- Apr 24-28, 2013  Charleston International Film Festival

- REVIEW:  “Around the world in 5 days at CIFF!”

(1) One of the CIFF Board of Directors, Ben Levitt, just back from Israel, made the brilliant move to attract more than me to Charleston’s CIFF. He’s magnetic – it shows what his metal is made of.  Ho hum, the first person we “bumped” into was Hollywood writer/producer/director, Gil Hacohen, from NY, on his way to Israel. “Shoot, Gil, lets go! – OK, G-d willing!”

(2) The short films were more than intriguing – several were out of this world. “Rebuild” was brilliant, as in illuminating (like I dreamed in my trailer, “Recharge Your Life,” G-d willing, next year in Jerusalem & CIFF). “Narcocorrido” was a world I could never dream of – so foreign, that only penetrating shooting by the filmmakers & actors could blow away any preconception. The bar was so high, I dared to say they were hard to top. Then came the toppers. “Spaghetti for Two” used out of sight camera angles, hovering over the earth over bumper car people – hilarious in their desperation/competition for love, money, food, and umbrellas – capturing glimpses of accidents where they share it all – all without saying a word. Hacohen’s “Shooting Chris” was not just out of this world, it was a parallel universe. Live footage was anything but… it transported you back in time. Interviews were surreal. But the ending and then the Q&A with Hacohen revealed the unbelievable parts. Other films (that made local enthusiast, Candace Suggars, smile) were “Smile,” from the world of mime (an award winner); and “Guttersnipe” about the homeless whose world revolves around their shopping cart. 

(3) CIFF founders, Brian and Summer Peacher showed us where there’s a world there’s a way. The Peachers, Board Members Bob Kosian and Margaret Ford Rogers, and all of Charleston embrace filmmakers from one end of the world (that may be me) to on top of world, that’s Bill Butler (the cinematographer of “Jaws, Greece, One Flew Over The Coocoo’s Nest” – he was presented the Spire Lifetime Achievement Award – with cameo video salutes from Steven Spielberg and Francis Ford Coppola). 

(4) Away from the lofty silver screen, we got down to earth with filmmakers, actors, producers, editors, animators, etc during film Q&A, workshops, after-parties, awards, and even on our sailboat. Holy Producers, Bat Man, Chris Brigham is in the Holy City. He worked on “Argo”(Academy Award Winner); and Shutter Island (with actors Leonardo DiCaprio and Ruby Jerins 🙂 To cap it all off, we went to the world of India, where Kathryn Peters was hostess at her Seeking Indigo wellness boutique (it will light up your world). 

(5) Charleston is on a world stage – we are #1 on Condé Nast Traveler‘s list. We’ve been the rage around the world for years, and the world never stops turning. So start planning for next year, because CIFF offers more than just Film (back from the underworld, we joined with Charlie Chaplin to Do The Charleston. He’s done it before and shined like a star…

copyright DoTheCharleston.com

– 2014  Charleston Fashion Week – New Updates

Carolina Gribble Bryan, Beautiful, inside & out, n’est pas?

– 2013  Charleston  FASHION  WEEK 

–  Charleston FASHION  WEEK Charity Partners (2013 and 2014). DoThe Charleston.com focuses on “Fashion For A Cause,” so follow:

 

UPDATES!

[It’s all about The Cause. Oh yeah, thanks to Fashion Week. Fashion For A Cause. Copyright 2013 DoTheCharleston.com interviews Tracy & Stefanie @11thGorgeous: “Epic…young & old, everybody loves coming together for a greater good” [Tears of joy, obviously]

2012 Charleston Fashion Week 

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- 2011 Fashion Week: Watch HiArtFilms concept clips <– Read Full REVIEW (Excerpt “..with Emily Hearn & Mark Bryan, Ayoka, Mother-Daughters(Jen Snyder-Maddy Parnall)…RAW Video Interviews shot by Charleston…9th grader, Chloe Teichman, in her first video shoot ever. Chloe threw her lack of credentials and caution to the wind, because Fashion Week’s wonder & spectacle bombarded all the senses and had to be investigated…she helped make a movie with a message…”

– Dance & Music Showcase (for Downtown Venue the in April. Expect 4-8 rehearsals.

– Pay ~ $150 – $300 total (+ more for top top talent) 

– Auditions Invitation:

12:30-4pm, weekdays, asap.

– Invitations will have address of Studio.

– MUST BE Multi-Talented cute/fit/fun/engaging artists.

– Blues, Jazz, Soul, R&B, and Rock

– 18+ male and female roles for both:

– Singers and Musicians

– Dancers (solo and also lead/follows)

– Actors, Hosts, Hostesses, Emcees, Spokesmodels

– Bring a cool blues outfit or two. Be ready to play your instrument with the blues band. If you sing, know the key and chord progression so the band can play along.

– Email Merrick@DoTheCharleston.com for prescreening, include your bio & photos (or video/audio link). If you qualify, we’ll email back the invitation & studio address.

– Thanks

–  Dec 31, NEW YEARS EVE! 3rd Annual Platinum Ball, “Where Music, Fashion & Film Merge.” <– Buy Tickets before they sell out. Join Jesse & Lamar, among the hosts & toasts, among the film models & champagne bottles, among the leaders & teachers (net proceeds go to Youth Power Initiative). Charleston & the world’s jet set touch down here, in between NY City & Miami South Beach, into VIP cabanas that are anything but cabanas. Think bigger, think cosmic: fly in under the wide starry skies of the Charleston Harbor Waterfront into The Hippodrome (former IMAX theater screen for wrap-around NASA space spectacles). Get a feast for the eyes; music & dancing for the feet, and treats for the taste buds! Teeth, get ready to sink into Charleston’s one & only Gullah Geechee hors d’oeuvres by Chef Benjamin Dennis.  Hip & happy and tasty & spacey – hello 2013!

– Dec 21 Join the #Unify #AroundTheWorld Event. This is a facet of the mission of DoTheCharleston. Make an impact now: don’t wait on a yoga mat, or yoga clothes, or yoga class in Charleston or France…just do it…go out and unify the world!

copyright 2012 DoTheCharleston.com

 – Happy Hanukkah & Merry Christmas Charleston (and the World) – same as it ever was! Christmas in July – 70degree bikini weather. Christmas in fall with fall leaves next to palm trees.

Like Pommery Louise, a joy to have anytime of the year.

–  Dec, first 3 weekends,  “Santa Claus Conquers the Martians”  Threshold Repertory Theatre, 84 1/2 Society St.  (REVIEW: Home for the Holidays? Maybe not 😮 Go for a campy hammy comic adventure with twists & turns & skip ropes & hop scotch & (uhhemm) martinis & coke & pills & chills & thrills & nectars & vectors & rockets & hangars & hangers…from Mars to the North Pole…and back…?!?! A holiday play for families; for off-off-broadway theater Junkies; and more, “All Eden (playing Betty) wants for Christmas is Hanukkah gelt.“ Share Facebook Event

copyright 2012 RJD Timeless Photography by Rebecca Dersch

- Nov 30, 7-10pm, readCharlie’s 2012 YearBook Signing Party for it’s year-end special issue launch. It’s the scene to see and be scene, dance & smooze, and toast & nosh with progressives and creatives at GrowFood Carolina at 990 Morrison Dr. $20-$25.

- Nov 17, 4-11 Jail Break 4 at The Infamous Old City Jail, home of  ACBA(American College of the Building Arts). This is a bizarre Bazar of local indie arts, music, dance, jewelry, food…expect the best (the Old City Jail is full of bars, but the bar was raised pretty high last year by Jenny & Chloe with DanceFX ;) 

– Nov 12 – 16  Philanthropy Week in the Lowcountry

– Nov 16, 2012 Charleston Magazine’s Giving Back Awards (Tickets):  Celebrate with philanthropists, businesses, individuals, and nonprofits, with the Charleston Jazz Orchestra at the Charleston Music Hall. Red Carpet at 7pm and Awards at 8pm. After-Party at Rue de Jean. Details & Tickets

– Nov 16, 2012 Annual Donor Celebration: Coastal Community Foundation Exec. Dir. George Stevens, “…if we let it…by giving thanks to those who inspire us, we can inspire ourselves…[but remember]…Rule No. 1: Be specific…the easy way out, the shotgun approach, leads us towards thoughtlessly thin thank you’s. Rule No. 2: Thank the right people…One poorly targeted “thanks” and all your other “thank yous” suffer from deflation, forever.” 

– Nov 15  Darkness To Light’s  “Circle of Light GALA…a world-class charity evening of fine dining, spectacular entertainment, an edge-of-your seat auction, and a lively after-party…” The GALA raises $500,000 annually to further protecting children from sexual abuse! The GALA’s 450 benefactors include Charleston-area & national business leaders.

– Nov 15  National Philanthropy Day! Annual Luncheon of The Association of Fundraising Professionals’ (AFP) awards outstanding individual, foundation, and corporate contributions of philanthropy to enrich us locally and globally.

– Nov 8 -12  They’re coming from all over the land for the 3rd Annual Holy City Blues Xchg - DANCING ALL WEEK, day & night & dance until dawn!! No partner, no problem, come one, come all! Schedule and more Links. Blues Dance Lessons are also easy & available - post here, too.

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– Nov 2- 4, The 14th Annual Charleston Fine Art Dealers’ Association (CFADA) galleries, plein air painting in Washington Park, Art on Paper Fair at the Gibbes Museum, Gala & Silent Auction, and lectures. Proceeds benefit Charleston County High Schools’ fine arts. Sales of paintings to CFADA patrons has raised > $250,000 for schools since 2004. See DoTheCharleston.com HiArtFilms RAW video below, Copyright 2012.

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– Thur,  Nov 1 “…must attend for collectors and painters…Star Studded Art Extravaganza Demo…benefit for Charleston Library Society…jazz trio for dancing….ornately costumed & propped with Chinese and French Antiques…These Intl painters impart tremendous knowledge…part instruction, part art history….”

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– Sun Oct 28  Awesome Musician and inspirational poet, MATISYAHU, “SPARKS” in Charleston! Acoustic Set at 1pm at Half-Moon Outfitters. Tonite 8pm CONCERT at The Music Farm downtown!

copyright 2012 DoTheCharleston.com

Matisyahu brought us “Sunshine,” when he passed thru Charleston. Super Storm Sandy brought us Moonshine, when it passed by Charleston.

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- Oct 27  The 12th Annual Skinful Halloween. What to expect?? Read last year’s TWO Reviews (Excerpt: “…fire burn and cauldron bubble …Big Hair Productions …DoTheCharleston.com Challenge: “Go …for the music & culture …not a drop to drink; nor drop of acid…no groping…oh behave…high on life; high on endorphins …beyond the bare and buzzed…”) 

copyright 2011 2012 DoTheCharleston.com

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– Oct 9  7:30 -10:30  Party for a Purpose 100% Donations goto SC Special Olympics! What’s Camille got brewing? Not beer, and not her witches brew, because it’s too early for Halloween “weeks.” Not fish stew – it’s at the SC Aquarium for visual stimulation, but there will be light hors d’oeuvres. It’s the Van Gogh Drink Challenge: a taste of 15 of the best Charleston Bartenders. See DoTheCharleston.com HiArtFilms video below, Copyright 2012.

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– 2012 Charleston Fashion Week official After Party – RAIN by Charleston After Dark.  (You know Christmas in July is at most a reminder of what was or what will be…well, behold Fashion Week in October: A look back at what was (and what will come again)… by Merrick Teichman (and guest co-writer, Wendy Wilson, YogaBareHeart Founder, Teacher, & Fashion Designer): “The Mar 24th evening was full of flare, fashionistas, fun, and fish!  Guests caught the fisheye lens of the paparazzi along with designers & celebrities; Chicken Turtles & Slippery D__s (fish); starlets sporting sparkling sea shell swimwear; and even retired world class pros flaming & passing the torch.  Nigel Williams, now in Charleston with Record Quest, attended this soiree to keep up with his love for fashion. Nigel was born in Guyana South America, and he spent the 70s in New York working with icon Willi Smith. Nigel doesn’t keep his wisdom & savoir faire close to the vest, he wears it on his collar (we love his hi-fashion tie clip jewelry). It was easy mining (fishing) for gem stones: studs like Nigel; jewels like Camille and Hilda; and hard rockers like Mark Bryan – all lured by a passion for fashion! The Aquarium was a perfect lure, too, the beauty was inside and out! (Special thanks to Sherrie Mills, Old South Barber Spa. Her Hair Cuts turn an everyday pauper into a Fashion Week Prince! Check out her Fashion For A Cause, too: Sidewalk Chalk) 

Femme Fatale #1: “Ooo la la, parlez-vous français? Allez-vous à Paris Haute Couture ainsi que la Semaine de la mode Charleston? …Femme Fatale #2: “Mais bien sûr, nous sommes à la fois incroyable! N’est-ce pas? …Femme Fatale #1: Voila! Bon Vivant! Copyright 2012 DoTheCharleston.com

Nigel Williams passes his international savoir-faire fashion wisdom to Charleston. Copyright 2012 DoTheCharleston.com

Video Shot and edited by Michael Kadlubkiewicz, CharlestonMultimedia, Music by Armin van Buuren 

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– Sept 21 – Oct 13  (Thur, Fri, Sat, Sun) REVIEW: (Special Guest Review by Wendy Wilson) LADIES, dont wait for another Sunday to pass, without seeing Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Tell Me on a Sunday!”  YOU WILL LAUGH OUT LOUD, watching “Emma” sing her heart out, while she travels through her career path trying to strike it rich.  Immanuel Houston, adds his musical flair and pazazz! Cheers to Sheri Grace Wenger, for Directing Midtown Productions‘ enchanting musical along with an intimate theater experience at The Charleston Acting Studio, 915 Folly Rd.

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Sept 10 -16, 2012  The Inaugural Charleston Dance Festival Video by Rogue Wave//Creative Development, Music by Ben Jacobs:

Contact Us. Location, Location, Location – Priceless – You’ll be in High Cotton, Historic French Quarter, Waterfront Parks, Art Galleries, Cafes, Spoleto Shows, Dock Street Theatre, Rainbow Row, Home & Gardens, 5 Star TOURS, Museums, Shopping, etc.

(A. Condo) 1BR Exclusive Chic Condo. FURNISHED (just bring your suitcase). WiFi, Satellite TV, Parking, plus more VIP options.

– Impressive windows – sunset & church steeple views!
– Open/roomy Kitchen, BIG granite counters, cherry cabinets, bamboo floors.
– Bath has granite counters, Double Sinks.
– Classy sidewalk Marquee, wrought iron locked gate/intercom, glass atrium elevator

(B. Boat) 34ft Gemini Catamaran Sailboat - 3 private cabins. Like-new, 3yrs old. Downtown Marina w/Sunsets & Moonsets, Dolphins & Sea Otters, Clubhouse & Fishing Docs, etc.

– Check back for Updates + PLUS Exclusive PREVIEWS & REVIEWS! Follow our Twitter and Facebook.

– Dec 1, 7-10pm, Falling Whistles’ Party for a Purpose presented by Rhett’s Rogue Wave Surf Shop & fueled by Billy’s Remedy Market’s Costa Rican beer, and Roti Rolls. Located at 69 Spring, it shares the avant-garde artsy space of Rebekah Kiser’s BlueNess Studios including originals by local artists, like Vordai’s Art Spaces’ modern abstracts . Overheard at the party: “…passionate Falling Whistle Necklaces…pioneers just back from the jungles…educating local schools about Invisible Children… Merrick’s surfboards…great art…pirate jokes, arrrrghhh…”

Rebekah Kiser BlueNess Studios. Copyright  DoTheCharleston.com

– Dec 2,3,4,9,10,11 Sprouts Musical Theatre Company presents, “Princess and the Pea” Very clever lyrics and chase scenes fun for young and old alike. (Watch our last Trailer & review of Pinnochio). Since coming to Charleston 2 years ago, Stan Gill has been on a roll with a continuous string of creative theater that he writes, produces, directs, and acts. He has cultivated a dedicated company of professional actors, young & old, to form a chemistry that is magical. Need 2&9 @7pm; Dec3&10 @ 1pm; and Dec4&11 @ 3pm. At Creative Spark, Long Pt. Rd, Mt.Pleasant $10-$12. 843-881-3780

– Dec 2, –  Roaring Twenties Hot Jazz Dance Club – Stephen Duane, ”The New South Jazzmen are absolutely amazing…play a timeless style of Jazz music in our very own timeless and historic city. We are more than just fortunate to be able to experience this kind of music and dancing almost a hundred years after it was created!” (start with 2 lessons 7:15 and 8, then swing dance to 11)” $10

copyright2011 Roaring 20s Hot Jazz Dance Club

– Dec 3 Charleston Swing Dance Assoc Lindy Workshop and Christmas Swing Dance and Late Nite Blues Dance The premier Lindy Hop lessons go from 11am – 4 pm at Hazel Parker Center, 70 East Bay St. The Big Fancy Christmas Swing Party is from 7:30-11 at Cathedral of St. Luke and St. Paul, 126 Coming St. The swing band is the Joe Clarke Trio, featuring the School of the Arts Little Big Band. $5 – $30

The Holy City Blues Holiday Late Nite Dance is 12:30 – 2:30am at Spirit Moves, 445 Savannah Hwy. $3

copyright 2011 Holy City Blues

– Dec 8 Wide Angle Lunch Shannon Smith gives the presentation, “Why Climate Change is not a Left-Wing Issue.” Charleston Library Society, 163 King St, 12:30-1:30pm. $20-25

– Dec 8, 5:30, Free: SlowFoodCharleston.org Film Series; food culture; and personal, community and global action items… “Nourish,” Narrated by actress Cameron Diaz. MUSC Auditorium in Psychiatry Building.

– Dec 10 & 11 Charleston Farmers Market, Marion Square.

– Dec 10 Charleston Swing Dance Association Weekly Dance & Workshop Come at 6pm and 7pm to learn how to do the Charleston and the Lindy Hop, then social dance until 11pm at Hazel Parker Center, 70 East Bay St. No partner required. $3-5

– Dec 11, noon-6pm, every 2nd Sunday, Charleston’s King Street is opened up to street fair and entertainment and outdoor cafes for pedestrians only. Car traffic is prohibited! Yeah, clean air and no threat of getting run over!

– Dec 11 LOVE FEST for Dell is a “FUNdraiser!” at Torch on King St. Dell is a Charleston Gem – she normally shares the love making tasty healthy wraps in her box at Dellz Deli. She is out of the hospital, but still struggling to recover from a multiple stab wound attack.

– Dec 12, 6-10 Leah Suarez’s Charleston Jazz, Yazz, and Portuguese Bossa Nova at Mercato Italian Restaurant Bar on Market St. Try to be tastefully inventive and find a spot to softly swing/blues dance – it’s worth it.

– Dec 12 Play it again, Sam, we’re addicted to Blues! The Holy City Blues Monthly Dance at Barbara Jeans Upstairs, 99 S.Market. Lesson 7pm. Dance till 10pm. $5

copyright 2011 Holy City Blues

– Dec 14 – Pecha Kucha 12 features short personal presentations by avante-garde Charleston Creatives who are spearheading the professional artistic multiplyer effect on the bottom line economy. $5 tickets sell out. Venue secret is unveiled the day of.

– Dec 16, –  Roaring Twenties Hot Jazz Dance Club Come to Stephen Duane’s holiday castle and swing dance to our local favorites, the stylistic V-Tones!” (start with 2 lessons 7:15 and 8, then swing dance to 11)” $10

Copyright 2011 Roaring 20s Hot Jazz Dance Club

– Dec 17 & 18 Charleston Farmers Market, Marion Square.

– Dec 17 Charleston Swing Dance Association Weekly Dance & Workshop Come at 6pm and 7pm to learn how to do the Charleston and the Lindy Hop, then social dance until 11pm at Hazel Parker Center, 70 East Bay St. No partner required. $3-5

– Dec 20, 4-6pm Chanukah in the Square celebration for everyone! Free food, drinks, entertainment, etc.

-Dec 20, 5:30-7:30, Tech After Five cool networking with Hi-Tech entrepreneurs. Free including the first beer! South End Brewery, East Bay at Queen St.

– Dec 21, 4-8pm Happy Hour Art Tent Event

– Dec 23, –  Roaring Twenties Hot Jazz Dance Club Stephen Duane says, “The New South Jazzmen are local and have been keeping the great American art form alive and well in Charleston. This authentic and legendary Dixieland band “swings” as hard as any band anywhere! This is not something that you are going to want to miss. So, come out and celebrate the sweetness that is Jazz music, Jazz dancing, Jazz musicians that swing, and the beauty of Swing dancing in Charleston! At 7:15pm, learn intermediate Lindy Hop, vernacular Jazz combos, and “Charleston style” swingouts. At 8pm, learn beginner fundamentals of Swing dance. The band plays 8:45 – 11pm. $10

-Dec 24, 10pm-12 YAD’s 5th Annual Matzah Ball It’s a giant schmoozing party – better than the usual “going to a Chinese restaurant & maybe a movie.” Much better than a boring lonely nite at home (or worse, actually going to a Xmas party and getting stuck under mistletoe with a shiksa, or not). YAD is the Young Adult Division of the Charleston Jewish Federation. Molly Darcy’s Irish Pub 235 East Bay St. $25-35 open bar and heavy hors d’oeuvres.

– more to come…

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– Check back for Updates + PLUS Exclusive PREVIEWS & REVIEWS! Follow our Twitter and Facebook.

– Nov 3, Charleston Rugcutters has saved their “Last Dance” for you! Lindy Hop Swing Dance Lesson 7-8. Then dance and dine (refreshments as well as pot luck) until 10. Located at The Cathedral Church of St. Luke and St. Paul at 126 Coming St. FREE!

– Nov 3, 7pm “Revenge of the Electric Car,” Hippodrome Theater, 360 Concord St.

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– Nov 3, 6:30-9:30pm Charleston’s Angels Fundraiser & Film, “Out on a Limb.” Save the Angel Oak Q&A panel discussion. Terrace Theatre, Maybank Hwy. $25

– Nov 4, 5, & 6 Sprouts Musical Theatre Company presents, “Musicians of Bremen.” Very clever lyrics and chase scenes fun for young and old alike. (Watch our last Trailer & review of Pinnochio). Since coming to Charleston 2 years ago, Stan Gill has been on a roll with a continuous string of creative theater that he writes, produces, directs, and acts. He has cultivated a dedicated company of professional actors, young & old, to form a chemistry that is magical. Last weekend: Nov4 @7pm; Nov5 @ 1pm; and Nov6 @ 3pm. At Creative Spark, Long Pt. Rd, Mt.Pleasant $10-$12. 843-881-3780

– Nov 4, 5:30-8:30pm, CFADA Charleston Fine Arts Dealers Association, CFADA, “Fine Art Annual” continues with Friday night Wine & Cheese Gallery Crawl. Free to browse. Donations and net proceeds raised from purchases benefit High School Arts Students.

– Nov 4, –  Roaring Twenties Hot Jazz Dance Club – It’s a Dream Dance with Stephen Duane, ”Exciting…authentic…we will stop at nothing to bring a time gone by back to reality (start with 2 lessons 7:15 and 8, then swing & blues dance to 11)” $10

copyright 2011 Roaring Twenties Hot Jazz Dance Club

– Nov 5, CFADA Charleston Fine Arts Dealers Association, CFADA, “Fine Art Annual” continues Sat morning, 9am-noon, FREE Plein Air Demonstrations will have locally & nationally known artists painting in Washington Park (Broad & Meeting). Sat night, 6:30-8:30pm, Silent Art Auction and Smooze with the Artists at Ella Richardson Gallery, 63 Broad St, $55 tickets call 843-819-8006. Donations and net proceeds raised from purchases benefit High School Arts Students.

– Nov 5, –  Charleston Swing Dance Association – Weekly Lessons 6 & 7, and Dance until 11. Hazel Parker Center, East Bay St (SOB). $3-5

– Nov 5 & 6, Charleston Ballet Theatre performs at the legendary Dock Street Theatre, “The Big Easy,” choreographed by Jill Eathorne Bahr with new interpretations celebrating classic sultry jazz along with a rare special performance of her choreography for “A Streetcar Named Desire” to celebrate the 100th birthday of Tennessee Williams. 843-723-7334 Box Office. Nov5 @7:30pm, Nov6 @3. $25-45 (Students get $10 off)

– Nov 9, from 6-10 Charleston Jazz Club presents their fabulously successful Sunset & Moonlight JAM with a multitude of Charleston’s top Musicians. Also look forward to swing and blues dancing as well the best oyster roast at Bowens Island raw natural beautiful marshy low country vistas.

– Nov 10 – 14 Holy City Blues 11/11/11 Blues Dance Exchange Weekend < -- click here for lots of details. It’s a Lonnnnnnggg weekend! $55 for 10 dances mostly downtown (Fri & Sat late nights till 4am) – or a la cart dances $3-15. THE coolest blues musicians, DJs, and dancers from across the country are coming in to dance with you day and night! Very social – you don’t need to bring a partner, you will dance with everyone 🙂

copyright 2011 Holy City Blues

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– Nov 10 The Sustainability Institute presents A Night for our Future. This big party for a purpose gets started at 7:00 with great food, drinks, and live music. Their “must see” special short film is at 8:30. Everything unfolds at the super cool futuristic IMAX Hippodrome, 360 Concord, click for tix, $40.

–  Nov 11-13  Alliance Francaise Of Charleston presents their 2011 AF Francophone Film Festival at MUSC Psychiatry Inst Auditorium, 67 President St. Six contemporary films (2009-2010) all in French with English subtitles. $3-5

– Nov 11, Free! Tivoli Studios & Gardens, Event Two Arts Festival – 656 King St (at/under bridge). Local Indie Artists’ Galleries open at 6pm for all ages, then at 10pm the BYOB adult scene cranks it up until…Vajazzle, DJs & Fire Dancers, oh my!

– Nov 11, Full Moon Annual Party at the Halsey Institute. Guests can join, renew, or upgrade benefits. College of Charleston, 161 Calhoun, 7-10pm.

– Nov 12, noon-11pm, It’s already famous: Jail Break 2 at the Old City Jail with Entropy Ensemble & ACBA(American College of the Building Arts). This is a super unique venue and festival – a cornucopia of local indie arts, music, dance, jewelry, food…Especially look to see Jenny & Chloe with DanceFX; Sarah with Sarah Poe Designs; Rebekah at BlueNess Studios…

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– Nov 12 The mission of DoTheCharleston.com includes, “…to broaden horizons…Charleston and the World…” But come to Charleston and we’ll broaden your horizons beyond this World! Explore the Moon with CofC & NASA, and see a Moon Rock from Apollo 15, at College of Charleston New Science Ctr, 3rd Floor, 205 Calhoun St. Special MoonFest 11-2 in courtyard. Special Opening Reception 7-9pm 2nd Floor.

– Nov 12, –  Charleston Swing Dance Association – Weekly Lessons 6 & 7, and Dance until 11. Hazel Parker Center, East Bay St (SOB). $3-5

– Jack McCray is a legendary Patriarch of Jazz Artists of Charleston (JAC) Sadly, he just passed away, which ignited impressive published accounts about his Jazz spirit touching us. It was easy to find him, downtown, and his cool cat passion and encyclopedic history of Charleston and Jazz were pure “edutainment.” He was a remarkable communicator, including prolific writings that enlightened both beginners & stalwart music enthusiasts. He sought out, welcomed, and held the hand of many uncool budding souls and brought them into the fold of the coolest Jazzy cats. Jack McCray’s spirit is visible and lives on strong in many of us – we can hear his history and vision for the future and are inspired to propel Charleston Jazz. You can join us. Video below by Marcus Amaker:

– Nov 17, 6:30 (+ After Party) HAVANA NIGHTS Circle of Light, Darkness To Light‘s annual FUNdraising GALA. This is Charlestons’s world class party for a purpose to raise funds and raise awareness and education surrounding innovative ways to prevent child sexual abuse.

– Nov 18, –  Roaring Twenties Hot Jazz Dance Club – Goin’ to the Hukilau! Tropical Swing Dance with the V-Tones’ unique jazzy band. “Celebrate hele mei hoohiwahiwa hawaiian style. Mahalo, Stephen Duane” (start with 2 lessons 7:15 and 8, then swing dance to 11)” $10 total @ Spirit Moves.

copyright 2011 Roaring Twenties Hot Jazz Dance Club

– Nov 18 Giving Back Awards, the annual Charleston Magazine’s Oscars of the Lowcountry. Party with a purpose with Charleston Jazz Orchestra, Leah Suarez, the Coastal Community Foundation, and more! Red Carpet at 7pm, and the Awards’ Non-Profit Nominees are introduced at 8pm, the public then gets to text vote for the winner. Charleston Music Hall.

– Nov 19, 8am – 3pm Charleston’s Downtown Farmers’ Market at Marion Square!

– Nov 19, Occupy Charleston Downtown March from Marion Square, down King, Market, East Bay, Broad, back up Meeting to Marion Sq. Meet @11am for sign making, chants, etc. March @ 12 noon.

– Nov 19, 12-4pm, Girls Rock Charleston’s Artsy Fall Family Festival Fundraiser, “Gourds, Glue, BYO Kazoo” at Brittlebank Park. See our past review with Sarah Bandy, lead singer, “The Local Honeys” & “The Breeders,” cool, fun…amazing enthusiasm, contagious…rousing roars, “Raising awareness to empower both girls & women age 9-16 so they can…ROCK!! Our 9 yr olds get electric guitars, yeh!” Goto  website for details on their summer camp @ Ashley Hall 843-637-1707

– Nov 19, 12noon-8pm, $10, Shucked, Doughed, and Rolled with Remedy Market on Spring (Venue change, now at New Moon Pizzeria & Pub @ 2817 Maybank Hwy, Johns Is. Their special unique drinks and food and 3 bands (especially Slangauge with Elise Testone, known for her tight James Brown killer covers) make for an ecclectic mix emerging strong from downtown Charleston to the islands, “Off Off Broad.” They have 3 wide screens showing football. Below is Clemson @ NC State mirroring today’s annual matchup – even football SWINGS, really, DoTheCharleston.com isn’t making all this up, so bring your dancing shoes.

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– Nov 19, 5:30 – 8pm Blues & BBQ Cruise on the Carolina Belle. Dance & Dine to blues & soul with Wanda Johnson, Shrimp City Slim, Home Team BBQ, Charleston Harbor Tours, and The Bridge at 105.5 casting off from The Maritime Center. $40

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– Nov 19, –  Charleston Swing Dance Association – Weekly Lessons 6 & 7, and Dance until 11. Hazel Parker Center, 70 East Bay St (SOB). $3-5. Feed the Need Dance, Free admission with 4+ canned or other non-perishable food items. For the Dream Center in North Charlesto.

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Happy Thanksgiving from Downtown Charleston! copyright 2011 DoTheCharleston.com

– Nov 25, –  Roaring Twenties Hot Jazz Dance Club – Black Friday Dance! Stephen Duane says, “Pack up all your care and woe, here we go Swinging low! Don’t let holiday shopping stress you out. And, don’t let your big T-day feast slow you down. You’ve got a place where people are waiting to see you, where the dancing is hot and the music is sweet! Jazz for exercise, jazz for fun, jazz for Swinging, jazz for life!” (start with 2 lessons 7:15 and 8, then swing dance to 11)” $10 total @ Spirit Moves.

copyright 2011 Roaring 20s Hot Jazz Dance Club

– Nov 26 Sat Nite Come Swing Dance with DoTheCharleston.com at Henry’s on Market St, 6-11pm (2nd floor) + who knows what else…

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– Check back for Updates + PLUS Exclusive PREVIEWS & REVIEWS! Follow our Twitter and Facebook.

– Oct 31, 7-11, Nightmare on the Harbour, Patriot’s Point. Charleston is voted #1 in America and #3 in the World as the best place to visit…well…yeh…we know, we know: Halloween Dance Party with Sky Blu of LMFAO, Shwayze & Cisco Adler, Ben G, and Klipart – Dance, Hip Hop, & Reggae. Produced by Brightsound Entertainment and also benefiting Conscious Alliance, so bring canned food and PARTY FOR A PURPOSE! After Party at Suede.

– Oct 31 Dirty Bourbon River Show at The Tin Roof. Their New Orleans Circus Jazz jumps, jives, & swings; and the tubas & horns make for a honking good time. See our previous Aug16 Review, “blew out the doors…did it in the road…”. Opening up, Megan Jean and the KFB are putting on an Addams Family Halloween Dance Party & cash prize costume contest. $8-$10

– Oct 29, 6:30, The FUR Ball – a disco inFURno – Pet Helpers annual FUNdraiser “red carpet…PUParazzi…The Fur Ball is going to the dogs…disco dog park walkers…black tie optional?!?!” Marriott on Lockwood $150/person and $75/dog :b

– Oct 29, Charleston Swing Dance Halloween! Lessons 6-8pm, then Dance until 11pm.  Charleston Swing Dance Assoc.  Hazel Parker Center at 70 East Bay St. $3-$5 

– Oct 29 – Holy City Blues – Late Night Dancing 11pm until…Sultry Halloween Dancing at it’s best Spirit Moves $3

copyright 2011 Holy City Blues

– Oct 28 Danse Macabre! A Halloween Costume Party till 11pm. Roaring 20s Hot Jazz Dance Club’s Stephen Duane: “Have no fear, for the dance of death welcomes everyone! Spirit Moves will be a ghostly paradise for the lost souls of a Jazz Age gone by. With no bones, dead spirits can dance circles around you, so…you won’t be alone! 7:15 lesson…ghosts of Shorty George and Suzy Q…magical steps…Lindy Hop. 8pm class (with the) spirit of MJ…learn the “Thriller” then perform it…If you’re dead, you get in free! $10 for everyone living, but feel free to disguise yourself so as to fit in. This is a seriously all ages party and you definitely won’t need a partner for this one! See you there, or not.” Spirit Moves.

– Oct 27, @ 5:30 SlowFoodCharleston.org and Whole Foods shows us great clean sustainable food with the Documentary, “Truck Farm!” on urban farming in New York City (even roof tops). MUSC Psychiatry Physicians’ Auditorium, 67 President St.

– Oct 27, 7-11pm, RED PARTY bene for ACBA American College of the Building Arts The famous City Jail will be transformed into a fabulous 1920s circus with red clowns and more. Swing Dancers & Flappers can dance to Charleston’s unique swinging band, The V-Tones with Noodle, Eden, Jeff, Darby, & more. Expect The greatest auction & silent auction in the world. $80/door, $150/Big Top Tickets.

– Oct 25 5:30 – 6:30. Talmud: The Jewish Kama Sutra” Ok, ok, ok. College of Charleston’s Jewish Studies Center on Wentworth: “Judaism on One Foot.” Every other Tuesday, “We want to reach out to young professionals, graduate students, and college seniors…different young teachers…offering a taste of what’s out there…interactive…open to learners of all background and skill levels…plus pizza!”

– Oct 24, Happy National Food Day! Local food, music, leaders, organizations, and new documentary “Ingredients.” Local experts and groups include, Lowcountry Local First, College of Charleston Urban Ag, Cougar Activities Board, Green CofC, Fields to Families, Slow Food, Alliance for Planet Earth…and more. At College of Charleston Cistern.

– Oct 23 and Nov 9 The legends live on: Charleston Jazz Band Jams; swing & blues dancers; sublime marsh sunsets; and steamed oysters all at RAW Bowens Island. Oh, and the best patrons to mingle with and dance with (and even fix your car in the parking lot – thanks). Produced by The Charleston Jazz Club, Dennis Fassuliotis, in collaboration with Smoky Weiner, Steve Simon Presents and Dr. Eddie White. $10

– Oct 22 @ 8pm – 4am (whoa this ain’t chopped liver) $50-100. It’s The 11th Annual 2011 Skinful Halloween. RIP for VIPs who ride limos there, or taxis, or shuttle bus for the rest of us. It’s at The Brick House Kitchen on Folly Rd. Charleston’s known as a melting pot, but this is the real deal or sureal deal, “Double, double, toil and trouble, fire burn and cauldron bubble.” Presented by Big Hair Productions, “6 LIVE MUSIC STAGES, GODDESS STUDIO…DANCING…URBAN WAKEBOARDING…CIRCUS ACTS…DOME TENT, VIDEO WALLS, LASERS.” Review #1 At & After Event: HA – another DoTheCharleston challenge: “Go to Skinful Halloween for the music & culture & CREATIVES…and…not a drop to drink; nor drop of acid; no rain drops; no tear drops; all fun; and no groping. Whoa, wait wait can’t be…oh behave…its true, it can be done…till 4am…” Well one very active animated party goer has emerged victorious! SEE PIC! “High fiving; high kicking; high on life; high on endorphins from swing dancing frenetically (and there are others – kissing cousins – driving home safe – all for one & one for all). Boing, awake at 8am; refreshed & writing/working; carpooling sunday school; smoozing at big KKBE community outreach meeting. Thanks Skinful, our batteries are charged, stories to tell, ready to giddy-up and go friend new Facebook friends to see their glorious pics.” Review #2, read FULL STORY by GG Good Girl Gwen Gill (Excerpt: “Upon the entrance of the forest…changing colors, the pounding rhythms, the wailing instrumentals…acres of roaming trails, great food, interactive…A great deal of skin (real and animated)…attractions go above and beyond the bare and buzzed…the community comes together and acts freely…dancing in the electric forest, being splashed by the flipping wake boarders, nourishing myself with a delicious Roti Roll…but forget the substances, liquids, powders, or pills. One could be just as easily enchanted, amazed, and…”)
Last Year’s 2010 Skinful Halloween video by The Cut Company:

– Oct 18 @ 6-9pm, 1920’s Dr. Sketchy’s Etchers sketching Burlesque’s Evelyn Devere and Plume de Paname; Ragtime swing by Flat Foot Floozies and Accordionist Matt Lohan. have your limo drop you at…shhhh…213 East Bay…the secret “Speakeasy,” tell them “DoTheCharleston.com sent you” to get past (or better, Olivia at ArtMag) $15

– Oct 14 @ 8pm, Flappers & Dappers’ Ragtime Ball, a 1920’s Soiree at The American Theatre. It’s presented by The Red Shoe Society, a young professionals group supporting charities. Proceeds benefit critically ill children at Charleston’s Ronald McDonald House. Do the Charleston with live entertainment, hors d’oeuvres, and beer & wine. Costumes and red shoes, encouraged – cocktail attire/back tie optional.

Watch this for inspiration:

- Oct 13 “Beats Antique” brings their Intl electronica dub step Balcan club music & belly dancing to The Music Farm, downtown Charleston.

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– Check back for Sept – Week Updates  events/details/pics + PLUS Exclusive PREVIEWS & REVIEWS of events! Follow our Twitter and Facebook.

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– Mon, Sept 19 –  5:45pm  “Dirt! The Movie” at MUSC Psychiatry Theater, 67 President St.  Free Funny Cool Green Movie presented by Slow Food Charleston.

– Mon, Sept 19  Holy City Blues Dance! Grab your Gal and Go to the GoGo (or come without…dance partners will be provided…it’s a social dance! Lesson 7-8pm. Dance 8-10:20pm  $5

copyright 2011 Holy City Blues

– Wed, Sept 21  Holy City Blues Dance! Grab your Gal and Go to the GoGo (or come without…dance partners will be provid

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- Wed, Sept 21  Happy International Day of Peace!

Free Ts by Candace & Steve (donate what you can $5,10,20, we'll give 100% of funds to "Make Peace Happen") Picture © DoTheCharleston.com TEXT 704-564-3967

 PEACE HAPPENS:  A WEEK OF PEACE  –  Sept 14-21 Charleston Peace 1 Day CP1D (founded byRenaissance Woman Reba Parker, and lead by Executive Director, Beth Wendt). REPLY HERE: How will you Make Peace Happen?

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– Thur, Sept 22   NPR “On Point Radio” Show  11-noon. Host, Tom Ashbrook, speaks with Pritzker Prize – winning architect Frank Gehry! PREVIEW: DoTheCharleston.com exclusive PREVIEW: I talked with Architect Glen Small, who said, “Gehry and I go way back. Gehry is the most famous & powerful Architect in the world, now.With Tom’s NPR “On Point Radio”s great vast audience, and today’s green movement – we could capture & expedite synergies to work together, get the ball rolling, and build major green sustainable solutions for our cities and our world!” Go here to pose a question.

Question from Merrick Teichman:  Frank Gehry, Buckminster Fuller, Christo have convinced old school city leaders/egos to think/build out of the box <– IN A GOOD WAY –> Who WILL lead us away from car dependent sprawl? Why can’t we build highly sustainable, lo-cost, closed loop, car-free, green, pyramid-like cascading cities (architecture, infrastructure, urban aquaponics) based on Glen Small’s 1970’s Biomorphic Biosphere!

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– Thur, Sept 22, 7pm  Clips Of Faith Film Fest – and – FEAST!  Last year was GREAT, so don’t miss catching these cool Short Films Free. Cash Bar for Beer and local Food Vendors <–> all proceeds donated to Charleston Moves (bike advocacy, yeah!). Marion Square.

-  – Fri, Sept 23  Swing Dance + PIANO JAZZ + Swing DJ at The School of the Arts! 5109 W. Enterprise, N. Charleston. Dance lesson with Rat 7-8pm. Dancing 8-10pm. $6 at the door. ALL AGES!

– Fri, Sept 23  Roaring Twenties Hot Jazz Dance Club – “Mike Larsen’s Classic Big Band” and Dance until 11pm.  $10. Jazzie Swing Dance Leader, Stephen Duane, says, “…truly special treat to have Mike Larsen back with his special arrangement of Swinging songs and fantastic musicians…7:15 int/adv Lindy Hop class with Frankie Manning choreography, which is obviously the best steps ever…8pm Basic class…Swing back in time to a Golden Age of music and dance…live fabulous for the evening!”

2011Copyright Roaring 20s Hot Jazz Dance Club

– Sat, Sept  24 – Charleston Farmers Market - Marion Square, 8am-2pm.  FUN, GO, something for everyone.

– Sat, Sept, 24, Urban Bike Adventure meets 9am at The Blind Tiger, Race starts at 10am. All ages/skill levels. Teams of 2-3 bike among the hubbub downtown finding/solving clues and playing challenging games for prizes. Race Day Resistration $45pp.

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– Sat, Sept, 24,  Charleston Swing Dance Assoc has 2 Swing Dance Lessons 6:00-8:00 (Big Apple & Balboa & Basic), plus Lindy Hop Swing Dance until 11pm. $5 general, $3 CSDA members. Hazel Parker on East Bay St.

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– Sun, Sept 25, Charleston Green Fair’s trendsetting crowd will be playing, smoozing, inspiring, rasing awareness & donations, and broadening horizons. 12noon – 6pm at Marion Square. Charleston Moves (bike advocacy) is leading a bike ride parade at 2pm Marion Square, down King, to Battery, and back up Meeting.

– Keep checking back! Updates added for events/details/pics both BEFORE AND AFTER events! 

– Any day this week! Give Blood to W.Ashley or Mt.Pleasant Red Cross and get Free Tickets to watch Theater 99 Improv Comedy Show.

– Aug 22 Good Morning World! Another Charleston Sunrise, East to West, from “IN” the Ashley Marina. Pensive POINTs of Sail…no sailboats TIPPING over today in Charleston. While across the globe in Tripoli, ABC News Blog: “…top US Diplomat says 42-year rule of Moammar Gadhafi Regime ‘Absolutely’ Past TIPPING POINT” <– DoTheCharleston.com says, “Hey,don’t smoKe, but please do SMOPE (SMOk ’em Peace pipE). Make an IMPACT NOW and pass the pipe to all our brothers & sisters around the world. FeeNeeWee: Feed the Need with Weed. Tikkun Olam and eliminate the need, then lay down that SMOPE, don’t bogart :o 

– Aug 23  6-9pm $30 FEMIVORE Dinner Presentation and $2000 Grant Award! by Charleston LowCountry Local First. Women Entrepreneurs won a chance to show their plans to GROW, INSPIRE, NURTURE, & GIVE. Dinner guests vote who wins the $2000.

– AUG 24, Flash Mob – we call it a LINDY BOMB  to promote and pass out flyers to Saturdays’ Back To School Dance with Charleston Swing Dance Assoc. Wed 5-7, the Lindy Bomb drops and explodes as we dance on the sidewalks of College of Charleston in front of the John Rivers Communications Museum (corner George St & St.Philip). Rick Zender, Curator of the Museum, will keep it open to hang out, cool off in AC, and wait out a rain delay. Pop over to Patat Spot Cafe for bottled waters & great food. (scroll down for more event info Sat Aug 27). AFTER PARTY dance with Holy City Blues (see below). BTY, the Lindy Bomb creates a big flash having “dropped” out of nowhere by the famous high flyer, Charles Lindbergh, who the Lindy Hop swing dance was named after. 

–  Aug 24  8pm until…Swing Bomb After-Party at Home Team BBQ,  W.Ashley (no cover) come sign-up for the Low Country Blues Club Jam Sessions & sit in for 3 songs. Then join in the “Holy City Blues” cooool Dancing…where the Blues makes you Happy 🙂

copyright 2011 Holy City Blues

– Aug 25, 5:30-9:30pm Charleston Wild & Scenic Film Festival …Last year was GREAT, so don’t miss catching these cool Films & smoozing with Charleston Green Fair’s trendsetting crowd. Hippodrome Theater next to Aquarium. After-Party with local band, “Introducing Fish Taco.” Cash Bar & Snacks. Films $10.

– Aug 25, 6;30pm  Gin & Jazz: A Roaring 20’s Party to FUNdraiser for Theatre Charleston:”…Party with directors, producers, actors, & patrons…live music by Jazz Artists of Charleston…prizes for the best 20’s costumes, entertainment from Theatre Charleston actors…20’s culinary delights & open bar by The Gin Joint.” Buy tickets $40 singles, $70 couples. At Cottage on the (Shem) Creek.

– Aug 26, 2011 Update: Friday at Sunset, just off the beaten path, Hurricane Irene blows Charleston a kiss, a Rainbow, and a sunset to remember.

– Aug 26 Roaring Twenties Hot Jazz Dance Club – “Mike Larsen’s Classic Big Band,” Dance Lesson 7:30 – 8:30, and Dance until 11pm.  $10

2011Copyright Roaring 20s Hot Jazz Dance Club

– Postponed - Aug 26  Music Loves Fashion ~ $20 to $37/VIP, 8-10pm at Memminger Auditorium, 56 Beaufain St. Fashion For A Cause (adult only event) to benefit Girls & Boys Club.  – Postponed –

– AUG 27 – Charleston Farmers Market - Marion Square, 8am-2pm.  FUN, GO, something for everyone.

– Aug 27, 10am – Noon APPocalypse @SparcEdge – 30 Hi Tech Guru Teams’ Hackathon to Create & Give Back free open source Mobile Apps. $5000 in cash & prizes. Free Food & Drinks.

– Aug 27, 11am, Peace Rally at US Federal Customs House, East Bay & Market St. 

– AUG 27, Back to School Dance with “New South Jazzmen.” Charleston Swing Dance Assoc has Swing Dance lessons 6:30-7:30, then Dance until 11pm. $10 general, $5 CSDA members.Special $20 annual membership and dance is free. Cathedral Church of St. Luke & St. Paul @ 126 Coming St