Author: John Hoyt

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Hot As A Pepper

We were voted best local band! THANK YOU!

Reader's Choice Best Local Band Hot As A Pepper Party Band

The Post & Courier recently had a Reader’s Choice contest where they asked their readership who the “best local band” in Greenville was, and it was no surprise there were several outstanding groups nominated and voted on.

What WAS surprising is that Hot As A Pepper Party band won!

We are honored that people voted for us, but also want to mention that ALL of the bands that were listed were deserving.

In this amazing Upstate Live Music scene we have, you can find a band that suits your mood. HAAP provides a more upbeat and danceable groove, perfect for your wedding, graduation, reunion, corporate party, festival or other event.

Let’s talk about what we can do for you in the coming year.

Thank you again for your vote of confidence in us!

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Hot As A Pepper

Welcome Ethan Russell

Hot As A Pepper Welcomes Drummer Ethan Russell

Ethan Russell

Greenville, South Carolina – December 2, 2023 – Hot As A Pepper announced today that Ethan Russell will take up residency as the drummer for the popular and well-established Upstate South Carolina Party & Dance band.

Ethan Russell is a Greenville South Carolina native and has a passion for striking drums and creating grooves that make people want to move. His influences range from hard rock, to funk, to hip-hop.

Bands like Red hot Chili Peppers, who combine all three genres are one of the big influences for the twenty-five-year-old drummer and can be heard in his playing.

Ethan’s passion for drumming, music and creativity drives him to learn from other musicians, while continuously developing his own percussive sound to elevate each song and performance.

Band founder and bassist John M. Hoyt says, “After over a decade of providing fun and upbeat music, we’re excited to see what the future holds for us and we are looking forward to making music with Ethan as we begin booking 2024 festivals and events!”

Hot As A Pepper is performing at several local venues including New Year’s Eve with the Habanero Horns, joined by Rob Seel at 3 Friends, in Taylors, SC. Tickets are available now through the event venue.

Hot As A Pepper has been nominated for and presented awards such as “Best of the Upstate”.

For more information, follow Hot As A Pepper on Facebook or visit www.HotAsAPepper.com

Contact:

John M. Hoyt

johnh@hotasapepper.com

401 Holly Tree Lane

Simpsonville, SC

864-979-1224

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Band Hot As A Pepper Live Entertainment Music Musicians

Welcome Trilby Rose Allen

Hot As A Pepper Welcomes Trilby Rose Allen as Lead Vocalist

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Hot As A Pepper Welcomes Trilby Rose Allen As Lead Vocalist

Greenville, South Carolina – September 20, 2023 – Hot As A Pepper announced today that Trilby Rose Allen will front the popular and well-established Upstate South Carolina Party & Dance band.

Trilby is a singer-songwriter originally from Tryon, NC and now residing in Greenville, SC

Trilby’s inclusion in Hot As A Pepper will permit The Band to continue to provide an upbeat and danceable repertoire of the classic songs they are known for as well as implementation of newer dance music.

Band founder and bassist John M. Hoyt says, “After over a decade of providing fun and upbeat music, we’re excited to see what the future holds for us and we are looking forward to making music with Trilby as we begin booking 2024 festivals and events!”

Hot As A Pepper is performing at several local venues and is scheduled to appear at the City of Greenville’s Fall For Greenville event on October 15th at 5:00pm on the Duke Energy Stage on the river (The Peace Center Amphitheater).

Hot As A Pepper has been nominated for and presented awards such as “Best of the Upstate”.

For more information, follow Hot As A Pepper on Facebook or visit www.HotAsAPepper.com

Contact:

John M. Hoyt

johnh@hotasapepper.com

401 Holly Tree Lane

Simpsonville, SC

864-979-1224

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Band Greenville Hot As A Pepper John M. Hoyt Live Entertainment Musicians Upstate

Singer / Front person wanted for variety band (Upstate, SC)

Hot As A Pepper Party Band Greenville Wedding band

Singer / Front person wanted for variety band (Upstate, SC)

Hot As A Pepper, a well-established Upstate SC based variety dance band is looking to fill the spot of lead vocalist / front person.

We’re in search of the best and most versatile singer to fill this position.

The band covers upbeat and danceable songs from the 60s to current, across many genres, including Pop, Top 40, Rock, Disco, R&B, Funk, Carolina Beach and more. We also have a forthcoming CD of originals.

Artists we current cover include Prince, Lady Gaga, Michael Jackson, Peter Gabriel, Lizzo, Bruno Mars, Van Morrison, A Taste of Honey, Etta James, The Foundations, Rick James, Justin Timberlake, Maroon 5, Daft Punk, DNCE, Chairmen of the Board, Temptations, Earth Wind & Fire, Kool & The Gang, KC & The Sunshine Band, B52s, etc.

The band plays frequently at bars, clubs, private and corporate events, fundraisers, weddings and festivals, mostly around the Upstate, with a strong desire to focus more on events/festivals in the future.

If you are interested in playing 4 to 10 shows a month, mostly on the weekends in the Upstate, and want to work hard to be the best, with weekly rehearsals, then we want to hear from you!

Please send links of your videos and/or audio, as well as photos and make sure you send a bio or tell us about yourself.

**PLEASE DO NOT CALL – JUST SEND INFO TO HELP US LEARN ABOUT YOU FIRST!**

Auditions will be held at our Simpsonville based studio.

All the cliche and typical requirements, wants and needs apply:

• Professional appearance, attitude and gear.

• Reliable transportation.

• Know how to read a clock and can be on time to rehearsals and shows.

• Have reasonable communication skills and check your email/text.

• No vices that negatively impact your performance or relationships with venues or band members.

If you play an instrument – bonus!

If you are adept at promoting and building relationships – bonus!

If you are interested in collaborating on originals – bonus!

Things to know:

• We are a variety band that performs DANCE ORIENTED music. While we might go outside that box, most music is upbeat, fun and funky.

• We do not use floor monitors – you will be using Sennheiser in-ear monitor system with your own mix.

• You WILL be expected to arrive early and stay late to assist with load-in/out.

• Rehearsals are not optional.

• New music will be added at each rehearsal.

Thanks for your interest!

Send materials/links to:Email: johnmhoyt@gmail.com

Text : 864-979-1224

Find more information about us:

HotAsAPepper.com

Facebook.com/HotAsAPepper

Or you can message your information on FB….

facebook.com/JohnMHoyt

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Band Event Greenville Hot As A Pepper Music Party Reception Wedding

Book A Wedding Band In Greenville SC

Hot As A Pepper 2022 Lineup

If you’re looking for a wedding band that will truly bring the heat to your big day, look no further than Hot As A Pepper Party Band from Greenville, South Carolina. Here are just a few reasons why this band is the perfect choice for your wedding:

  1. High Energy Performances – Hot As A Pepper Party Band knows how to get a crowd going with their high-energy performances. They’ll have your guests dancing all night long and create an unforgettable atmosphere for your wedding.
  2. Versatility – The band’s extensive repertoire spans multiple genres, including pop, rock, funk, soul, and more. Whether you’re looking for classic favorites or modern hits, Hot As A Pepper Party Band has got you covered.
  3. Professionalism – From the initial consultation to the final song, Hot As A Pepper Party Band is committed to professionalism. They’ll work closely with you to understand your vision and ensure that everything runs smoothly on your big day.
  4. Customization – Hot As A Pepper Party Band understands that no two weddings are the same. That’s why they offer customizable packages to fit your unique needs and preferences. Whether you want a more intimate experience or a full-on dance party, they’ll make it happen.
  5. Local Expertise – Based in Greenville, South Carolina, Hot As A Pepper Party Band has extensive knowledge of the local wedding scene. They’ll work with you to choose the perfect songs and create an atmosphere that reflects the charm and character of the area.

Overall, Hot As A Pepper Party Band is the perfect choice for couples who want to bring a little spice to their wedding day. With their high-energy performances, extensive repertoire, professionalism, customization, and local expertise, they’re sure to make your wedding an unforgettable event.

Please CONTACT US today for more information!

Hot As A Pepper party band burning lips logo
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Band Charity John M. Hoyt Musicians

Please Help out Chip McDonald

The Co-Founder of Hot As A Pepper, and my best friend, Chip McDonald, has Stage 4 Small Cell Renal Cancer and has been fighting it since January of 2021. It’s a difficult battle that keeps him from working, and from performing music.

If you have an extra dollar or twenty, could you help this family out? THANK YOU!

-John M. Hoyt

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Band Corporate Event Event Festival Greenville Horns Hot As A Pepper Live Entertainment Music Simpsonville Upstate Wedding

We are Booking Weddings and Festivals for 2023

Hot As A Pepper 2022 Lineup
Hot As A Pepper 2022 Lineup
Hot As A Pepper Party Band with the Habanero Horns

We are starting to book weddings, festivals and corporate events in 2023. We have only just begun, but it would be a great idea for you to get with us ASAP to lock in any show dates you might want in the Greenville, Anderson, Spartanburg (Upstate) or the surrounding area.

Hot As A Pepper Party Band hopes to focus more on events in 2023 than the previous two years due to the unfortunate events that took place! We’re certainly ready to get back on track and provide fun, upbeat and danceable music for YOUR soiree!

We can bring a more casual show, with as few as four members for a more intimate experience, or we can bring the typical 5 piece for a more powerful performance.

When we couple our 5 piece band with the Habanero Horns, that is when things get exciting!

Whether you want a more classic vibe with old school rock, disco, motown, beach and R&B, or want to mix it up with modern top 40 and pop songs, we’ve got what you want!

We will learn your special first dance songs if we have not already played them for other weddings or events. We can custom fit a performance to meld with your theme too!

Our festival events are family friendly, and filled with great variety!

Let’s party like it’s 1999, or 2023 either one!

Call 864-979-1224 or use our CONTACT FORM for more information!

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John M. Hoyt Live Entertainment Music Musicians Upstate

I Dedicate This Award To You

John M. Hoyt Upstate Music Awards 864 Award

I received the Upstate Music Awards “864 Award” and dedicate it to YOU, the real supporters of this music scene!

I’m simply stunned that I was nominated, and then selected from a list of worthy individuals and groups who represent and support the Upstate music scene, and even more surprised to have actually won the UMA 864 Award which was presented last night at the Upstate Music Awards at The Peace Center!

While I do whatever I can when I can to help out our music community, I’m no more deserving than any one of awesome nominees such as Jay Spivey who has put in countless hours promoting the music scene in Fete Magazine, or the Upstate Music Mine who has produced dozens and dozens of podcasts that have given exposure to a slew of musicians, or the talented Lecretia Ann who is loved for her contributions, or Vaughn Newman Dance who educates and enlightens through beautiful dance.

The reality is, I’m just a cog in the machine – we all work together to help build us up!

In fact, I would like to dedicate this award to YOU, the real supporters of our scene. The people who get out and see the bands who are performing and buy their music. Please, keep doing that!

I have a challenge for you: Please, when you are considering where to go for lunch or dinner, think about a venue that offers live music. Spend your hard earned money there instead of Corporate Burgers, because, without the venues, the artists who were represented last night will have no place to perform their music, whether it is from the heart originals, or strictly covers, or a rap or hip-hop artist. The venues give us all an outlet!

We need MORE venues, not less, and we have lost at least 6 in 2022.

We’re a powerful force! We can make a change.

Here’s additional opportunities to GET INVOLVED:

Join our Upstate Live Music community on Facebook, we now have 10 thousand members since 2013, mostly from the Upstate!

Make plans to attend the annual Upstate Live Music Meetup 2022 which takes place on April 10th at The Spinning Jenny from 1 to 6pm, with two stages going that musicians of all skill levels and styles are welcome to take part in (backline provided) and lots of opportunities to network with musicians, venue owners and music lovers. There’s a mini-trade show you can display your music related products and services at, or buy/sell/trade music related goods. BE THERE! It’s FREE!

Use our Upstate Live Music Palmetto Showcase event calendar to find live music around the upstate – HUNDREDS of shows listed, over 200 venues represented.

Musicians and venues – GET LISTED – GET SEEN – It’s FREE!

Okay, so that was a lot to say, just to say THANK YOU. I appreciate you all, and I’m humbled.

ROCK ON, Boogie Down!

John M. Hoyt
Upstate Live Music SC Founder
Hot As A Pepper Party Band Founder

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Band Corporate Event Event Festival Greenville Hot As A Pepper Live Entertainment Music Party Upstate Venue Wedding

Hire a party band in Greenville

Hot As A Pepper Party Band Greenville Wedding band

Hire a party band in Greenville, Upstate South Carolina or the surrounding area!

It’s easy, just use our Contact Form or call us and we will discuss your event, your needs and desires!

Hot As A Pepper Party Band has performed over 450 shows since 2012 and we’re ready to play for you!

Whether it’s a wedding, class reunion, corporate event, holiday gathering, grand opening, or just a back yard pool party, we can handle it.

We also do Greek events, festivals and fundraisers!

No matter if you want a more intimate configuration with as few a 3 or 4 musicians or the full band with the Habanero Horns, we can custom tailor the gig to fit your needs.

Reach out today and let’s explore options!

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Uncategorized

We’re on FIRE, again!

Hot As A Pepper has big news and is ready to groove!

Annie Perez Vocalist Front-Person for Hot As A PepperIt’s been 18 months since Shannon left us and during that time we have spoken with and virtually auditioned dozens of vocalists. Many were quite amazing and would have certainly worked with Hot As A Pepper, but the timing was not right.

It’s hard to bring someone on and promise them shows, when the shows were being cancelled left and right due to the pandemic – in total, we lost 54 shows.

However, at the Upstate Live Music SC meetup that took place this year at The Spinning Jenny in Greer again, John just happened to strike up a conversation with Annie Perez who was the lead vocalist of her group, Strange Bird and it seemed that she was looking and interested for a new position.

After lots of discussion, Annie did a “virtual audition” where she videoed herself singing along to audio backing tracks of HAAP, and she nailed it. We wanted to hear more, and got her in to meet with the band, and she was even better in person!

At the Warehouse at Vaughn’s Halloween Costume event, we asked Annie to come join us on stage and sing the last set, which she did and she nailed! That was a terrific show! First, we had Shannon on state and then Annie – who could ask for more?

Long story short, we have brought Annie on to be our front-person and she will help take us back up where we belong!!!!

We are busily updating our song list and preparing for the first full show. Dec 11th is a private event with the Habanero Horns, and then we’re going to be filming for a promo video.

Please make plans to come out and catch the new lineup on Sunday Dec 12th at The Spinning Jenny from 6:00pm to 8:30pm!
It’s going to be HOT HOT HOT!!!!! https://thespinningjennygreer.com/

We would like to give a HUGE THANKS to Wilson Ligon for getting us through the last 18 months by transitioning from just keys/guitar/vocals to lead vocalist! We could not have done it without you Wilson – you did a marvelous job!

Also, another exciting thing – Gavin, who also joined us last year has suddenly become very popular in his OTHER career of film score/orchestration/production and Lance Sweatt has stepped in to keep the beat! You’re going to love Lance!
Best wishes to Gavin in his pursuit of music perfection! We’re going to love watching you succeed!

Thanks to everyone who has supported Hot As A Pepper during these odd times!

If you have a festival, event, wedding, party, bar, or venue that needs FUN, UPBEAT music you can dance to, please give us a call, we’re ready to rock starting in December 2021! CONTACT US or call 864-979-1224