Coastal Companion

Your ultimate guide to the coast

Great Deals for Residents and Military at the World Golf Hall of Fame

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Starting on Saturday May 23rd, the World Golf Hall of Fame is offering a special rate for residents from Florida and Georgia to the special “Bob Hope: Shanks for the Memory” exhibit.

Florida and Georgia residents pay only $10 admission through Sunday, October 4. With a ticket you can visit the World Golf Hall of Fame and also play one round on the Hall’s 18-hole, natural grass putting course. The offer is good for up to four accompanying family members. To receive the discount you need proof of residency (driver’s license or other photo identification).

It’s Memorial Day and the World Golf Hall of Fame is saying thanks by offering an even better deal for members of the armed forces. Free admission. Retired and currently serving members of the military and reserve forces can enjoy complimentary admission to the exhibit and also one round on the Hall’s putting course. The offer is good for up to four accompanying family members and is in effect from May 23rd through Independence Day, Saturday, July 4. Valid military photo ID is required for the discount.

For more information, please visit www.wgv.com.

Golf

Third Thursday DREAMfest May 21st on Town Square

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It’s time to jazz up Summerville. Thursday May 21st from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The Cobblestone Trio will put on a free concert in Town Square. The Jazz Trio features Summerville native, David Archer, on guitar. George Kenny, a legend in the Charleston music community, is featured on sax. David Keller, from Savannah, GA is on upright bass. The music will be festive, featuring jazzy selections from many eras, to delight listeners.

This is a rare public performance by these musicians who typically specialize in private events at local resorts, fine hotels, and downtown reception halls. They have played for Heads of State, Captains of Industry, dignitaries from around the world, and have shared the stage with major artists, such as Ray Charles. Local businesses and restaurants will be open late with special promotions, some will offer refreshments.

In addition to the free concert will be the Art Walk on Short Central Avenue, local artists and crafters will set up outside with many unique items ranging from pottery to handcrafted jewelry. Local acoustics duo 2for2 will also be playing live during the Art Walk near the fountain on Short Central Avenue.

More details about Thursday Dreamfest Summerville

Summerville

Piccolo Spoleto 2009 – Charleston, SC

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Piccolo Spoleto gives access to the Spoleto Festival experience for everyone. Many of Piccolo Spoleto’s performances are free or have minimal ticket prices.

Piccolo Spoleto’s Sunset Serenade turns the beautiful city of Charleston into a stage with a free outdoor pops concert overlooking the Charleston Harbor at the U.S. Custom House. This concert opens Piccolo Spoleto on Friday, May 22 from 8 to 9:30 p.m. The Charleston Symphony Orchestra plays big band music with guest artist, The Wycliffe Gordon Quartet. Then it’s time for the trombone players to take over. The unique group, The Palmetto Posaunen, consists of 40 trombone players with percussion. The group performs TROMBONES! at 6 p.m. on the East Bay Plaza of the U.S. Custom House. The music includes an interesting variety of music from Broadway tunes, to jazz, and also “76 Trombones” from The Music Man.

Piccolo Spoleto hosts many family-friendly activities. One of the most popular events is the Children’s Festival in Marion Square. The festival takes place on May 23 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., features a great selection of fun-filled activities for the younger crowd. Activities include; some of the Lowcountry’s finest student choral and dance groups, face painting, a “fun bus”, arts and crafts and much more.

Break it Down Now! is a special a block party taking place on Saturday, May 30 from 7 to 11 p.m. at the U.S. Custom House. The block party features music from the 80s, 90s and today. This event is organized by the college interns who encourage festival goers to “go green” for the event. There will be a “green carpet,” and other eco-friendly activities. Artists include 80s cover band Bueller, former American Idol contestant Quiana Parler & Friends, DJ and video artists Spaced Invaders and break dancing group The Electric Company.

From 5 to 9 p.m., June 6 in Hampton Park, everone is invited to Piccolo Spoleto Finale: A Global Village of World Music. This festive finale wraps-up the festival with a exiting line-up. Performers include Carolina Klezmer from Charlotte, N.C., and Sababah from Mt. Pleasant, S.C. Students in Carolina Studios after school program will open the evening with their original performance. Piccolo Spoleto is committed to maintaining a balanced and healthy habitat for the ecosystem in Hampton Park and as a result fireworks will not be included.

There is also a wide variety of theatre, dance, literature and film events during the festival.

Tickets may be purchased by calling the Piccolo Spoleto ticket hotline at 888-374-2656, or online at www.TicketMaster.com. Tickets may also be purchased at the Piccolo Spoleto box office, located in the Gaillard Municipal Auditorium at 77 Calhoun St., with no service charges, or at area Publix Super Markets. For a ticket brochure and information on Piccolo Spoleto, call the Office of Cultural Affairs at (843) 724-7305 or visit www.PiccoloSpoleto.com.

Piccolo Festival
Visit our events calendar for Piccolo Spoleto 2009, Charleston, South Carolina

Jacksonville Jazz Festival 2009 Bigger and Better

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This year the Jazz Festival offers free performances from renowned artists Roberta Flack, The Dave Brubeck Quartet, Chris Botti, Boney James, Stanley Clarke Trio, Jazz Attack, Joe Sample & Patti Austin, Jimmy Cobb, Guitars & Saxes, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Latin Jazz All Stars, Mindi Abair, Dr. John & the Lower 911, Bill Frisell’s 858 Quartet and many more!

Art in the Heart of Downtown
But this festival offers more than great jazz music. There’s also “Arts in the Heart of Downtown”, where you can enjoy art while listening to jazz music. The art event is open all festival days.

Wine Down
For those of us who enjoy wine tasting, there’s a special event during the Jazz Festival.
It’s called Wine Down and takes place in Hemming Plaza on Saturday May 23 as well. Taste Tickets are $15, and you’ll get to sample eight wines and receive a complimentary glass. Jazz and wine tasting, not a bad combo!

Young Jazz Musicians Competition
Come watch a live competition. Young jazz musicians will showcase their talents for the chance to win a music scholarship. Jazz talents between the ages of 7-21 auditioned for the competition to be held during the Jacksonville Jazz Festival. The winner will receive a $1,000 scholarship to be used to further his or her music education.

Location: Breezin’ Stage (The Jacksonville Landing Courtyard)
Saturday, May 23
First Round 1:30 p.m.- Finals 5:30 p.m.
Free admission

CHOPS, A Documentary
This award-winning documentary film tells the story of a group of young, talented musicians who learn to make the most of their gifts in an acclaimed jazz program at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts in Jacksonville, Florida. We follow their musical journey to New York City where they compete at the prestigious Essentially Ellington Festival against the top high school jazz bands in the nation. Win or lose, the experience puts them at the threshold of their dream and reveals their incredible personal and musical growth.

CHOPS – watch the trailer!

Saturday, May 23
Doors open 1:30 p.m. Showtimes: 2 p.m. & 7 p.m.
Location: Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts (Jacoby Symphony Hall). Free Admission

Jazz Parade
Saturday, May 23 at 3 p.m.
No festival is complete without a parade. This is of course a special jazz parade down Laura Street from Hemming Plaza to The Jacksonville Landing. The parade is led by the St. Johns River City Dixieland Band. Everyone is encouraged to bring their instruments and parasols. What about jazz hands?

Jacksonville florida

Jazz Juniors
Saturday, May 23 & Sunday, May 24
Bring the kids to Jacksonville Landing for jazz fun. Jazz Juniors is a variety of fun, learning activities to introduce young hearts and minds to the world of jazz.
There’s even an instrument “Petting Zoo” where children are introduced to each family of instruments and can play them.
In front of The Jacksonville Landing – (on Water St./Independent Drive). Free Admission

Jazz Giants: The Photography of Herman Leonard
Experience the life of great jazz musicians in this photo exhibit by award-winning jazz photographer Herman Leonard. The exhibit includes framed prints of jazz greats including signature performances and candid moments of Billie Holiday, Tony Bennett, Duke Ellington, Miles Davis, Ella Fitzgerald, Dizzy Gillespie and more.

MOCA Jacksonville, (Museum of Contemporary Art)
Free admission (to the exhibit only)
All festival days

Q&A sessions
Take part in question and answer sessions featuring jazz performers, educators, festival stakeholders and supporters.All Festival Days. Free admission

Wednesday, May 20
Mike Tolbert, Jacksonville Jazz Festival pioneer
Noon at Snyder Memorial Church
Festival pioneer and Jacksonville Jazz Festival Hall of Famer Mike Tolbert will discuss the beginnings of the festival and why Jacksonville is so passionate about jazz.

Friday May, 22
Contemporary keyboardist Lao Tizer
8 p.m. at Main Library (inside the former Shelby’s Coffee)
Lao Tizer will discuss his performance style, influences and experiences.

Saturday, May 23
CHOPS: Behind The Scenes
4 p.m. at Times-Union Center (Jacoby Hall)
Former Douglas Anderson School of the Arts band members, band director Ace Martin and documentary director Bruce Broder will discuss their preparation for and experience at the Essentially Ellington Competition.

Need a map?

Click here to get a Printable map for the 2009 Jacksonville Jazz Festival

Parking During the Jazz Festival
Click here to get a printable map for parking for Jacksonville Jazz Festival 2009

Skyway is Free for the Festival
Compliments of JTA, the Skyway will be FREE for the Jacksonville Jazz Festival. The Skyway is the easiest way to get to the Jacksonville Jazz Festival from the Northbank and Southbank of the St. Johns River – and it’s fun too. The Hemming Plaza station will drop fans in the middle of the action at the Groovin’ Stage in Hemming Plaza and the Laura Street Corridor.

The Central Station will drop festival fans just a block away from the Breezin’ Stage inside The Jacksonville Landing, near the Jazz Juniors area and the Laura Street Corridor. This stop is also located just behind the Omni Jacksonville Hotel where the ‘Round Midnight Jazz Jam will be held on the Saturday night of the festival.

Skyway Hours
Friday, May 22, 6 a.m.-2 a.m.
Saturday, May 23, 10 a.m.-2 a.m.
Sunday, May 24, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Northbank Stations

* Hemming Plaza Station (Monroe and Hogan streets)
* Central Station (Bay and Pearl streets)
* Rosa L. Parks/FCCJ Station (Hogan and State streets)
* Convention Center Station (Bay and Johnson Streets)

Southbank Stations

* San Marco Station (San Marco Boulevard and Mary Street)
* Kings Avenue Station (Prudential Drive and Kings Avenue)

For more information, call (904) 630-3100 or visit www.jtafla.com.

JTA Parking
JTA Parking locations include the Prime Osborn Convention Cener lot on the Northbank and the Kings Avenue Garage on the Southbank. Park at these locations for $5 per vehicle.

Bike Valet by Bike Jax
Bike Valets are not like car valets, it’s  more like a coat check. The good thing is your bicycle will be safe while you’re having fun. You leave your bike and get  a numbered ticket and the Bike Jax staff guards your bike and accessories in a secure enclosure until you are ready leave the event. The idea behind Bike Jax valet is to promote bicycling. Many bicyclists are afraid of getting their bicycles stolen, the bike valet will help – and get more people to ride bikes. Great idea!

Friday – Sunday during festival hours
Locations:

  • Hemming Plaza (in front of City Hall St. James on Duval St.)
  • Hogan St. (between The Jacksonville Landing and the Times-Union Center

Water Taxis

Water taxis will provide service from both sides of the river during the Jacksonville Jazz Festival.

Hours of Operation
Thursday, May 21, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Friday, May 22, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
Saturday, May 23, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Sunday, May 24, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

Northbank Stops

* Metropolitan Park (Jacksonville Municipal Marina)
* The Jacksonville Landing

Southbank Stops

* Friendship Fountain Park
* Crowne Plaza Jacksonville Riverfront
* Wyndham Jacksonville Riverwalk

Fares

Metropolitan Park (Jacksonville Municipal Marina) $4 one-way. All other downtown locations $3 one-way
For more information including stop locations and group discounts, call (904) 733-3382 or e-mail ssmarinetaxi@comcast.net.

Read Coastal Companion’s previous post about The Jacksonville Jazz Festival 2009

Read Coastal Companion’s Event Calendar post about The Jacksonville Jazz Festival 2009 event

Sun Fun Festival 2009 – Myrtle Beach, Sc

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For almost 60 years, people have come to the Grand Strand for the food and the festivities at the Sun Fun Festival. This year the event includes with the Miss Sun Fun USA/Teen USA pageants, celebrity meet-and-greets, beach games, sporting events, a concert featuring Lifehouse, a kids’ fair and much more. Visit South Carolina for the Sun Fun Festival in Myrtle Beach, June 4th though 8th, 2009.

June 5 – 7
H2X Racing’s 2009 Tour presented by Sea-Doo, WizzardX Media and Res-Q Energy Drink, beachfront between Damon’s Grill (2985 S. Ocean Blvd.) and Springmaid Beach Resort (3200 S. Ocean Blvd.), June 5-7 – Personal watercraft racing as part of the American Power Boat Association national tour. New this year, APBA national champion and professional racer Rob Greenwald will teach a beginner racing school. Competition free to spectators.

June 5
Start the fun on Friday with live entertainment. Bring family and friends, chairs and blankets (no coolers, please) and enjoy free live entertainment. Food vendors will be open Friday – so come hungry.

June 6
Celebrity Meet-and-Greets with recording artist Blake Lewis of “American Idol” fame (season 6 runner-up). Blake will be performing live and you can also meet-and-greets with Lewis, Jason Earles of “Hannah Montana” and Robert Newman of “Guiding Light.” This is a free event.

Concert Featuring Lifehouse, June 6 –Free.
H2X Racing Demonstrations on the Lake, June 6 – Free.
Kids Zone Games, June 6 – inflatable rides, games and more. Free.

Miss Sun Fun festival pageant

2010 Miss Sun Fun and Miss Sun Fun Teen Pageant, Myrtle Beach High School, June 6 – A Myrtle Beach tradition, the pageants began in 1960 to symbolize one of the largest annual festivals in the Carolinas. Miss Sun Fun and Miss Sun Fun Teen applications are being accepted until May 1. Admission $15.

Sun Fun Beach Run, North Myrtle Beach, June 6 – Take your pick of a 5K run/walk or a 1-mile fun run sponsored by the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and city of North Myrtle Beach in cooperation with the North Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce and North Myrtle Beach Recreation Department. Free for spectators. Click here for registration information.

Sun Fun Festival Fireworks Extravaganza, June 6 – Free.

Click here for more details about the Sun Fun Festival 2009 in Myrtle Beach.