– NEW YEARS EVE – Party For A Purpose! They start at 9pm…so we’re hopping back & forth (welcome to the convenience of staying or living downtown and riding in a Bike Taxi) amongst the shooting stars – so many to see! How great is that? It’s like capturing white lightning in a bottle. Buy Tickets before they sell out:

–  Dec 31, NEW YEARS EVE Gala at The Hippodrome! “Where Music, Fashion & Film Merge.” 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 31, NEW YEARS EVE! Score at the The Rose Ball – it overlooks the Citadel Football Field! Score tickets $20-off using the promo code “winning.” Score some vino, vodka, vermouth, and more with lots of hors d’oeuvres. Score a kiss on the veranda or in the VIP & Club lounge; strike out with the vixen; then score with the virgo dressed in velvet – va va voom. View videos on the silver screen, err, scratch that, “the football grid-iron screen!?!?” Jet setters can touchdown here and catch the kick-off premier by Media Compologist, Banks Pappas (see below trailer). Score like rock stars, football stars, and shining stars, like Co-Host Camille (Charleston After Dark) and Co-Host Boris (IceBox Bar). Score for the benefit of The Tanzania Education Foundation, based in Charleston and helping education around the world in Africa. Just Score! 

–  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:

– Aug 17!  Kukso Koo Collection Premiere  (to benefit Charleston Walk for Autism, as Director Erin Pruitt says, “Kids in need, with Autism, in Charleston”). More info, facebook fun, who’s who…Jesse & Ayoka & Kukso Koo…Lions & Tigers & Bears, oh my! Red Carpet & Runway at the palatial palace & pool in Charleston’s private Gaillard-Bennett House 60 Montagu. Wine & dine, dance & prance – hors d’oeuvres & live music – Fashion For A Cause! AND…Afterparty at NV – 30% of proceeds benefit this Party For a Purpose.  – – REVIEW – ->  It never ceases to amaze jet setters. (Overheard at the Fashion Show…Isn’t Wendy going to Paris? Carolina on a Safari? Kukso Koo to Korea, Francesco Licata to Iceland, Ayoka to NY, Brett LA, me Israel…?) Charleston and the world…who won? Friday, it was a win/win – the world was attracted to Charleston – in more ways than won. Francesco, Kukso, Ayoka, Jennifer Tokarev, & more – these leaders attracted us to a grand stage – another grand Garden of Eden in Charleston. The followers…actually the followers were leaders, too (We take turns in this gracious city. “Tag, your turn to lead,” “Merci, you follow.” And so on… You have to give to receive, and it comes back in spades. Together, we make magic in this magical city). Voila: Jesse’s team brewed up some dazzling dizzying dishes. The best of the brilliant build-burn-build: Upsy daisies lavishing in the lap pool of luxury; then down to the bottom of our hearts for Autism; then up and away as Erin & Jennifer blew kisses, mwah mwah mwah. All that glittered was gold, and there was a lot of glitter. Some dashing damsels even got swept off their feet (next time you Do The Charleston, Carolina, hold on to your hat – and – loose jewelry). If you missed the dance – oye - come see & follow the leaders (& followers) & help Autism, here.  — UPDATE – “EXCLUSIVE” — Stay tuned for our shabby chic (@ Cafe Medley, of course) follow up video with Kukso Koo, Francesco Licata, and Pablo Lizarte – we share our feelings about “Fashion For A Cause” -and- inspiring others around the world! 

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– Aug. 16, 17, 18, 19, 23, 24, & 25 – 8pm   “The House of Yes” by What If? Productions …This is a goodie!  Threshold Theatre, 84 1/2 Society. – REVIEW: In a word, Carri! Was the part of Jackie-O written for Carri Schwab, or was she born to play the role!?! Her language, ranging from textured screams to tickly snipes, paired with her body language, prancing, schlepping, and sultry pistol grips. Oh, and her active eyes and eyebrows; cute nose squinches; the flips of her hair in the eyes; back & forth, oye! Producer/Director Kyle Barnette has worked extensively to attract a lot of followers over the years. Snagging professional actors, like Samille Basler, who was a polished gem in her portrayal of Mrs. Pascal. Patrick Arnheim came out of his hip NY theater scene to play Marty. Kyle brings it, he even focuses on the language of music, too, and hit a home run with intriguing cuts that enveloped the senses. The magnetism and talent surrounding Charleston theater – it’s catchy. (And Muse Restaurant was Da Bomb for the pre-party and after party, or better yet, Da Hurricane.)

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– Aug 14!  Fight obesity?  Show me, show me!  Need Inspiration?  This is what I’m talking about! Another innovative twist to add to your drink at The Speakeasy in Charleston. Olivia Poole (publisher of ArtMag) is rolling out great spectator & participatory shows through Dr. Sketchy’s:

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SPOLETO  –  Downtown Charleston  –  MAY 25 – JUNE 10,  2012

– REVIEW: 1927 Company’s “The Animals & Children Took To The Street” projected their fun “off off broadway” avant-garde mixed media to Charleston’s artsy fringe. As the show unveiled it’s juxtapositions, it was never stale. We had to keep our thinking caps on, as they kept you tripped-up throughout. From flashes of film noire with moody intrigue, to eye-popping talking mimes running and falling in place, to a certain je ne sais quoi…

– REVIEW: To experience the full excitement of Spoleto, and one of it’s theatre shows, “Hay Fever,” we started the pre-party well before entering the Dock Street Theater (America’s oldest theater). We walked over early (I rode a bike) to enjoy the nearby Pearlz Oyster Bar Happy Hour (talk to their chic manager Tim, about the great scene, food, and how they give back to community charities). We then strolled over past a cello player as well as a painter with his easel & palette. The Dock Street’s grand entrance was made magical by a beautiful sunset glowing against St. Philips steeple, and the moon above was the white cherry on top.

Inside the Dock Street, the staff, manager, and ushers were trying their hardest to upgrade sponsors from the back row. Success came as soon as was possible, and we finished posing in front of the 10×10 foot antique mirror, and sat in the front/side balcony. Either way, it really was enjoyable enough to recommend the value of any seat. Credit the theatre and the play’s high quality production, with highly textured set, costume design, lighting, and sound.

The playwright, Noel Coward, wrote a cute, jousting, darting, runaway script that required Hi Art directing (Patrick Mason) and actors to pull it off. Success!  They lavishly embellished the dialogue, and their british tongue & delivery was dripping over silly playful family fueds and love spats.  The 1920s set and costumes were perfectly poised to do the Charleston, balancing classic simplicity with sparkling sequins, a royal purple smoking jacket, a gold Spanish bull fighter jacket, lots of pearls, and a tall black flirting feather…

The best of the best performances were by Simon Bliss (played by Tadhg Murphy), and Sorel Bliss (played by Rebecca O’Mara). The daughter Sorel, floated like a butterfly often landing & swooning luxuriously on the chase lounge draped with flowery afghans and tassels. The son Simon, stole the show with every annunciation and whipper snapper choreography. He delightfully mixed his perky pixie pirouettes with a heavy dose of his syrupy sulky sad sack.

– REVIEW: Charleston’s Grand Gaillard was perfect for “Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.” The dances & dancers were so meaty, even vegan dancers and choreographers in the audience were drooling and chomping at the bit to try their moves and taste the thrill of leaping across Charleston’s stages. Oh, and they also sold out their Master Classes at DanceFX…

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Of couse we “attracted” some newbies and converted them into “passionate” preservation enthusiasts:

  

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–  Mar 20 – 24, 2012 CHARLESTON  FASHION  WEEK!   (Mar 21 Circle of Champions presented by Baker Motor will benefit  MUSC’s Children’s Hospital) Official After Party – RAIN by Charleston After Dark.  REVIEW: 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!

We got in touch with international savoir-faire elders at the Charleston Aquarium Fashion Finale…

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