Water, water everywhere in Charleston's cultural scene
Maura's Three for the Week in Charleston, 6/3 - 6/9
Charleston takes its waterways seriously. They have served as means of commerce, for better and sometimes for worse, and are a vital part of Lowcountry life. This week’s roster of happenings demonstrates that in abundance, with a harbor-adjacent film, a marsh-bolstering block party and a deeply researched dive into a historic canal.
On the festival front, Spoleto surges on, too. Charleston Pride gets a splashy cohort this week in Sasha Velour’s The Big Reveal Live Show! For Spoleto reviews and musings, check out Culture South’s Spoleto section. On the Piccolo program this weekend, the inaugural Marion Square Jam is a two-day, dozen-strong lineup of local musical talent. For other stellar events, be sure to visit piccolospoleto.com.
For more festival insights, be sure to tune into Ohm 96.3 FM Radio’s Just Imagine on Thurs., June 6, from 1 to 2 p.m. I’ll weigh in on Spoleto Festival USA, and Scott Watson, director of the office of cultural affairs for the City of Charleston (who, as it so happens, is also my husband) will parse all things Piccolo.
Get some ‘Soul’ at IAAM’s new outdoor summer film series
International African American Museum, 14 Wharfside St., downtown Charleston, Thurs., June 6, 6 - 9 p.m.
Celebrate Black Music Month alongside the harbor at the International African American Museum’s Summer Film Series, which this week features Pixar’s groundbreaking Soul. The animated film follows a jazz musician who finds himself in a fantastical realm, exploring what truly makes life meaningful. This outdoor screening in the African Ancestors Memorial Garden blends cinema and conversation, highlighting jazz, identity and joy within the African American experience.
To register, click here.
Dive into the Santee Canal through a book tour exclusive
Charleston Library Society, 164 King St., in downtown Charleston, Thurs., June 6 at 6 p.m
The first inland navigation route from the Upcountry of the South Carolina Piedmont to the port of Charleston and the Atlantic Ocean, the Santee Canal finished in the early 19th century. The Charleston Library Society and Buxton Books host Dr. Richard Porcher, one of three authors of The Santee Canal: South Carolina’s First Commercial Highway, for a book tour exclusive presentation and discussion.
The former Citadel professor and researcher will be introduced by co-author and former Citadel colleague Elizabeth Connor, M.Ed. A discussion led by Dana Beach, founder and director emeritus of South Carolina Coastal Conservation League, will divulge never-before-published historical plans, maps and photographs from the book.
To purchase tickets, click here.
Land at Gibbes Landing for a historic marker block party
Gibbes Landing at Halsey Creek, 10th Avenue between Gordon Street and Winyah Alley, downtown Charleston, Fri., June 7, from 6 to 8 p.m.
The Preservation Society of Charleston, in partnership with The M.A.R.S.H. Project, is hosting a bona fide block party. This community celebration toasts the installation of a new state historic marker for Gibbes Landing on Halsey Creek, a significant point in the Siege of Charleston during the American Revolution. The event will launch with the marker dedication and unveiling, then segue to a block party in the Wagener Terrace neighborhood, complete with local food trucks and other festivities.
For information, visit here.
Bonus: Here’s one for the books (with tempting bites, too).
Babas Cafe, 804 Meeting St., Ste. 102, downtown Charleston, Tues., June 4, from 6 - 8:30 p.m.
Anyone who has read up on the Reading Rhythm parties that occur regularly in New York City has likely experienced some envy being so far away from all the erudite fun. Ditch the scrolling and bring your current read to Babas Cafe's Meeting Street location for an all-you-can-eat aperitivo reading party. Attendees can expect bouts of silent page-turning followed by exciting and hectic breakouts, where guests will swap reads, recommendations and thoughts with one another.
For information and tickets, click here.
In case you missed it: My recent review of ‘Dark Noon’ at Spoleto
Dark Noon, the amiably bracing theatrical work by Fix+Foxy Productions that made its U.S. premiere at Spoleto, has come and gone. The good news is that it’s on for a solid month in Brooklyn at St. Ann’s Warehouse starting this week. Here’s my review.
So much fun. I wish I could make the Marsh Block Party, as I love the salt marsh as much as the ocean.