Camden, S.C. – Mayor Vincent Sheheen, who also served as a state senator and congressman, has stepped away from the political arena to pursue a personal passion: Halloween music. He partnered with Greenville’s gothic‑opera duo Valentine Wolfe to create a full‑length concept album titled Monsters, released under the name Southern Gothic Opera Company.
How the collaboration began
Sheheen first saw Valentine Wolfe perform at the Southern Gothic Festival in Camden and was immediately struck by their dramatic sound. “I thought, ‘What if it’s the Trans‑Siberian Orchestra, but for Halloween,’” Sheheen told vocalist Sarah Black. The duo, consisting of Black on operatic vocals and keyboards and Braxton Ballew on upright bass, agreed to explore the idea. What began as a trial of a few songs quickly grew into a complete album.
What listeners can expect
Monsters delivers a mix of furious blues riffs, soaring operatic vocals and horror‑movie orchestration. Tracks such as “Something Wicked This Way Comes,” “A.I. Frankenstein” and “Halloween Hearse” blend the gritty guitar work of Johnny Winter with the cinematic flair of Danny Elfman and the holiday‑season energy of Trans‑Siberian Orchestra. The result is a high‑drama gothic style that walks the line between spooky and humorous.
Community response and a special show
The album’s debut was celebrated with a sold‑out performance at the Harbison Theatre on the Midlands Technical College campus in Irmo on Oct. 23. Sheheen insisted the show take place a week before Halloween so families could still enjoy traditional trick‑or‑treating. “He loves to actually go trick‑or‑treating with his family or host special parties on Halloween,” Black noted.
Local residents expressed delight at seeing their mayor embrace a creative project that highlights regional talent. “It’s a fun, family‑friendly way to celebrate the season while showcasing our vibrant arts scene,” said a Camden attendee.
Sheheen’s musical background
Beyond his public service, Sheheen is an avid guitarist and a self‑described “major fan of Halloween.” His involvement in the album adds a personal touch that resonates with fans of both rock and gothic opera. Black praised the collaboration, saying, “Vincent brought a blues aspect that opened our minds to new possibilities.”
Looking ahead
While the album is a seasonal project, both Sheheen and Valentine Wolfe see potential for future musical ventures. The duo hinted that the experience could inspire additional genre‑blending works beyond Halloween, further enriching the Upstate’s cultural landscape.
For those interested in hearing the album, Monsters is available on major streaming platforms and local retailers. The project underscores how community leaders can champion the arts, fostering a sense of pride and shared celebration in Camden and the surrounding Upstate region.
Original reporting: Greenville Journal — read the source article.
