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.

– 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:

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

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

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

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

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

copyright 2011 Holy City Blues

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Watch this for inspiration:

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

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

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

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

copyright 2011 Holy City Blues

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

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- Wed, Sept 21  Happy International Day of Peace!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2011Copyright Roaring 20s Hot Jazz Dance Club

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

copyright 2011 Holy City Blues

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

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

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

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

2011Copyright Roaring 20s Hot Jazz Dance Club

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

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

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

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

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

When you read below “Tikkun Olam,” it means repair the world, make the world a better place. Keep checking back! Updates are added for new future events/details/pics in this week, PLUS, Updates/Reviews/Pictures of this week’s past events!

– JULY 27 & 29… Goto “Holy City Blues” for details on their cooool Dancing. Tikkun Olam: Blues dancing gets you in-tune with the music’s nuances, so you explore & interpret it in sync with your dance partner. Much more than a 2-pronged tuning fork…when you & your partner are resonating in the same frequency, the world trips the light fantastic…and that’s also true for new and platonic dance partners. The Blues make you happy 🙂

copyright 2011 Holy City Blues

– JULY 28  Presentation on Diverse Synergies with Top SC & Israeli Collaborators, 10am-12noon at SCRA.  (Update, review of the meeting: A secular audience of 80+ diversified players got to see a lot of SC & Israeli home runs…and there are plenty more pitches to swing at! We were able to listen, learn, and network with the who’s who of heavyweights moving mountains & shaking the bushes. Who shakes out will spring-board off of inspirational angels, philanthropists, trailblazers, power brokers, and promoters. The SC & Israel Collaboration adds an impressive boost of urgency for capturing influential genius; empowering skunkworks, mashups, and R&D; and fast tracking entrepreneurial innovation to fruition. The goals are over the top and the talks upfront and behind the scenes included Tikkun Olam: Stem Cells; composites; defense for mass-transportation; aerospace; sustainable water, land, seeds, energy; etc, etc. Don’t go to SC & Israel for oil…go there for brains. The brain-trusts, the muses, the magic, the history…there’s definitely something in the wellsprings worth sustaining.  APPLY NOW <–> the “Chosen Ones” will spearhead the SC-Israeli Delegation; will be the imminent shooting stars; will further brighten the SC & Israeli spotlight; and will share it with the world.  The more than gracious VIP leadership included Jonathan Zucker and Anita Zucker of InterTech; Tom Glaser of American-Israel Chamber of Commerce SE Region; Bill Mahoney of SCRA; Ray Greenberg’s associates from MUSC; Gal Nir of Scopus; Clemson; Charleston’s Jewish Federation (see more Jewish secular outreach); and many others…Mazol Tov. 

 SC & Israel Collaborators’ Presentation. Copyright 2011 DoTheCharleston.com

– JULY 28  Sale Soiree benefit for PAR People Against Rape Tikkun Olam. Enjoy live music, shopping, and if you buy new slippers you can drink champagne from them like a king. Memminger Auditorium, 56 Beaufain, 7-10pm $10-$15.

– JULY 29  Shark, Rattle, & Roll.  Another unique party that only the Aquarium can mix together while raising awareness and funds around their conservation & education programs, care for 5000 aquatic neighbors, and Tikkun Olam. Live bands includes Emily Hearn (see her past video by DoTheCharleston.com) From 7-11pm, Ages > 21 and tkts $25-30.

– July 29 Roaring Twenties Hot Jazz Dance Club with “Mike Larsen’s Classic Memories BIG BAND!” Stephen Duane’s Swing Dance Lesson is 7:30 – 8:30, then dance until 11pm. There is also a Holy City Blues Room! Tikkun Olam: TGIF Thank G-d It’s Friday. You’ve had a hard week of working scrimping & saving, so go invest $10 in main street –> go patronize a live local band (“July is Live Music Month”). Get your yah yahs out. Eat drink and be merry for tomorrow you may die…or worse, the government may default and that $10 will be worth 0:

copyright 2011 Roaring Twenties Hot Jazz Dance Club

– JULY 29 from 8-11pm $50-$70 Bitters & Twisted in the Salon d’Orleans Society 1858’s young professional patrons party for a purpose: to fully enjoy all the benefits of The Gibbes’ Museum and be a part of it’s ongoing legacy. Tonight’s courtyard promenade includes costumes, culture, and characters of New Orleans in the 1800s. Of course, Food is Art, so the stage is shared along with period music, featured exhibitions, and Theatre Mavelosa(“Our performances are gifts we send out into the world; a burst of life and joy,” founder & creator Willi Jones). Tikkun Olam, yes, the arts recharge our batteries and smooth over ruffled feathers<–>there’s plenty of smoozing among polarized power brokers, solving the worlds problems, drawn together by the common love & inspiration of Hi Art’s creatives & muses.

– JULY 30 – Charleston Farmers Market - Marion Square, 8am-2pm.  FUN, GO, something for everyone. Tikkun Olam: Patronize local organic farmers & fisherman, and they will thrive & prosper and sustain our independence. This healthier food tastes better and helps us fight obesity. 

– JULY 30, 9am-11am RIDEdwin bike ride to honor the spirit of husband, father, and community leader Edwin Gardner who was biking and was hit by a vehicle and killed 7/21/2010. Supporters, his widow and daughter, and bike riders will celebrate a renewed vigor for raising awareness of the community benefits of all types of biking and sharing the road among cars and bikes. The snowball is building as we take 2 steps forward for each 1 step back (tragically 7/5/2011, Dr. Mitchell Hollon was killed, while riding his bike out of downtown. He was hit by a van and knocked off the high rise bridge into the marsh along the Ashley River). Tikkun Olam. 

Charleston Sunrise Shining on Sailors and Bikers at the Highrise Bridge over Ashley River Marsh. 7/19/2011 Copyright DoTheCharleston.com

– JULY 30 noon-6pm $10-$15 Bogard Street Block Party at corner of Rutledge Ave. Come join the neighborhood FUNdraiser for the victims of the July 1st fires at 245 and 247 Rutledge. Come for Bogard Beatz DJs; Roti Rolls and Tasty Thai & Sushi; Budweiser; and Get Real Charleston and La Dolci Vida Swimwear fashion for a cause. Tikkun Olam.

– JULY 30, Do The Charleston! Swing Dance lessons between 6-8pm, then Dance until 11pm.  Charleston Swing Dance Assoc.  Hazel Parker Center at 70 East Bay St. $3-$5 Tikkun Olam: Swing Dancing is GREAT FUN EXERCISE to fight obesity, lower health care costs, and even form new & Platonic relationships with cool cats from 9 to 90 years young. 

– JULY 30 -  7pm  Park Circle Films   “Fred and Vinnie”   N.Charleston Tikkun Olam–>laughing makes it real easy to smile, and smiling is wonderfully contagious <– when you pass on this gift that keeps on giving, its worth more than paper dollars; far more than it’s weight in gold; it’s even better than se…uhh…sliced bread 🙂