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.

– 2014  Charleston Fashion Week – New Updates

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

– 2013  Charleston  FASHION  WEEK 

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

 

UPDATES!

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

2012 Charleston Fashion Week 

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

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

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

– Auditions Invitation:

12:30-4pm, weekdays, asap.

– Invitations will have address of Studio.

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

– Blues, Jazz, Soul, R&B, and Rock

– 18+ male and female roles for both:

– Singers and Musicians

– Dancers (solo and also lead/follows)

– Actors, Hosts, Hostesses, Emcees, Spokesmodels

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

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

– Thanks

– 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!

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

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

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

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

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

copyright 2012 DoTheCharleston.com

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

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

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

copyright 2012 RJD Timeless Photography by Rebecca Dersch

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

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

– Nov 12 – 16  Philanthropy Week in the Lowcountry

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

copyright 2012 DoTheCharleston.com

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

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

copyright 2011 2012 DoTheCharleston.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  

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–  Mar 20 – 24, 2012 CHARLESTON  FASHION  WEEK!   (Mar 21 Circle of Champions presented by Baker Motor will benefit  MUSC’s Children’s Hospital) Official After Party – RAIN by Charleston After Dark.  REVIEW: You know Christmas in July is at most a reminder of what was or what will be…well, behold Fashion Week in October: A look back at what was (and what will come again)… by Merrick Teichman (and guest co-writer, Wendy Wilson, YogaBareHeart Founder, Teacher, & Fashion Designer): “The Mar 24th evening was full of flare, fashionistas, fun, and fish!  Guests caught the fisheye lens of the paparazzi along with designers & celebrities; Chicken Turtles & Slippery D__s (fish); starlets sporting sparkling sea shell swimwear; and even retired world class pros flaming & passing the torch.  Nigel Williams, now in Charleston with Record Quest, attended this soiree to keep up with his love for fashion. Nigel was born in Guyana South America, and he spent the 70s in New York working with icon Willi Smith. Nigel doesn’t keep his wisdom & savoir faire close to the vest, he wears it on his collar (we love his hi-fashion tie clip jewelry). It was easy mining (fishing) for gem stones: studs like Nigel; jewels like Camille and Hilda; and hard rockers like Mark Bryan – all lured by a passion for fashion! The Aquarium was a perfect lure, too, the beauty was inside and out! (Special thanks to Sherrie Mills, Old South Barber Spa. Her Hair Cuts turn an everyday pauper into a Fashion Week Prince! Check out her Fashion For A Cause, too: Sidewalk Chalk) 

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

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

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

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

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

Rebekah Kiser BlueNess Studios. Copyright  DoTheCharleston.com

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

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

copyright2011 Roaring 20s Hot Jazz Dance Club

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

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

copyright 2011 Holy City Blues

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

copyright 2011 Holy City Blues

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

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

Copyright 2011 Roaring 20s Hot Jazz Dance Club

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

– more to come…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

copyright 2011 Roaring Twenties Hot Jazz Dance Club

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

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

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

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

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

copyright 2011 Holy City Blues

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

copyright 2011 Roaring Twenties Hot Jazz Dance Club

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Happy Thanksgiving from Downtown Charleston! copyright 2011 DoTheCharleston.com

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

copyright 2011 Roaring 20s Hot Jazz Dance Club

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

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