Charleston, South Carolina, is one of the most culturally rich cities in the US. Since 2017, multi-day festival High Water has been a home for showcasing the Lowcountry region—especially folk music. With Alabama Shakes (April 18) and Caamp (April 19) set to headline High Water 2026, this curating tradition remains at the event’s core.
Beyond the headliners, High Water 2026 is filled with alternative, rock, and country musicians with robust fanbases of their own. The independent artists slated to command the Riverfront Park crowd include Watchhouse, Trousdale, Arcy Drive, The Runarounds, Winyah, Richy Mitch and the Coal Miners, Alice Phoebe Lou, Bruce Hornsby and the Noise Makers, Penny & Sparrow, and John Vincent III.
John Vincent III spoke to me about the significance of his upcoming High Water 2026 set. Read our chat below.
John Vincent III is a familiar face among indie folk followers. Thanks to his frequent runs on the road, the “Next To You” singer has built a hearty support base. Yet, following his joint Ohio shows with Michael Marcagi back in December 2025, he has steered clear of the stage. Now, four months removed from those performances, Vincent is ready to get back on the saddle. But why now? So, I flat out asked, what makes this moment so significant? What does it mean to be hitting the stage for High Water Fest 2026?
Vincent delivered a thrilling response. “[I’m] very excited to be playing at High Water this year,” he chimed.
The reasoning for signing onto the festival is rather simple and professionally wholesome.
“I love Charleston,” added Vincent. “And I love all the music on the bill.”
Those acts include headliners Alabama Shakes and Caamp as well as other notable names such as My Morning Jacket, Lake Street Dive, Maren Morris, Sheryl Crow, Jesse Welles, and Peach Pit.
Vincent’s upcoming appearance at High Water 2026 also speaks to his arts advocacy and community outreach work.
“Growing up going to festivals like this with my friends & getting inspired, I understand these weekends mean a lot to people, so it’s really an honor to be there,” professed Vincent.
For High Water 2026, that means not only hometown pride but also local fundraising efforts. Proceeds from this year’s festivities will benefit Rock N Roll Rescue, a Lowcountry nonprofit focused on providing children with access to music education. Vincent’s past benefit performances include WVFI Radio’s 2020 Radiothon (COVID-19 relief funds for Feeding America and LA Downtown Women’s Center) and his 2024 Hurricane Helene relief show.
As I tried to pry for information about his set, Vincent kept things tight-lipped.
Eventually, Vincent delivered a mysterious answer.
“Rotund vibrations,” remarked Vincent.
So, plainly put, festivalgoers are in for a pulsating atmosphere.
John Vincent III is scheduled to perform on Sunday, April 19, on the Edisto Stage beginning at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time. Do you want more of John Vincent III? Connect with John Vincent III on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and Twitter (X). High Water 2026 is scheduled to take place on April 18 and April 19, 2026, at the Riverfront Park located at 1001 Everglades Avenue in North Charleston, South Carolina. Limited tickets remain for High Water 2026. Click here to purchase your weekend or single-day entry passes.
