Win Free Tours at our Facebook(s) <– Like & Share!!  “DoTheCharleston.com Tours” cultural, ARTsy, personalized for you. 5 star Service day or night. Call last minute – better to reserve in advance. Mark Jones – the Most Knowledgeable, Experienced, Licensed Full Time Guide, & Prolific Author (Mark Jones wrote “Doin’ The Charleston”). Details, numbers to Call, Text, Rates. 

Jan 14 “The Art & Heart of Philanthropy” at the 5 star Sanctuary at Kiawah (Missed it? Then support DoTheCharleston.com to far better Preview, REVIEW (stay tuned), and fuel our HiArtFilms to broadcast & fire-up all walks of life to join with your Arts, your Hearts, and your Philanthropy – today, tomorrow, and forever!

– Jan 31, 7pm,  Spoleto Festival USA’s Gala & Auction. World Class Party for a Purpose! Come join us on the dance floor with Cuban Salsa dancing to cuban jazz artist Gino Castillo and the Charleston Jazz Collective. Get in on the action during the live auction – bid on unmissable events, exclusive dinners, travel tours around the world, more. Join us at the beautifully restored Memminger Auditorium. (Click here for an extra wonderful online auction) $1500 tables or $150 Tickets –> SpoletoUSA.org or (843) 579-3100

(Glimpse Gino Castillo’s Cuban Jazz Band on DoTheCharleston.com HiArtFilms dance music  video, “Kookoo at the Voodoo” at the Voodoo Tiki Lounge in Charleston)

– Feb 1, 7pm, Charleston Music Hall’s Anniversary Benefit for The Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art – The concert by Charleston’s nationally acclaimed mix of musicians is fitting to honor the Halsey’s 30th Anniversary (on Groundhog Day)! The exclusive and rare combination of headline musicians include Bill Carson, Charlton Singleton, Ron Wiltrout, and many more! VIPs’ get an after-party cast-party with the musician. Tickets $15 to $50VIPs.  

– Feb 14 – 16   SEWE – South Eastern Wildlife Exposition – Party Animals pARTy for a purpose!

 

Angela Mack, Exec Director, Gibbes Museum. Leonard Lauder, Charman of BOD, Whitney Museum of America. DoTheCharleston.com copyright 2013

– Dec 31 New REVIEW: “Greatness!” That’s what I call, last but not least. Dec 31 is the last day to do something, better, to give back in 2013. Easy: join us, we spark hearts; simply click a mouse; Like and Share it; light and fuel it; and let’s set Charleston and the world on fire today, throughout 2014, and on and on. “Greatness,” is the last word, the crescendo, the take away, the “if you remember only one thing remember this: Greatness!” It’s inspiring and rings true today, tomorrow, and on and on. Greatness was the last word emblazoned from the inspirational Philanthropy Week Nov 2013. It was joyously announced by Leonard Lauder, Estée Lauder haute couture Tycoon (thanks to his wife, married 52 years, who fled the Holocaust). That’s what I call, fashion for a cause, for Greatness! He is a steadfast Mogul, better, a proven visionary, collaborator, inspirer, motivator, fundraiser, philanthropist, art preserver, BOD (The Whitney Museum of America), spearhead, and more – that’s what I call a mensch, better, Greatness! Such Great fortune (thanks to Lasley Stever) to get a ticket to the standing-room only nonprofit Gibbes Museum Distinguished Lecture Series, to hear his formula, his wisdom, and to rub elbows with him and others that will lead to Greatness (that’s what I call a photo-op, thanks to Gibbes Executive Director, Angela Mack). He says he’s not an art collector, he doesn’t enjoy owning art for just him. He coins the term, “art preserver,” to pass the baton to nonprofit museums to preserve, for all of us to enjoy. Better, he shares his formula, so we all will be a part of the formula, the process, and the result. We all can be a mensch, better, Greatness! He inspires us all to “share the wealth with others.” From a $250 nonprofit donation, to corporate sponsorships, to his $1billon+ gifts of Picasso and Braque paintings to other nonprofit museums like The Metropolitan Museum of Art in NewYork, MoMA, and the world. Better, this goes on and on. Everyone is inspired to do their part and relish in taking ownership, so we all share in the wealth, the art preservation, Greatness! Past visionaries proved to preserve the past for us to enjoy. Now it’s your turn to toast the New Year and joyously give back and preserve what you love for our kids’ kids to enjoy, and on and on. That’s what I call, parties for a purpose, for Greatness!  Better, for our kids to see our example, to party for a purpose (since they aren’t 21, that’s what I call Edutainment, Greatness! Our kids will thrive through edutainment and show their kids to preserve, and on  and on). His lecture showed how Greatness has already been proven and how you will follow his formula for Charleston, for Greatness! Voilà! You will bring and preserve Great Art, and you will put the Gibbes Museum on the world map. Now that’s what I call preservation, Greatness! But his formula works for donors and corporate sponsors to spark and preserve all your arts, nonprofits, and edutainment. Join DoTheCharleston.com with your spark and fuel and HiArtFilms will light-up your fire and spread it to Charleston and the World. Charleston is “Conde Nast Travelers” Readers’ pick for Best City In The World. In what way? In every way. Now it’s your turn to put Charleston on the world map in your way, in every way, for us, for Dec 31, 2013, for 2014, and on and on for our kids’ kids, for Greatness!

New Year’s Eve, L’Chaim, To Life! Where to go, where to go. At least you don’t have to fly out of town, all the jet setters are coming here to celebrate with you.  If you’ve ever been to Republic Garden & Lounge on King St, well…enough said. If you haven’t been, oye, don’t miss New Years! Hurry, it will sell out. L’Chaim, To Life!

– Dec 13 – Jan 18, “Penelope” at Pure Theatre on King St <- Tickets. A Greek comedy and tragedy about lovely Penelope awaiting her husband, Odysseus (away fighting the last 20 years in the Trojan wars). Beneath her window, she is wooed by 4 men, sans clothes (except speedos)…in a swimming pool, sans water. Let the funny zaniness unfold, Pure Theatre is sure to deliver. (Last spring, Pure produced a striking, moving play, “Clybourne Park.” It had a remarkable ensemble executing diverse double-take roles. They switched the railroad tracks, confused which side to stay on, laid more than a few souls right on the tracks, and then the train came! If you missed it (double darn), then do not miss Pure Theatre’s Season 11.

Dec 19, The 90th Anniversary of The Charleston: come celebrate at Prohibition Restaurant, Bar, Dance, Bandstand, Patio, and Speakeasy (tell them DoTheCharleston.com sent you - No Cover - RSVP (843) 793-2964). Hello, you’re in Charleston, you can’t miss this! Burlesque flappers DoTheCharleston, drink specials, and The River City Dixieland Band starts at 8:30pm at Prohibition, 547 King St.

– Dec 5-21 “Five Lesbians Eating A Quiche,” by What If Productions. The consistency of their plays are consistently fresh, and consistently inconsistent – that’s great to see the envelope pushed in Charleston. That’s the same with Threshold Theater, downtown Society St off King St. Tickets $15-20. REVIEW: “5 Lesbians Eat Quiche Had The Whole Experience”  “Walking into the theatre you could tell the director, Kyle Barnette, had the whole experience for the audience planned out. We were festively greeted very nicely outside the door and given name tags and new identities for our short time during the play. Things got better once we walked into the blackbox and were awed by the set design. There were red and green lights, wreaths, a christmas tree, presents, and holly. The only Christmas decoration I could not find was any mistletoe.. which after the play started, we realized wasn’t even needed for the characters to have a bit of fun! Once the characters were introduced, the whole theatre recognized how extremely talented this cast was. The singing was beautiful. The personalities of every character were thought through and exciting. The actors kept us entertained throughout the whole show. The experience of it all was one of the best yet witnessed in Charleston. It had amazing stage blocking, dialect, technical lights and sounds, and above all, a whole lot of humor. The show included great audience participation which made everyone feel included. I left the theatre with a great sense of having well spent my Friday evening out.”  – Written by anonymous for DoTheCharleston.com (copyright 2013)

(photo – copyright 2013 Threshold Theater & What If Productions)

– Dec 5, GALA benefit for Be A Mentor <– Tickets. The 1st Anniversary Going Places Gala celebrates the best mentors that make a positive impact on our local students. Over 1000 mentors since 2001 makes this the leading mentor nonprofit in Charleston.  Starts at 7pm at The Aquarium downtown. Join the Facebook Event. Open Bar, Heavy Hors d’oeuvre, silent auction. Remember their benefit at The Alley’s Disco Party? Oh what fun.

– Oct 24 – Nov 17, Thu Fri Sat 8pm, Sun Matinee “Fiddler On The Roof” Threshold Repertory Theatre – Tickets.

“Fiddler On The Roof” photo credit & copyright – Mystic Productions”

REVIEW: “Fiddler Play, Is A Toast To Life (for all ages): Congratulations, Mazel Tov(“To Life, L’chaim…like Solomon-the-wiseman…if I were a rich man…I’d CROSS a RABBI’S EYYYESSS”). Like the “Fiddler On The Roof”(pulling our heart strings, Darbie Keck); the three sisters(touching our hearts, Andrea Krider, Christina Leidel, & Sarah Callahan); the wife’s love after 25 years(a heart of gold, Pamela Galle); the Red Party’s pauper(a powerful heart, Brendan Kelly); the Russian Soloist(steals your heart, Dru Ryan); and the poor tailor(giving his heart, Robert Culbreth Jr) — we all “deserve some happiness”(some tears of joy); and some tickets(before it sells out). Come see what the multitalented star, Stan Gill(Tevya the tough father & unsung hero) most of all prays for(produces, directs, & acts for). TRADITION (finger pointing to the ONE above). Their peasants’ play “balances on a roof top without breaking their neck; in a little corner of the world”(a closed-minded Russian shtetl); dreaming of the holy land(dreaming of Jerusalem); in an off off far-off Broadway black-box beauty(Threshold Repertory Theatre); in a block near the oldest ongoing Synagogue in the US(since 1749, take a tour); in downtown Charleston(the Paris of the United States)…”Right? Of course right.” Ha ha ha. Don’t just laugh at this review; go laugh at the matchmaker(Kathy Summer); laugh at Lazar Wolf the butcher(Robin Burke); and laugh at Charleston’s surprise Halloween zombies (oops…surprissse). From the made-from scratch Russian costumes(Lana Pasko & GrayMorris); to the kick-up-their-heels hootch(wvodka); to the maestro’s(Inga Agrest) fiddler & live band; to the backbone of the villagers’ ensemble (including Stan’s protégé, Eden Teichman). This play is one-for-all and all-for-one. “Fiddler On The Roof” lovers will love this; new-comers will come to this; spread-out families will gather for this; world class jet-setters will settle down for this; and Condé Nast Traveler’s readers who picked Charleston #1 in US – they should read this review). Right? Of course right.

Pic from The Red Party. Copyright DoTheCharleston.com

– Oct 25, 7- 11pm  The 5th Annual RED PARTY benefiting The American College of the Building Arts! The Old City Jail will be…wait for it…GORGEOUS (unique ambiance, red people, the Great Gatsby, the College. the swing jazz bands & dancing (check their video) - OYE!  Online Tickets, $70, $90 at the door – tit’s worth it! Go viral on their Facebook.

– Nov 7-10 The 4th Annual Holy City Blues Dance XCHG Festival. Four days -and- nights of the coolest high art blues dancing that Charleston hasn’t seen since the golden age of jazz & blues. Nine Dances with Live Bands & DJs from around the US (and great local ones, too). This throwback to nostalgic blues brings great dancers from across the region, the east coast, some nationally, and of course our great Charleston dancers. The venues rotate each dance around historic downtown Charleston. Join the Facebook Events and invite your coolest friends!

– Nov 13, HAPPY NATIONAL PHILANTHROPY DAY! Come and lunch with the Association of Fundraising Professionals SC Lowcountry Chapter  and schmooze with trendsetters! Trident Technical College, Complex for Economic Development, 7000 Rivers Ave. Tickets $45

– Nov 13  Wild Women Party – whoa – Annual Benefit for women’s critical services for abused children and their families at The Dee Norton Lowcountry Children’s Center (DNLCC). Hair styling by Article 5; makeup makeovers by Pink Dot; fashion by Hampden Clothing; and Wine & Food by Charleston Grill’s Michelle Weaver. At The Spa at Charleston Place. $100 tickets. REVIEW: “Fashionistas Benefit DNLCC:” The Spa at Charleston Place provided an elegant setting, libations, and scrumptious hors d’oeuvres for the Wild Women Blue Party fundraiser for The Dee Norton Lowcountry Children’s Center (DNLCC). It was an event not to be missed! Beautiful, savvy, empathetic women, dressed in cobalt blue, toasted Veuve Cliqot Champagne (ooh la la), socialized, and donated their dollars for a well deserved non-profit, like DNLCC. A captivated audience learned the severity of child abuse, not only here in Charleston, but world wide. Elizabeth Cole, DNLCC’s Development Associate, perfected their message, “DNLCC provides assessment, treatment, and support services for children and their families where there is a concern of abuse. The Dee Norton Lowcountry Children’s Center’s mission is to keep children safe from abuse, and when abuse occurs, to work with our community to bring healing to these children and their families. It costs approximately $1,400 to provide services for one child at DNLCC.” The soirée continued on a lighthearted theme with a fashion show drawing the audiences attention to wonderful clothes, current hair trends, and secrets to applying make up. Again, special thanks to all the outstanding organizers for attracting all the fashionistas for the well needed Benefit for DNLCC. Everyone, don’t miss any upcoming events for DNLCC! <– Review by DoTheCharleston.com Guest Writers, Wendy Wilson & Erin McCarrick (Editor’s Note: We attracted Wendy and Erin from Rochester, NY, to come party with a purpose with us, and to write with us, so DoTheCharleston.com can attract more birds of a feather to flock together in Charleston, Rochester, and around the world. Success!) 

– Nov 15, 7-11pm, Meminger Auditorium, 2013 Giving Back Awards: Charitable Organizations and individuals are celebrated for their above & beyond leadership & giving in 2013. Spotlighting their exciting achievements with awards – we get to see the gleam in their eyes & the sparks that ignited their inspiring stories and Tikkun Olam!. The audience always gets tears in their eyes – tears of joy – as they watch and vote/text to pick the Nonprofit of the Year. Live Music, Dancing, Open bar, Cru Catering. Presented by TD Bank, and produced by Charleston Magazine with the Coastal Community Foundation. Tickets $75ea or 2 for $130; VIP $95ea or 2 for $160.

REVIEW: “Philanthropy WEEK Was Pretty…”:

– Pretty smart, comprehensive, overwhelming, convenient, easy, and simple.
– Pretty friendly, happy, fun, jovial, positive, and inspiring.
– Pretty engaging, helpful, educational, healthy, sustainable, green, enriching, and empowering.
– Pretty galas, venues, hotels, swimming pools, and cars.
– Pretty classy, trendy, cobalt blue, and fashionable.
– Pretty smiles, teeth, tears of joy, wide eyed, and bushy tailed.
– Pretty bandwagon, band, singer, saxophonist, DoTheCharleston dancers, food, and bubbly French champaign – ooh la la. 
– Pretty successful strategy, marketing, Charleston Magazine, videographers, social media, sweet press pass givers, Charleston writers, and Rochester/Africa/international guest writers.
– Pretty wingmen/women, schmoozers, networkers, SC-Israel-Seattle collaborators, hosts, menschs, and social entrepreneurs. 
– Pretty friends, singles, matchmakers, dates, spouses, significant others, and partners.
– Pretty heroes, angels, wise men/women, visionaries, early adopters, leaders, philanthropists, donors, benefactors, government grants, banking & corporate sponsors, and more menschs, and award winners.
– Pretty unsung heroes, foundations, listeners, relationship builders, non-profits, Exec. Directors, teachers, team leaders, teams, grass roots, emerging under & above the radar creatives, even more menschs, & award winners.
– Pretty beneficiaries, courageous kids, courageous adults, courageous underprivileged, retirees, dogs, horses, and knights on white horses coming to the rescue.
– Pretty good momentum , windows of opportunities, growth, goals, progress, low hanging fruit, harvest, seeds, untapped potential, niches, good solutions, good green jobs, prospects, big snowballs building & rolling down hill, coattails to ride, and a pretty good time to join us.
– pretty hopeful, lofty dreams come true, slam dunks, and Hail Marys.

– If you’ve read this far, you’re pretty smart, motivated, innovative, clever, openminded, out of the box, and thirsty to collaborate on all of the above. Quick to share on your Facebook, and bring some friends to join us (from Charleston, Rochester, and you know, from around the world). You’re part of our week, in our fold, all for one, and one for all. You as a person are a real mensch. Congratulations, Bravo, Mazol Tov, and Tikkun Olam.

– Nov 15 – 16  barcamp5 “fUNconference.”  Get it? Avant Garde Creatives, Techies, Hams, and well, fUNofthose. Get it? Friday 6 – 8pm Welcome Party  301B King. Saturday 7am – 6pm at College of Charleston – Presentations, Q&A, performances, demos, arts, schmoozing, etc. It will be what it will be, whatever the attendees decide it to be, ad-hoc. Oh, and lots of open sharing of fUNsecrets…now you get it? Broaden your horizons and play ball – make some slam dunks & Hail Marys - in a fUNlinear fUNway. Ahh-hah, oh wow, now you get it! After Party 6-10pm at Mynt.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8yRyvI0XeE#t=70

– Nov 16, 4 – 11pm, Jail Break. Avant-garde local world class artists that can’t be describe in words – a cornucopia of food and a feast for the eyes & ears – live music, dancers, painters, artisans, theater, comedy…Oh there’s more, and it’s cool, way cool, at the Old City Jail, home of ACBA (American College of the Building Arts). Presented by Entropy Arts, ACBA, and Ear For Music. Tickets $15-20.

http://vimeo.com/74504931

– Nov 19, 2-6pm, Perfect Pitch at the American Theater . Five finalists will pitch their innovations to “experts businessmen” with the Presenting Sponsor SCRA. They pick the two best finalists, sponsor them with $2500 and extra free consulting. Angel Investors (will also be in audience). Finalists are maybe social entrepreneurs. Angel Investors are, well, angels. They are godsends sent to help (invest) in mere mortals on earth. Creatives are, well, creative. Creatives are mere mortals, but they live up in the clouds. Both are passionate & hopeful to find common ground. A creative wants to feed a deal to an angel. Angels are definitely hungry, but unsure if they’ll like the taste of the creative’s deal. Both are open minded because, well, they both want to pick each other’s brains. Both have high-risk & high-return excitement, and the courage to go where no man/women has gone before. To seek out new ventures… You can go along on their journey. All the creatives could hit it big now or later with angels. And anyone who falls on their face at least is intelligent and mature enough to learn from any mistakes.

– Nov 20 at 6pm, Distinguished Lecture Series by the Gibbs Museum with outstanding guest of honor Leonard Lauder of the Estée Lauder haute couture, you know Crème de la Mar (how about some swag!). Seriously, this will be the classiest lecture by a world leading benefactor of the arts!  Oh, he gave his incredible collection of Picasso and Braque paintings and more  to the Whitney Museum of American, beyond incredible. That’s where he has been the Chairman of the BOD, and a steadfast anchor. Well, its SOLD OUT, it’s at Memminger Auditorium. READ REVIEW!

– Nov 23, 8-midnite, The Alley’s 1st Anniversary Party “Studio300.”  The wildest first hand history lesson in Disco Fever. Hmm, you came to Charleston because it’s living history, right? Come live the clubbing, posing, dancing, a premium open bar, and…well, bowling. Featuring flashy performances, DJ Nate NattyHeavy Lopes, and disco balls (and balls of fire maybe?). You’re strongly encouraged to dress in the stylish 70’s (expect more than a few Hams – their wish has finally come true – disco is coming back – oye, punch to the gut). Benefit for Be A Mentor (BAM) non-profit. Tweet @TheAlleyChas & #Studio300. Follow their Facebook. Address & Tickets at Links above.

– Apr 5 – 27  “The Liar”  Check times/tickets at The Woolfe Street Playhouse  REVIEW: “The Liar” – We like your spiel!  You know Charleston’s called the Paris of the United States. Répéter (repeat) and répéter (rehearse). Lucky for us, practice makes perfect at our new neighborhood cabaret at The Woolfe St Playhouse off King St. “The Liar” takes us to 17th century Paris without having to take a time machine – no lie – they come to Charleston. The chateau is majestic, the costumes are chichi, and the hair styles are wiggy (credit all the crew). Now then, we got the liar, and there’s also the joker, the posers, the prude, the wench, Fifi, and oh brother where art thou. The dastardly duels start with seeeex, lies, & video tape, strike that, just lies, lots of lies; then kfetching; then the famous bend & snap snap snap; saber rattling; sword fighting; and you’ll have to go find out the rest. Of course, there’s plenty of damsels with nice tieee eyes. Also, there’s gallantry, chivalry, poetry, jocularity, and a nod to the hood and outer space. Wise of you to read this far – the best parts are the actors’ witty repertoire (iambic pentameter), prancing, & bromancing: “what verbal diarrhea, oh I got an idea…want a squeeze? Wouldn’t mind one, where do I find one…Isabelle, visible, miserable…my feelings are profounder, I’d rather wed a flounder…une zo on…like my spiel?” Lordy, there’s even yiddish. The best is the big faaa the big liar (read his bio), shirley you jest, no not Shirley (Robbie Thomas). The jester (Young Stowe) is a spunky bundle of joy. Be on the lookout for Matthias Burrell, he takes a walk on the wild side. Cristy Landis directs all the gaiety and the rest of the actors share in the love, too (Laurens Wilson, Charley Boyd, McKenna Dubose, Haydn Haring, and Kurt Sauer). Also, read Cristy’s playbill notes on the writer, David Ives, and the adaptation from the comedy by Pierre Corneille.

 – April is Jazz Appreciation Month

Embracing Jazz at Jenkins Institute

– Apr 13, Roots of Jazz – Celebrating Jazz Legends, Past & Present: Honor Visionary Rev Daniel Jenkins, Founder of Jenkins Orphanage & inventor of Jazz & first to Do The Charleston; See Charlton Singleton play trumpet; as well as meet current (last 10 yrs to today, Apr2013) Board Members Glen/12yrs & Chairman Hank Tisdale/13ys; and 7yr Exec Dir. Joanna Martin Carrington. Stay tuned for our music videos & documentary/interviews (we need your support, like, share, donate)

–  Apr 19-21, 2013  East Coast Canoe & Kayak Festival. The highlight of Charleston’s world class diverse year-round kayaking. Get wet, dry-off, and then go see The Reel Paddling Film Festival international tour: hairy whitewater & sea kayaking, canoeing, SUP, & fishing; and inspiring lifestyles, environmental documentaries, and the hilarious side of paddling.

 – Apr 18-21  Charleston Race Week – the largest sailboat racing event in America.

– Apr 20, Charleston Earth Day Festival

– Apr 22, Happy Earth Day 2013 – 1 Billion People around the world come together to make an impact now and further the action started by the first Earth Day in 1970 (when 20 million Americans began modern environmentalism).

- April 24 – 28, 2013  Charleston International Film Festival – Click for REVIEW:  “Score! Around the world in 5 days at CIFF!” …films were more than intriguing…Chris Brigham is in the Holy City. He worked on “Argo”(Academy Award Winner); and Shutter Island (with actors Leonardo DiCaprio and Ruby Jerins :)…more than just Film (back from the underworld, we joined with Charlie Chaplin to Do The Charleston…

– Apr 27,  SC Aquarium’s 6th Environmental Stewardship Awards. This year’s Award goes to billionaire philanthropist & activist, Ted Turner, “A healthy planet is the most important gift we can give to our children and grandchildren.” The $300/person fundraiser will have awards, cocktails, dinner, & performances in the “edutaining” SC Aquarium, downtown Charleston. 6pm – 11pm. Tickets & sponsorships, call Tanya 843-579-8540.

– Apr 25, 26, 27 Holy City Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” – traditional, yet adapted and contemporary. Gage Hall at 4 Archdale. REVIEW “Hamlet, can’t stop talking about Hamlet:” Craig Trow was more than the leading role and Prince of Denmark, he owned the Theater. He commanded everyone’s attention. He lit-up the stage without needing a spotlight. He was even brilliant while dark & brooding. He was on fire and his flames engulfed his fellow actors and fired them up. Then their spitfire witty lines shot out and Hamlet shot back twice as fast. The best part is the audience gets to go toe to toe with Hamlet. But don’t tip toe over – run down to see Hamlet’s last shows.

– Apr 27 Jail Break at The Old City Jail – The coolest creative venue that’s also historical, creepy, and…well, solid (thanks to The American College of the Building Arts). Party, eat, shop for jewelry & art, and get down with dance performers & bands. 21 Magazine St from 4-11pm.

– Apr 27, at 7pm,  Preservation Society of Charleston 3rd Annual Gala to benefit their SEVEN TO SAVE FUND (raise awareness & financial support for preservation in Charleston & the region). Expect the same as last year’s Gala (we “attracted” some newbies and converted them into “passionate” preservation enthusiasts):

  

– 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…”

– Feb 22 – Mar 16  “The Whipping Man” Check theater times/dates/tickets at The Woolfe Street Playhouse  REVIEW: “The Whipping Man” Shines The Light:  Everyone knows, you gots to have a good story. Writer Matthew Lopez gots a good one. This is a southern Jewish story, at the end of The Civil War. Deep drama, agonizing angst, longing & love, and more, oye vey, is there more. Lo, it isn’t the Ten Commandments, but there are three commanding actors (four, if you count The Almighty, who definitely has a role in all this, but probably doesn’t rehearse). Three good Jewish boys… well… two are former slaves… did I mention this gots a great story. They read a Hebrew Haggadah, break matzoh, break down, lift up, sing praises, pass down traditions, and slip-in comic relief (“Baruch Hashem for this stolen food & wine & brick, not too kosher”). They wrestle with The Almighty, ask questions, and cry-out for answers. Cue The Almighty… pause… crickets chirping… perfect timing, of course. That’s why Producers are expected to perform miracles… they delivered more than The Light… they reconstructed and deconstructed a grand gadol antebellum set. What a play – you see it, you feel it, you stand up and applaud it, and you gots to smooze and tell everyone about it. You wake at 7am, haunted by the gripping cries to hold on, the cutting cries to let go, to be saved, to be freed, to be family. I couldn’t get back to sleep, I couldn’t wait to write about it. Michael Burgess (Simon) and Andre Hinds (John) pounded out powerful performances. Young Stowe (Caleb) hung in an incredible trance. Keely Enright directed a firestorm of fury and parted a sea of subtleties. (It made me think of “East of Eden.” Oooh, love to see Enright produce that at Woolfe Street, and see Stowe tackle a James Dean role). Gots to do more smoozing, fundraising, and finish this Sedar first (“and if there’s money left over, buy a chair”). Reserve “Whipping Man” tickets early, G-d willing, there’s 2 more weeks in Charleston. Then, next year in Jerusalem, Amen.

“The Whipping Man” (photo copyright 2013 The Woolfe Street Playhouse)

–  Feb 28 – Mar 3, 2013  Charleston Wine + Food Festival —>  Exec Dir, Angel Postel: “So excited to have GrowFood Carolina as our 2013 Culinary Community Non-Profit Partner.

–  Mar  7-10   The 4th Annual Charleston Film Festival

– Mar 10, only $1, Burke High School, 10am – 4pm, 25th Annual KIDS FAIR!  It’s not just for Families (but anyone who wants to engage with the most Charleston Trendsetters all in one location…”Renaissance Women” like, Exec Dir extraordinaire, Carol Berlin; Jewish Federation Exec Dir, Judi Corsaro; Exec Dir Fields To Families, Nikki Seibert; etc, etc…).  10,000 – 12,000 kids/parents <– largest 1 day event in downtown Charleston <– Walk or Bike (or carpool, ok). 100 Non-Profits, Visionary Sponsors, and interactive “Edutaining” booths inside/outside…engage & empower & enrich…broaden horizons… Great food (extra but a lot of tasty healthy food <  $5, like frozen yogurt – yum!). If you would like to attend, sponsor, volunteer, Promote, KidsFair, (Donations for KidsFair are tax deductible and goto scholarships <– any kid that applies can get some help). 

– Mar 11  Audition Invitations: Multi-Talented Musicians/Dancers

–  Mar 19 – 23   Charleston  FASHION  WEEK <- click, full page/post/links.

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!

– Feb 14  Rise Up & Dance “1 Billion Rising” in Charleston and The World: Dancing is powerful without being violent. When you dance you take up space and expand your horizons and sense of self and value. Dancing is a direct path to the truth. It’s holy, sexy, and can’t be controlled by corporations. It’s free, contagious, dangerous, and done together as a community. It has the capacity to turn pain into power. When one billion women and men dance on the planet, we will shake humanity into a new consciousness.

– Feb 2 Chase After A Cure Gala, Fundraiser, & Dancing “Around The World” in Charleston to benefit the underserved needs for research to prevent and cure cancer in children. Click here for pictures & videos. 

– Jan 17 – Feb 10   “The Exact Center of the Universe” REVIEW:  “Love southern airs, jousting barbs, and church gossip? Love to peer past the pretty surface, and pry into the petty nitty gritty? Love to giggle at cheeky southern tea parties gone awry with confrontation, comebacks, and mortification…until someone cries “Uncle?” Touché, touché, you’ll love this play. Especially theater lovers who always study and find lessons in the dramatic arts. Enthusiasts will love the up close and personal setting at the Threshold Repertory Theater. The well cast actors exude subtle nuances as their characters walk on egg shells and act like, “no sweat.” The director, Lon Bumgarner, flips the drama back & forth, to & fro, and softly lands everything over easy without breaking the delicacy. Like frail lace and fine embroidery, these fancy socialites unravel their veiled power plays, then drop their doilies, and bite their lipstick lips. From the entree, Robin Burke (Apple) practically puts his arm around you, gathers your trust, and welcomes you into his living room in the deep south. The range of Pamela Galle (Vada) is remarkable as she ripens and wilts through an expansive role. Christina Liedel (Mary Lou & Mary Ann) juggles juxtaposed jokes & jabs. Annette Gill (Enid) and Dana DeMartino (Marybell) are especially endearing, and as smooth & silky as butter. The whole show is ripe – ripe for the picking – get your $10 tickets here for the last shows.

– Jan 25 – Feb 3   “Little Shop of Horrors”  REVIEW: This is a finger-snapping cult-classic that’s always fresh. It is a quintessential off-broadway rip roaring musical. What If? Productions picked and presented a winner: blending an outrageous, sock-it-to-me-baby, in-your-face, surprise spank on the big behind — behind the big Upper King Street marquee at The American Theater. Thank you to the sponsors, Charles & Celeste Patrick, who tossed an alley-oop and director Kyle Barnette made a slam dunk. The live music, directed by pianist & band leader Justin Wham, was fun and paramount to the ambiance, drumming up acoustical textures and electricity in the air. Brian Porter (Seymour) led the cast and sang and joked so easily. He was happy go lucky, walking in the park, kicking-up heels, sweet yet sassy, whistling dixie. Mary Fishburne stood out with a voice that takes you to a higher level. The Three Da-Doo-Wop Girls stole the show (Becca Anderson, Joyel Crawford, Beth Curley). They were a force, a mix of colors, skid-row-chic, belting boop-ba-loops. The choreographers (Kyle Barnette & Stephanie Burg) pointed their pointers, postures, and posteriors, as they crooned and cruised the stoops, stages, and audiences up, down, & all around. For sure, with the scale up that is inevitable – What If and The American Theater are building up for more to come.

copyright 2013 What If? Productions

– Jan 17-Feb 2  “The Divine Sister” presented by The Village Repertory Company at their new Woolfe Street Playhouse.  REVIEW: Welcome to downtown Charleston. This was a roller coaster ride – holding on, while the nuns dared to let go, stick their hands in the air, and take the plunge. Risky, as well as risqué. Oh boy, oh brother, what a society of sisters, what a company of characters. They cackled, haggled, yacked, and hacked. They bent over backwards, as the audience doubled over with yuck yucks. There was gaiety, revelry, revelations, and revolutions. Casting was doubly great; actors nailed their parts (and tried to nail each other); and the director, Keely Enright, pried them apart triumphantly. They  jumped and jived and raised the bar, then tested the waters in the gutter. Oye vey, what a vocal voyage, from German, to Irish, to Yiddish, to New Yorker. Even the falsetto sang and twanged guitar. Every accent was dripping, embellished, and re-hashed rapid-fire. Especially, when they wanted you to mishear, “Tell me what, you can’t face.” The script, by Charles Busch, inspired body language, facial contortions, and cute costumes (A nun wrestling coach? You have to see it to believe it). One weekend left to see the mugs on these nuns, as they unfold, unveil, disrobe, and unearth an uncanny host of hosts.

–  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 

Priceless, yet Free for all…SUPER MOON…scroll farther down on page for details …

–  Mar 16 – 20,  Charleston Film Festival

–  Mar 19, 7pm  Park Circle Films <-– Go to N.Charleston to see award winning film “THE MATCHMAKER.” They bring great films in collaboration with the Jewish Federation of Charleston and The Charleston Film Festival at the Terrace .

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–  Mar 19,  9am, Walk for Water: Meet at Cannon Park 1/2 block south of Calhoun 0n Rutledge, and walk for 3.5 miles carrying a bucket for donations to Water Missions International HQs.

–  Mar 19, 10am – 4pm, Masters of the Building Arts Festival at the American College of the Building Arts:  Free, at their campus at the Old City Jail, live music, FOOD, world class lectures & demos.

–  Mar 19  10:30am – 5pm Blackwater Ukulele Festival at Cypress Gardens (Butterfly House, native wildlife swamps, canoes, etc). Call 843-553-0515. Total costs are $5-$15ea.  This is so diverse, it is worth the excursion(carpool) out there. Two Ukulele workshops, open mic, Uke vendors and a three act concert. “Buy an uke, learn how to play it, and perform on stage in the same day.”  Three workshops, open mic session, access to ukulele vendors, and a free concert by the Charleston Hot Shots, Noodle &  The V-Tones and special guest Kent Knorr.

–  Mar 19,  noon-6pm,  CarolinaChildren.org  Charity Concert: A FUNdraiser with Fowler’s Mustache, Jamison’s Alley, Groove Train, Tidal Jive, and HeyRocco. Walk – Bike across Copper River Bridge to Mt.Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park.
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Charleston Super Moon & Morris Is. Lighthouse, Mar2011. (photo credit: @GVLguy Greenville, SC)

——  SPECIAL EVENT!! –> Priceless, yet Free for all. Unforgettable Orange Blood Moon Super Moon. Watch the horizon for the super effect when the moon is full each month (the sunset & moonrise is the same time, so swivel for 360 views). Best view spots:  1.Kayak,  2.Sailboat,  3. Water Taxi,  4. The Battery,  5. Rooftop Restaurants (Market Pavilion Hotel, Vendue Inn, Henry’s). The closer “Perigee” Super Moon will look~15% bigger & 30% brighter!

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–  Mar 17 – 22 -The Gunilla Swedish Tall Ship is at the  SC Maritime Center (normally home to Spirit of SC Tall Ship).  They all empower students to broaden horizons! (843) 722-1030