Stars, Social Entrepreneurs Everywhere!

9 Apr

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

–  (Other April Things To Do — here)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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2014 Red Carpet

2013 Gala photo copyright Valerie Photography

2013 Gala photo copyright Valerie Photography

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

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ARTicles – April

1 Apr

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

– March ARTicles  – click here

- April ARTicles  – Scroll Below

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

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

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

Embracing Jazz at Jenkins Institute

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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2014 Fashion Week!

18 Mar

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

(Scroll to bottom: Flash Back 2013 and 2012)

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

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

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Mar 22: The Finale delivered what we all came for, Fashion For A Cause. The VIP Tent and the Style Lounge were the epitome of why Sponsors relish to host Fash Week’s elite pillars (and emerging) players and creators from Charleston and the world. David Leonard & Jim Smith (Atlantic Coast Advisory Group) and many other sponsors successfully collaborated to spearhead the pARTies for a purpose covered in our ARTicles (let us know if you want to see the documentary). Our HiArtFilms is following up with these and many more movers & shakers – all of our common goals are to engage, solidify, and make plans to see new and old friends and business fostered at Fash Week. Stay tuned as we update how the follow-ups go (especially our HiArtPromotions diamond jewelry, as we search for designer brand names to go around the world). Net proceeds to benefit your causes, of course.  Pic 1: Step up to the plate and hit a home-run, from start to finish(photographer Konate’ Hendricks).  Pic 2: Fashion Week’s Music Director every year, DJ Arthur Bros., styles the tunes & tracks to transform a front row or last row seat to view an eye-popping runway show into a toe-tapping dance party that grooves every seat in the house!  Pic 3: Tess models this year’s men’s line, OberimaAfriyie, from last year’s Emerging Designer winner, Alfriyie Poku. The VIP Tent insured access to squeeze in models & designers for very personable interviews without stepping on anyone’s toes. Mamie Ruth by Emily Bargeron and MLiz Designs by Mary Liz Pulk were excited to talk about fashion for a cause and giving back with our HiArtPromotions(photo Konate’ Hendricks).  Pic 4: The last after parties, the last interview shoots, and the last hurrahs…but not the last time we kick up our heels with designers Julie Wheat(Cavortress), and Alfriyie. We Do The Charleston everyday and night – join us! Screen Shot 2014-03-25 at 3.30.56 AM

Mar 21: Pic 1: Styling in the Style Lounge, luxury under the big top, with the big silver screen, and the big top shelf spirits & fine wines (he best in SC – Sponsor James Farra, Ben Arnold Beverage (a major charity sponsor, too). Pic 2: More than excited to learn up close & personal from Charleston Fash Week big top Judge, Fern Mallis, Founder of NY Fash Week, spearhead in LA, Moscow, Berlin! Pic 3: Father & Daughter (Peter & model Alyson Antinopoulos) and many more new friends working at CFW. Screen Shot 2014-03-22 at 2.53.58 PM

Mar 20: Welcome to the premier of our guest spokesmodel, Taylor Louise, co-writing with us:“Another night to meet & greet so many movers & shakers with incredible ambition, drive, and of course, fabulous flair for fashion! Pics 1,2,3: One of our faves is gorgeous, from India, and reinventing herself in Charleston: Sheuli McKee empowers women to tap into their ever-present inner source and to project out as beautiful and confident. She’ll soon debut her inspirational new blog, “Reinventing Rani,” creating beauty out of the classics. This is a vintage fashionista to watch out for…and wait for…Mary Norton (Charleston’s national iconic designer) shared the limelight as always, and then we got our hands on her! Screen Shot 2014-03-21 at 4.15.54 PMThe Baker Motors crew sure brings a good time to the VIP Tent! Explaining their motor car styles, their work styles, and their animal styles…the sharks, the koalas, the Lion King(guess who)…you get the picture (or ask if you need us to paint a picture for you – finger paint will do). This wolfpack has personality coming out the ears (along with a few wild hairs)! We told you the fashion was all over the map. Join us, we’ll navigate you through it all with a Baker Motors GPS. Pic 4: In the top VIP tent with one of the top VIP hosts, Jim Smith, with Atlantic Coast Advisory Group. Pic 5: Luscious textures, contrasts, and sophistication with a punch…a real knockout on the real runway. Pic 6: Oh, the interviewing never gets old with the young (established yet always reinventing) model, designer, and Charleston socialite, Chelsie Ravenell. Rising model, Madison Slate, also shared her dreams, and we can’t wait to paint that picture for you (after we wine & dine at Halls Chophouse.”Screen Shot 2014-03-21 at 4.50.34 PM

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

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

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

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

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

 

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- 2013 Charleston Fashion Week  –  Flash Back:

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

[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]

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2012 Charleston Fashion Week – Flash Back <– Read Full REVIEW (Excerpt: Guest Co-writer: Wendy Wilson, YogaBareHeart Founder, Teacher, & Fashion Designer: “…flare, fashionistas, fun …the fisheye lens of the paparazzi …designers…Chicken Turtles…Guyana South America…New York …jewels like Camille and Hilda…rockers like Mark Bryan…Special thanks to Sherrie Mills Hair Cuts: turn an everyday pauper into a Fashion Week Prince…

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

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!

 

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

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ARTicles – March

3 Feb

– March – scroll below

- April – Click here

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

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–  Mar 6 – 9, 2014  BB&T Charleston Wine + Food Festival® – World Class, of course! (Their Culinary Community Non-Profit Partner: GrowFood Carolina!  The Festival raises hundreds of thousands of dollars over the years for various nonprofits they help support). Click here for Tickets

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–  Mar 13-17, 2014  The 4th Annual Charleston Film FestivalScreen Shot 2014-03-12 at 2.50.34 PM

– Mar 15,  7:30  Luis Machicao Fashion Show <–  Tickets will sell out.  This is a Benefit for Communities In Schools.  Luis Machicao is launching his Spring and Summer 2014 designs at this show (with Ice Box Bar). He was Awarded Best Designer at Paris Fashion Week.

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–  Mar 18 – 22  Baker Motor Company Charleston Fashion Week <– All Updates, details, & Links 

Fash Week: Carolina Gribble Bryan, Beautiful, inside & out, n'est pas?

Fash Week Carolina Gribble Bryan, Beautiful, n’est pas?

– Mar 20 – 23, 2014 Charleston Antiques Show – Historic Charleston Foundation. A Decorative ARTs showcase of American & European antiques, including vintage jewelry, 17th – 20th century. Come for the unique Edutainement and also shop.

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– Mar 23, 10am – 4pm, KidsFair at Burke High School downtown – $1. The 26th year…10,000 – 12,000 kids/parents…largest downtown 1 day event in Charleston…~100 non-Profits, sponsors, and interactive booths…”Edutainment”…engage & empower & enrich…broaden horizons…healthy food…bike or walk to there! Watch Video. If you would like to sponsor, contact me. Also Like & Share the  KidsFair Facebook

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– May 29, 7pm – 10pm, only $5.  The 2014 Oscar-Nominated Shorts Festival at Park  Circle Films in N.Charleston (843) 628-5534

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

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HiArtFilms “Kookoo at the Voodoo”

31 Jan

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DoTheCharleston.com

presents

HiArtFilms’

“Kookoo at the Voodoo”

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

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

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

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

Voodoo Tiki Bar & Lounge, Charleston, SC

DoTheCharleston.comHiArtFilms and Merrick Teichman copyright 2013 2014

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ARTicles: Jan – Feb

17 Jan

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

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

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

(Glimpse Gino Castillo’s Cuban Jazz Band on DoTheCharleston.com HiArtFilms dance music  video, “Kookoo at the Voodoo” at the Voodoo Tiki Lounge in Charleston)Screen Shot 2014-01-31 at 2.57.58 PM

– Feb 1, 7pm, Charleston Music Hall’s Anniversary Benefit for The Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art – The concert by Charleston’s nationally acclaimed mix of musicians is fitting to honor the Halsey’s 30th Anniversary (on Groundhog Day)! The exclusive and rare combination of headline musicians include Bill Carson, Charlton Singleton, Ron Wiltrout, and many more! VIPs’ get an after-party cast-party with the musician. Tickets $15 to $50VIPs.  Screen Shot 2014-01-31 at 12.17.51 PM

 

– Feb 14 – 16   SEWE – South Eastern Wildlife Exposition – Party Animals pARTy for a purpose!Screen Shot 2014-01-19 at 12.50.09 PM

 

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ARTicles – Dec 2013

5 Dec

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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!Screen Shot 2013-12-25 at 4.16.29 PM

 

Screen Shot 2013-12-21 at 3.50.07 PM– 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.1474400_692830820751736_1022379752_n

 

– 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)

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(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.Screen Shot 2013-12-05 at 3.13.23 PM

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ARTicles: Oct – Nov 2013

12 Nov

– 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"

“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

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.

 

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– 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

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– 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 Screen Shot 2013-12-08 at 10.58.43 AMCenter (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.Screen Shot 2013-11-12 at 5.20.43 PM

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.

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– 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.

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– 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.unnamed

 

– 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.1391798_443072152469851_1288433182_n

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ARTicles – May 2013

17 May

– Mar 8-9  –  25th Anniversary & Conference – The Coastal Conservation League: Prospering Lowcountry, Flourishing Planet. World renowned speakers and guests – meet, greet, celebrate, wine & dine, and of course bring your pad for all the Q&A and panel discussions. REVIEW – coming soon!

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– Mar 17  - 4th Annual Water Ball benefiting the Charleston Waterkeeper. Black Tie optional, jet setters, trend setters, fashion designers, philanthropists, all eat, drink, and be merry for our right to clean water. Another whale of a party in Charleston. The world is one big bath tub – so the clean water we get together to protect here affects all our brothers (and fish) around the world. Here’s to you, L’Chaim and Tikkun Olam! Party at the Aquarium, 7-11.

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–  May 15-19,  2013  Charleston Lindy Exchange, “Night Falls on the Holy City” ALL DAY- ALL NIGHT! Presented by Charleston Swing Dance Assoc.

copyright 2013 CSDA

copyright 2013 CSDA

–  May 24 – June 9, 2013   SPOLETO!

copyright 2011 Spoleto Festival USA

copyright 2011 Spoleto Festival USA

–  May 24 – June 9, 2013  Piccolo  Spoleto!

copyright 2011 PiccoloSpoleto@BSBI2011

copyright 2011 PiccoloSpoleto@BSBI2011

CIFF Film Fest REVIEW: “Around the world in 5 days!”

6 May

- Apr 24-28, 2013  Charleston International Film Festival

- REVIEW:  “Around the world in 5 days at CIFF!”

(1) One of the CIFF Board of Directors, Ben Levitt, just back from Israel, made the brilliant move to attract more than me to Charleston’s CIFF. He’s magnetic – it shows what his metal is made of.  Ho hum, the first person we “bumped” into was Hollywood writer/producer/director, Gil Hacohen, from NY, on his way to Israel. “Shoot, Gil, lets go! – OK, G-d willing!”

(2) The short films were more than intriguing – several were out of this world. “Rebuild” was brilliant, as in illuminating (like I dreamed in my trailer, “Recharge Your Life,” G-d willing, next year in Jerusalem & CIFF). “Narcocorrido” was a world I could never dream of – so foreign, that only penetrating shooting by the filmmakers & actors could blow away any preconception. The bar was so high, I dared to say they were hard to top. Then came the toppers. “Spaghetti for Two” used out of sight camera angles, hovering over the earth over bumper car people – hilarious in their desperation/competition for love, money, food, and umbrellas – capturing glimpses of accidents where they share it all – all without saying a word. Hacohen’s “Shooting Chris” was not just out of this world, it was a parallel universe. Live footage was anything but… it transported you back in time. Interviews were surreal. But the ending and then the Q&A with Hacohen revealed the unbelievable parts. Other films (that made local enthusiast, Candace Suggars, smile) were “Smile,” from the world of mime (an award winner); and “Guttersnipe” about the homeless whose world revolves around their shopping cart. 

(3) CIFF founders, Brian and Summer Peacher showed us where there’s a world there’s a way. The Peachers, Board Members Bob Kosian and Margaret Ford Rogers, and all of Charleston embrace filmmakers from one end of the world (that may be me) to on top of world, that’s Bill Butler (the cinematographer of “Jaws, Greece, One Flew Over The Coocoo’s Nest” – he was presented the Spire Lifetime Achievement Award – with cameo video salutes from Steven Spielberg and Francis Ford Coppola). 

(4) Away from the lofty silver screen, we got down to earth with filmmakers, actors, producers, editors, animators, etc during film Q&A, workshops, after-parties, awards, and even on our sailboat. Holy Producers, Bat Man, Chris Brigham is in the Holy City. He worked on “Argo”(Academy Award Winner); and Shutter Island (with actors Leonardo DiCaprio and Ruby Jerins 🙂 To cap it all off, we went to the world of India, where Kathryn Peters was hostess at her Seeking Indigo wellness boutique (it will light up your world). 

(5) Charleston is on a world stage – we are #1 on Condé Nast Traveler‘s list. We’ve been the rage around the world for years, and the world never stops turning. So start planning for next year, because CIFF offers more than just Film (back from the underworld, we joined with Charlie Chaplin to Do The Charleston. He’s done it before and shined like a star…

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copyright DoTheCharleston.com

copyright DoTheCharleston.com

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