Bands Ousted From Self-Storage Facility in Columbia, S.C.

Thanks to a recent ruling by the Richland County, S.C., fire marshal, bands will no longer be allowed to practice at Sumter Street Storage near the University of South Carolina. Up-and-coming musicians have been using the facility for rehearsals since it opened in 1986; even local talent Hootie and the Blowfish rented space there. But noise complaints from a neighbor prompted an inspection that resulted in musicians getting the boot at month’s end.
 
Having space where emerging bands can practice is important to the city’s efforts to attract―and keep―young professionals to Columbia, S.C., Mayor Bob Coble told The State this week, citing the bands as an asset to the community. He plans to help the bands find a new, appropriate practice space.