Weather (or not), keep it cultural this week with these online forays.
Maura's Three for the Week in Charleston, 8/5 - 8/11
Cultural wanderings are a bit tricky this week along the coast. With that in mind, this edition of Three for the Week homes in on couch-potato-perfect offerings to keep you plenty occupied.
I’m planning to spend the early part of the week getting going on meaty cogitations on the fall arts scene. With my July hiatus officially wrapped up, I’m refreshed and ready for an immersion in what artists are exploring in this ever-changing region—while also identifying top tickets for the season to come.
This week’s slight pause offers an ideal time to catch up on the music, books and other works of art you may have missed over the past year or so in our hectic cultural world—and others that will best prime you for a phenomenal fall.
Stay home and listen to homegrown musical artists
Your couch; links to samples included below
This would be a stellar time to refresh your knowledge of contemporary South Carolina musical artists. Start with singer and producer Niecy Blues, whose ethereal 2023 full-length debut, Exit Simulation, was informed by the artist’s dip into sci-fi and fuses gospel, R&B and ballads. Here's a review in Pitchfork. Or try the 2023 Tangles from Daddy’s Beemer, the indie-rock band formed in 2016 at Clemson University. For a more recent, frothy pick-me-up, stream Oh, Boy from Charleston’s Wilmot. Want to revel in the Lowcountry? Charleston native and composer Edward Hart’s 2023 Under an Indigo Sky features two concertos that celebrate and reflect the history and culture of the Southeastern United States.
Bone up on what’s bound for Charleston Literary Festival
Your couch still, via a local bookstore or a Kindle download
Before it gets too gnarly outside, head to a local Charleston bookstore to load up on literary festival reads (Buxton Books is the festival partner). If venturing out proves dicey, download a Kindle version. For more about this year’s lineup, visit here.
I’m currently fully absorbed in The Bee Sting by Irish author Paul Murray. He’s among the many luminaries set for the 2024 festival, which takes place from Nov. 1 - 10. I’ll then keep it Irish-themed with another great festival get, Long Island, by the acclaimed author Colm Toibin. I overheard in a West of Ireland bookstore last month that it is flying off the shelf.
And I can think of no better week to finally face your own novel aspirations. The festival provides further incentive on that, too. Its newly announced Cato Fellowship Prize will offer winning authors full access to festival sessions and receptions, free accommodations in downtown Charleston, networking and collaborative opportunities and a stipend of $7,500. The deadline to enter is Sept. 16. For more information, click here.
Kick around the Gibbes, in your sweats
A cozy armchair if the couch is wearing thin; via the link below
While you await the compelling in-person Gibbes Museum of Art events set for August and beyond, reconnect online with its permanent collection. Spanning four centuries, this engrossing introduction to the visual culture of America and the American South stretches from the colonial era to the present. Peruse paintings, sculptures, miniature portraits, works on paper, decorative art objects and multi-media installations that illustrate the evolving aesthetic tastes of Charleston. Look for artworks inspired by this region’s unique landscape and cultural heritage, and much more.
To access, click this link.
One for the future: Take in a Stono sunset at Dill Sanctuary
Dill Sanctuary, 1163 Riverland Drive, James Island, Thurs., Aug. 15, 6 p.m.
If the sun does break through later this week, remember that there are 580 acres of lush waterfront views at Dill Sanctuary in James Island. That’s ample terrain to find a quiet spot to bring a picnic and, with any luck, perhaps take in a sunset. At this outing where you can bring your own food and beverages, Jennifer McCormick, Charleston Museum’s chief curator, will lead a guided tour of the Confederate fortifications in the area at Battery Pringle.
UPDATE: THIS EVENT WAS MOVED TO AUG. 15 FROM ITS PREVIOUS DATE.
For more information, visit charlestonmuseum.org.