The Piccolo Spoleto Festival annually presents a varied program that includes visual arts exhibitions, performances of classical music, jazz, dance, theater, and choral music, cultural events and community celebrations, poetry readings, children’s activities, craft shows, and film screenings.
Piccolo Spoleto prioritizes accessibility for both artists and performers, presenting professional work of the highest standard, while ensuring nearly half of Piccolo’s events are admission-free, with the balance offered at affordable ticket prices.
Piccolo Spoleto was launched in 1979 by the City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs, which continues to work closely with an engaged group of volunteers from the Charleston arts community. The working group of arts professionals who serve as volunteer program coordinators for the Festival now numbers nearly forty, with each specializing in a particular discipline, genre, or period.
Piccolo Spoleto Box Office
Gaillard Center
95 Calhoun St
Charleston SC 29401
(866) 811-3474
Piccolo Spoleto Website
Date: May 27 - June 12, 2022
Admission: Admission varies by event. Many events are free to the public. Tickets can be purchased at the box office, on-line, on the phone or at the event.
Dates: May 27–June 11
Monday–Thursday 10:00am to 5:00pm
Friday–Sunday 10:00am to 6:00pm
Address: Marion Square, King and Calhoun Streets
Admission: Free
Marion Square is transformed into a beautiful open-air market as some of the finest and most creative local artists exhibit and sell their work. Stroll through the park and browse the artists’ tents as you view original oils, pastels, watercolors, acrylics, encaustics, photography, and more. With 54 artists on hand to personally answer questions and show their artwork, the Piccolo Spoleto Outdoor Art Exhibition offers a memorable experience and a great way to enjoy the creativity of our local visual arts community whether you’re in the market for a new acquisition, or simply window shopping.
Dates: May 27 – June 12; 12:00pm – 5:00pm
Venue: City Gallery
Address: 34 Prioleau Street
Admission: Free
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6:00PM |
Stelle di Domani: The Swing of the Sea • Center Stage presents The Swing of the Sea by Molly Hagan. Boots, a girl who wears yellow rain boots even when it isn’t raining, and a boy called Eggs grieve the death of their best friend Peter. A play about growing old without aging that examines the way fantasy and memory converge when we lose someone we love. |
7:00PM |
CMC TWO Spring Concert • Chamber Music Charleston concludes their 15th Anniversary Season with a performance of music for strings. The accomplished students of the CMC TWO program along with guest professional musicians of CMC will perform Dvorak’s “American” String Quartet, Boccherini’s String Quintet in C Major, and a movement from Tchaikovsky’s String Sextet in D minor, “Souvenir de Florence.” |
7:00PM |
Boy Vey • BOY VEY is a solo show ripped straight from Rachel’s teenage diary. A combination of coming-of-age, grappling with family history, and what it feels like to be a young Jewish woman with lesbian moms, this story encapsulates a modern experience of the third generation after the Holocaust. |
8:00PM |
Take the Funny and Run • Some of the funniest improv you’ll see anywhere. Theatre 99 is Charleston’s year round home for improv comedy where audiences come to laugh until it hurts. Bring your suggestions for the quick-witted Theatre 99 ensemble members who will take your suggestions...and rock out hilarious unscripted scenes. Guaranteed to make you laugh! |
1:00PM |
The Sound of Charleston • Experience the music that helps define Charleston’s history and unique charm. The longest running musical show in Charleston history features a diverse mix of gospel, Gershwin, jazz, Civil War songs, and light classics. Performers include Mayor John Tecklenburg, Ann Caldwell, Carl Bright, CSO artists Charles Messersmith and Jessica Hall-Dambaugh, and many more. Frommers Travel Guide calls The Sound of Charleston “the best time out in Charleston…a must see performance. Specific program details at www.soundofcharleston.com. |
2:30PM |
Bach Society Youth • The Bach Society of Charleston is pleased to be able at last to present its Young Musicians concert once again. This is an opportunity for the Society to encourage the finest high school musicians from our community to learn Baroque repertoire and performance practice. Several of the players showcased today had been invited, after auditions across the greater Charleston area, to perform two years ago in the spring Charleston Bach Festival, but could not because of the pandemic. On today’s program, they perform music by Bach and his Baroque contemporaries, on flute, violin, cello, harpsichord, and piano. |
3:00PM |
Stelle di Domani: The Swing of the Sea • Center Stage presents The Swing of the Sea by Molly Hagan. Boots, a girl who wears yellow rain boots even when it isn’t raining, and a boy called Eggs grieve the death of their best friend Peter. A play about growing old without aging that examines the way fantasy and memory converge when we lose someone we love. |
6:00PM |
Stelle di Domani: Over the Rainbow: A Coming Out Story • A one-person show written and performed by AP Hart. This one-person show tells the story of AP Hart’s 18-year coming out journey in just 45 minutes! From heartbreak and friendships to finding a way over the rainbow, Hart will accompany these anecdotes with well-known classics, as well as an original piece composed by AP Hart. |
6:00PM |
The Complete History of Charleston for Morons • Over 350 years of Lowcountry history in 60 minutes! A comedy history lesson accessible enough for morons to enjoy. A long time hit of Piccolo Spoleto, this one act comedy is 3 parts hilarious sketch comedy and one part actual history. The Charleston City Paper says the Morons “dazzle the audience with their ignorance.” |
7:00PM |
Boy Vey • BOY VEY is a solo show ripped straight from Rachel’s teenage diary. A combination of coming-of-age, grappling with family history, and what it feels like to be a young Jewish woman with lesbian moms, this story encapsulates a modern experience of the third generation after the Holocaust. |
8:00PM |
The Have Nots! Comedy Improv Company • No scripts! All improv! The Have Nots! Is the longest running show in Charleston. This high-energy comedy improv show is entirely based on your audience suggestion so every show is different. The Have Nots! will perform their unique brand improv comedy AND you never know who will join them on the stage! Come find out why critics say “The Have Nots! have it!” |
12:00PM |
Gullah/Geechee Connecting Wid Da Diaspora • This not to be missed performance presents a heartfelt and energetic presentation of traditional songs, hymns and Negro spirituals. Music of Mahalia Jackson, Paul Robeson, and more are included. The Bright Family Singers and ensemble will inform you about the history of gospel music and will captivate you with powerful choral and solo renditions. Special guest artist, Lowcountry favorite Ann Caldwell will join the cast to sing spirtuals and demonstrate the Gullah dialect. |
1:00PM |
Boy Vey • BOY VEY is a solo show ripped straight from Rachel’s teenage diary. A combination of coming-of-age, grappling with family history, and what it feels like to be a young Jewish woman with lesbian moms, this story encapsulates a modern experience of the third generation after the Holocaust. |
3:00PM |
Michael Ging • Internationally recognized organist Dr. Michael Ging garners critical and audience acclaim for his virtuosic technique, sensitive interpretations, and charismatic stage presence. The American Organist hailed his recital opening the 2015 L'Organo Recital Series as "flawless," noting that his program "showed off instrument and player to perfection," recognizing his "fine style," and describing his interpretation of Töpfer's Sonata in D Minor as "a rare gem." |
3:00PM |
Stelle di Domani: Over the Rainbow: A Coming Out Story • A one-person show written and performed by AP Hart. This one-person show tells the story of AP Hart’s 18-year coming out journey in just 45 minutes! From heartbreak and friendships to finding a way over the rainbow, Hart will accompany these anecdotes with well-known classics, as well as an original piece composed by AP Hart. |
4:00PM |
Palmetto Bronze • Palmetto Bronze, the Lowcountry’s premiere auditioned community handbell ensemble, returns to Piccolo Spoleto, presenting “SCORE!”, an entertaining concert for all ages featuring music from classic and contemporary movies, as well as other music, on 5+ octaves of handbells and handchimes. We are excited to be performing live music again after 2 years of Covid-19 restrictions! |
6:00PM |
Stelle di Domani: The Swing of the Sea • Center Stage presents The Swing of the Sea by Molly Hagan. Boots, a girl who wears yellow rain boots even when it isn’t raining, and a boy called Eggs grieve the death of their best friend Peter. A play about growing old without aging that examines the way fantasy and memory converge when we lose someone we love. |
5:00PM |
Stelle di Domani: Over the Rainbow: A Coming Out Story • A one-person show written and performed by AP Hart. This one-person show tells the story of AP Hart’s 18-year coming out journey in just 45 minutes! From heartbreak and friendships to finding a way over the rainbow, Hart will accompany these anecdotes with well-known classics, as well as an original piece composed by AP Hart. |
7:00PM |
Stelle di Domani: The Swing of the Sea • Center Stage presents The Swing of the Sea by Molly Hagan. Boots, a girl who wears yellow rain boots even when it isn’t raining, and a boy called Eggs grieve the death of their best friend Peter. A play about growing old without aging that examines the way fantasy and memory converge when we lose someone we love. |
10:00AM |
Eric Pickford • Eric Pickford began his musical endeavors at the age of seven when he started studying violin. An avid multi-instrumentalist, he later began studies on piano and flute, and developed an interest in the organ in 2016 after joining the choirs at St. Philip’s Church, Charleston, SC. He studied that same year with Capers Cross, then organist and choirmaster at St. Philip’s, and continued with Dr. Julia Harlow in 2017, with whom he now studies. Eric is a graduate of the College of Charleston, where he completed double majors and received a Bachelor of Arts in Music Performance and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. |
9:00AM & 10:30AM |
College of Charleston Opera: Billy Goats Gruff • This event is free and open to the public - No ticket or reservation is needed |
12:00PM |
What's Opera, Doc? • Do you like opera? This concert is for you! Opera arias and ensembles from Handel to Carlisle Floyd are represented. Joshua Brock (Lenski’s aria) and Logan Smith (Gremin’s aria) will sing arias from Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin. Justin Floyd will perform the famous Arm, Arm Ye Brave from Handel’s Judas Maccabeus. Lauren Funkhauser and Abby Oldstrom will represent the French composers Charles Gounod and Jules Massenet, respectively. Andy Michota, Justin Floyd and Joshua Brock will bring to life the opening trio from Mozart’s Cosí fan tutte. Justin Nelson will portray the arrogant sergeant from Donizetti’s L’elisir d’amore. Hälis Rünk will sing Und ob die Wolke Sie Verhülle from Weber’s Der Freischütz and Brian Mengler will perform It’s about the way people is made from Carlisle Floyd’s Susanna. |
3:00PM |
Stelle di Domani: The Swing of the Sea • Center Stage presents The Swing of the Sea by Molly Hagan. Boots, a girl who wears yellow rain boots even when it isn’t raining, and a boy called Eggs grieve the death of their best friend Peter. A play about growing old without aging that examines the way fantasy and memory converge when we lose someone we love. |
3:00PM |
Vivaldi's Four Seasons • Join us at St. Mary of the Annunciation Catholic Church as Violinist Micah Gangwer and members of the Charleston Symphony will perform one of the most emblematic works of the baroque era. |
4:00PM |
Taylor Festival Choir Soloists • This concert features several of the professional singers in the TFC as they perform works from the classical, Broadway and folk genres. Whether it is an aria by Mozart or Verdi, a Sondheim or Rodgers and Hammerstein favorite, or an Irish air--there is something for all tastes, delivered by the exciting professional singing talent that comprises the Taylor Festival Choir. |
4:00PM |
Stelle di Domani: Stage Readings from the Todd McNerney Playwriting Contest • Staged Readings from the Todd McNerney Playwriting Contest Free staged readings of the 2020 Todd McNerney National Playwriting contest winner and runner-up. Join us for our first staged readings in three years! Previous winning plays have come from such notable playwrights as Caridad Svich (lifetime Obie award winner), Sheila Cowley, Arthur M. Jolly, James Still, William Missouri Downs, and Donnetta Lavinia Grays. Calhoun Annex Room 106 (next to the Chapel Theatre), 172 Calhoun Street Runner-up’s staged reading: Tuesday 5/31 and Wednesday 6/1 at 4pm Winner’s staged reading: Thursday 6/2 and Friday 6/3 at 3pm. Free admission. |
7:00PM |
Stelle di Domani: Over the Rainbow: A Coming Out Story • A one-person show written and performed by AP Hart. This one-person show tells the story of AP Hart’s 18-year coming out journey in just 45 minutes! From heartbreak and friendships to finding a way over the rainbow, Hart will accompany these anecdotes with well-known classics, as well as an original piece composed by AP Hart. |
9:00AM & 10:30AM |
Animalia Brass • This event is free and open to the public - No ticket or reservation is needed |
10:00AM |
John Alexander • Dr. John Alexander is the Director of Music and Principal Organist at First Presbyterian Church in Greensboro, NC. In this role, he administers a multi-faceted music program including numerous ensembles and a concert series. |
12:00PM |
Back to the Future • This concert presents composers of the 20th Century. It will feature Dvorak’s Dumky Trio for violin (Eric Pickford), cello (Zach Butler) and piano (Clara Camacho). Justin Nelson, baritone, will present songs of Gustav Holst and Hälis Rünk, soprano, will sing a set of classical songs from her homeland, Estonia. The concert will conclude with Shostakovich’s Sonata for Cello and Piano, performed by sisters, Anna and Maria Savelyeva. |
3:00PM |
Bach's Violin • Join us at St. Mary of the Annunciation Catholic Church for “Bach’s Violin” The Mount Everest of Fugues. Violin virtuoso, Amos Lawrence, will perform an incredible program including Bach’s riveting and monumental C Major Fugue for solo violin. Joining in the program is harpsichordist, Julia Harlow, performing the delightful Bach Sonata in E Major for Violin and Keyboard. |
4:00PM |
Stelle di Domani: Stage Readings from the Todd McNerney Playwriting Contest • Staged Readings from the Todd McNerney Playwriting Contest Free staged readings of the 2020 Todd McNerney National Playwriting contest winner and runner-up. Join us for our first staged readings in three years! Previous winning plays have come from such notable playwrights as Caridad Svich (lifetime Obie award winner), Sheila Cowley, Arthur M. Jolly, James Still, William Missouri Downs, and Donnetta Lavinia Grays. Calhoun Annex Room 106 (next to the Chapel Theatre), 172 Calhoun Street Runner-up’s staged reading: Tuesday 5/31 and Wednesday 6/1 at 4pm Winner’s staged reading: Thursday 6/2 and Friday 6/3 at 3pm. Free admission. |
6:00PM |
Yuriy Bekker and Gary Levinson • Gary Levinson, violin and Yuriy Bekker, violin |
7:00PM |
The Charlestones Sing Everything • The Charlestones Sing Everything The Lowcountry’s favorite a cappella group performs an eclectic program containing repertoire from nine genres—Renaissance, hymn, spiritual, country, jazz, Broadway, patriotic, barbershop, and pop! |
7:00PM |
Taylor Festival Choir: Reaching for the Light at Circular • The Taylor Festival Choir, led by founder Rob Taylor, performs a program of inspiring spiritual music featuring two settings of the Miserere liturgical text: one being Allegri’s famous setting that was for centuries only heard in the Sistine Chapel; the other by Sir James MacMillan, one of today’s classical scenes greatest composers. Also featured is “His Light Still Shines,” a rousing work by Moses Hogan celebrating MLK’s life and enduring impact. |
8:00PM |
Laughway to the Weekend • Come laugh it up with us halfway to the weekend! This improv comedy show will feature 2-3 acts of hilarious improv comedy. Wednesday nights are a Charleston tradition that feature long form improv comedy. Every show is different and completely based on audience suggestions. |
10:00AM |
Rees Taylor Roberts • Rees Roberts served as the Organist & Choirmaster of Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church in North Little Rock, Arkansas, where he oversaw a vibrant music program that included a semi-professional choir, a handbell choir, and a monthly concert series. |
12:00PM |
A Fine Romance • Join us for the beautiful sweeping melodies of Johannes Brahms, Frederik Chopin, Franz Schubert and Robert Schumann! This concert will include famous lieder of Schubert, performed by baritone, Justin Nelson and the lieder of Schumann, performed by Brian Mengler. Clara Camacho, piano, will present Chopin’s Ballade N1 Op. 23 in G minor and Laura Diaz, violin, will perform the Gypsy Airs by Sarasate. Brahms’ Sonata for Cello and Piano in E minor, Op. 38 will be performed by Maria and Anna Savelyeva. |
3:00PM |
Stelle di Domani: Stage Readings from the Todd McNerney Playwriting Contest • Staged Readings from the Todd McNerney Playwriting Contest Free staged readings of the 2020 Todd McNerney National Playwriting contest winner and runner-up. Join us for our first staged readings in three years! Previous winning plays have come from such notable playwrights as Caridad Svich (lifetime Obie award winner), Sheila Cowley, Arthur M. Jolly, James Still, William Missouri Downs, and Donnetta Lavinia Grays. Calhoun Annex Room 106 (next to the Chapel Theatre), 172 Calhoun Street Runner-up’s staged reading: Tuesday 5/31 and Wednesday 6/1 at 4pm Winner’s staged reading: Thursday 6/2 and Friday 6/3 at 3pm. Free admission. |
3:00PM |
Mozart in Old St. Mary's • A Little Night Music. This all Mozart program features the complete Eine Kleine Nachtmusick, an early Mozart String Quartet, and one of Mozart’s charming Divertimentos. Members of the Charleston Symphony Orchestra will bring the music of Mozart alive in the ambiance and bright acoustic of St. Mary’s. |
5:00PM |
Bach’s Coffee Cantata and Menotti’s The Telephone • Charleston Opera Theater and the Summerville Orchestra partner to stage this charming double bill of Bach’s Coffee Cantata and Menotti’s The Telephone and will be hosted at Mercantile and Mash at 701 E. Bay Street. This amusing and immersive performance experience brings the audience into the scenery of the drama at one of Charleston’s most chic cafés. |
7:00PM |
MPPC Fine Arts Recital:Regina Helcher Yost & Friends • This event is free and open to the public – No ticket or reservation is needed |
7:00PM |
Taylor Festival Choir: Reaching for the Light in Summerville • The Taylor Festival Choir, led by founder Rob Taylor, performs a program of inspiring spiritual music featuring two settings of the Miserere liturgical text: one being Allegri’s famous setting that was for centuries only heard in the Sistine Chapel; the other by Sir James MacMillan, one of today’s classical scenes greatest composers. Also featured is “His Light Still Shines,” a rousing work by Moses Hogan celebrating MLK’s life and enduring impact. The Charleston Symphony Orchestra Chorus will perform with the TFC in one additional work on the June 1 concert. |
7:00PM |
Magnolia Singers with Ann Caldwell • Ann Caldwell and the Magnolia Singers performs a cappella, spirituals indigenous to the Lowcountry. |
8:00PM |
Dot • Art Forms & Theatre Concepts presents Dot by Colman Domingo and guest directed by Miriam Crawford Grant. The Shealys, a West Philadelphia family, gather for the holidays in this hilarious and heartfelt comedy-drama. Dotty's memory is slipping as her three adult children – an overwhelmed attorney, a gay musicologist with marital problems, and an aspiring actress hoping to appear on Celebrity Mud Fight – clash over how best to care for their proud, lovable matriarch as well as for themselves. Memory is a funny thing; losing your memory and losing your mind are two completely different things! |
7:30PM |
Secrets of Dracula . . . Unearthed • Celebrate the 125th anniversary of Dracula! Tiptoe behind the scenes of the world’s most enduring literary horror with Dacre Stoker, international bestselling author, Dracula scholar, and descendant of Bram Stoker, and Andrea St. Amand, evidential psychic medium and internationally recognized paranormal expert. Through an audio/visual presentation with dramatic readings by Braxton Williams playing Bram Stoker, they unravel the influences, superstitions and non-fictional events that led to the creation of this beloved supernatural novel. Join them as they reveal unpublished portions of the novel, disclose the recently discovered location of Castle Dracula, and foray into the brilliant mind and influences that created, Dracula . . . if you dare. |
8:00PM |
F.B.I.* (*Finch Boys Improv) • Good improv groups often feel like family. This one actually is family! Timmy Finch, veteran of The Have Nots! Comedy Improv and nine-time winner of Charleston’s Best Local Comic teams up with his best friend and son Cahal to deliver quick witted, feel good, made up family fun. Come see an old man and the next generation. |
10:00AM |
Timothy Tikker • Dr. Timothy Tikker was born in San Francisco, CA. He obtained Bachelor of Music magna cum laude in Organ Performance at San Francisco State University, and a Master of Music in Organ Performance at the University of Oregon, Eugene. Supported by the Ruth Lorraine Close Award from the University of Oregon, he studied organ improvisation with Jean Langlais in Paris, France, who called Tikker “one of the most gifted temperaments I have ever encountered.” He completed his Doctor of Musical Arts in Organ Performance at the University of Michigan under Marilyn Mason. For over forty years, Tikker has served both as a church organist and music director. |
12:00PM |
All that Jazz - CofC Jazz • CofC Jazz Combo 1 is a quartet of the finest student jazz musicians in the Department of Music. All four of these players are performing professionally on a regular basis, all around the Charleston area. They will be performing their own special versions of jazz standards, both from the Broadway songbook as well as music by celebrated jazz composers such as Wayne Shorter and Chick Corea. Davis Lentz - saxophone Misha Pekar - piano McCarthy Fitch - bass Alex Brouwer - drums |
3:00PM |
Stelle di Domani: Stage Readings from the Todd McNerney Playwriting Contest • Staged Readings from the Todd McNerney Playwriting Contest Free staged readings of the 2020 Todd McNerney National Playwriting contest winner and runner-up. Join us for our first staged readings in three years! Previous winning plays have come from such notable playwrights as Caridad Svich (lifetime Obie award winner), Sheila Cowley, Arthur M. Jolly, James Still, William Missouri Downs, and Donnetta Lavinia Grays. Calhoun Annex Room 106 (next to the Chapel Theatre), 172 Calhoun Street Runner-up’s staged reading: Tuesday 5/31 and Wednesday 6/1 at 4pm Winner’s staged reading: Thursday 6/2 and Friday 6/3 at 3pm. Free admission. |
6:00PM |
Bach’s Coffee Cantata and Menotti’s The Telephone • Charleston Opera Theater and the Summerville Orchestra partner to stage this charming double bill of Bach’s Coffee Cantata and Menotti’s The Telephone and will be hosted at Mercantile and Mash at 701 E. Bay Street. This amusing and immersive performance experience brings the audience into the scenery of the drama at one of Charleston’s most chic cafés. |
6:00PM |
Charleston Academy of Music Faculty • Irina Pevzner, piano; Yun Hao Jiang, cello; Philip Lipton, clarinet; Nina Sandberg, violin; Ulyana Machneva, guitar; Jonathan Kammer, saxophone. |
7:30PM |
Secrets of Dracula . . . Unearthed • Celebrate the 125th anniversary of Dracula! Tiptoe behind the scenes of the world’s most enduring literary horror with Dacre Stoker, international bestselling author, Dracula scholar, and descendant of Bram Stoker, and Andrea St. Amand, evidential psychic medium and internationally recognized paranormal expert. Through an audio/visual presentation with dramatic readings by Braxton Williams playing Bram Stoker, they unravel the influences, superstitions and non-fictional events that led to the creation of this beloved supernatural novel. Join them as they reveal unpublished portions of the novel, disclose the recently discovered location of Castle Dracula, and foray into the brilliant mind and influences that created, Dracula . . . if you dare. |
8:00PM |
The Have Nots! Comedy Improv Company • No scripts! All improv! The Have Nots! Is the longest running show in Charleston. This high-energy comedy improv show is entirely based on your audience suggestion so every show is different. The Have Nots! will perform their unique brand improv comedy AND you never know who will join them on the stage! Come find out why critics say “The Have Nots! have it!” |
8:00PM |
Dot • Art Forms & Theatre Concepts presents Dot by Colman Domingo and guest directed by Miriam Crawford Grant. The Shealys, a West Philadelphia family, gather for the holidays in this hilarious and heartfelt comedy-drama. Dotty's memory is slipping as her three adult children – an overwhelmed attorney, a gay musicologist with marital problems, and an aspiring actress hoping to appear on Celebrity Mud Fight – clash over how best to care for their proud, lovable matriarch as well as for themselves. Memory is a funny thing; losing your memory and losing your mind are two completely different things! |
11:00AM |
Rising Stars • Now in its 14th year, Palmetto State Arts Education will host its Rising Stars Series will showcase young actors, dancers, musicians, writers and visual artists in the high-profile venue as part of the Piccolo Spoleto Festival. A series of six programs, each program will feature 6 young artists and/or ensembles in a conversation and performance format. All programs are presented at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church across from Marion Square on King Street in the heart of downtown Charleston. Schedule of performers: HTTPS://WWW.PALMETTOARTSED.ORG/RISING-STARS.HTML |
2:00PM & 7:30PM |
Secrets of Dracula . . . Unearthed • Celebrate the 125th anniversary of Dracula! Tiptoe behind the scenes of the world’s most enduring literary horror with Dacre Stoker, international bestselling author, Dracula scholar, and descendant of Bram Stoker, and Andrea St. Amand, evidential psychic medium and internationally recognized paranormal expert. Through an audio/visual presentation with dramatic readings by Braxton Williams playing Bram Stoker, they unravel the influences, superstitions and non-fictional events that led to the creation of this beloved supernatural novel. Join them as they reveal unpublished portions of the novel, disclose the recently discovered location of Castle Dracula, and foray into the brilliant mind and influences that created, Dracula . . . if you dare. |
2:00PM |
Dot • Art Forms & Theatre Concepts presents Dot by Colman Domingo and guest directed by Miriam Crawford Grant. The Shealys, a West Philadelphia family, gather for the holidays in this hilarious and heartfelt comedy-drama. Dotty's memory is slipping as her three adult children – an overwhelmed attorney, a gay musicologist with marital problems, and an aspiring actress hoping to appear on Celebrity Mud Fight – clash over how best to care for their proud, lovable matriarch as well as for themselves. Memory is a funny thing; losing your memory and losing your mind are two completely different things! |
2:00PM |
The Sound of Charleston • Experience the music that helps define Charleston’s history and unique charm. The longest running musical show in Charleston history features a diverse mix of gospel, Gershwin, jazz, Civil War songs, and light classics. Performers include Mayor John Tecklenburg, Ann Caldwell, Carl Bright, CSO artists Charles Messersmith and Jessica Hall-Dambaugh, and many more. Frommers Travel Guide calls The Sound of Charleston “the best time out in Charleston…a must see performance. Specific program details at www.soundofcharleston.com. |
3:00PM |
Rising Stars • Now in its 14th year, Palmetto State Arts Education will host its Rising Stars Series will showcase young actors, dancers, musicians, writers and visual artists in the high-profile venue as part of the Piccolo Spoleto Festival. A series of six programs, each program will feature 6 young artists and/or ensembles in a conversation and performance format. All programs are presented at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church across from Marion Square on King Street in the heart of downtown Charleston. Schedule of performers: HTTPS://WWW.PALMETTOARTSED.ORG/RISING-STARS.HTML |
4:00PM |
Bach’s Coffee Cantata and Menotti’s The Telephone • Charleston Opera Theater and the Summerville Orchestra partner to stage this charming double bill of Bach’s Coffee Cantata and Menotti’s The Telephone and will be hosted at Mercantile and Mash at 701 E. Bay Street. This amusing and immersive performance experience brings the audience into the scenery of the drama at one of Charleston’s most chic cafés. |
6:00PM |
Natalia Khoma and Volodymyr Vynnytsky • College of Charleston Department of Music, cellist Natalia Khoma and pianist Volodymyr Vynnytsky, are featured soloists in the U.S. tour of the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine (NSOU). Hailing from Ukraine, both Vynnytsky and Khoma, who are a couple, are honorary professors at the Tchaikovsky National Music Academy of Ukraine, otherwise known as the Kiev Conservatory, as well as Lviv State Academy of Music and the Odessa State Music Academy. They have made a name for themselves as “solo soulmates.” |
6:00PM |
Clean Improv Comedy Show • Have you ever been to an improv show and thought, "I'd love to bring my parents or my 10 year old, but it's just not clean enough for them"? Well, now we've got you covered! Theatre 99 is presenting a one hour hilarious short form show that is clean as a whistle. No need to take cover from "F" bombs. This show is chock-full of fun and is just as side-splittingly funny as what you've come to expect here at Theatre 99. All improv - all based on your suggestions. |
6:30PM |
Bach’s Coffee Cantata and Menotti’s The Telephone • Charleston Opera Theater and the Summerville Orchestra partner to stage this charming double bill of Bach’s Coffee Cantata and Menotti’s The Telephone and will be hosted at Mercantile and Mash at 701 E. Bay Street. This amusing and immersive performance experience brings the audience into the scenery of the drama at one of Charleston’s most chic cafés. |
7:30PM |
You Might As Well Live • The one-woman show, You Might As Well Live, is the story of literary icon Dorothy Parker. The play explores our deepest desire to leave a mark on this world and discover what our legacy will be. On the eve of her death, and determined to be remembered as more than the creator of such quips as ‘I'd rather have a bottle in front of me than a frontal lobotomy’, Dorothy takes a pilgrimage through her own past. In a journey packed with quick wit and a biting tongue, she sets out to make her mark in the literary scene of 1930’s New York City. From writing copy at Vogue Magazine to theatrical reviews at Vanity Fair, becoming an original member of the famed Algonquin Round Table to scripting classic films in Hollywood (such as A Star Is Born), You Might As Well Live explores Dorothy as she climbs the ladder of success, fighting for acclaim and recognition as a female author in a male dominated world. She writes to escape her life only to discover that’s what her writing becomes. |
8:00PM |
Take the Funny and Run • Some of the funniest improv you’ll see anywhere. Theatre 99 is Charleston’s year round home for improv comedy where audiences come to laugh until it hurts. Bring your suggestions for the quick-witted Theatre 99 ensemble members who will take your suggestions...and rock out hilarious unscripted scenes. Guaranteed to make you laugh! |
9:30PM |
Shaggin and Braggin • Jay White brings Shaggin' and Braggin'. Come experience what is 1/2 concert and 1/2 TEDTalk about South Carolina’s music and the fun personalities behind it all! With humorous stories and anecdotes you will be treated to a stage full of musicians driving the sounds of people like Dizzy Gillespie, James Brown, Hootie and the Blowfish and more. Edgy, as music always is, but appropriate for all ages! |
2:00PM |
Secrets of Dracula . . . Unearthed • Celebrate the 125th anniversary of Dracula! Tiptoe behind the scenes of the world’s most enduring literary horror with Dacre Stoker, international bestselling author, Dracula scholar, and descendant of Bram Stoker, and Andrea St. Amand, evidential psychic medium and internationally recognized paranormal expert. Through an audio/visual presentation with dramatic readings by Braxton Williams playing Bram Stoker, they unravel the influences, superstitions and non-fictional events that led to the creation of this beloved supernatural novel. Join them as they reveal unpublished portions of the novel, disclose the recently discovered location of Castle Dracula, and foray into the brilliant mind and influences that created, Dracula . . . if you dare. |
2:00PM |
Gershwin and Jazz with an All Star Cast • In this special series finale, we have assembled an all star cast of Charleston entertainers to highlight the City’s rich jazz history and, of course, the timeless music of George Gershwin, who wrote “Porgy and Bess” on Folly Beach in 1919. Mayor John Tecklenburg & Mark Sterbank perform jazz and reflect on its role in our history. Soprano Shanelle Wood and baritone Ramelle Brooks, both of whom have performed “Porgy” on the local stage, will reprise hits from the opera, including the iconic “Summertime”. The program concludes with a stirring rendition of “Rhapsody in Blue” with Ghadi Shayban and Maida Libkin on the piano. |
3:00PM |
You Might As Well Live • The one-woman show, You Might As Well Live, is the story of literary icon Dorothy Parker. The play explores our deepest desire to leave a mark on this world and discover what our legacy will be. On the eve of her death, and determined to be remembered as more than the creator of such quips as ‘I'd rather have a bottle in front of me than a frontal lobotomy’, Dorothy takes a pilgrimage through her own past. In a journey packed with quick wit and a biting tongue, she sets out to make her mark in the literary scene of 1930’s New York City. From writing copy at Vogue Magazine to theatrical reviews at Vanity Fair, becoming an original member of the famed Algonquin Round Table to scripting classic films in Hollywood (such as A Star Is Born), You Might As Well Live explores Dorothy as she climbs the ladder of success, fighting for acclaim and recognition as a female author in a male dominated world. She writes to escape her life only to discover that’s what her writing becomes. |
5:00PM |
Lowcountry Voices: Hymnology • This event is free and open to the public - RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED |
6:00PM |
Dot • Art Forms & Theatre Concepts presents Dot by Colman Domingo and guest directed by Miriam Crawford Grant. The Shealys, a West Philadelphia family, gather for the holidays in this hilarious and heartfelt comedy-drama. Dotty's memory is slipping as her three adult children – an overwhelmed attorney, a gay musicologist with marital problems, and an aspiring actress hoping to appear on Celebrity Mud Fight – clash over how best to care for their proud, lovable matriarch as well as for themselves. Memory is a funny thing; losing your memory and losing your mind are two completely different things! |
8:30PM |
HALO's Wunderbar Cabaret • Hailed as “glamorous on stage, but regular at home” international stars in opera and musical theatre, Leah Edwards and Dimitri Pittas, are thrilled to include you in their journey of laughter, defeat, triumph and most of all, love. In this tale, they trade champagne toasts for changing diapers and reveal that life is never what it seems. Join them for an adventurous evening of story and song! |
3:00PM |
Anthony Rispo • Anthony Rispo is a classical organist, songwriter, composer, and improviser. Daydream, an original work for organ solo by Anthony, was aired on National Public Radio’s Pipedreams, both archived and live. |
10:00AM |
Daniel Sansone • Daniel Sansone is the Director of Music at First (Scots) Presbyterian Church, Charleston, SC. A native of Syracuse, NY, Dan received a Master of Music in Organ Performance and Literature from the University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN. He holds a Bachelor of Music in Organ Performance from the State University of New York at Fredonia. He has held numerous church positions including serving as Director of Music and Liturgy at St. Ignatius Loyola Cathedral in Palm Beach, FL, and serving as organist at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Portland, OR. |
12:00PM |
To Infinity and Beyond • Join us for a concert of cutting edge composers! The music of Schoenburg, Prokofiev, Argento, Bolcom and Stravinsky are presented here. Prokofiev’s Sonata N3 Op. 28 in A minor will be performed by Clara Camacho, piano while Abigail Oldstrom, soprano, will be featured in selections from the Six Elizabethan Songs by Dominic Argento. Anna Savelyeva, piano, will present Stravinsky’s Trois mouvements de Petrouchka. Reed Kurtz, piano, will play The Garden of Eden, I. Old Adam by Bolcom and Eric Pickford will be featured at the piano in two movements from Schoenberg’s Drei Klavierstucke, Op. 11. |
3:00PM |
Vivaldi's Four Seasons • Join us at St. Mary of the Annunciation Catholic Church as Violinist Micah Gangwer and members of the Charleston Symphony will perform one of the most emblematic works of the baroque era. |
10:00AM |
Julia Harlow • Dr. Julia Harlow is Director of Music/Organist at Second Presbyterian Church in Charleston, organist for Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim Synagogue and teaches organ and harpsichord privately and at The College of Charleston. Her Bachelor of Music degree (organ) is from the University of Iowa and masters (Early Keyboard Performance) and doctoral (DMA, organ) degrees are from the University of Oregon in Eugene. |
12:00PM |
Mostly Mozart • Six centuries of music for a beloved instrument. Steve Rosenberg, accompanied by Julia Harlow will perform a program from the 12th to 16th century using a wide collection of instruments. A program for the connoisseur and early music enthusiast. Instruments and repertoire will be introduced to the audience. |
3:00PM |
The Virtuoso Recorder • Six centuries of music for a beloved instrument. Steve Rosenberg, accompanied by Julia Harlow will perform a program from the 12th to 16th century using a wide collection of instruments. A program for the connoisseur and early music enthusiast. Instruments and repertoire will be introduced to the audience. |
6:00PM |
Our (Almost Completely True) Story • She’s tall, classy and famous. He’s short, Jewish and hides behind Groucho Marx and Woody Allen impressions. Despite their baggage, as these opposites attract, they find it’s never too late for love in this (mostly) true-life romantic comedy featuring Mariette Hartley, Jerry Sroka and with appearances by Bernie Kopell, Morgan Fairchild, Tess Harper, Sam McMurray, and Peter MacNicol. |
6:00PM |
Post Life Crisis • Post-Life Crisis, an eclectic alternative rock band, will present a multimedia event of performance art, visual art and rock music addressing a world in crisis with heart, humor and hope. PLC is band comprised of all ages and types — from a surrealist painter (Duke Hagerty) to a schoolteacher (John Ewing) to an urban technician and portrait painter (Blake Ryan) to a healthcare consultant (Jim Prutting) to a writer (Gary Smith) — and its show targets all ages and types, absolutely including children who like to shimmy! |
10:00AM |
Debra Dickensheets • Debra Ramsey Dickensheets, a native of the Carolina Lowcountry, is now based in the Atlanta area. She maintains a private teaching studio and serves as music director and organist at the Lutheran Church of the Ascension in Atlanta. |
2:00PM |
The Sound of Charleston • Experience the music that helps define Charleston’s history and unique charm. The longest running musical show in Charleston history features a diverse mix of gospel, Gershwin, jazz, Civil War songs, and light classics. Performers include Mayor John Tecklenburg, Ann Caldwell, Carl Bright, CSO artists Charles Messersmith and Jessica Hall-Dambaugh, and many more. Frommers Travel Guide calls The Sound of Charleston “the best time out in Charleston…a must see performance. Specific program details at www.soundofcharleston.com. |
3:00PM |
Mozart in Old St. Mary's • A Little Night Music. This all Mozart program features the complete Eine Kleine Nachtmusick, an early Mozart String Quartet, and one of Mozart’s charming Divertimentos. Members of the Charleston Symphony Orchestra will bring the music of Mozart alive in the ambiance and bright acoustic of St. Mary’s. |
6:00PM |
Post Life Crisis • Post-Life Crisis, an eclectic alternative rock band, will present a multimedia event of performance art, visual art and rock music addressing a world in crisis with heart, humor and hope. PLC is band comprised of all ages and types — from a surrealist painter (Duke Hagerty) to a schoolteacher (John Ewing) to an urban technician and portrait painter (Blake Ryan) to a healthcare consultant (Jim Prutting) to a writer (Gary Smith) — and its show targets all ages and types, absolutely including children who like to shimmy! |
8:00PM |
Laughway to the Weekend • Come laugh it up with us halfway to the weekend! This improv comedy show will feature 2-3 acts of hilarious improv comedy. Wednesday nights are a Charleston tradition that feature long form improv comedy. Every show is different and completely based on audience suggestions. |
6:00PM |
Post Life Crisis • Post-Life Crisis, an eclectic alternative rock band, will present a multimedia event of performance art, visual art and rock music addressing a world in crisis with heart, humor and hope. PLC is band comprised of all ages and types — from a surrealist painter (Duke Hagerty) to a schoolteacher (John Ewing) to an urban technician and portrait painter (Blake Ryan) to a healthcare consultant (Jim Prutting) to a writer (Gary Smith) — and its show targets all ages and types, absolutely including children who like to shimmy! |
7:00PM |
Stelle di Domani: Beautifully Weathered • The College of Charleston Department of Theatre and Dance proudly supports the annual residency concert with Annex Dance Company. Beautifully Weathered presents students and professionals sharing the stage in modern dance works that celebrate the resilience of human connection. |
7:30PM |
Mary Kay Has a Posse • They’re back! Charleston's original all-female improv comedy group! Part talk show format (similar to The View), part long form improv, ALL funny! Bitingly witty, unpredictable, and politically incorrect the ladies of “Posse Talk” break all the rules. “An unforgettable night of laughing ’til your face hurts.” Charleston City Paper If you are easily offended or feel that a woman's place is in the kitchen, stay home. (Adult audiences only) |
8:00PM |
Dot • Art Forms & Theatre Concepts presents Dot by Colman Domingo and guest directed by Miriam Crawford Grant. The Shealys, a West Philadelphia family, gather for the holidays in this hilarious and heartfelt comedy-drama. Dotty's memory is slipping as her three adult children – an overwhelmed attorney, a gay musicologist with marital problems, and an aspiring actress hoping to appear on Celebrity Mud Fight – clash over how best to care for their proud, lovable matriarch as well as for themselves. Memory is a funny thing; losing your memory and losing your mind are two completely different things! |
10:00AM |
Thomas Fielding • Organist and composer Dr. Thomas Fielding is director of music and liturgy for St. Augustine Cathedral, Kalamazoo, MI and is a graduate of the Indiana University Jacobs’ School of Music where his principal teacher was Christopher Young. |
6:00PM |
Stelle di Domani: Beautifully Weathered • The College of Charleston Department of Theatre and Dance proudly supports the annual residency concert with Annex Dance Company. Beautifully Weathered presents students and professionals sharing the stage in modern dance works that celebrate the resilience of human connection. |
8:00PM |
Take the Funny and Run • Some of the funniest improv you’ll see anywhere. Theatre 99 is Charleston’s year round home for improv comedy where audiences come to laugh until it hurts. Bring your suggestions for the quick-witted Theatre 99 ensemble members who will take your suggestions...and rock out hilarious unscripted scenes. Guaranteed to make you laugh! |
8:00PM |
Dot • Art Forms & Theatre Concepts presents Dot by Colman Domingo and guest directed by Miriam Crawford Grant. The Shealys, a West Philadelphia family, gather for the holidays in this hilarious and heartfelt comedy-drama. Dotty's memory is slipping as her three adult children – an overwhelmed attorney, a gay musicologist with marital problems, and an aspiring actress hoping to appear on Celebrity Mud Fight – clash over how best to care for their proud, lovable matriarch as well as for themselves. Memory is a funny thing; losing your memory and losing your mind are two completely different things! |
11:00AM |
Rising Stars • Now in its 14th year, Palmetto State Arts Education will host its Rising Stars Series will showcase young actors, dancers, musicians, writers and visual artists in the high-profile venue as part of the Piccolo Spoleto Festival. A series of six programs, each program will feature 6 young artists and/or ensembles in a conversation and performance format. All programs are presented at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church across from Marion Square on King Street in the heart of downtown Charleston. Schedule of performers: HTTPS://WWW.PALMETTOARTSED.ORG/RISING-STARS.HTML |
3:00PM |
Rising Stars • Now in its 14th year, Palmetto State Arts Education will host its Rising Stars Series will showcase young actors, dancers, musicians, writers and visual artists in the high-profile venue as part of the Piccolo Spoleto Festival. A series of six programs, each program will feature 6 young artists and/or ensembles in a conversation and performance format. All programs are presented at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church across from Marion Square on King Street in the heart of downtown Charleston. Schedule of performers: HTTPS://WWW.PALMETTOARTSED.ORG/RISING-STARS.HTML |
6:00PM |
Mary Kay Has a Posse • They’re back! Charleston's original all-female improv comedy group! Part talk show format (similar to The View), part long form improv, ALL funny! Bitingly witty, unpredictable, and politically incorrect the ladies of “Posse Talk” break all the rules. “An unforgettable night of laughing ’til your face hurts.” Charleston City Paper If you are easily offended or feel that a woman's place is in the kitchen, stay home. (Adult audiences only) |
8:00PM |
The Have Nots! Comedy Improv Company • No scripts! All improv! The Have Nots! Is the longest running show in Charleston. This high-energy comedy improv show is entirely based on your audience suggestion so every show is different. The Have Nots! will perform their unique brand improv comedy AND you never know who will join them on the stage! Come find out why critics say “The Have Nots! have it!” |
8:00PM |
Dot • Art Forms & Theatre Concepts presents Dot by Colman Domingo and guest directed by Miriam Crawford Grant. The Shealys, a West Philadelphia family, gather for the holidays in this hilarious and heartfelt comedy-drama. Dotty's memory is slipping as her three adult children – an overwhelmed attorney, a gay musicologist with marital problems, and an aspiring actress hoping to appear on Celebrity Mud Fight – clash over how best to care for their proud, lovable matriarch as well as for themselves. Memory is a funny thing; losing your memory and losing your mind are two completely different things! |
3:00PM |
Dot • Art Forms & Theatre Concepts presents Dot by Colman Domingo and guest directed by Miriam Crawford Grant. The Shealys, a West Philadelphia family, gather for the holidays in this hilarious and heartfelt comedy-drama. Dotty's memory is slipping as her three adult children – an overwhelmed attorney, a gay musicologist with marital problems, and an aspiring actress hoping to appear on Celebrity Mud Fight – clash over how best to care for their proud, lovable matriarch as well as for themselves. Memory is a funny thing; losing your memory and losing your mind are two completely different things! |
3:00PM |
Ladino Meets Latino with Susana Behar • Singer Susana Behar returns to Charleston to present her concert, ‘Ladino Meets Latino’. Inspired by her distinct heritage in which migration, exile and acculturation have been ever present, Susana will take the audience on a musical journey through Spain, the Ottoman Empire and the Americas. An encounter of sorts between cultures, Susana will present songs from the Spanish, Sephardic and Latin repertoire accompanied by her ensemble of extraordinary musicians from around the world. |
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