It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic McLeod Plantation Historic Site gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in North Charleston, SC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Best Senior Service Care in Charleston to work for. Christine and Rick are very positive”
“Very Professional and excellent staff.”
“Our family has been using the services of Always Best Care for the past six”
“I cannot say enough wonderful things about Always Best Care Charleston! I am truly blessed”
“Always Best Care caregivers have been taking care of Dad for over a year. We”
“Like most I was not prepared for the transition to being the responsible one for”
“We have had several senior services for my Mother that we were really not happy”
“Good Afternoon! I hope you're doing well! I wanted you to know that my dad”
“The absolute best caregiving company to work for hands down! Rick and Christine are genuine,”
“This is a great company to work for. All their caregivers are dedicated and caring.”
“These people are lifesavers! We searched for months to find an in-home care agency for”
“Always Best Care has constantly provided quality care services for my wife over many months”
“Couldn’t imagine a better team of people to take care of my loved ones. Rick”
“Rick and Christine, of Always Best Care Charleston, are the exact people I would trust”
“I've known Christine and Ricky Johnson for more than 30 years and would highly recommend”
“I joined Always Best Care as the Director of Operations about 3 months ago. I”
“I have known Christine and Rick for years. Their actions and words repeatedly demonstrate their”
“I couldn't be happier that Ricky and Christine Johnson have joined Always Best Care Senior”
“How fortunate the Charleston community is to have Always Best Care to serve the needs”
“I have known Christine and Rick Johnson both professionally and personally for over 20 years”
“Best Senior Service Care in Charleston to work for. Christine and Rick are very positive and supportive and for that I love my Job.”
“Very Professional and excellent staff.”
“Our family has been using the services of Always Best Care for the past six months and are grateful for the assistance provided to my elderly parents. Initially Rick, one of the owners, met with us along with my parents to closely assess their needs. His warm, friendly manner was helpful in persuading my father to give the assistance a try for two days per week. Rick listened carefully to choose the best match in caregivers, and we could not be more satisfied than we are with our parents' caregiver. She has quickly become essential in their lives and makes a huge difference in whether or not they can remain in their home. Her manner with my parents is professional, but loving, always--- always--- going the extra mile to meet their needs. She is knowledgeable, hard-working, caring, and trusted to do what is in their best interest. We are thankful that someone told us about Always Best Care and ever grateful for our caregiver.”
“I cannot say enough wonderful things about Always Best Care Charleston! I am truly blessed to be a part of such a wonderful team! Christine and Rick are very dedicated to the work that they are doing, and it shows in everything they do. I have never had the pleasure of working for a company with more passionate and involved owners. They show up for their clients and caregivers in every way possible. They go above and beyond to treat everyone like family and enrich the lives of those around them. I am so grateful to be able to be a part of this journey and cannot wait to see all the great things they will accomplish!”
“Always Best Care caregivers have been taking care of Dad for over a year. We appreciate Christine and Rick very much. Quentin, Ann, Alexus , you and others have been a joy to have in our home and doing whatever needs to be done. You show your care and concern for Dad’s physical and emotional well being and you have become part of our family. I really rely on you when we can’t be home and know Dad is in good hands!!! Keep up the good work!!! Love you all.”
“Like most I was not prepared for the transition to being the responsible one for my Mom. Looking back there were signs of memory decline but after emergency surgery and move to rehab the combative paranoid person my sweet, witty, well read , soft spoken Mom became was shocking. Medication and skilled care were prescribed. Several missteps were made with both. Mom’s dark side resulted in first skilled care company dropping us which I totally understood. I was very straight with Christine and Rick regarding Mom’s recent ‘trips out on the ledge’. Rather than politely taking a pass on us...they spent 2 hours in person with us, 3 cumulative hours on the phone asking me questions and strategizing how to avoid the triggers that put Mom ‘on the ledge’, and 2 twelve hour days observing, testing and tweaking strategies. We are approaching 2 months with no major or reportable incidents. I don’t know how long this again found quality of life will last. I am thankful that one of the nurses referred me to ABC. I am tremendously thankful to be their client for the remainder of this journey.”
“We have had several senior services for my Mother that we were really not happy with, then we found Rick and his staff with Always Best Care. There name says it all ... always the best care. Their staff are warm, caring and assist my Mother seven days a week, and she loves seeing Rick. I couldn't ask for better care & highly recommend them to anyone who needs this type of service.”
“Good Afternoon! I hope you're doing well! I wanted you to know that my dad LOVES Rick and so does Amya!! I can't thank you guys enough for all that you guys are doing, not only for my father but me! Rick went out of his way today and that truly meant a lot :) My dad is so happy and that makes me happy! you guys rock!! thank you!!!”
“The absolute best caregiving company to work for hands down! Rick and Christine are genuine, loving individuals which make them amazing business owners/ bosses. They do not hesitate to make their employees and clients happy. I’m so thankful to have met these amazing people and be apart of their outstanding company.”
“This is a great company to work for. All their caregivers are dedicated and caring.”
“These people are lifesavers! We searched for months to find an in-home care agency for my aging mother. Previous agencies we used had high turnover and repeated no-shows, leaving us scrambling to adjust and worried sick about Covid exposure from a revolving door of caregivers. Christine and her staff came to our rescue and changed all that. Their caregivers were patient, loving, dedicated and RELIABLE. They provide service at the highest level and we would wholeheartedly recommend them to others. My mother deserves the best care and I wouldn't use anyone else.”
“Always Best Care has constantly provided quality care services for my wife over many months of required assistance. The caregivers provide professional services with a loving touch. They have always addressed any questions or concerns immediately with kindness. The administration checks with me, periodically, for a review and any input for improvement. I highly recommend this company.”
“Couldn’t imagine a better team of people to take care of my loved ones. Rick and Christine are the kindest and most genuine people. Their years of work in the customer service industry truly show through the care they provide to others. Aside from the physical and emotional care they provide, which is most important, they are reliable, punctual, trustworthy, and their connections with others last a lifetime. Everyone is family with Rick and Christine.”
“Rick and Christine, of Always Best Care Charleston, are the exact people I would trust and choose to care for my aging loved ones. They are loving, patient, knowledgeable and extremely detail oriented. They have decades of experience in the customer service industry and truly value the relationships with each of their clients.”
“I've known Christine and Ricky Johnson for more than 30 years and would highly recommend their services! They've built businesses from the ground up and this one is / will be a perfect fit for them and their clients. They come from, and have created, a large family where assisting others is part of their everyday lives. Their caring nature, solid work ethic and integrity will be highlighted through Always Best Care Senior Services Charleston and will be to the benefit of clients' loved ones.”
“I joined Always Best Care as the Director of Operations about 3 months ago. I bring 15 years experience in senior living to this brand new non medical home care company. We have put together an excellent team of personal assistant’s and are ready to accept new clients.”
“I have known Christine and Rick for years. Their actions and words repeatedly demonstrate their high expectation of what it takes to nurture a loving family and to be active members of a positive, supportive community. Both clients and employees will benefit from their consistent standard of compassionate honesty & integrity as well as the positive energy they bring to every encounter. I recommend them without reservation.”
“I couldn't be happier that Ricky and Christine Johnson have joined Always Best Care Senior Services. From years of experience in dedicated customer service to the love and care of their own (and extended) family, this is a wonderful fit! The Johnson's tireless work ethic, attention to detail and heart for people should give family members of clients absolute confidence and trust in their care. Bravo!”
“How fortunate the Charleston community is to have Always Best Care to serve the needs of seniors. Rick and Christine Johnson, known for their dedication to helping others, have prayerfully commited to finding and nurturing the best team possible to assist them on this mission. Thank you, Rick and Christine, for offering families peace of mind for the care of loved ones.”
“I have known Christine and Rick Johnson both professionally and personally for over 20 years now. I know them to be caring and loving. I with no reservations would have them care for my 93 year old father, If I still lived in the Charleston area. I can not state a higher praise to their character and integrity than that. Allen Sandridge”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Riverfront Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local High Cotton Charleston Restaurant or visit Middleton Place, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in North Charleston, SC, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in North Charleston, SC understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in North Charleston, SC 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
On Sunday, July 13, Phish returned ot North Charleston, S.C. for their third and final performance at the North Charleston Coliseum. With their first two nights at the venue they&rs...
On Sunday, July 13, Phish returned ot North Charleston, S.C. for their third and final performance at the North Charleston Coliseum. With their first two nights at the venue they’ve frequented since 1995, the legendary jam quartet locked into a mid-tour flow state and served up shows packed with the same sort of expansive jams and eclectic, eye-catching setlists that have made their Summer Tour so consistently engaging. Sunday’s show continued to build on this momentum with more surprising selections and lengthy explorations of old classics from a band that’s clearly enjoying the ride.
Phish stepped onstage last night with a romp through “Runaway Jim,” establishing a lighthearted and loose air that brought some buoyancy to the melodic intricacy of “Foam.” “Wolfman’s Brother” rolled in like a great exhale, stretching out past the 15-minute mark as the group rode the first set staple’s loping funk groove off into their eighth all-time performance of the undersung Sigma Oasis standout. Over a subtle jazzy flutter from John Fishman and a convincing Jaco Pastorious impersonation from Mike Gordon, the band unfurled 12 minutes of subversive rhythmic change-ups, clearly relishing every moment of the rarity.
As they crossed to the set’s second half, Phish followed their jazz impulse to the pointillistic changes of “Stash,” which centered a nimble melodic duet from Page McConnell and Trey Anastasio. That theme crashed into the slowly rolling groove of Gordon’s original “555,” which in turn gave way to their first treatment of the James Gang’s “Walk Away” since July 2023, complete with lead vocals from McConnell. To wrap up the first frame, the band turned up a 13-minute exploration of the Ghosts of the Forest standout “Drift While You’re Sleeping,” which sent the crowd off into the intermission with a dreamy, contemplative energy that recalled Friday’s unexpected “Sightless Escape.”
Phish found their footing in the second set with a 17-minute take on Anastasio’s Burn It Down original “Set Your Soul Free,” led by some dynamic effects deployments by the guitarist. In keeping with the one-two punch structure that’s kicked off some of their most thrilling second sets of this Summer Tour, the group swiftly moved into the intense and unmistakable opening of “Tweezer,” which started funkier than recent iterations (like Manchester, N.H.’s “Tweezerfest”) as it leaned back on some heavy slaps from Gordon. After settling into a lurching rhythm, Anastasio built heat with chunky riffs and released pressure with softer melodic lines, dancing in an atmospheric mood on the cusp of powerful peaks for a whopping 29 minutes. When they pivoted into “Ghost,” the quartet finally reached those promised heights with the evening’s searing, shreddy apex.
Phish capped off Sunday’s performance with a steady descent through TV on the Radio’s “Golden Age,” “A Life Beyond the Dream” and a blissed-out “Slave to the Traffic Light,” followed by an encore of the oddball fun-forward selections “Meatstick” and “Turtle in the Clouds” and a cathartic finale of “Tweezer Reprise.” They’ll return to the stage tomorrow, July 15, for the first of two nights at Philadeliphia’s TD Pavilion at The Mann, then continue on the road through the end of the month with standout stagings like two nights at Queens, N.Y.’s beloved Forest Hills Stadium on July 22 and 23 and tour-closing three-night return to Saratoga Springs’ Broadview Stage at SPAC from July 25-27. Following their Summer Tour, the band will embark on a seven-stop fall series from Sept. 13-21. Find tickets and more information here.
Read on for Sunday’s full setlist.
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PhishNorth Charleston Coliseum – North Charleston, S.C.7/11/25Set I: Runaway Jim, Foam, Wolfman’s Brother, Thread, Stash, 555 > Walk Away, Drift While You’re SleepingSet II: Set Your Soul Free, Tweezer -> Ghost, Golden Age, A Life Beyond The Dream, Slave to the Traffic LightEncore: Meatstick, Turtle in the Clouds, Tweezer RepriseSetlist via phish.net
Phish was two-thirds of the way to a memorable Charleston run as fans surrounded the North Charleston Coliseum on Sunday for the weekend’s final hurrah.Friday and Saturday had been apt representations of why people are praising...
Phish was two-thirds of the way to a memorable Charleston run as fans surrounded the North Charleston Coliseum on Sunday for the weekend’s final hurrah.
Friday and Saturday had been apt representations of why people are praising this tour—big jams, rarely played songs, a generally free-wheeling approach. With the “Sunday show” mystique adding to the anticipation, the Coliseum was particularly loud as the house lights went down just before 8:00.
“Runaway Jim” was first out of the gates, with the band speeding through a quick jam to get to “Foam”. The two songs have remained a reliable early-show pairing since the early 90’s, and their appearance on a 2025 setlist showed that the band is still willing and able to nod to its past. Nowaday, when the band chooses to tackle the complicated fugues of an early Trey Anastasio composition, the excitement of hearing an old classic is often met with the disappointing reminder why the band doesn’t play it anymore (sorry, “Glide”, you’ve never recovered from Coventry). Luckily for the Charleston crowd, that was not the case here: Trey made it through all of the sections without derailing the train at Flub City.
Page McConnell’s piano chords were instantly recognized as “Wolfman’s Brother”, the band and the crowd both antsy to groove after remembering just how difficult it is to dance to “Foam”. The band delivered the first exploration of the night here with patient interplay that saw Trey opting for rhythmic stabs rather than wailing high notes. The funky shuffle dipped into mellow waters before building back up to the song’s theme (with proper Trey heroics for good measure).
“Thread” was tasked with the job of being a less familiar-new song following a raging classic, and the drop-off in audience reaction was noticeable, but the band was undeterred. The song is definitely one of the weirder, darker songs that has come from Trey’s recent cache of sunny tunes about love, ocean, and waves, and this version leaned into that darkness. The band began to mimic a malfunctioning UFO before stopping on a dime, ending the surprising first-set interplanetary trip. The band had a laugh, with Trey adding, “We hope that was as much fun for all of you as it was for us…don’t knock it til you’ve tried it.”
“Stash” was another well-played classic, with the band hitting the changes before waltzing around the main theme. Trey had a few missteps, but all was forgiven with a strong ending. The solid version of “555” that followed begged the question, “Why is Mike Gordon only singing one song a night?”
“Walk Away” continued another first set trend as of late: a rarity to keep the setlist hounds and song-chasers coming back for more. The James Gang classic was appropriately incinerated, with Page’s vocals sounding just as sweet and radio friendly as the original.
For many, the set ended at the opening notes of “Drift While You’re Sleeping” as hordes of fans headed to concession early rather than take in the newer Trey song. But for those that stuck around, the multi-part composition was rendered admirably—whether you like it or not is a whole other thing.
“Set Your Soul Free” started off the final set of the weekend, quickly giving way to a jam that mellowed out quickly before picking up steam around a Trey-led climax.
Then, the inevitable: the Charleston “Tweezer”.
The jam started off as a synopsis of the musical theme of the night: full band interplay with a solid layer of mellow funk beneath it all. Around the ten-minute mark, it shifted as Page’s synth drones washed over Trey’s sustain notes. Jon Fishman picked up the beat, and the once-calming jam became an aggressive overload of grimy tension. In time, it wound down with a cascade of delay note flutters, clocking a little less than half an hour by the time “Ghost” appeared.
This “Ghost” continued the eerie, elastic funk of “Tweezer” before Trey’s tremolo notes made every guitarist in the house either want to quit or start practicing more.
TV On The Radio’s “Golden Age” covered similar ground as the previous two jams, but with a two-chord ending section that saw the band rising to the sort of peak that can make a set feel monumental.
“A Life Beyond The Dream” signaled the end of the nearly hour-long, three-song jam suite. The band knows how to deliver the song well, and it has the effect of the previous night’s “Joy”: you don’t have to like the song, but you can appreciate the moment (especially when Trey and LD Chris Kuroda are hitting the peaks during the solo).
“Slave To The Traffic Light” brought Phish back to the hallowed ground of its early material, as the band ended the set with a standard but solid performance of the classic piece.
After a night of watching the crowd in the Coliseum dance their asses off, it was the band’s turn. First, “Meatstick”—Trey and Mike refused to let the “Macarena”-era dance trend and (and failed Guinesss World Records attempt) die, doing their best Meatstick choreography as the audience sang and danced along. Then, “Turtle In The Clouds”—which gave Trey and Mike a chance to do that weird art dance jig thing that consistently leaves both them and the crowd laughing.
But like so many great multi-night runs prior, it was time to end this thing right with “Tweezer Reprise”. The Coliseum erupted as Phish’s most adrenalized three minutes of music pulverized the delighted faithful one last time.
Bows and smiles adjourned the evening, ending a weekend that will make a strong case as the best Charleston run yet.
Below, check out the setlist from Sunday night’s Phish finale at North Charleston Coliseum. Revisit our coverage of the rest of Phish’s summer 2025 run at North Charleston Coliseum here: Night 1 (7/11/25) | Night 2 (7/12/25). Find a list of upcoming Phish tour dates and grab your tickets here.
You can stream or download audio of this show—and every Phish show dating back to 2003—via LivePhish here. LivePhish is also offering nightly pay-per-view webcasts of Phish’s ongoing summer tour, which is set to hit Philadelphia, PA on Tuesday and Wednesday, July 15th and 16th. Order your LivePhish webcasts for Philly or check out the various discounted bundles available here.
[Editor’s note: Live For Live Music is a LivePhish affiliate. Ordering a webcast/download or subscribing to LivePhish+ via the links on this page helps support our work covering Phish and the rest of the live music world. Thanks for reading!]
Setlist [via phish.net]: Phish | North Charleston Coliseum | North Charleston, SC | 7/13/25 Set One: Runaway Jim, Foam, Wolfman’s Brother, Thread, Stash, 555 > Walk Away, Drift While You’re Sleeping Set Two: Set Your Soul Free, Tweezer -> Ghost, Golden Age, A Life Beyond The Dream, Slave to the Traffic Light Encore: Meatstick, Turtle in the Clouds, Tweezer Reprise Notes: Trey teased the All Things Considered theme in Tweezer.
Phish – “Runaway Jim” [Pro-Shot] – 7/13/25
Phish – “Walk Away” (James Gang) – 7/13/25
[Video: BRADFORD WALKER]
Phish – “Set Your Soul Free” [Pro-Shot] – 7/13/25
Phish – “Tweezer” Jam (Partial) – 7/13/25
[Video: BRADFORD WALKER]
Phish – “Tweezer Reprise” – 7/13/25
[Video: BRADFORD WALKER]
Phish’s second night in North Charleston, SC picked up where night one left off—except instead of a single marathon jam, night two was a showcase in how to go deep without going long.The opening “The Moma Dance” surprised absolutely no one. The song usually serves as musical small talk before the real hard-hitting conversation, but this “Moma” slipped i...
Phish’s second night in North Charleston, SC picked up where night one left off—except instead of a single marathon jam, night two was a showcase in how to go deep without going long.
The opening “The Moma Dance” surprised absolutely no one. The song usually serves as musical small talk before the real hard-hitting conversation, but this “Moma” slipped into Type II territory for a few minutes, foretelling the musical direction for the evening.
“NICU”’s Caribbean feel was the sonic equivalent of an ocean breeze tickling a palm frond, even as Trey Anastasio struggled with the signature lick. Then, after a few setlist softballs, it was time for a change-up.
The tour’s run of bust-outs continued with “Jesus Just Left Chicago”, resurrected for the first time since 12/3/2019. Page McConnell reminded everyone that he may be the best vocalist in the band, while Anastasio slayed the song’s blues licks. Chris Kuroda projected saintly white circles on the ceiling of the coliseum, serving as a halo for the crowd of Holy City heathens.
“Divided Sky” was up next, serving as the music theory quiz portion of the night. The band, Trey in particular, earned high marks during the song’s soaring final section.
The band has been ensuring that at least one Mike Gordon song shows up in the first set, and tonight’s was the early classic “Destiny Unbound”. The song has officially evolved into a jam-like animal, and this version got its legs with a groove that Trey used to tease the ’60s flower power chords of “I’m A Man”.
“Monsters”, one of Phish’s most somber rockers, was next, with its minor key chords serving as a frail whimper waiting to be destroyed by an epic Trey solo. His guitar gently weeped over the band’s slow build, with six-string fireworks that were more Gilmour than Hendrix, the Charleston crowd loving every string bend and distorted squeal.
“Plasma” reaffirmed that this was indeed still a party, with the song’s rolling groove paving the way for some fun interplay from Mike and Trey. The band gave the song a similar jam treatment as “Moma” and “Destiny”, taking the song out just far enough to momentarily mingle with the cosmos before returning to earth.
Phish – “Plasma” [Pro-Shot] – 7/12/25
Trey sketched out the familiar chords of “Bathtub Gin” as Page smashed his Baby Grand, and it was on. It was obvious why “Gin” has found its home as a set closer as the band built up towards a crescendo. The entire set up to that point had been a balance of improvisational indulgences and guitar heroics, and the best of each built to a white light peak before the band wound down the signature “Gin” riff.
“Mike’s Song” opened the second frame, welcomed by the crowd as Mike took the mic once again to tell the tale of an overzealous doorman. The change to the minor key gave way to a mid-’90s tradition that seems to have fallen by the wayside: Mike’s jam. Trey switched back to a major key, and the gearshifts were officially set to Set 2 Type 2. Trey played confidently as Page laid down a strong foundation of piano chords underneath. If the previous night’s “Down with Disease” was a clinic in long-form improv, this “Mike’s” was a masterclass in how to deliver a quick punchline without sacrificing the exploratory weirdness.
“Mike’s” dissolved into the soothing sound salve of “I Am Hydrogen”, the classic combination confirming that this Mike’s was coming from the old school mid-’90s playbook.
“Weekapaug Groove” was up next, because of course it was. The song dipped into the improvisational Milky Way while keeping its feet firmly grounded in the groove, clocking in at a lean but muscular eight minutes.
“Mercury” allowed the band a few verses to catch its breath before returning to the ether. Jon Fishman’s marimba break cued up what would be the longest jam of the night. The drummer danced around a psychedelic disco groove that was far too hip (and fatigueless) for a 60-year-old dad. Trey laid back before showing why he’s “one of the great Texas guitar players,” building a solo over the last few minutes of the jam before steering it towards “Soul Planet”.
There is an argument to be made that out of all of Phish’s 300+ songs, “Soul Planet” gets the distinguished honor of being the worst song that has produced the best jams, such as the 47-minute monster from a few years back. It sometimes feels as if the band is saying, “Hey, get through just three minutes of this awkward ocean love song and you’ll be rewarded with a sick jam,” and tonight’s version was no different.
Fishman announced the arrival of “Harry Hood”, and the band synthesized three decades of playing the song into a version that followed the form of so many before while still feeling fresh. Echoing the way Friday’s “Suzy Greenberg” punctuated “Chalk Dust Torture”, Trey took one more crack at it, this time calling up “I Am The Walrus” for the first time since 10/11/2023. The song’s climax was full-on lysergic overload, affirming the night’s theme that your trip can still be short.
Phish emerged for the encore, quieting the rowdy crowd as the quartet gathered around the a single mic to belt out an a cappella “Carolina”. The old-time charm was endearing, as the band sang of “morning glories” and “strolling with your girlie,” reminding the crowd just how fine it was to be in Carolina.
“Say It To Me S.A.N.T.O.S.” was tasked with delivering the final knockout punch for the evening. S.A.N.T.O.S. said whatever it was that he had to say, and Trey crushed one final solo before the band took a bow and called it a night.
Night two in Charleston was a night of big, but not necessarily long, jams. The band didn’t need the half hour of the previous night’s “Disease” to get to a place that excited them or the audience; they were able to do it in contained bursts in practically every song, never looking back—from the jammed out “Moma” all the way until the ending “S.A.N.T.O.S.”. Night one may have delivered one of the longest jams of the tour, but night two delivered some of the strongest, proving that the biggest jams aren’t always the best jams.
Below, check out the setlist and a selection of videos from night two in North Charleston, SC. Stream or download audio of the show here.
Phish returns to North Charleston Coliseum tonight. Tune in live via LivePhish’s nightly webcasts here.
Phish – “Jesus Just Left Chicago” – 7/12/25
[Video: Blake Jefferson]
Setlist [via phish.net]: Phish | North Charleston Coliseum | North Charleston, SC | 7/12/25 Set 1: The Moma Dance, NICU, Jesus Just Left Chicago, Divided Sky, Destiny Unbound, Monsters, Plasma, Bathtub Gin Set 2: Mike’s Song > I Am Hydrogen > Weekapaug Groove, Mercury > Soul Planet, Joy, Harry Hood, I Am the Walrus Encore: Carolina, Say It To Me S.A.N.T.O.S. Notes: Jesus Just Left Chicago was performed for the first time since December 3, 2019 (208 shows). Trey teased I’m a Man in Destiny Unbound. Carolina was performed for the first time since December 6, 2019 (206 shows).
SAN ANTONIO, TX - FEBRUARY 29: Guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder drive towards the basket during a game against the San Antonio Spurs at Frost Bank Center on February 29, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Brien Aho/Getty Images)NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) — The NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder are coming to...
SAN ANTONIO, TX - FEBRUARY 29: Guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder drive towards the basket during a game against the San Antonio Spurs at Frost Bank Center on February 29, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Brien Aho/Getty Images)
NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) — The NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder are coming to North Charleston to play the Charlotte Hornets, each organization announced in a preseason schedule release Monday.
Charlotte will play Oklahoma City at the North Charleston Coliseum on Sunday, Oct. 5, at 5 p.m. They will then match up against the Memphis Grizzlies at Greensboro's First Horizon Coliseum on Wednesday, Oct. 15, at 7 p.m.
Tickets for each context will go on sale Wednesday, July 16. They will be available online through the Hornets website or each venue's website.
“We’re always looking to foster new and existing fan engagement throughout the Carolinas, so with Spectrum Center renovations nearing completion in early October, this is the perfect opportunity to host our preseason games in outer markets,” said Hornets Sports & Entertainment Chief Marketing Officer Seth Bennett. “The Hornets are the NBA team of the Carolinas. We’re excited for fans in Charleston and Greensboro to experience the excitement of a home game, while deepening our visibility, connection and impact within each community.”
The Hornets' full preseason schedule, including the local preseason broadcast schedule, is set to be released at a later date.
As for the NBA champs, the Thunder, after playing the Hornets, will take on the Dallas Mavericks in Fort Worth, Texas.
Oklahoma then returns to Paycom Center for the team’s preseason home debut vs. the Charlotte Hornets on Oct. 9. The Thunder hits the road again to face the Indiana Pacers on Oct. 11 and the Milwaukee Bucks on Oct. 14 before concluding exhibition play with a home match-up versus the Denver Nuggets on Oct. 17.
Opening the preseason in North Charleston grants NBA fans in South Carolina a chance to see reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who was recently named Finals MVP after averaging 30.3 points and 5.6 assists per game against the Indiana Pacers.
Two Home Preseason Games – Presented by Bank of America – To Be Played In Charleston and Greensboro; Tickets On Sale Wednesday, July 16July 14, 2025 – The Charlotte Hornets announced today their two-game 2025-26 home preseason schedule, with both games being played outside of the Charlotte market in Charleston, S.C. and Greensboro, N.C. The Hornets will host the reigning NBA Champion Oklahoma City Thunder at the North Charleston Coliseum on Sunday, Oct. 5 at 5 p.m. followed by a matchup against the...
July 14, 2025 – The Charlotte Hornets announced today their two-game 2025-26 home preseason schedule, with both games being played outside of the Charlotte market in Charleston, S.C. and Greensboro, N.C. The Hornets will host the reigning NBA Champion Oklahoma City Thunder at the North Charleston Coliseum on Sunday, Oct. 5 at 5 p.m. followed by a matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies at Greensboro’s First Horizon Coliseum on Wednesday, Oct. 15 at 7 p.m. Charlotte’s preseason games are presented by Bank of America. Tickets for each game will go on sale Wednesday, July 16 and are available online at hornets.com, ticketmaster.com and each venue’s website: northcharlestoncoliseumpac.com and gsocomplex.com.
“We’re always looking to foster new and existing fan engagement throughout the Carolinas, so with Spectrum Center renovations nearing completion in early October, this is the perfect opportunity to host our preseason games in outer markets,” said Hornets Sports & Entertainment Chief Marketing Officer Seth Bennett. “The Hornets are the NBA team of the Carolinas. We’re excited for fans in Charleston and Greensboro to experience the excitement of a home game, while deepening our visibility, connection and impact within each community.”
The Hornets have traditionally hosted several regional home contests as part of their preseason schedule and have previously played 10 preseason games in Greensboro, most recently in 2022. Greensboro has a strong connection to the Hornets as the city has served as the home of the Greensboro Swarm, the team’s NBA G League affiliate, since 2016. Charlotte has played four preseason contests in Charleston, most recently in 2012, also at the North Charleston Coliseum.
Charlotte’s full preseason schedule, including local preseason broadcast schedule, will be released at a later date.
CHARLOTTE HORNETS 2025-26 HOME PRESEASON GAMES
Spectrum Center, which will be celebrating 20 incredible years of sports and entertainment when its doors reopen Sunday, Oct. 19 for a Billie Eilish concert, is currently undergoing phase two of renovations that will result in a transformed arena. Hive Society Memberships for the Hornets 2025-26 season, including the newly introduced Half Season Plans (Purple and Teal), are currently available. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 704.HORNETS or visit hornets.com.
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