Wayward witches, Second City sketch comedy and an Appalachian ballad swap
Maura's Three for the Week in Charleston, 1/27/25 - 2/2/25
Last week’s cultural calendar was upended by a rare show of snow, with culture vultures instead descending on shovels and breaking out skiwear stored for trips to colder climes. Many performances and exhibitions were scuttled through the weekend, but are now back in a flurry of offerings as we head into February. They promise to provide the perfect antidote to our collective cabin fever, so now that it’s safe get out there, enjoy.
Mull magically empowered girls with horror scribe Grady Hendrix
Circular Congregational Church, 150 Meeting St., downtown Charleston, Mon., Jan. 27, 6 - 7 p.m
I know personally that Grady Hendrix, author of the quickly bestselling novel Witchcraft for Wayward Girls!, gleaned firsthand the power of live performance in his Charleston childhood. I know this because he then performed the role of Dopey to my own teen portrayal of Snow White. Perhaps that’s why he knows a thing or two about wayward girls as well. At any rate, the week on the Charleston cultural scene is off and brewing with his new one-man show, The Wild World of Witchcraft - LIVE! by way of Buxton Books. I’ve seen Hendrix speak and perform, and he always brings it, so if you are bewitched by supernatural young women who won’t stand for oppression, and if you like polished entertainment, there are still some tickets left.
For tickets and information, click here.
Split sides with The Second City
Charleston Music Hall, 37 John St., downtown Charleston, Doors open at 6 p.m.; show starts at 7 p.m.
Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim (KKBE), Charleston’s historic congregation, welcomes the cast of The Second City to the Holy City to honor KKBE’s 275th anniversary. They’re set to infuse Charleston Music Hall with the top-notch humor for which they are renowned, having launched many of the careers of Saturday Night Live legends and certain Charleston-raised late-night hosts alike. In Charleston, the company will feature a curated selection of its best sketch comedy, singing, dancing and improvisation from their extensive repertoire. All proceeds from this event benefit KKBE.
For tickets and information, click here.
Listen up as Appalachian musical artists swap ballads
Hed Hi Studio, 654 King St., downtown Charleston, Sat., Feb. 1, with a 2 p.m matinee; 5:30 p.m. meet and greet; and 7 p.m. evening show
In an effort to rebuild Madison County in North Carolina, Rare Bird Farm—a 98-acre farm and cultural event space centered on Appalachian culture, nature and history that is located 19 miles west of Asheville, N.C.—is partnering in a performance of The Old Marshall Jail Ballad Swap, the only recurring monthly ballad swap in the United States. It now on the road and heading to Charleston after Hurricane Helene floods destroyed its original home in Marshall, N.C. Join them to keep this cherished Appalachian tradition alive while supporting recovery efforts for Western North Carolina. Emcee Josh Copus will share updates on the rebuilding process and how you can help make a difference.
For tickets and information, visit rarebirdfarm.org.
Bonus: Settle in for stellar, Telluride-touted short films
Charleston Music Hall, 37 John St., downtown Charleston; Wed., Jan 29, Doors open at 7 p.m.; the show starts at 7:30 p.m.
Film buffs will want to head back to Charleston Music Hall for Mountainfilm on Tour, an evening of inspiring and captivating films handpicked from the Mountainfilm festival in Telluride, Co. One of America’s longest-running film festivals will feature a collection of culturally rich, adventure-packed and engaging documentary short films that align with non-profit’s mission to use the power of film, art and ideas to inspire audiences to create a better world. A Mountainfilm presenter will guide the audience through the program providing insight on the films, filmmakers and subjects.
For information and tickets, click here.
One for the Future: Tickets now on sale for The Charleston Festival
Various locations throughout Charleston, Thurs., March 13 - Sun., April 13
Anyone raised in Charleston knows that Spring has sprung when The Charleston Festival (formerly known as the Festival of Houses and Gardens) prompts owners of homes and gardens to gussy them up throughout the city for its month-long festival presented by Historic Charleston Foundation. The organization’s largest fundraising and educational event of the year offers locals and visitors alike a chance to get an inside peek at phenomenal private properties, while also sharpening their knowledge of preservation and design through expert lectures, workshops, concerts and social gatherings at some of Charleston's most historic landmarks.
For tickets and the full line-up, visit the festival website here.
I brought my husband to the Grady Hendrix reading—he had no idea what to expect, but we both ended up laughing so much. Such a fun, unexpected night. We left feeling so happy!