The Charleston music scene thrived in 2002. Looking back at some of the bands that played Charleston, I consider myself fortunate to be part of the music scene. Acts like The J. Davis Trio, The Tossers, Everclear, Heroine Sheiks, Gaza Strippers, Hit Gone Bad, Swampass, The Honor System, The Ghost, The Siderunners, The Arrivals, The 440s, The Cherry Valence, Saltwater Vampires, Mexican Cheerleader and Transmission all visited Charleston in 2002.

I believe 2003 is shaping up to be even better. This year will see the return of Allister (Jan. 31), Tummler (Feb. 15), The Tossers (Feb. 21), The Arrivals (Feb. 28) and The J. Davis Trio (March 29).

Tuesday March 4 is also a day music fans should mark on their calendars. What’s so important about the first Tuesday in March? Top of the Roc will welcome a trio to town that has sold out the Highdive in Champaign. A trio that has released albums on Sub Pop, Interscope and Artemis Records. I speak of The Reverend Horton Heat. Look for Unknown Hinson to open, and tickets should be available by the end of the month. Stay tuned to the rock show on WEIU FM 88.9 for more information about the show.

In other local music news, Hit Gone Bad recorded a six-song EP with Matt Talbott last month at his Great Western Recording Studio in Tolono, Ill. The surf-trio plans on calling the release “High Speed Chaser” and the title-cut will also appear on a Jettison Music compilation.

Swampass has had a change in their line-up. Mattoon native and Gaza Strippers drummer Mark Allen will replace Jake Pope on the drums. Look for the new lineup to debut in March. Pope meanwhile will concentrate on his other project featuring former Friction Machine bandmate, frontman Mike Adams and Velvet Jones guitarist Dave Fitzgerald. Pope will reportedly also retire his 30-inch kick drum.

Mattoon will also begin hosting (punk) rock shows this semester. Monday, Champs (1408 Broadway) will welcome Mae and Keepsake to town. The show will be 21+ and start at 9 p.m., with Mae playing first. Both bands are scheduled to make stops at venues like The Independent Media Center in Urbana. and The Fireside Bowl in Chicago later this month. Keepsake hails from Florida and is on Fearless Records. Mae calls Virginia home and besides releasing albums on Tooth and Nail Records, the band has also seen their song “Embers and Envelopes” reach the top 10 on MP3.com’s punk charts. Look for some other all-ages Mattoon shows Feb. 24 and 28, most likely taking place at the Time Theatre.

This Saturday, WEIU FM 88.9 will be giving away CDs at the women’s basketball game vs. Tennessee-Martin. Look for a table across from the concession stand where jazz DJ Jennifer Smith will be giving away promtional CDs. The game starts at 5:15 p.m. and all women’s basketball home games are on WEIU FM 88.9. University Board will also be at the game playing “Let’s Make a Deal” and giving away prizes.