Latin eats to Cuban beats. Bivalves and bestsellers. Tango and poetry.
Maura's Three for the Week in Charleston 9/9 - 9/15
Sure, I’m all in for Charleston’s splashy, state-of-the-art performance halls, which these days are looking sharper than ever. At the same time, I nurse a particular soft spot for the city’s more intimate settings, particularly those that have involved local enterprises cross-pollinating music, literature, food and more.
There’s a swell of such invention downtown this week. A Latin-powered menu is set to Cuban music. A bookstore-bar is bringing on a locally-sourced raw bar. A beloved sacred space is gathering poet laureates past and present. There’s so much going on that this week’s list has a double bonus. Know of other inspired happenings elsewhere in Charleston? Send them my way at artsmaurahogan@gmail.com.
Relish Cuban beats and Latin eats
The Establishment, 28 Broad St., downtown Charleston, Wed., Sept. 11, 6 p.m.
Head to Havana right in Charleston this week. The Establishment restaurant has partnered with Charleston Jazz to share a beautifully composed evening of Latin music and cuisine–all in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. Executive Chef Elliott Howells has created a Latin-inspired 3-course menu, a signature cocktail created by Barman Ryan Wise, a unique collection of Hispanic wines, and an array of hors d’oeuvres for an elevated culinary experience.
For reservations and information, click here.
Toast poet Marjory Wentworth’s stirring new collection
Circular Congregational Church, 150 Meeting St., downtown Charleston, Thurs., Sept. 12, 6 - 8 p.m.
Circular Congregational Church regularly hosts the Charleston arts community, and this week is no exception. After being cut from Governor Nikki Haley’s inauguration in 2015, former South Carolina poet laureate Marjory Wentworth’s poem “One River, One Boat” is now the titular offering in a new collection of her writings. This stirring convergence of poems and essays spans heartbreaking and joyous times in South Carolina’s history and Wentworth’s own life. including the deaths of relatives, gubernatorial inaugurations, the Mother Emanuel AME massacre, Hurricane Hugo and more. Current Charleston Poet Laureate Asiah Mae and former Charleston Poet Laureate Marcus Amaker will present an introduction. After the program, all attendees are invited to a reception next door at Lance Hall.
The event is open to the public; please email rsvp@buxtonbooks.com to reserve your spot.
Dive into Argentine culture with The Poetry Society of South Carolina
The Gin Joint, 182 East Bay St., downtown Charleston, Fri., Sept. 13, 5 - 7 p.m. for the main event; 7 - 9 p.m. for the VIP after-party
DKW Productions, in collaboration with The Poetry Society of South Carolina proudly presents LA NOCHE: Tango & Tapas, a multi-stage, elegant event that will immerse guests in a celebration of music, tango, art, storytelling, poetry and cuisine, all inspired by Latin culture. The evening begins with a showcase of Argentine tango that captures the passion and elegance of this iconic dance. Guests will enjoy a curated selection of tapas, offering a taste of authentic Argentine cuisine designed to complement the evening's performances. Live poetry and storytelling performances will weave narratives rich in Argentine cultural heritage. A gallery exhibition will display visual art inspired by Argentine traditions.
Tickets are available, but space is limited. For more information visit DKW Productions.
Bonus: Slurp oysters and peel shrimp with Philosophers & Fools
Philosophers & Fools, 50 Bogard St., downtown Charleston, Fri., Sept. 13, 5 - 9 p.m.
This Friday, De Mare Raw Bar will take over the menu at Philosophers & Fools, the bookstore bar in the Cannonborough-Elliottborough neighborhood that has quickly become a lively literary hub. Indulge in the region’s coastal heritage with house Lowcountry cups and Eastern varietals hand raised in the pristine waters in local estuaries. They’re served up naked or dressed, topped off with your choice of honey mango serrano, red wine Champagne or cucumber ginger citrus. Round out your seafaring adventure with shrimp cocktail and tuna tartare, too
For more information, click here.
Bonus Bonus: Savor South African fare at City Lights
City Lights, 12 Line St., downtown Charleston, Fri., Sept. 13 and Sat., Sept. 14, 5 - 9 p.m.
For the second month, City Lights is hosting South African Nights, which take place this Friday and Saturday. This month, they have brought on even more South African wines and food. You’ll find hand pies, samosas, bobotie, boerewors, melktart, malva pudding and peppermint crisp.
For more information, click here or follow on Instagram here.
One for the future: For the love or reading, break bread with Jenna Bush Hager
Charleston Library Society, 164 King St., downtown Charleston, Thurs., Sept. 26, 7 - 10 p.m.
With the support of special guest Jenna Bush Hager, Charleston Library Society will host the inaugural fundraiser for its new Book Drop initiative, a mobile giving library for children up to five years old. The evening takes the form of a progressive dinner, meaning that it progresses from one spot to the next with rotating authors and luminaries, all with the aim of celebrating the love of reading. Attendees will be seated at a table of 6, and will be joined by an honored guest. Seating is limited, with all proceeds benefitting Book Drop.
For more information on the inaugural fundraiser dinner, click here.
Thank you so much for featuring Tango & Tapas, Maura! We're so excited, and hope you'll come as a guest VIP!