Coastal Companion

Your ultimate guide to the coast

Break It Down Block Party – Charleston, SC

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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

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

Free Admission to Gibbes Museum of Art

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If you haven’t been to Gibbes before — this is your chance. It’s Community Day on Saturday, May 16 at the Gibbes Museum of Art in Charleston, South Carolina. That means complimentary admission and family activities from 10:00am – 1:00pm. Normally, admission is $9.00 so why not take advantage of this special offer.

Junior League of Charleston Community Days are held quarterly to offer visitors the opportunity to experience the Gibbes’ dynamic programming free of charge.

The Art Discoveries Community Day will include art-making activities for children as well as musical performances. Exhibitions currently on view include The Charleston Story, Prop Master: An Installation by Juan Logan and Susan Harbage Page and Jeff Whetstone: Post-Pleistocene. Beverages will be provided by Rising High Café.

GIBBES MUSEUM OF ART
Established as the Carolina Art Association in 1858, the Gibbes Museum of Art opened its doors to the public in 1905.

Located in Charleston’s historic district, the Gibbes houses a premier collection of over 10,000 works of fine art, principally American works with a Charleston or Southern connection and presents special exhibitions annually. In addition, the museum offers an extensive complement of public programming and educational outreach initiatives.

Mother’s Day in Charleston

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It’s Mother’s Day on Sunday May 10. Many of us will start early and celebrate Mom all weekend long. Charleston is always a great place to visit this time of year, and this weekend there’s a lot to do.

Charleston Greek Festival
This is a great festival especially for those of us who love Greek food.
(Check out Joe’s recommendation in this week’s video)
Olive
Creative Commons License photo credit: Martin Kingsley

You can enjoy all kinds of Greek specialties, Greek music and dancing and lots more.
Admission is only $3, $1 for students. But most importantly, moms get in for free on Mothers Day.

Click here for more details about Charleston Greek Festival 2009

Greek Festival in Charleston 2009

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Experience Greek food and culture right on the coast. During this exciting festival you get the opportunity to try all kinds of interesting food, and find out more about Greek culture and heritage.

This year’s festival includes:

  • Greek food and specialities (gyros, kebob, mousaka, baklava and more!)
  • Greek wines and beverages
  • Greek music with 2 live bands
  • Folk dance
  • Cultural exhibits and shops
  • Church tours

Admission is $3.00 per person

Go to our events calendar by clicking here for more about
2009 Charleston Greek Festival