– 2015 Charleston International Film Festival (CIFF): (1) scroll below, (2) check back for updates, (3) Like, Share, & Comment on Facebook, (4) scroll to bottom for Flash Backs to 2014 & 2013 CIFF.

– Other Events Nov 2015 <– Galas, FUNdraisers, Dance, Theatre, French Films, more. (Also DoTheCharleston.com TOURs <– private, premium, personalized, guaranteed…so you’ll come back…we give back & pay it forward…preservation…so your kids’ kids come back).

– Nov 4 -8, The 8th Annual 2015 Charleston International Film Festival (CIFF): Follow the Updates here –> follow the leaders, the jet set, the movie set, VIPs, actors, filmmakers, writers, executive producers, the angels, the audience…all of us film lovers. We’ll show you how to love it, how to do it, to jump on it, to make it. Make the connection, make the film, share the story, and share the dream! Bring a friend, a lover, and/or meet new film lovers at the interactive workshops, Q&A sessions, VIP lounges, After-Parties, Awards Finale. Come watch CIFF films at the Charleston Music Hall, sit in your seats, quiet on the set…then action, and dance for joy. Do it, DoTheCharleston <– Like it, Comment, and Share it –> for HiArtFilms, for the 2015 CIFF, for the world, for ever!

– Nov 4 Wed: Red Carpet Opening Night, Movie Blocks, VIP Lounge.

– Nov 5 Thur: Movie Blocks, Workshops, VIP Lounge (After-Party at Victor Social Club)

– Nov 6 Fri: Movie Blocks, Workshops, VIP Lounge (After-Party at Victor Social Club).

– 5pm: PREVIEW: “Before The Bomb,” come to screening at 5pm, starring Sterling Jerins (she’s also filmed with Owen Wilson, Pierce Brosnan, Michael Douglas, Diane Keaton, Rob Reiner, Brad Pitt, Morgan Freeman…oye!). See Trailer below. Also see Sterling’s Personal Preview Q&A (interview copyright 2015 HiArtFilms and DoTheCharleston.com) about CIFF’s upcoming screening of “Before The Bomb.” These were the questions:

1. Tell us about your character Elsa.
2. Is this a children’s film?
3. When/where did you film (any behind the scenes trivia)?
4. If you could work in films, besides acting, what would you do?
5. How do you like Charleston?
6. What was director/writer Tannaz Hazemi like?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8OdieSuYsc&index=1&list=PLrWQzGOWZGNoeo6rfSF17ZS1BFG8kyGJq

– 9pm: “One Second Changes Everything” PREVIEW Interview at CIFF VIP Lounge with NY actress/producer Rüya Koman: “It’s weird (ha ha) how powerful this improv film became. It’s serious domestic violence (inspired by Nicholas Kristof piece in NY Times), so you’ll see what I mean. Our acting class came together and shot the film in real time style. It was a spontaneous, supportive, encouraging, and creative shoot. Ha ha, most productions are not loose, but we wanted to improv on purpose. We have several other films at Film Festivals around the world, but Charleston and the CIFF International Film Fest is the special one we’re excited to come to, and we’ve heard so much about Charleston! Join us, have some popcorn!”

– Nov 7 Sat: Movie Blocks, Workshops, VIP Lounge (After-Party at Victor Social Club).

– 5pm: One of the Feature Films in the 5pm Block, “Girl On The Edge,” see trailer:

- 7pm: FREE! Indie Grants Films and Q&A about works-in-progress joint program between Charleston’s Trident Technical College and the South Carolina Film Commission

– 8pm: “Luscious Lips Inspires Ladybug Tips” PREVIEW: This eye opening short film was inspired by actress (and recovered scientist), Jane May Graves, and her Vegan Lip Balm that connects the dots, sustaining nature, and sustaining our health. Their motto:“It all starts with … One Choice, One Step, One Change.” <– Let’s do it, come see the film with their Charleston Producer, Drea Bauer.

– After Party at Victor Social Club:

After Party at Victor Social Club: filmmakers and fans of “Seth” and “The Parker Tribe”

– Nov 8 Sun: Movie Blocks, VIP Lounge, and Awards Finale! Join CIFF’s VIP patrons & filmmakers at the Awards Gala; walk the elegant red carpet at the cocktail reception: wine & dine & dance to live music…and DoTheCharleston…we call it HiArtCuisine with catering by Tristan Events. Also enjoy a comedy show by Jeremy Mclellan and a ceremony to honor 40yr Mayor of Charleston, Joe Riley. See you tonite,  tell us who you picked to win (and also on Facebook). We voted 5 stars for “Before The Bomb, Texting: A Love Story, and Seth.” We voted 2nd place for “Shevenge, The Detectives of Noir Town, Shitbird, The Parker Tribe, The Answers, Fixed, Breath Bitch!, Pardon The Intrusion, En Las Nubes (In The Clouds).” Special Mention goes to “Luscious Lips Inspires Ladybug Tips, and One Second Changes Everything.” We overheard 2 theatre experts say “Wildlike” was really great.

– Annnnnnnnnd the “Juried” Winners are…wait for it… Best Actress, Sterling Jerins, “Before The Bomb.” Ha! Best Film, “Pardon The Intrusion.” Best Short Film, “The Parker Tribe.” Mazol Tov!!

—————————-

– 2014 Charleston International Film Festival – Flash Back 2014 <– Full REVIEW (Excerpt: “… Documentary Filmmakers…Social Entrepreneurs…a Grand scale…flickering beams of fire…dark shadows…damsels in distress hung suspended in the light of the moon…best part of CIFF so far? The Q&A…”nailing the design…the collaboration was bonding.” …textured…crisp yet soothing color spectrums. Lighting hues, camera swoops …a 5-star lush story-book musical peek (no words)…apropos…cute cute yoga…back-woods daddy…the epitome of out of the box…the international language…See the film? $10. See the whole block (included in the $10). Film steals the genre? More than 5-star…priceless…”

—————————-

– 2013 Charleston International Film Festival – Flash Back 2013 <– Full REVIEW (Excerpt: “Around the world in 5 days…magnetic…illuminating …never dream of – so foreign…penetrating…blow away any preconception…out of sight…hovering…a parallel universe…transported you…surreal…unbelievable…where there’s a world there’s a way…on top of the world…with cameo video salutes from Steven Spielberg and Francis Ford Coppola…lofty silver screen…down to earth…Q&A, workshops, after-parties, awards, and even on our sailboat. Holy Producers, Bat Man…Charleston is on a world stage…the rage around the world for years, and the world never stops turning…CIFF offers more than just Film…the underworld…shined like a star…”

—————————-

– ARTicles – Jan – Feb: Scroll below for special Charleston things to do, places to go, and people to see that are sparking Charleston and the World!

– Weekly/Daily Events (ongoing, including Swing Jazz & Blues Dancing Wed, Fri, Sun, & more).

– DoTheCharleston.com TOURs: private, premium, personalized, satisfaction guaranteed…so you’ll come back (and we give back to preservation…so your kids and kids’ kids will come back).

– Jan 12 – June 14 exhibition, “Fashion Flashback, 1920s-1960s: Five Decades of Style that Changed America” at The Charleston Museum. The history of women and men’s fashions starting when they were doin’ The Charleston in the Roaring 20s; thru the swinging 30s, 40s and 50s; and into the hippie 60s. 

– Jan 15 – Feb 8 at 8pm (Sun 3pm), “Don’t Cry For Me, Margaret Mitchell,” by Charlotte writers V. Cate and Duke Ernsberger. REVIEW: Run (don’t fumble or pass) downtown to Threshold Theatre to score the last tickets. This live play acts out the real life of writers & producers. It’s a business, but it’s nuts, it’s bananas, and it’s the game of life. They pop pills, pop blood vessels, dare to dunk donuts, then fall asleep on the job. The fast action dives into the huddle of the play-by-play, minute-by-minute, last minute, come-from-behind, behind the screens, writing of the screenplay for the sliver screen’s “Gone With The Wind.” Margaret Mitchell’s book is played-out by the formidable actor Brendan Kelly along side fun actors Jay Danner, Nat Jones, and Sarah Coe. While portraying Scarlett and Mammy, the teammates go in the trenches, block & tackle, tie up, cut loose, and make up plays off-the-cuff. Cufflink and costume designer, Kristen Bushey, shows-off her jazzy flair. Mike Kordek brings in his multitalented leadership and set design. Versatile veteran, Robin Burke, directs and coaches another winner to standing ovations. 
Jan 23 – Feb14 at 7:30pm (some 3pm), Pure Theatre’s “Glengarry Glen Ross,” the Pulitzer Prize drama by David Mamet, is about a real estate sales force scamming for sales leads to close the deal, to win the Cadillac, to keep their jobs, and to save their lives. REVIEW: This is must-see acting for the purest of enthusiasts. You’ll walk away wanting more from Pure’s core ensemble and director Erin Wilson. It’s hard to steal the show with so many star performances – even the actors with fewer lines focused and filled out the frame with their powerful posturing. Pure Theatre gets you close-up to the penetrating actors with their deep, cutting, razor sharp dialogue that slashes back and forth. Fighting to win and desperate to survive at all costs, the scary acting is so true, it makes the story line too real-world. I was squirming, “get me out of this kind of world,” and then, “get me more of this kind of theatre.” (Note, join us below at Pure Theatre’s FUNdraiser on Feb 8, “The Pure Experience”) 
– Jan 29 from 6 – 9:30pm, “Dare to Dream” Gala Dance Scholarship Benefit for the Community Education Foundation of the Charleston Dance Institute. Dinner, Silent Auction, plus “a Bob Fosse inspired Charleston Broadway Dance Ensemble performance of “Gotta Dance!” At the Woolfe Street Playhouse. 

– Jan 31…ongoing, Photo Doggies for Anthony. <– Cute & sweet, go see or post your cute doggie pics/videos to cheer up Anthony and millions of others.

– Feb 6 at 7pm inside Memminger Auditorium: Spoleto Festival USA’s Preseason Gala Fundraiser. “A Night at the Charleston Club,” is a Roaring-20s pARTy for a purpose. Join us and Do The Charleston with the Joe Clarke Big Band, wine and dine, and bid on silent and live auction items. Also, the online auction runs thru Feb. 9.

– Feb 7 from 10am – 3pm, Charleston STEM Festival is a high profile engaging celebration of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) for K-12 students and their families, teachers, and leaders. It will “feature ~50 exhibitors who will provide hands-on activities, live performances, interactive demonstrations, and entertainment.” It is outdoors at Brittlebank Park downtown. Remember to go ask for more STEAM (adding A for Arts). STEAM powers more creativity! 

– Feb 8 from 1- 5pm, Second Sundays on King Street (south of Calhoun Street down to Queen St – the cars are blocked off). Free promenade for pedestrians: it’s safe to walk and enjoy fresh air; meet & greet locals and visitors; hear street musicians; shop; wine & dine al fresco at the pop-up sidewalk cafés, and more!

– Feb 8 from 3 – 6:30pm,  “The Pure Experience” FUNdraisier pARTy for a purpose for Pure Theatre on King St. Wine & Dine with catering from Oak, Indaco, O-ku, and special chef, Macintosh’s Jeremiah Bacon (James Beard nominee). See David Boatwright’s band Minimum Wage; a cabaret show by Laura Ball & Friends; a short play by PURE’s Playwright in Residence, David Lee Nelson; and join in Scene Karaoke with PURE’ actors. The Live Auction includes a role in PURE’s play “Marie Antoinette.” (Note above, our REVIEW of their play “Glengarry Glen Ross” running thru Feb 14)

– Feb 13 – 15, The Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (SEWE) is the largest pARTy for a purpose of it’s kind in the US. About 40,000 nature loving pARTy animals will come to Charleston to be immersed in nature & wildlife preservation, fine art, conservation education, sporting demos, wining & dining, and more. Come see 500 international artists, exhibitors, and wildlife professionals; enjoy the edutainment; and learn more to protect nature for us, our kids, and our kids’ kids.

– Feb 14  Happy Valentines Day! Kiss someone you love!

– Feb 17  Happy Mardi Gras! The Voodoo Tiki Bar always has great food, bands, and dancing (although expect New Orleans jazz instead of Gino Castillo’s Cuban Jazz Band in our HiArtFilms below). 

– Feb 19 – 28 at 7:30pm, “Thrill Me: The Leopold and Loeb Story” by What If Productions is a musical, but expect the unexpected at Threshold Theatre. Directed by Charleston’s groundbreaking Kyle Barnette (search our great past REVIEWs!), this famous true story is about “thrill killers” in the Roaring 20s who dare to “lure a young boy to his death just to prove they could get away with it…But was it so careless?” Drama Desk nominee for Best Musical and Best Score. REVIEW: Wow, what an ending, what a set up! The stage was set with cold shades of gray: cold lovers, murdering in cold blood, with cold coal eyes, cold ghostly skin, and cold comic relief. The eeriness was chilling while subversively warm, too. Warm vocal chords and warm piano chords floated the memories of the manipulated melodrama. The musical had a melancholy melody that never missed a beat (praise to pianist, Kevin Thorn). The sultry singers fueled the flames of fire & brimstone and singed the passions of desire & deceit. The dirty devils (starring Brian Porter & Brannen Daugherty) raised hell as hot shots wielding cold crow bars and cold prison bars. (The bar was raised high again by challenging director Kyle Barnette and the crew of What If? Productions). The Nietzche supermen flew high with their hot heads in the clouds and their cold noses in the air, then crashed & burned through the dust & death down in a drainpipe ditch. As it dripped back in time, behind the crime scenes, behind the headlines, and behind the veils of the master minds…the cold love story unfolded…what a hot ending. Get Tickets (hurry, limited discount code “CHICAGO”)

…

– ARTicles – Sept: Can’t miss things to do, people to see, places to go… Sparking Charleston and the World (check back for more updates, Events, REVIEWs, Film Festivals, more…)

–  Weekly/Daily Swing Jazz & Blues Dancing Sun, Wed, Thur, & Sat; Farmer’s Markets Sat; Art Walks; & more.

– DoTheCharleston.com TOURs: private, premium, personalized, satisfaction guaranteed…so you’ll come back (and we give back to preservation…so you’re kids and kids’ kids will come back).

– Sep 5, 9pm Elise Testone throws down her annual James Brown Dance Party at The Windjammer. Break down all your plans, now! Get on up and get on down to the beach. Better than beach music shag dancing – this is the best Blues Dancing! Dazzling Diva Elise will be starring with more show-stoppers, like Charlton Singleton, Michael Quinn, Zandrina Dunning, and more.

– Sept 5 -20, “Kate & Sam Are Not Breaking Up” by What If? Productions. (Special Discount Ticket Code: CHASCITY). This blow-out play is back for hurricane season (after premiering at Piccolo Spoleto – see REVIEW below). Preview: Rumors about the breakup of a movie star couple disenchant their fanatic fans. One crazy kidnaps them, of course…what…no. Yes. Then an internet “friend” flames the fires of hell. (Hope for a happy ending in the Garden of Eden). What if? is harsh adult content that’s laughable. At Threshold Theatre. Piccolo REVIEW: “You could never imagine that dreams of internet and Hollywood heroes could turn into a nightmarish, eye-popping, jaw-dropping, ear-screeching, and side-splitting cut-up comedy. Never google, never tweet, and never lie, when an “internet friend” comes over to play house. This house of cards is really shuffled up. Playwright Joel Kim Booster and director Kyle Barnette load the deck with wild cards, then unload an arsenal on the audience. Throwing knives can even be seen in the countless evil-eye glares. Evil so sick, it is wicked fun. The four funny fanatics are rangy actors who play off each other and build-up their characters, in more roles than one. These multiple personality posers push their acting to the cutting edge…to their dramatic destiny. Giulia Marie Dalbec (Kate) and Michael David Wilson (Sam) are on roofies. They are drippy druggy drama-queen sex symbols (yes Sam props-up his boobs). Andre Hinds (Bill) is on downers. He’s Internet Junkie Thing 1. He doesn’t smooth-over his hair and ruffled feathers, so his shy shuffle step trips-up the audience. This mad man isn’t mad, he’s a glad man who wants to cozy-up between the glam man and glam girl. He’s crazy in love and lovable in the craziest way. Eden Teichman (Becky) is on uppers and downers, but definitely a speed demon. She’s Internet Junkie Thing 2. She rips out her heart and gives you a piece of her mind, which is mind blowing, like a thousand Charleston hurricanes. Like the Tasmanian Devil cartoon busting out of the box and bursting onto the scene, this whirly girl is very cute like the others, but different, dark, daring, and dangerous. All hell lets loose when this psycho dynamo hop-scotches over the edge of this edgy cliff hanger. It’s a must see play, then see it again, to catch the clever caveats (Becky and Sam go off behind closed doors…hmm…). Spoleto and Piccolo have great players and What If” Productions comes to the table dealing wild cards, so…we all win and want to play more!” Play it again Sam.

– Sept 8, 6 – 8pm “Full Moon Fundraiser”  sponsored by YogaBareHeart.com This has yoga, paddle boarding, dolphins, (or just party for a purpose $15) to benefit The Charleston Waterkeeper. This will be another cool event with beautiful sponsors and attendees (inside and out). It’s at The Boathouse at Breach Inlet, so along with the yogi head turners, there will be simultaneous head-turner vistas of the moonrise over the beach -and- the sunset over Charleston’s sweetgrass marshes.

– Sept 20, 3-5pm Peace Pole Planting Party: part of Charleston Peace One Day (founded by the inspirational Reba Parker). At the Charleston Tibetan Society & Dharma Center. Check out some peace videos and get inspired to join us – it’s a peaceful life style – come add your style!

– Sept 21, Carolina Green Fair – Happy International Peace Day!

– Sept 21, noon- 4pm,   Open ARTs Expo: the 5th annual event by the Charleston Regional Alliance for the ARTs and the College of Charleston School of The Arts at the Cistern Yard. There will be 45 regional ARTs organizations, booths, performances, discounts, and more – including What If? Productions, DanceFX, and more. All HiARTs!

Here’s another look at DanceFX  in our past HiArtFilms clip:

– Sept 26 – Oct 3, MOJA Arts Festival. Edutainement for all walks of life, all ages, and all ethnic backgrounds. Cultural, Performing, and Fine Arts by African American and Carribean Culture impacting Charleston and the world.

…check back here for more updates, Events, Theatre, REVIEWs, Film Festivals…

…

– ARTicles – June & July (scroll below). People to see, places to go… Sparking Charleston and the World.

- “DoTheCharleston.com TOURs” private, premium, personalized, satisfaction guaranteed…so you’ll come back (and we give back to preservation…so you’re kids and kids’ kids will come back).

– Spoleto Festival <- check back, more REVIEWS, HiArtFilms -> Piccolo Spoleto.

– ARTicles – June & July (check back, more updates, Theatre,  REVIEWs):

– June 26,  Fashion for a cause “A HAT TO REMEMBER” modeling & selling 19th century styles & also modern “chapeaus.” Enjoy wine & hors d’oeuvres & pARTy for a purpose at the cool Old City Jail. Net proceeds benefit Charleston Area Therapeutic Riding & the American College of the Building Arts.

– June 28, Bike to the Road Show, “Dinner and Bikes” at Tivoli Charleston ART Gallery. REVIEW: “This pARTy for a purpose had something for everyone. All walks of life and bikes of life were seen and heard. Parents eliminating their SUV for a life of bikes was one of the many eye-opening urban bike documentary film clips that tickled our fancy (along with the local COLD beer from COAST Brewing and Palmetto Brewing - served by COOL Blue Collar Bandits). The cornucopia of vegan dishes also included local fruits and veggies. Insightful healthy people, lifestyles, nonprofits, advocates, activists, filmmakers, fashionistas, and urban planners show vegans and bike commuters sparking Portland, Oregon, Charleston, and the world. Speakers and event planners were more like pARTy hosts. These contemporary figure heads were not talking heads but pied pipers singing their tune and we were more than following – we’re charging ahead. We mean business, too, and everyone bought and wore the fashions for a cause that were for sale – more cool t-shirts and hats online are for sale – event pictures here. Net proceeds to benefit Charleston Moves.

– July 7,  Memorial Service for Young Music Renaissance Man Brad Cooper – plus – Reception for friends and family. Listen to a Brad Cooper Tribute by Mike Bills about Brad, KineticHiFi.com, TheFix.FM, and more. Here is a HiArtFilms music video we enjoyed making (see end credits, “Brad Cooper – 2nd Camera, Sound Engineer, Editor”) 

– July 11, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19 What If? Productions:   “Accepting Applications for a Muse” world premier. Now! Limited offer! $10 tickets, code MUSE, “in the spirit of creative freedom.” This play’s premier is the winner of the 2013 Playwrights’ Festival voted by What If? Productions’ audience.

– July 12 , 4:30 What If? Productions’ 2014 Playwrights’ Festival includes the 24 hour Competition with 3 plays/finalists. Actors, directors and playwrights meet, then in turn write a script, direct, rehearse all in 24 hours – culminating in the play’s performance/reading at 4:30pm. The finale is free (plus free wine) and the audience will judge and pick the winner (plus more).

– July 11 – Aug 2, Pure Theatre’s new play “Folly Beach.”

– July 10 – Aug 5, The new 34 West Theatre Company’s first play in Charleston, “Doo Wops and Beauty Shops.”

– July 12, 5:45 – 8pm  Yoga and Paddleboard with Dolphins at the “Full Moon Fundraiser Sunset Paddle” on Shem Creek. Net Proceeds goto protect Dolphins (NOAA). Reservations with Yoga Instructor Wendy Wilson: YogaBareHeart@hotmail.com or call 843-469-4323.

– July 12, 6-9pm, Dalai Lama Birthday pARTy for a purpose…for peace…in Charleston and around the world. Live music, food, Tibetan nomad songs, and items for sale at Gage Hall, downtown, 4 Archdale St.

Bastille Day © 2012

- July 14, 5 -10pm French Bastille Day at Fish Restaurant, King St. Dress-up in costumes & march-up from Marion Square with the French Flag & parade of performers from What If? Productions & Can-Can dancers from DanceFX.

Vive la France…living French history in historical Charleston. C’est la vie…”life imitates art” © 2014

– July 20, The inaugural NutritionHeals Garden Party, Wine, healthy hors d’oeuvres, live music, silent auction, beautiful historic home and garden. Another pARTy for a purpose – join the “food is medicine” movement in Charleston and around the world. Net proceeds benefit the Crohns & Colitis Nutrition Foundation (reversing the symptoms of autoimmune diseases)

– July 26, 9am RIDEdwin 5th Annual ride to honor the memory of Edwin Gardner, who loved bicycling around Charleston for transportation, adventure, and to enjoy the wonderful downtown community. Start at Cannon park.

–  Check back for more Updates.

Sparking Charleston & the World (check back for many more updates)

–  (Other April Things To Do — here)

–  Stars, Filmmakers, and Social Entrepreneurs Everywhere! SEE below Previews and REVIEWS: “Everyone Should Come!” join us now at these events (don’t wait for Reviews to see what you missed)!!

–  Apr 3 from 4-5pm Join Envision SC at Coastal Community Foundation, first Thursday each month (contact me for info or to attend).

– Apr 3 from 4-6 Join Power Networking with The Lowcountry Business Network, The Harbor Accelerator Team and Mount Pleasant Business at Triangle Char & Bar Mt. Pleasant. Happy Hour Drink Specials & Free appetizers.

– Apr 8  TEDxCharleston:  Visionary Social Entrepreneurs create ripple effects from here and beyond (hey this is just like DoTheCharleston.com sparks Charleston and the world. See our Mission/Purpose for the last 3 years. Our call to action to join us is working!). The pie is growing for all. Business, Science, and ART that’s engaging and transforming.

– Apr 9, from 6 – 7:30 Will Marre Lecture: “Start with Nothing, Save the World, and Make a Fortune.” An exciting lecture at College of Charleston Business School. REVIEW: Will can explain brain science to the common person, woahhh! Use your brain, duh. Ahhhh, but “after” you meditate for 5 min when you wake up, at lunch, and right before you go in a stressful situation. Also, play after work, do the Charleston, walk, yoga, surf, or whatever makes you happy. Eureka, an epiphany, it’s brain science and now you know. So transcend, join all of us, and save the world (make it better – and Charleston, too)! Everyone’s doin it, just sayin.”

– Apr 9-13 Dig South - See presentations, interactive events, pitches, and a lot of networking. Plenty of Social Entrepreneurs(they’re everywhere), geniuses(yep), Investors (I hope I get touched by an Angel), 650 companies, and 5000 attendees. The President of College of Charleston hosts Happy Hour (the Bailey’s Irish Cream rises to the top). Like, Comment, and Share Updates on Facebook. (Free passes to Finale at The Alley, 4-6pm. Party & games go till midnight Saturday night.)

REVIEWS: “Dig South, Everyone Should Come!”  Join us now at these events (don’t wait for Reviews to see what you missed). I invited a friend, Travis, and bam, he was awe-struck : “after talking to startup Pitchman at @EataBit (Text Restaurant Orders), and social entrepreneur, Debbie Mohr, my mind was racing. I have talk some more, I have to come Friday & Saturday.”  See Will Marre’s Review above! DuMore Improv’s session interacted with all attendees to “Tell Their Story” especially in your pitch (15 to 30 seconds or 2 minutes…and…the story’s more memorable & sticks! Frame it (what’s in it for the listener, investor) and call-them-to action. Done. I tried it, and it works!

–  April 9 – 13  Charleston International Film Festival Including Documentary Filmmakers, who showcase Social Entrepreneurs!! 2014 is as exciting as ever, stay tuned for Reviews (Like, Comment, and Share Updates on HiArtFilms Facebook.  (Also go Look Back at 2013 Full Reviews - Excerpt “Around the world in 5 days…brilliant, as in illuminating…Peachers showed us where there’s a world there’s a way…got down to earth with filmmakers, producers…more than just Film…shine like a star…” Free! Say “DoTheCharleston Dinner Party” to get FREE Tickets to Sat 8pm Short FIlms Block at Charleston Music Hall -plus- FREE Tickets to Afterparty!

REVIEWS: “CIFF, Everyone Should Come!”  Join us now at these events (don’t wait for Reviews to see what you missed). I invited many friends, and of course received many, “Thanks, we want to come again.” And, of course made new friends…big surprise, not.  The Opening Street Party and Red Carpet, and “Draft Day” screening were on a Grand scale.

Films: “Stop Light Observations: Smilers of the Night” This music video created flickering beams of fire in the dark shadows throughout the set. The dark shadows in the characters then locked eyes with us all in the theatre. Bursts of fire made other characters wear shades. Some lit-up their chest and some damsels in distress hung suspended in the light of the moon. The cinematography brought them, the props, and the sets, out of the screen and blended with the cool music to light up the dark theater. The best part of CIFF so far? The Q&A, when LA Director, Lloyd, and Charleston Producer, Gorlitsky answered the question the same way,”nailing the design, so everything after falls in place…because…the collaboration was bonding.” LA + Charleston = world class = 5 Stars. Of course we went to the after party with them till…

Audiences eager for Q&A with Filmmakers. Photo by Timothy Burnham.

Films: “White Shoe” had textured props & sets with crisp yet soothing color spectrums. Lighting hues, camera swoops, and depth of field “looked like” 3-D. It was a 5-star lush story-book musical peek (no words). “The Hero” was apropos with a very young girl’s cute cute yoga indoctrination of her back-woods daddy (that’s our Mission! So of course, 5-star). “Me + Her” was the epitome of out of the box. Literally, go to the dictionary, look up “out of the box film,” and this is the definition. A story (no words needed) that used the international language of visuals and music. See the film? $10. See the whole block (included in the $10). Film steals the genre? More than 5-star…priceless.

2014 Red Carpet

2013 Gala photo copyright Valerie Photography

– Apr 23, Free, RSVP: Special screening, “MisLEAD”, a passionate Documentary Movie with a call-to-action to curb the epidemic poisoning 1 in 3 US children. ADD/ADHD/Autism – wonder why? Test your children and school/home renovations especially with the preservation in Charleston. Charleston Music Hall, 7-10pm, including Q&A after with Director & world leading advocate, Tamara Rubin. She’s a sharp spearhead piercing overwhelming problems to incorporate a myriad of solutions. REVIEW: “An overwhelming film filled with passion from all walks of life: children, parents, teachers, experts, politicians, on and on. So many appalling facts, and yet so little action to help educate, urge, and enforce the prevention and the unfortunate aftermath of lead poisoning. The interactive Q&A kept everyone glued to their seats – thanks to the panel: Director, Tamara Rubin; Special Family Resource Exec Dir Mindy Allen; as well as health care and legal experts, too.” Share it on Facebook.

Sparking Charleston & the World (check back for many more updates)

– March ARTicles  – click here

- April ARTicles  – Scroll Below

Win Free 5Star Tours at our Facebook(s) <– Like & Share!!  “DoTheCharleston.com Tours” cultural, ARTsy, personalized for you, day or night. Call last minute or in advance. The Most Knowledgeable, Experienced, Licensed Guides, Authors. Details, numbers to Call, Text, Rates. 

– April VOTE “Kick-Up Your Heels with Pommery, Best Friend 13yr old Golden Retriever.” Net proceeds goto PetHelpers.
VOTE—> follow links and instructions 1-6 here Help spread the word so Pom Wins! Then join us when Pom goes to donate net proceeds to Pet Helpers (You & Pom will meet cute dogs in cages desperate for love & a home! You’ll want to volunteer or fundraise like Pom is trying to do. Join us! WATCH Video Here.

- April is Jazz Appreciation Month - Embracing Jazz at Jenkins Institute

–  Mar 29 – Apr 6  Family Circle Cup TENNIS (Past Review: 2011″Best Tennis Town” USTA  Award. Plus, “Tennis in the City,”  outreach clinic for urban youth with Venus & Serena Williams – fostering urban tennis for a lifetime.

– Apr 3 – 13   Social Entrepreneurs Everywhere (SEE) <– details & links. Excepts:

- Apr 3  Envision SC <– SEE details & Links. (Excerpt: “…at Coastal Community Foundation…”

– Apr 3  Power Networking <– SEE details & Links. (Excerpt: “…Lowcountry Business Network, The Harbor Accelerator …Happy Hour Drink Specials & Free appetizers.

Apr  5  Cooper River Bridge RUN - They raise worldwide awareness for their sponsored Non-Profits, as well as FUNdraising.

– Apr 2014  Roots of Jazz Festival  – Celebrating Jazz Legends, Past & Present: Honor Visionary Rev Daniel Jenkins, Founder of Jenkins Orphanage, inventor of Jazz, & first to Do The Charleston

– Apr 8  TEDxCharleston <– SEE details & Links. (Excerpt: “…Visionaries…ripple…here & beyond…(DoTheCharleston.com sparks Charleston and the world….call to action…transforming.

– Apr 9  Will Marre Lecture <– SEE details & Links (Excerpt: “…Start with Nothing, Save the World, and Make a Fortune…”

– Apr 9-13 Dig South <– SEE details & Links. (Excerpt: “…geniuses…touched by an Angel…President…hosts Happy Hour…Cream rises to the top…”

– Apr 9-13 Charleston International Film Fest  <– SEE details & Links. (Excerpt: “ 2014 is as exciting as ever. Tune in for REVIEWS (2013 Look Back Full Reviews…Around the world in 5 days…illuminating…Peachers showed us where there’s a world there’s a way…down to earth…more than just Film…a star…” Photo copyright Valerie Photography

 – Apr 10 – 13 Charleston Race Week – the largest sailboat racing event in America.

–  Apr 11 – 13  East Coast Canoe & Kayak Festival. Charleston is a world class destination for vast diverse year-round kayaking.

– Apr 17, 6-9pm Take Back The Night Gala benefiting People Against Rape. Click picture to zoom in details:

– Apr 22  Happy Earth Day – 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).

– Apr 23 Free, RSVP: Special screening, “MisLEAD”, a passionate Documentary Movie with a call-to-action to curb the epidemic poisoning 1 in 3 US children. ADD/ADHD/Autism – wonder why? Test your children, toys, jewelry, make-up, and especially school/home renovations with all the preservation in Charleston. Charleston Music Hall, 7-10pm, including Q&A after with Director & world leading advocate, Tamara Rubin. She’s a spearhead piercing overwhelming problems to incorporate a myriad of solutions. REVIEW: An overwhelming film filled with passion from all walks of life: children, parents, teachers, experts, politicians, on and on. So many appalling facts, and yet so little action to help educate, urge, and enforce the prevention and the unfortunate aftermath of lead poisoning. The interactive Q&A kept everyone glued to their seats – thanks to the panel: Director, Tamara Rubin; Special Family Resource Exec Dir Mindy Allen; as well as health care and legal experts, too.

– Apr 24 – 27  The 2nd Annual Charleston Food Film Festival shows progressive Short Films (including 3 world premiers) at the same time as serving progressive food and spirits in a lively, engaging, “mind-blowing,” party atmosphere. Both Local and national chefs are serving their specialities.

– Apr 26, 11am – 4pm Earth Day Festival

– Apr 26 from 4 – 11pm JAIL BREAK: Optical Delusions This is the 7th bi-annual super-cool local artisan festival with mixed media, performances (don’t miss DanceFX!, and also Tyler Boone’s new single “Take Aim”), illusions, interactions, and…exotic food trucks. It’s always held at the bizarre Old City Jail (think ghosts, the American College of the Building Arts, and preservation unique to Charleston). REVIEW: As cool as ever, it just gets better, like all the culture in Charleston. Coming to see the Old City Jail, the artisans, and the musicians never gets old (especially DanceFX – get their DVD)  – so come & watch again and again.

Mark this down: (1) Check back here for updates farther below, (2) Give us your comments on Facebook, (3) Share, (4) Repeat.

(Scroll to bottom: Flash Back 2013 and 2012)

– Mar 18 – 22, 2014, It’s Charleston Fashion Week! (Daily Updates farther below) Sit & stay, sip Sambuca, and share stories: sights & sounds, slender styles, short skirts, sexy stilettos, sultry salsa, shocking shenanigans, suave sophistication, superstardom & sadness, sanctuary & salvation, and sweet sweaty success! Plenty of blood, sweat, and tears to go around, to scratch your way to the top, to make it to Fashion Week, to discover & be discovered: emerging designers, and much more…mega models, musicians, movie moguls… HiArtFilms  and HiArtPromotions bring DoTheCharleston.com‘s “Fashion for a Cause” to you, Charleston, and the world.

-  FASHION  WEEK  Charity Partners (DoThe Charleston.com focuses on “Fashion For A Cause,” click on pics below for links):

 

Mar 22: The Finale delivered what we all came for, Fashion For A Cause. The VIP Tent and the Style Lounge were the epitome of why Sponsors relish to host Fash Week’s elite pillars (and emerging) players and creators from Charleston and the world. David Leonard & Jim Smith (Atlantic Coast Advisory Group) and many other sponsors successfully collaborated to spearhead the pARTies for a purpose covered in our ARTicles (let us know if you want to see the documentary). Our HiArtFilms is following up with these and many more movers & shakers – all of our common goals are to engage, solidify, and make plans to see new and old friends and business fostered at Fash Week. Stay tuned as we update how the follow-ups go (especially our HiArtPromotions diamond jewelry, as we search for designer brand names to go around the world). Net proceeds to benefit your causes, of course.  Pic 1: Step up to the plate and hit a home-run, from start to finish(photographer Konate’ Hendricks).  Pic 2: Fashion Week’s Music Director every year, DJ Arthur Bros., styles the tunes & tracks to transform a front row or last row seat to view an eye-popping runway show into a toe-tapping dance party that grooves every seat in the house!  Pic 3: Tess models this year’s men’s line, OberimaAfriyie, from last year’s Emerging Designer winner, Alfriyie Poku. The VIP Tent insured access to squeeze in models & designers for very personable interviews without stepping on anyone’s toes. Mamie Ruth by Emily Bargeron and MLiz Designs by Mary Liz Pulk were excited to talk about fashion for a cause and giving back with our HiArtPromotions(photo Konate’ Hendricks).  Pic 4: The last after parties, the last interview shoots, and the last hurrahs…but not the last time we kick up our heels with designers Julie Wheat(Cavortress), and Alfriyie. We Do The Charleston everyday and night – join us! 

Mar 21: Pic 1: Styling in the Style Lounge, luxury under the big top, with the big silver screen, and the big top shelf spirits & fine wines (he best in SC – Sponsor James Farra, Ben Arnold Beverage (a major charity sponsor, too). Pic 2: More than excited to learn up close & personal from Charleston Fash Week big top Judge, Fern Mallis, Founder of NY Fash Week, spearhead in LA, Moscow, Berlin! Pic 3: Father & Daughter (Peter & model Alyson Antinopoulos) and many more new friends working at CFW. 

Mar 20: Welcome to the premier of our guest spokesmodel, Taylor Louise, co-writing with us:“Another night to meet & greet so many movers & shakers with incredible ambition, drive, and of course, fabulous flair for fashion! Pics 1,2,3: One of our faves is gorgeous, from India, and reinventing herself in Charleston: Sheuli McKee empowers women to tap into their ever-present inner source and to project out as beautiful and confident. She’ll soon debut her inspirational new blog, “Reinventing Rani,” creating beauty out of the classics. This is a vintage fashionista to watch out for…and wait for…Mary Norton (Charleston’s national iconic designer) shared the limelight as always, and then we got our hands on her! The Baker Motors crew sure brings a good time to the VIP Tent! Explaining their motor car styles, their work styles, and their animal styles…the sharks, the koalas, the Lion King(guess who)…you get the picture (or ask if you need us to paint a picture for you – finger paint will do). This wolfpack has personality coming out the ears (along with a few wild hairs)! We told you the fashion was all over the map. Join us, we’ll navigate you through it all with a Baker Motors GPS. Pic 4: In the top VIP tent with one of the top VIP hosts, Jim Smith, with Atlantic Coast Advisory Group. Pic 5: Luscious textures, contrasts, and sophistication with a punch…a real knockout on the real runway. Pic 6: Oh, the interviewing never gets old with the young (established yet always reinventing) model, designer, and Charleston socialite, Chelsie Ravenell. Rising model, Madison Slate, also shared her dreams, and we can’t wait to paint that picture for you (after we wine & dine at Halls Chophouse.”

Mar 19: Golden Girls & Boys: we picked some real gems to showcase in our ARTicles (show us, if you want to see our HiArtFilms). Need to wet your appetite? See our sneak peaks & pics below. Pic 1: Our Spokesmodel, Taylor Louise, in the limelight wearing Fashion Weeks newest “Barbara Graham Hattitudes” – both are world class. Pic 2: Head-turners can show off their smiles – and – hide their eyes for that mysterious allure. Pic 3: Daniel D steals the show every year! Pic 4: Wait till you hear Taylor’s reports on the latest fashion trends in Charleston – and – around the world… Pic 5: Wait till you hear who’s the next star Spokesmodel and the next star Designer… Pic 6: And the stars line up for us, one by one, like the next star Runway Supermodel <– come find out who’s who at Fashion Week, or check here for more Updates.

Thanks to our close friend and our Special Guest Photographer Austin Walker (leader on Fashion Week’s BODs)

– Mar 18: It started…with a home run. Just step up to the plate, and…pop! Carolina Gribble Bryan pops up. Of course she’s at Charleston Fashion Week, bidding at MUSC Children’s Hospital charity auction, “and the bidding went up, up, and away! Yay!” Just step up to plate, and Carolina will touch your heART, pull your heART strings, and lead you to the promised land. Not just to fundraisers, but to the dance floor, to pARTies for a purpose, to fashions for a cause…today, tomorrow…it’s an everyday way of life. “We’re always looking at our calendar so we can give back…and travel around the world!” Bon voyage and bon vivant! She’s got “it,” she’s an “it” girl. Everyone can aspire to emulate her zest for life…her zest for giving back. I hear it from her friends, “I want to live like Carolina.” You all can, just join us. Just step up to the plate. Play ball with the belle of the ball, Carolina, at Charleston Fashion Week. Beautiful, inside & out, n’est pas?

Thanks to close friend and our Special Guest Photographer Austin Walker (leader on Fashion Week’s BODs)

—————————-

- 2013 Charleston Fashion Week  –  Flash Back:

[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 – Flash Back <– Read Full REVIEW (Excerpt: Guest Co-writer: Wendy Wilson, YogaBareHeart Founder, Teacher, & Fashion Designer: “…flare, fashionistas, fun …the fisheye lens of the paparazzi …designers…Chicken Turtles…Guyana South America…New York …jewels like Camille and Hilda…rockers like Mark Bryan…Special thanks to Sherrie Mills Hair Cuts: turn an everyday pauper into a Fashion Week Prince…“

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!

———————————–

- 2011 Fashion Week – Flash Back: 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…”

DoTheCharleston.com

presents

HiArtFilms’

“Kookoo at the Voodoo”

Showcasing Gino Castillo’s Cuban Jazz Band (Dancing at the Voodoo Tiki Bar in Charleston, SC)

Merrick Teichman – Writer, Producer, Director
Stephen Massar – Cinematographer
Brad Cooper – 2nd Camera, Sound Engineer, Editor

Gino Castillo’s Cuban Jazz Band:
Gino Castillo percussion, vocals
Trey Cooper piano
William Moore upright
Zandrina Dunning back vocals, percussion
Alan Schmitt cuban tres
Chuck Dalton trumpet
Zac Taylor trombon
Michael Quinn sax, shekere

La Quinn – Salsa Dance Instructor
Abigail Marie – Special Guest Dancer

Voodoo Tiki Bar & Lounge, Charleston, SC

DoTheCharleston.comHiArtFilms and Merrick Teichman copyright 2013 2014

– 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 

—————————

- 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