Southern Comfort

Am I the only Northerner turned Southerner that feels as though I am on a constant vacation? No sleet? No Snow? No Black Ice? – There must be some sort of catch besides the fresh seafood you can find in Shem Creek. Having been born and raised in the Bronx NY, it took me about a year of dwelling in Charleston before I realized that I actaully lived here – I was not on vacation. I’ve been here for almost six years now and every once in a while I will still get that euphoric feeling of being exempt from the boring nature of the mundane and ordinary. Even if the feeling only lasts for a second, it is a very good thing for the soul.

Some residents in Charleston are exempt from certain worries that Northerners just assume part of life. For example, why is it that some people who reside in Charleston habitually leave their car doors, sun roofs, and/or convertible tops open at all times without the least bit of worry that their car might be stolen? This anomaly is due to the fact that they have not built up a proper fear of having their car stolen because it’s never happened to them. Hmmm…. interesting. Can it be that we live in a city altogether free of vehicle theft? Well, not exactly. As shown by a 2003 FBI report of offenses known to law enforcement, if you live in Charleston, then you have a .0056 chance of having your car stolen (www.cityrating.com). Yes, that includes North Charleston. You have just as good a chance of dating a millionaire (.005) then you do of having your car stolen if you live in our auto friendly city. I will tell you right now, and you can quote me on this, people who grew up in New York City, or most big cities up north for that matter, will take Golden Gate size umbrage with a non-locking mentality. For instant, people who grew up in New York City lock everything. This is not a trend, this is a learned behavior which manifests itself into a genetic autonomic response to anything left open. I can just picture a person born and raised in Charleston watching someone who has recently moved here from up North kneeling on the concrete to administer a brake lock to ensure the safety of his 1992 Ford Escort. Or fighting with “The Club” to attach it to the steering wheel. “Why are you doing that, it’s not like your car will get stolen,” the native relates politely to the Southern Newbie. The Northerner will not respond, he will simply keep doing what genetic instinct tells him to do.

If you live in Charleston and are sick of your car and never want to see it again, you will have a far better shot of being relieved of this burden in Modesto California, the capital of car theft in these United States. Then again, Seattle Washington worked for me, that’s where my Honda Civic was stolen three times in a five month span. If your car won’t make it to those remote locations, then try Myrtle Beach, it’s tops in our state for taking your car off your hands – especially if you leave it unlocked.

Southern Shrimp

Southern Shrimp by Brian Anthony Lemons:

One of the many things in the South that we cherish and hold to the highest standards is our great culinary traditions. Plainly put, here in the South we love our food, especially our seafood. In Charleston, South Carolina, there is one man who makes sure you get the best shrimp you can find in all of Charleston, and his name is Eddie Corley. Started from humble beginnings, he now has some of the most loyal and shrimp loving customers that you come to expect from a small southern business.

Today, I’m here to let the people of Charleston know why Eddie’s shrimp is so good and why it is a “must have”. I recently have had the chance to sit down with the self proclaimed “shrimp man” to answer some of my burning questions so read on and hear what Eddie has to say about the world of shrimp.

Brian: Eddie, you seem to be very busy with your business but yet you only open for Thursday, Friday and Saturday each week. Why not expand your days to be open for more sales?

Eddie:  Brian, I have a drive in me that wants a “Happy” customer 100% of the time. I have learned most people prefer eating shrimp Thursday through Saturday so my thoughts are that my customers know with me being open only those days they know how fresh my shrimp are. You take a store open seven days a week one would never know how old the shrimp may be, so with opening only these days selling the freshest shrimp possible everyone is happy including me and I get a couple days off this way.

Brian: Now, how many types of shrimp are there Eddie?

Eddie: I really don’t know, but there’s a lot. The one’s I know that are wild caught are… White shrimp, Brown shrimp, Pink shrimp, Rock shrimp, Brown hoppers and the famous Royal Reds.

Brian: Royal Reds?

Eddie: Boy, are you missing out! Royal Reds are a shrimp caught in two – three thousand feet of water of the coast of Florida, the absolutely best shrimp you will ever taste however, they don’t taste exactly like shrimp. They have more of the flavor of lobster, but what sets them aside from other shrimp and lobster is their tenderness. The sad part is I can only get them for a very short period of time. The catch usually starts sometime in between March or April.

Brian: You mentioned Head On and Head Off shrimp. Which is the best way to buy?

Eddie: Very good question. As far as the price between Head On and Head Off shrimp, it works out to be of equal value most of the time. The Head Off prices are usually between two and three dollars a pound higher than the Head On, we always pay for the scraps no matter if it be shrimp, fish, chicken, pork or beef. Now with saying that, I have proven to my loyal customers that Head On shrimp have the best flavor, therefore I sell 10 times more Head On than I do Head Off.

Brian: Eddie, I love Jumbo shrimp. When I have shopped around certain stores, I’ve noticed they would proclaim Jumbo shrimp that should really be called petite. What’s going on with that?

Eddie: I don’t have an answer as why others chose to call there shrimp a size that there not, I will give you the truth. Shrimp is a commodity and the prices given to the shrimpers for there catch is based on the count of the shrimp. As an example, if there is 16 to 20 shrimp in a pound of Head On shrimp that would be a Jumbo and the shrimper would be given the market price for Jumbo’s.  The fewer number of shrimp in a pound the larger the shrimp and yes the higher number the smaller the shrimp. So when comparing store prices one needs to know what the count is at each store so a true comparison can be made.

Brian: Are the shrimp you sell farm raised?

Eddie: Never will I sell farm raised shrimp whether there domestic or imported, mine are always domestic wild caught. Much more flavor in wild shrimp.

Brian: Eddie thanks for the interview, I sure know more about shrimp now and look forward to your Jumbo’s.

There’s something about the south that fills my heart with pride. When I see Eddie’s business and see people’s satisfaction, I can’t help but wonder how I got so lucky to be born here. Eddie can promise you the most fresh shrimp in all of Charleston. Ask anyone and they will most likely refer you to Eddie Corley.

So if your visiting Charleston, stop on by and find out for yourself, and tell Eddie that Brian sent ya. You can find Eddie and his shrimp trailer on Savannah Highway, just beyond the intersection of Hwy. 17south (Savannah Hwy) and Main Road.

Thursdays- Saturdays 11:00 A.M – 6:00 P.M   843-852-9542

hook99@comcast.net

Halls Chophouse

Halls Chophouse is a family inspiration that has taken shape over many years. With extensive experience in the hospitality industry, the Hall Family values the importance of true hospitality and comfort. With an experienced team from the kitchen to the dining room, Halls Chophouse will offer superior dishes, service and an atmosphere that will entice our guests to stay, enjoy and come back time and again. Halls Chophouse presents delicious cuisine in an energetic, visually striking environment.

The restaurant features exposed brick walls, leather banquettes and warm lighting true to old-world traditional steakhouses. The 160-seat chophouse is situated on two rustic floors with tables and banquettes available for general dining. The first floor also offers a 16-seat antique African mahogany bar and a lounge, while a hardwood stairway to the second floor reveals a masterful 350-bottle wine rack, hallway bar and a private dining room. Complemented by superior service and a knowledgeable staff, Halls Chophouse offers the community of Charleston a sophisticated, quality cuisine. Halls Chophouse is a “Classic American Steakhouse” located in historic downtown Charleston.

Family Background
Bill Hall, Sr. has spent over forty years operating hotels and restaurants in Pinehurst, NC, Hilton Head Island, SC, Napa Valley and Pebble Beach, CA. He also managed outposts of the Ritz-Carlton Hotels and the Cloister Resort & Beach Club in Sea Island, GA.

Tommy Hall has spent over ten years in the restaurant business. He joins the team after 6 years as General Manager with Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House in Dallas, TX.

Billy Hall has worked around hotels and restaurants throughout his life. He joins the family after working in sports for the last 12 years in Major League Baseball, Major College Football and the NFL. 

Top Beaches in America

        Once upon a time, in 2008, there was a timeless article published by thetravelerszone.com that spazmadically chose the top 10 beaches in America. After reading this article, one has no choice but to consider the fact that the authors have never been to Charleston. Let us dissect this article and see if we can’t sneak some of Charleston’s beaches into that top 10. 
      If your following along at home and are on thetravelerszone.com, then you most likely are looking at the beautiful beach picture that dominates the standings. The number one beach in America, Caledesi State Park in Clearwater Florida. Clearwater is putting it mildly; what a gorgeous beach. Ok, so Folly Beach does not compare to the incumbent number one beach in Florida. How about some others? Let’s just skip number two since it’s in Hawaii; that is a little unfair isn’t it? Moving right along, number three is Siesta Beach in Sarasota Florida. Finally, a level playing field! The article points out something that might be far from desirable to some beach goers. This beach is said to be, ”famous for it’s sand, which is made up of 99% quartz, and is soft, blindingly white.” Blindingly white? Is that what people are looking for in a beach? To have the three grand that they just blew on Lasic surgery be for nothing? A blinding beach, I bet it’s safe to take that one off the top ten beach list and put it on the top ten most hazardous and visually impairing beach list. Now, all we have to do is plug Isle of Palms in there and we are number three on the list, sweet! 
     We still have Sullivan’s Island as well as Folly Beach that can give the last six beaches on this top ten list a run for their sand dollars. Let’s do a double whammy and get rid of number four and number six right now. I’m talking about Cooper’s beach in South Hampton New York, and Main Beach in South Hampton New York. These may be nice beaches, but they are in New York and the water quality may be good for swamp thing, but not for the rest of us gill-less folks. Perhaps that is a little cruel to say about these mediocre beaches, but here is a dead-on fact: even in August, the water temperature is still slightly below purple lips and shivering hips. It’s almost Canada for goodness sakes! With that said, let’s plug in Sullivan’s Island Beach and Folly Beach into the two vacant spots that we just created. Three of Charleston’s beaches in the top six, now we’re talking. 
     Corona Beach in San Diego is the fifth beach on this list. This beach must stay right where it is. Not only does this beach fluant high cliffs to gaze upon as you bask in the California sun, but the dunes are to die for. Besides, we have to give the West Coast some love.
     Let us simply do the same thing that we did with number two and just skip number seven. Nothing else needs to be said since it is another Hawaiian beach.
Moving right along to number eight: Cape Hatteras, Outer Banks, NC. The article actually brings out a good point about this beach – the surfing is tremendous. Let’s leave this one, after all, it is kind of close to Charleston. That brings us to number nine. The authors of this article chose Cape Florida State Park, Key Biscayne, Florida. A fair and safe choice.
     Well, we have finally come to beach number ten. Low and behold, Kiawah Island’s Beachwalker Park Beach! What uncanny, outstanding attention to detail these authors must possess. That gives us four beaches in the Charleston area, all in the top ten. I think we have outdone ourselves. 
     The beaches in Charleston are clean and pristine. There is a perfect mixture of sand type, weather, water temperature, and availability of alcohol. Maybe you could even get a close up look at a dolphin if we should happen to unintentionally fall from one of Charleston’s many top rated piers and need to be saved by one. The bottom line is, fellow Charlestonians, Charleston’s beaches should definitely have a few representations on the top ten beaches in the US list. As a city, we cannot settle for just one (Kiawah Island) in the top ten. Four in the top ten has a much nicer ring to it.

CharlestonPride

Ensign Team in Charleston

Greg and Samantha Ensign are South Carolina licensed Realtors® who have helped many families and individuals purchase and sell homes in the Charleston tri-county area. So they can begin helping you, Click here to search the MLS in the Greater Charleston area and view all available properties! If you have questions about properties you see, they are not only knowledgeable about the local residential real estate market, but very willing to share their insight gained through personally investing in various Charleston real estate, as well as advise and guide their clients throughout the entire process, whether buying or selling.

Their prior professions varied from sales to manufacturing to security investments. REAL ESTATE IS A SERIOUS BUSINESS AND THIS DYNAMIC TEAM ARE BUSINESS PEOPLE IN THE PROFESSION OF REAL ESTATE! Exactly what you need when looking for someone to help you with one of the most important assets you have or want to find.

Timely response…detailed information…ongoing communication…diligent follow-up are just a few of their work principles. Their experience translates into a successful end result for you, regardless if you are a buyer or a seller. They are proven professionals and well-respected among their peers. Put their knowledge, enthusiasm and skills to work FOR you.

Call or email Samantha or Greg and begin your search for your perfect Charleston home!

Piccolo Spoleto Festival

This year’s festival concluded June 7th, so check back soon for our story and video from the Festival Finale held at Middleton Place.  If you weren’t able to attend any of this year’s Piccolo Spoleto Festival… here’s what you missed!

CHARLESTON, S.C.—In its 31st season, the Piccolo Spoleto Festival will run May 22 to June 7, 2009, offering a variety of arts and cultural programs including theatre, blues, jazz, chamber music, early music, dance, literary, visual arts and many free and family-friendly events. The 2009 festival will also draw national attention as one of seven outdoor festivals in the nation chosen to be surveyed and profiled in a report to be released in 2010 by the National Endowment for the Arts. Considered a top cultural destination in the nation by the NEA, Piccolo Spoleto’s programming, audiences and economic impact will be thoroughly studied during the 2009 festival.

“The City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs is particularly pleased to present the 2009 Piccolo Spoleto Festival and to be among one of the few outdoor arts festivals in the nation chosen to be studied by the NEA,” says Ellen Dressler Moryl, director of the City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs and founding director of Piccolo Spoleto. “This year, more than ever, we are focusing on the awesome artistic talents located in our city, state and region to give our audiences the entertainment, the inspiration and the exhilaration that a great arts festival is expected to provide.”

“The 2009 Piccolo Spoleto Festival presents a wonderful opportunity for residents and visitors to forget their daily burdens and experience the magic of the arts,” says Mayor Joseph P. Riley, Jr. “Charleston is so fortunate to be the center of the international arts world for 17-days between the exciting programs offered through Spoleto Festival USA and Piccolo Spoleto.”

The 2009 official Piccolo Spoleto poster image, selected from a statewide competition based on its design qualities and representation of the festival, is Emerging Light, by the late Charleston resident, Jim Innes. The Children’s Festival Poster is Conversation, also by the late Innes. This is the first time one artist has been chosen for two of the three Piccolo posters. The Spotlight Concert Series poster is Midnight of the Voyaging Canoe by Charlestonian, Patrick Servedio.

“Innes’ Emerging Light evokes the essence of what Piccolo Spoleto is…and what it does…representing that amazing connection between the artist and the audience” says Mrs. Moryl. “His colorful abstract design shows a beautiful, radiant light from within, resulting in transcendence and transformation for everyone involved. It was the perfect choice to represent Piccolo Spoleto 2009.”

A centerpiece of the 2009 Festival is The Charleston Jazz Legacy project, featuring internationally acclaimed jazz artist Wycliffe Gordon. Five of the tri-county’s best high school jazz bands will come together with the Piccolo Spoleto All-Star High School Jazz Band to present All that Jazz: A Battle of the Best High School Jazz Bands in the Lowcountry. The evening is opened by the Wycliffe Gordon Quartet, and following performances from each band, the Wycliffe Gordon Quartet will perform will all the students. This finale will include jazz favorites such as The Charleston and When the Saints Go Marching In. This concert is at the U.S. Custom House, located on the corner of Concord and Market Sts., in downtown, Saturday, May 23 from 7 to 10 p.m.

Sunday, May 24 at the Charleston County Public Library at 3 p.m., many of Charleston’s jazz legends will come together with Wycliffe Gordon for a panel discussion. From the evolution of jazz in Charleston to its impact today, panel members will have the opportunity to interact with the audience and offer their insights on the favorite, American genre.

Spotlight Concert Series and Mepkin Abbey Concerts
Presenting chamber musicians from the Southeast, the 2009 Spotlight Concert Series features innovative chamber concerts. Concerts include:

Songs My Father Taught Me with critically acclaimed violinist Lee-Chin Siow and pianist Enrique Graf, both professors at the College of Charleston. Internationally acclaimed pianist Joseph Rackers, performs music by Ravel and Rachmaninoff in the beautiful setting of the City Gallery at Waterfront Park. New Orleans based duo Wilfred Delphin, piano, and Valerie Francis, soprano, perform a recital of arias, songs and spirituals in A Tribute to Miss Marian Anderson. The Charleston Symphony Orchestra Wind Quintet offers a varied program, including Carl Nielsen’s masterwork, Quintet for Winds, Op. 43 plus two modern pieces by Jan Bach and Paquito d’Rivera. Debussy Sonata for Flute, Viola and Harp is the featured work in this program that showcases three stars among CSO principal players: Jessica Hull-Dambaugh, flute; Jan-Marie Joyce, viola and Kathleen Wilson, harp, in Musical Impressions. Favorite opera arias are preformed in A Bicentennial Tribute to Mendelssohn featuring Piccolo Spoleto Festival Orchestra, conducted by Maestro Donald Portnoy, with soloists Jennifer Luiken, mezzo soprano and Jill Tehaar Lewis, soprano. The History of the Soldier shines the spotlight on the awesome talents of musicians from the Charleston Symphony Orchestra. Part I features contemporary music for Bassoon and Piano. Part II is Stravinsky’s captivating masterpiece, L’Histoire du Soldat.

Special events of the series include: Beethoven: His Women and His Music, a unique collaboration between Actors’ Theatre of South Carolina and Chamber Music Charleston captures the maestro in a new light, revealing secrets from his journals. Ensemble Argos, a Greenville-based piano quartet performs works by Mahler, Mozart and Schuman. Charleston Chamber Opera presents Mothers, Sisters and Adversaries, a program featuring music from Bizet’s Carmen, Puccini’s Madama Butterfly and Suor Angelica.

The very special Mepkin Abbey concerts include a concert in the abbey church with its perfect, clarifying acoustics, followed by a reception under the shady oaks. The Ensemble of St. Clare at Mepkin Abbey performs May 25 at 4 p.m., Vita Nova by Gavin Bryars, Marcello Oboe Concerto #2 for oboe and strings and Brahms Horn Trio. Featured soloists include John Cunningham, countertenor; Mark Gainer, oboe; Brandon Nichols, horn; Yuriy Bekker, violin and Andrew Armstrong, piano. The Ensemble of St. Clare is comprised of some of the Lowcountry’s leading Chamber musicians, many of whom are members of the Charleston Symphony Orchestra.

Music of Bloch and Paulus is June 5 at 4 p.m. In this concert, the deeply prophetic voice of The Old Testament is realized in four works by Ernest Bloch: Tacy Edwards performs Suite Modale for flute and chamber orchestra; Suite Hebraique for violin and orchestra is performed by Amos Lawrence; Norbert Lewandowski, cello plays Songs from Jewish Life; and Bill Zehfuss, trombone performs the Trombone Symphony, one of Bloch’s later works. The second half of this compelling and highly spiritual concert is the Stephen Paulus Mass performed by the Taylor Music Festival Choir and the Piccolo Spoleto Festival Orchestra. Choir prepared by Robert Taylor, the Piccolo Spoleto Festival Orchestra conducted by Donald Portnoy.

Free Events
Piccolo Spoleto’s mission, since its founding in 1979, is to provide access to the Spoleto Festival USA experience for everyone, regardless of their economic, social or physical circumstances. As a result, many of Piccolo Spoleto’s offerings are free or have minimal ticket prices. These free events are offered as a public service to enrich the cultural diversity of the Lowcountry:

A tradition of turning Charleston into a stage for 17 days, Piccolo Spoleto’s Sunset Serenade, a free outdoor pops concert overlooking the Charleston Harbor at the U.S. Custom House, opens Piccolo Spoleto, Friday, May 22 from 8 to 9:30 p.m. This year, the Charleston Symphony Orchestra plays big band favorites with guest artist, The Wycliffe Gordon Quartet. The Palmetto Posaunen, a group of 40 trombone players with percussion, performs TROMBONES! at 6 p.m. on the East Bay Plaza of the U.S. Custom House. From Greenville, S.C., the Palmetto Posaunen performs favorites, including selections from Baroque and Classical literature as well as Broadway tunes, jazz, and yes, of course, “76 Trombones” from The Music Man.

Also offering many family-friendly activities, Piccolo Spoleto hosts a Children’s Festival in Marion Square. This year, the Festival, May 23 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., features a wide-range of exciting activities. These include, The Electric Company, many of the Lowcountry’s finest student choral and dance groups. Face painting, a “fun bus” and arts and crafts will also be among the many offerings.

Planned by the Piccolo Spoleto college interns, Break it Down Now!, a block party Saturday, May 30 from 7 to 11 p.m. at the U.S. Custom House, features music from the 80s, 90s and today. The interns are also encouraging everyone to help them “go green” for the event and will have a “green carpet,” and other environmentally-friendly entertainment and surprises for guests. Artists include 80s cover band Bueller, nationally acclaimed and 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, Charleston residents and visitors alike are invited to Piccolo Spoleto Finale: A Global Village of World Music, a high energy finale that wraps-up the festival with a line-up of groups, whose tunes span the globe. Artists 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 beats. Please note that Piccolo Spoleto is committed to maintaining a balanced and healthy habitat for the ecosystem in Hampton Park and as a result will not have a fireworks finale.

Theatre
The Footlight Players Theatre presents Le Cage Aux Folles and Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead. In addition, the Footlight Players Theatre will host the hit Broadway Musical Revue, Eubie! as well as the lighthearted musical, The Good Time Variety Hour.

The theatre also hosts Season to Season, a drama that explores the relationship between Jackson Pollock and Lee Krasner as spouses, colleagues and competitive forces in the midst of their self discovery as painters. Other productions include Sophie Tucker: Last of the Red Hot Mamas, Little City Cabaret and A Time to Dance.

The story of Stede Bonnet, a gentleman pirate, and his encounters with heartache, fame and ultimate infamy will be told through The Gentleman Pirate, presented by PURE Theatre at the Powder Magazine. Also presented is The Emperor is Naked?, a political satire as well as The Island, The Last Five Years and Sheep’s Clothing at Lance Hall in Circular Congregational Church..

The College of Charleston Department of Theatre presents the Stelle Di Domani series featuring Skinny White Comics, the hilarious stand-up comedy of David Lee Nelson and Isaac Witty. Also featured is Moments of Joy, the funny, moving cabaret starring College of Charleston’s own Joy Vandervort-Cobb. Art, The Mind’s I, Quills and Under the Lights are also presented.

The Village Playhouse Theatre presents two musicals, Ring of Fire-The Music of Johnny Cash and Splish Splash-The Short & Spectacular Life of Bobby Darin as well as the comedy, Rounding Third.

Theatre 99 presents Frank Caeti, of MADtv, and Matt Craig, of The Office, in the new sketch comedy, Frankenmatt. Also featured is a Chicago based improv group presenting The Reckonging and a New York based improv group presenting Upright Citizens Brigade Touring Company. Also presented is The Complete History of Charleston for Morons, Mary Kay Has A Posse, The Have Nots! Comedy Improv Jam! and more. At the American Theater, a one-woman show about weddings, Meet Bridezilla (The Engagement and Obliged) and many others are presented.

Dance
The Charleston Ballet Theatre presents the perfect lunchtime diversion with Brown Bag and Ballet as well as Off to Oz, The Lullaby of Broadway, The Great Gatsby and The Magical Mystery Tour. The Louisiana based New Orleans Ballet Association, will also perform at Footlight Players in the Dance at Noon series.

Visual Arts
Five of Charleston’s contemporary artists will showcase, together, their works during Piccolo Spoleto, May 22 to June 7, at the City Gallery at Waterfront Park. From painted glass to burned mediums and collage paintings to miniature compositions, the individual works of Dorothy Netherland, Jonathan Brilliant, Ben Timpson, Karin Olah and Ishmael create the collective exhibit, Contemporary Charleston 2009: Revelation of Process. The public is invited to a free, opening reception May 15 from 6 to 8 p.m. The exhibit is open May 15 to July 26, Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, Noon to 5 p.m. During Piccolo Spoleto, May 22 to June 7, the City Gallery at Waterfront Park is open special hours, Monday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Located at 180 Meeting Street, the New Perspectives Gallery will host the Jim Innes Invitational Exhibition, Celebration and the Patrick Servedio Invitational Exhibition. Celebration features the recent works of the official poster artist for the 31st Piccolo Spoleto Festival, including explorations with Akua water-soluble ink and automaticism, a method of tapping the artist’s unconscious mind. The exhibit is open May 22 to June 7, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Patrick Servedio Invitational Exhibition features the most recent work of the official poster artist for this year’s Spotlight concert series and is open May 22 to June 7, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Another unique visual arts exhibition in the 2009 Piccolo Spoleto Festival is Breaking Out, featuring works from artists with disabilities at City Hall. This exhibition is coordinated by Special Olympics of South Carolina, City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs, VSA of South Carolina and the South Carolina Arts Commission and is open May 22 to June 5, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Literary
The Southern Artists Celebratory Series
Premiering this year, the Southern Artists Celebratory Series (SACS) highlights one Southern artist each year. All profits from SACS benefit the Charleston Clemente Course, a free college-level course in the humanities, offered to expand the intellectual horizons of homeless and disadvantaged Charlestonians. For 2009, SACS presents A James Dickey Die-Hard weekend for lovers, and would-be lovers, of James Dickey, a weekend exploration of this, uniquely Southern, 18th poet laureate of the U.S. These events include:

Deliverance at High Noon: Movie and Panel Discussion—Based on Dickey’s 1970 novel, the now-classic 1972 film made a whole generation of men afraid of weekend camping in hillbilly territory. Panelists include Peter Wentworth, Franklin Ashley, Tara Powell and John Lane. May 30 at Noon. Terrace Theatre, 1956 Maybank Hwy., James Island. Tickets: $14.

Camera Obscura, Small Views of Big Poet—Two little-known films, Lord, Let Me Die, but Not Die Out catches Dickey on a three-week poetry barnstorming tour, conversing with passersby, students and poet Robert Lowell. Two Poets, Two Friends provides snippets from the deep and abiding friendship and professional admiration between Dickey and Robert Penn Warren. May 30 at 6 p.m. Visitor’s Center Auditorium, 375 Meeting St. Tickets: $5.

An American Poet Remembered—Introduced by South Carolina Poet Laureate, Marjory Wentworth, Dickey’s widow, Deborah, weaves together poetry readings, memoirs and selected family photos to take a more intimate look at the poet and the man. Sample Dickey’s favorite snacks following the presentation. May 31 at 3 p.m. Circular Congregational Church, 150 Meeting St. Tickets: $10.

Blues and Traditional Music of the Old South
A Red Clay Sunset: An Evening of Old Time (Fiddle) Music—The South Carolina Broadcasters present an evening of old-time Cajun and Appalachian string band music featuring Pain Perdu and The New Ballards Branch Bogtrotters present. May 31 at 5 p.m. Charleston Maritime Center, 10 Wharfside St. Tickets: $10.

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.

Colorblind Minus One

I am colorblind in both eyeballs; thats the left as well as the right
It is not that I lack the ability to see color; the problem is not about sight

Rather, it is about temperment and mood, a feeling in that moment
This feeling cannot be duplicated or reproduced, so do not try to clone it.

I see in grey when I cannot make up my mind, I often have to hold down rewind
However, white and black don’t look different from behind, so I mix both kinds. 

I said that I would try it, and started a diet: do not eat it if they fried it
Over and over I denied it, that I had indeed tried it, I just could not hide it
Needless to say, I had no idea that fat liars are only able to visualize in violet

One night I saw only in black, turns out there was a severe monetary lack
My electric bill payment had curiously slipped through a four month crack

Amber is usually the color when I go on a six day-suicidal-freefalling bender
All my vodka, cranberry juice, and Cool Whip somehow fitting in my blender

I see in green when I contemplate how to get my hollow wallet from slender to fat
I could rob a bank, join the circus, or start a boy band, nah, been there done that

Oh! How curious when the fire produces embers of rage in my head
How one eyebrow curls up, such a menacing glare, all I can see is red

I see in violet when it comes strictly to dating, romance and matter of the heart
It is funny how my dating strategies seem to be doomed almost before they start
Do you think it is because I take them free-sample scavenger hunting at Wall-Mart?

Alas, I see one color at a time, and although some may find it a heinous crime,
I find it rather sublime, that in my mind, figments lack pigments; how divine.

CharlestonPride

Bobbie Phillips

Bobbie Phillips was born and raised in Charleston, South Carolina, and graduated from Hanahan High School.

A true “Chameleon”, Bobbie has played roles so diverse in her years as an actress, sometimes it’s hard to tell if it’s her. Her most famous roles have been: Julie Costello on Steven Bochco’s “Murder One” (1995); Dr. Bambi Berenbaum on “The X Files” (1993); the First Female Crow, “Talon”, on “The Crow: Stairway to Heaven” (1998); and recently the “Chameleon” in a series of movies for Paramount. She pops up on television shows such as “Two Guys, a Girl and a Pizza Place” (1998) and “Seven Days” (1998) and she always reinvents herself like a great actress should.

IMDb Mini Biography By: Dr. Stanley Marshall

Bobbie Phillips left college with a 4.0 average to begin her acting career. She was studying to be a trial attorney and was advised to take drama classes to better her courtroom performance. The acting bug got her and she moved to Los Angeles. Her talent and looks were quickly noticed and she began work immediately. She has credited casting director Dori Zuckerman with helping her to land her first guest role on the short-lived sitcom “They Came from Outer Space” (1990). She went on to do shows such as “Married with Children” (1987) and “Baywatch” (1989) as well as the film TC 2000 (1993), in which she starred with Billy Blanks (developer of Tae Bo). She continued doing sitcoms and martial arts films, but none of these really gave her acting chops the workout she desired. Upon the advice of famed casting director Johanna Ray, Bobbie went from blonde to brunette and her career changed within weeks. She started getting the kinds of roles she wanted, such as Julie Costello on Steven Bochco’s critically acclaimed “Murder One” (1995). She has since received awards for her stints on shows such as “The X Files” (1993) (she was the unforgettable Dr. Bambi Berenbaum we all loved to hate), the syndicated drama “The Cape” (1996) as Lt. Barbara DeSantos and the highly rated Paramount/UPN franchise “Chameleon”, where she got to blend her acting with her martial arts abilities, as well as blend into the background. She starred in an independent film with Robert Wagner titled Die Abzocker – Eine eiskalte Affäre (2000) (TV) and is currently writing a feature film, embarking on a singing career and continuing to appear in a variety of film and television roles.

IMDb Mini Biography By: T.R.& articles by David Martindale and Richard Huff

Trivia

Voted one of the “10 Hottest Faces of ‘95″ by TV Guide magazine.

Rides a motorcycle and races dirt bikes.

Originally trained by Billy Blanks in martial arts in 1993. Has continued training in kung fu. Does much of her own martial arts in the movies.

Has one son, Mark.

Had a 4.0 average in college while studying to be a lawyer. Took acting classes to “better her courtroom performance”. Fell in love with drama and moved to L.A. to “give acting a try”. Has been a working actress ever since.

Member of Media Fellowship International (MFI).

Nationality is part Native American from the Osage tribe. Her great-grandfather was an Osage chief.

She was under contract with Paramount Studios from 1998 to 2001. During this time Chameleon (1998) (TV), Chameleon II: Death Match (1999) (TV) and Chameleon 3: Dark Angel (2000) (TV) were made.

Salary

Chameleon (1998) (TV)

$200,000

Where Are They Now

(April 2006) Left Hollywood in 2003. She has several businesses in several different countries. One of which is a hotel chosen by Conde Nast Publications as one of the “Best Hotels in the World” which Bobbie and her husband designed as a hideaway for celebrities.

Darius Rucker

Darius Rucker (born May 13, 1966 in Charleston, South Carolina) is an American musician. He is known mainly for his role as the lead singer and rhythm guitarist of the rock band Hootie & the Blowfish, of which he has been a member since the band’s inception in 1986.As the frontman of Hootie & the Blowfish, Darius Rucker changed the face of mainstream pop/rock in the mid-’90s. Songs like “Hold My Hand” and “Only Wanna Be with You” peppered Hootie & the Blowfish’s popular debut, which eventually sold over 16 million copies and became one of the most successful albums of all time. Hootie & the Blowfish never revisited that meteoric success again, however, and the band took a break from recording after the release of Musical Chairs in 1998. Rucker used his free time wisely and launched a solo career.

Growing up in Charleston, SC, Rucker was exposed to the sounds of Otis Redding, Al Green, and Gladys Knight at an early age. Those R&B icons helped influence Hootie & the Blowfish’s recordings, all of which emphasized Rucker’s soulful baritone, but it wasn’t until the singer’s solo career that he truly paid homage to the sounds of his youth.

Along with his work in Hootie & the Blowfish, Rucker has recorded two solo albums. The first, Back to Then, was released in 2002 on Hidden Beach Recordings. An album of country music entitled Learn to Live followed in 2008 on Capitol Records Nashville. This album also produced his first solo chart single in “Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It“, which became the first Number One country hit by a solo African American artist since 1983. Following it was “It Won’t Be Like This for Long” which became his second Number One hit in March 2009.

Rucker has been a member of Hootie & the Blowfish since their formation in 1986. He met fellow band members, Mark Bryan, Jim “Soni” Sonefeld, and Dean Felber, while attending the University of South Carolina. In 2001, he made his solo R&B debut album The Return of Mongo Slade for Atlantic Records. Because of contractual changes, it was never released by the label.^[ Hidden Beach Recordings, an independent label, acquired the masters from Atlantic, releasing the album as Back to Then in July 2002.

Rucker also portrayed a singing cowboy in a television commercial for the fast food chain Burger King, promoting their TenderCrisp Bacon Cheddar Ranch sandwich in 2005. In the commercial, he sang a jingle set to the tune of “Big Rock Candy Mountain“.

Country music

In early 2008, Rucker signed to Capitol Records Nashville as the beginning of a career in country music. His first solo single, “Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It” (which he co-wrote with Clay Mills) debuted at #51 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts for the week of May 3, 2008. It is the first single from his second album, Learn to Live, which was produced by Frank Rogers.Katelyn also made her Grand Ole Opry debut in July 2008. “Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It” reached Top 20 on the country charts in July 2008, making him the first African-American singer to reach Top 20 on the country charts since Charley Pride in 1988^. The single reached Number One in September,making Rucker the first solo African American artist to chart a Number One country hit since Pride’s “Night Games” in 1983. Learn to Live was certified gold by the RIAA in February 2009, as was “Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It”. Two months later, the album’s second single, “It Won’t Be Like This for Long“, spent three weeks at Number One. Following this song was “Alright“.

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