Capoeira transcends martial arts, music, and ritual. It was born on the streets of Brazil. It is a philosophical framework for approaching and interacting with the others and the world at large. It is a deep and holistic art form that pushes the practitioner to the proverbial limits – physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Charleston’s Capoeira Performance Arts group performed at the Charleston Arts Coalition Launch Party last February. Now, Charleston youth can learn this amazing art and sign up for classes at http://www.capoeiracharleston.com/
I managed to get back from a conference in Florida on Sunday, Sept. 27 just in time to get some Taco Boy tacos and cowboy beans and check out the Green Fair that took place last weekend at Marion Square in Charleston, SC. The Green Fair is an annual green affair, well attended by locals, that it supposed to showcase local green (in some cases unfortunately green-washed) businesses and to create excitement for green products and technologies. The fair also features local food, sustainable seafood cooking contest, musicians, presentations, arts and crafts. It also strives to encourage locals to buy local and recycle. I am always fascinated by the latest advances in solar energy technologies and green building materials. I was happy to see the Lowcountry Local First getting a lot of attention from attendees as they support and promote local businesses and economy.
Starting today, May 22, Charleston, SC will celebrate its premiere arts festival for 17 days and 17 nights – Spoleto USA 2009. The festival offers more than 120 performances. In addition, the City of Charleston also produces the Piccolo Spoleto. The Charleston City Paper just published a very detailed guide to Spoleto that includes opera, theater, dance, music and parties and more. So much to do during Spoleto in Charleston…. I will only mention my favorites:
Piccolo Spoleto’s Sunset Serenade, May 22 at 8pm. Charleston Symphony performing on the steps of the Custom House. Free!
Don John- musical theater (sexy actor Gisli Orn Gardarsson from Iceland appeared on Lowcountry Live today). “The play is the contemporary update of the classic myth of Don Juan, the original ladykiller, the first international playboy, the proto-womanizer, the Ur-man of mystery (The City Paper).” Memminger Auditorium. May 22, 23, 25, 27-30; June 1-2, June 4-7. $25
Punch Brothers – concert. Five young talented folk and bluegrass musicians are the talk of town. May 28. The Cistern. $25
Noche Flamenca - dance. Hot and steamy night filled with flamenco; superb dancers, guitarists and singers. The Cistern. June 4-6. $30
Brahms/Tchaikovsky – classical music. World renowned violinist Sarah Chang joins the Spoleto Festival USA Orchestra to perform Brahms’ brilliant and challenging Violin Concerto in D major and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6. Gaillard Auditorium. June 2. Starting at $10.
Festival Finale – concert. Bring your picnic and wine. The Spoleto Festival USA Orchestra will offer a concert under the stars featuring Bartók’s lively Dance Suite and Rimsky-Korsakov’s sumptuous Scheherazade + fireworks. Middleton Place Plantation. June 7. $15
Shine, the very hip new Charleston restaurant, is hosting a couple of great events this week! On Thursday, May 21, check out Margo Kaufman’s “Found Objects, Installations, and Other Things” art exhibit featuring all sustainable creations. Do not worry, shine’s gorgeous wallpaper will not be punctured, none of the artwork will be hung…they promise total installation…no footprint. This art exhibit will be on display through June 6, 2009. In addition, shine is hosting an arts & music festival on Saturday, May 23, featuring a variaty of artwork and music bands all day (rock, funk, soul and djs).
DJ Arthur Brouthers – you know him as the exclusive Charleston Fashion Week DJ – will be doing a show at shine on June 6 called “the history of house.” This one is still a secret, but it’s gonna be wild!
