last week, the band performed at The Boathouse near Myrtle Beach and Boardwalk Billy’s in North Myrtle Beach.

You might have seen them perform at spots like the Pepsi Stage at Barefoot Landing, Dead Dog Saloon and many others. Catch them at 3001 Nightlife in the Myrtle Beach area on Feb. 20 from 8:30-11:55 p.m. and at Bubba’s Love Shak in Murrells Inlet on Feb. 21 from 7-10:30 p.m.

"Our slogan is 'rock the way you want it,'" King said. "You can expect high-flying vocals and rip-roaring guitars, great harmonies and great fun. We like to play the stuff that makes women come to the dance floor. If you get the women to the dance floor, the guys will follow."

Radio Source is King (lead vocals), Matt Nale (lead guitar), Vinnie Boyett (bass) and Greg Amentt (drums).

A toothy experience

A lifelong shark tooth hunter, Charles Shelton Jr. is a go-to expert on the Grand Strand and beyond. More than 10 years ago, Shelton launched a public Facebook group called Myrtle Beach Shark Teeth – a page that now garners 2.5 million views per month. His presentations and workshops are well-attended at spots like Brookgreen Gardens, Ripley’s Aquarium and various museums, colleges and more.

On Feb. 20, join Shelton at the Kimbel Lodge at Hobcaw Barony in Georgetown for Shark Tooth Forensics from 11 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Expect a deep dive into the world of shark teeth as Shelton guides you through species identification, hands-on practice with real shark jaws and teeth and expert tips. Bring your own shark teeth for help identifying your finds.

Event is free, but registration is required. For details, go to www.northinlet.sc.edu/events.

Storytelling for a cause

Georgetown Tidal Tales is a program that spotlights the area’s history, culture and community through storytelling from its residents – and the stories are all true.

On Feb. 21 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Winyah Auditorium, enjoy an evening of live theater and music – featuring the stories of 6-8 Georgetown citizens as they speak for five minutes each on the topic of "Taking Chances" – all about leaps of faith, both large and small.

It’s $11.20 ($10 plus $1.20 service fee) to get in – and all proceeds after costs benefit Amazing Journey, which supports the Georgetown County Sherriff’s Reentry Program – helping those who have been incarcerated reintegrate into society. For more information, visit www.georgetowntidaltales.com.

Culinary goodness on the MarshWalk

The MarshWalk has long been a go-to destination for tourists and locals alike. Nestled in the heart of the historic fishing village of Murrells Inlet, it features a half-mile wooden boardwalk along a natural saltwater estuary. It’s home to eight restaurants and has long been a hotspot for the best in live music.

On Feb. 21 and Feb. 22, sample chefs’ favorites from each restaurant during the 12th Annual Taste of the MarshWalk event, which also features local artisans and crafters, live music (of course), kids’ activities and more.

Small dish tastings are $5-$8 per sample – and tickets are not needed. Event time is 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. both days. For details, go to www.marshwalk.com.

As redevelopment continues at a Murrells Inlet mall, additional businesses have announced plans to open on the property.

Phase two of the renovations of the Inlet Square Mall are currently in progress after demolition of parts of the property and building were completed last year, according to Real Estate Manager for Paramount Development Corporation Neal Bowers.

Construction of the new Hobby Lobby is close to being finished and is expected to open some time this spring, Bowers said.

Floor and Decor, 545 Mall Drive, has already opened and there are plans for a Chipotle to open in one of the outparcel lots near the Bypass, Bowers said.

A coffee company also is planned to be built next to Chipotle, but Bowers declined to identify the business.

Paramount Development Corporation is also working with other potential businesses, Bowers said, “but nothing I’m ready to announce.”

Construction also continues on a new Home2Suites by Hilton which will open near the Belk store at the mall. Paramount is not in charge of that construction, having sold the property for the building of the hotel, Bowers said.

Bowers said he can’t answer when the redevelopment will be complete as “it’s an ongoing thing.”

He said once the new facade on the north side of the Belk store is complete, additional spaces will be opened up. In addition, there are still several outparcels that will be open for future development.

But he does expect that by summer “a lot of these things will be open.”

“We’re ready for some new stuff,” Bowers said.

The mall opened in the late 1980s. However, business began to decline and as of 2018, many of the mall’s largest store spaces were vacant and other storefronts were without tenants.