Grammy-Nominated Duo The War and Treaty Returning to Charleston for Outdoor Show at The Refinery
The War and Treaty are returning to Charleston this fall with their powerhouse blend of soul, gospel, country and Americana.
The Grammy-nominated husband-and-wife duo of Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter will perform outdoors at The Refinery on Wednesday, September 2, 2026. Doors open at 6 p.m., with the performance scheduled from 7:30–11 p.m.
Who Are The War and Treaty?
Despite the name, The War and Treaty is not a venue, historical attraction or political organization.
The group is a married musical duo known for combining gospel-rooted vocals with elements of Southern soul, country, blues, rock and Americana. Their performances are often built around the vocal chemistry between Michael and Tanya, whose voices move between intimate storytelling and full-scale, church-inspired energy.
The couple began developing their shared musical identity after meeting in 2010 and later marrying. Rather than confining themselves to one genre, they built a sound influenced by the church, Southern storytelling and multiple traditions within American roots music.
The Duo Has Made History in Country Music
The War and Treaty received two nominations at the 2024 Grammy Awards: Best New Artist and Best American Roots Song for “Blank Page.”
They also became the first Black duo nominated for Duo of the Year by the Academy of Country Music Awards and later the first Black duo nominated in the corresponding category at the Country Music Association Awards. Those milestones helped establish Michael and Tanya as important figures within the continued expansion of Black representation in country and Americana music.
Their recognition has come without abandoning the soul, gospel and R&B influences that remain central to their music. That crossover appeal allows The War and Treaty to connect with country audiences while also reaching listeners who may be more familiar with traditional soul, gospel or blues.
The War and Treaty Recently Released a New Album
The Charleston performance comes during a new chapter for the duo.
On June 19, The War and Treaty released The Story of Michael & Tanya, a 12-song project described by the artists as a musical reflection of their marriage, personal journey and creative partnership. The album was recorded live to tape in Nashville and serves as their debut project with Atlantic Outpost.
The project includes collaborations with several recognizable names, including Babyface, Whoopi Goldberg, Valerie June and Wynonna Judd. Its songs continue the duo’s exploration of love, hardship, faith, healing and the relationship between sacred and secular music.
The Refinery show gives Charleston listeners an opportunity to hear music from that new era alongside selections from the duo’s earlier catalog.
This Will Be a Return to Charleston
The upcoming concert will not be The War and Treaty’s first Charleston appearance.
The duo previously performed at the Charleston Music Farm during the 2023 MOJA Arts Festival, with local artist Warrick McZeke serving as the opening act.
Their September performance will move them to The Refinery’s outdoor amphitheater, a venue that has continued to attract touring acts across rock, reggae, country, Americana and alternative music.
The Refinery is located at 1640 Meeting Street, near Charleston’s upper peninsula.
Why This Concert Stands Out
The War and Treaty’s Charleston return reaches several audiences at once.
Country and Americana listeners will recognize the duo from their award nominations and national touring schedule. Soul and R&B fans may connect more closely with their vocal approach, while gospel listeners will hear the church-rooted intensity present throughout their performances.
The concert also offers Charleston another opportunity to support a nationally recognized Black act helping expand the boundaries of country and American roots music.
Rather than fitting neatly into one musical category, The War and Treaty have built their identity around the full range of their influences—and that genre-spanning approach is a major part of what has made their live performances distinctive.
The War and Treaty at The Refinery
Date: Wednesday, September 2, 2026
Doors: 6 p.m.
Show: 7:30–11 p.m.
Venue: The Refinery
Address: 1640 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC 29405
Tickets: Available through The Refinery’s official event listing.
The War and Treaty’s return gives Charleston an outdoor concert combining soul, gospel, country and Americana from one of the most acclaimed husband-and-wife acts working in American roots music today.
