Coastal Companion

Your ultimate guide to the coast

Break It Down Block Party – Charleston, SC

by

In Charleston the Spoleto and Piccolo Spoleto take over town this time of year. If you’re looking to expand your horizons and try something new and different, we have found an interesting event.

The Break It Down block party in Charleston is part of Piccolo Spoleto and sounds like a fun event. The block party is put together by the talented interns at the Office of Cultural Affairs. You’ll get to enjoy an 80’s cover band, and break dancers performing to today’s music. The event will take you from the music style of the 80’s to today and highlight our environmental progress at the same time. Sounds interesting. You encouraged to step out on the green carpet in your best 80’s or 90’s garb or simply wear an outfit created of recycled material to fit the theme. If that doesn’t sound like you, just go and watch – it’ll be a blast!

The event takes place at the US Custom House on Concord & Markets Streets in Downtown Charleston on Saturday May 30 from 7.00 pm to 11 p.m. For more information visit www.piccolospoleto.com

14th Annual Savannah Asian Festival

by

Many of us would love to travel and see the world, but very few of us get the chance to do so. The countries of Asian and their different cultures seem fascinating to most of us. On June 6, you can experience a little bit of Asia without leaving the Southeast.

Savannah Asian Festival is one of the largest Asian cultural celebrations in the Southeast. The festival continues grows in popularity every year, and no wonder, this festival is a colorful adventure for the whole family.

Tibetan Monks
Tibetan Monks

The festival takes place at Savannah Civic Center on June 6 from 11 a.m to 4 p.m and includes a day of free live stage performances.
There will be an variety of live musical, martial arts and dance performances on stage with performing groups representing the countries of Korea, Indonesia, the Philippines, Polynesia, Thailand and India. Come watch the amazing Tibetan Monks from the Drepung Loseling Monastery, or Matsuriza Taiko Drummers , from Orlando, Florida and a the quick moving group from Chien Hong School of Kung Fu Lion Dancers from Atlanta, Georgia, just to mention a few.

The Exciting Cuisine from the East
For those of us who love food, and especially if you like trying new dishes, the Savannah Asian Festival is definitely the place to visit. Visitor have the opportunity to taste food from different countries. Taste of India , Sushi Zen and Chen’s Chinese Restaurant will be serving a selection of regional favorites from the Philippines, Japan, India, China, Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Middle East. So plan to stay for lunch or dinner!

Treasures from the East
The Cultural Marketplace showcases traditional arts and crafts from each nation. Here you can find everything from “Ming-shard” jewelry to Chinese calligraphy sets, hand-beaded clothing from Nepal and dupattas from Pakistan and much more.

Visit the workshop room to learn more about different cultures. The festival offers hands-on learning experiences with workshops and children’s activities. Here you’ll find children’s crafts and games, you can learn about Chinese painting with artist Ching Levy , or participate in a Pakistani Tea Ceremony.

Parking
The Savannah Asian Festival is free and open to the public. The festival takes place Saturday, June 6, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Savannah Civic Center, located at Montgomery and Liberty Streets. Parking at the Civic Center is free or $1 for the day at the Liberty Garage across the street. There is a charge for food and purchases from the Cultural Marketplace. For information, call 912-651-6417 or visit www.savannahga.gov/arts .

Asian Festival Savannah

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

by

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

Jacksonville Film Festival 2009

by

Jacksonville Film Festival kicks off again on Thursday May 14th with reception and the opening movie at the Florida Theatre. The opening film was actually completely shot in Jacksonville and Ponte Vedra and is the acclaimed “Like Dandelion Dust” with Mira Sorvino and Cole Hauser.
The movie is based on the Karen Kingsbury’s best-selling novel
Like Dandelion Dust

There are lots of panels, workshops, and of course a variety of screenings from drama, to documentaries, animation and shorts.

Click here for Jacksonville Film Festival 2009 Program

There is an all access pass for $250, but you could also purchase individual tickets. The 10 punch pass for $60 seems to be the budget special.

Tickets are available from the website www.jacksonvillefilmfestival.com

Film Festival Jacksonville