Charleston Area Concerts And Music Venues Highlighting Its Homegrown Talent

The sound of music is in the air, it is everywhere in the Lowcountry. Few people may know this, but Charleston was home to the first musical society in North America called the St. Cecilia Society. It was formed possibly in 1766 as a private subscription concert organization, meaning members only. The exact date of its formation is speculative because early records were destroyed during the Civil War.

Popular musical tastes were much different then compared to what they are at present-no shakin' your booty or shagin' on the pier in those early colonial days. The musical society was greatly influenced by British tastes. Works of concert composers then favored in London were heard in Charleston between 1766 and 1820, the year the concert series came to an end. Musical tastes were changing, a country wide financial crisis unraveled the local economy and induced the society to curtail its activities. The society still exists today. The organization has a punch named after it called the St. Cecilia Society Punch.

Over the next two hundred years music has morphed in the Lowcountry. A period of time significant in the evolution of music in Charleston was the early 1900's. The Gullah culture of Charleston's sea island and its dock workers played a huge role in the development of what would become America's classical music, jazz and everything associated with it. Step aside New Orleans, jazzy Charleston humbly and quite possibly predates you, if you were to consider the evidence and the sociological development of enslaved Africans where European art was Africanized.

Avery Research Center

Many Charleston musicians of that period learned their craft with the Jenkins Orphanage Bands who were taught and trained at Charleston’s Jenkins Orphanage, one of the country’s first private black orphanages. Others were taught and trained at a school founded in 1865, Charleston’s Avery Normal Institute, now the Avery Research Center for African American History and Culture. The Center is located on the site of the former Avery Normal Institute at the College of Charleston.

In 1923, James P. Johnson, composed a song bearing the cities name using the driving rhythm of ragtime. Cecil Mack penned the lyrics for the song, but the words are relatively unknown in comparison to the tune. A dance of the same name was inspired by the song that became a dance synonymous with the 20's, the "Charleston". Everybody in the country was twisting their feet and kicking up their heels and the dance found a permanent place in musical history all due to the cities cultural influences. At the time, the "Charleston" was considered an immoral and provocative dance. Little did they know what was yet to come.

Darius Rucker in concert

Today, Charleston is still a cultural center for the musical arts. The Spoleto Festival and its compliment, Piccolo Spoleto, are proof of Charleston's immeasurable contribution to the performing arts. The two festivals feature music of all genres ranging from classical to jazz. Their mission is to present programs of the highest artistic caliber with a mix of distinguished artists and emerging talent both internationally and locally. Over the years Charleston has produced some phenomenal talent.

August 17 and 18 one of Charleston's sons, Darius Rucker of Hootie and the Blowfish, will perform a concert at Family Circle Magazine Stadium called Homegrown. The band came together in 1986 while in college at USC. Hootie and the Blowfish plays a mainstream pop variation of blues-rock, with an easy-going sound. Since debuting in 1994, the band has produced a string of Top 40 hits and sold over 25 million albums over the years. This is their 8th consecutive time at the Family Circle Magazine Stadium. They established the Hootie and the Blowfish Foundation benefiting children of South Carolina through education and supporting school music programs. You can purchase tickets for the concert.

Eddie Bush and myself

Eddie Bush is another homegrown talent and a Charleston favorite. From the time he decided music was his calling, and that was a very early age, Eddie committed himself to becoming a great guitar player, which he has accomplished. He astounds his audiences with his fiery guitar licks. He also dedicated himself equally at being an excellent singer and songwriting. He toured with Eric Johnson, played as part of a trio called One Flew South, and has been recognized nationally and locally for writing various moving ballads. I have seen Eddie perform on many occasions throughout the Charleston area. I have met Eddie personally and he is as engaging one on one as he is on the stage. He makes you feel like he is your next door neighbor, which in my case Eddie is a close neighbor. For the list of Eddie's future engagements, click here for his calendar.

Chelsea Summers

New musical talent continues to emerge in the Lowcountry. A young singer/songwriter I call "Summerville's Sweetheart" is making inroads into the local pop scene. Like any journey, it begins with the first step. Chelsea Summers began her journey at the age of thirteen, teaching herself to play guitar. Her first venue was outside her mother's store on W Richardson Ave in Summerville. She played for the Third Thursday crowds who gathered on the brick patio in front of the store to share some light conversation and refreshing beverages courtesy the Summers. It was then and there I first discovered Chelsea. I was captivated. You could compare her to Taylor Swift or Hilary Duff, but she is uniquely Chelsea. I have closely watched Chelsea hone her acoustic skills, sweet vocals and emerging stage presence. She has opened for Parachute, attended Nashville Songwriter’s Association International Advanced Songwriter’s Camp, and recently returned to Nashville. Her newly released CD features her own works and the songs are soulful and soothing. Click here for the list of venues she will be appearing at around the Lowcountry.

A Night At Red's Ice House With Eddie Bush And Company-Boats, Beer, And Music

Shem Creek at sunset

While "Rock of Ages" semi-rocked the theaters, Eddie Bush was pickin' his guts out for the party crowd at Red's Ice House on Shem Creek. "Rock of Ages" is a rock/jukebox musical about a night of revelry and debauchery at the beer soaked Bourbon Room on the Sunset Strip with a "Footloose" theme. It features Tom Cruise as the ripped and jaded metal musician/singer Stacee Jaxx decked out in a Bret Michaels type of bandanna, only blue, and sporting an Axl Rose attitude. While the movie has gotten cool reviews, Tom Cruise's performance as Stacee Jaxx has gotten "thumbs up" reviews along with an endorsement from Bret Michaels himself. It features old hits like "Sister Christian", "Anyway You Want It", "Cum On Feel the Noize", and "Wanted Dead or Alive", which makes it worth seeing for a nostalgic trip back to the 80's brand of rock music.

Red's Ice House on Shem Creek is a popular restaurant/bar located in Mt. Pleasant. The views from its water-side decks on the boat busy Shem Creek are spectacular, especially around sunset. It attracts a high-energy crowd with only one objective on their mind, fun. It has its own dock where boats can pull in and out throughout the night, a full service bar close to the action inside and out, and an upper deck for the ultimate view of Shem Creek. It also has a dog-friendly policy, which I soon became quite aware of from the slobbery licks on my hand as I walked on the outside decks.

Upper deck at Red's Ice House

It is not hard to guess where Red's Ice House got its name, because that is what it literally was back in the early days, an ice house owned by Lewis Hughes Simmons, also known as "Red". The Simmons family first built a dock in 1957 along the Shem Creek to provide a shrimp packing shed for local shrimpers. Then, in the 1970s Red Simmons installed a big ice blowing machine to fill the ice holds of the local fleet. So, from that time until the late 1990's he provided both the ice and housing services for fish packing. And so, the restaurant /bar in honor of its one time owner bears the name Red's Ice House.

Every Friday and Saturday night there is live entertainment. Eddie Bush was the featured performer scheduled and the main reason I came to Red's Ice House this particular Saturday night. When I arrived around 8:15pm, the restaurant and decks were packed with young and older. The Palmetto Breeze was just pulling into the docks with a full compliment of sightseers and fun seekers. For your information, the Palmetto Breeze is a sailing catamaran with 1,700 square feet of decking, plus covered seating. It offers a variety of daily public cruises, including dolphin sails, pirate adventures, barrier island sunsets, and historic Charleston Harbor sails. It is also available for private charters. Tonight's cruise was the Harbor Dolphin Sunset Sail. For more information on itinerary and dates go to the Palmetto Breeze calendar.

Palmetto Breeze catamaran

The skies were beautiful and the temperature was a perfect 72 degrees. The air wasn't saturated with the usual southern humidity, but a hint of testosterone and estrogen could be detected. The conversations were boisterous and filled with laughter. Just what you would expect of Red's Ice House on a Saturday night. Tonight, Coronas looked like the favored choice of beer judging by the empty bottles left on the deck rails and tables. I started to make my way around the outside decks to take some pictures, at which time I got my first slobbery kiss from one of the female patrons, this one happened to be on a leash. I thought I might fair better down where the boats come into the docks, so I parked myself for awhile at the boat entrance to take videos and pass the time until Eddie Bush took to the floor. I got a few nods and smiles, but no kisses. I did have a brief conversation with two very attractive, nicely dressed women who were curious about what I was doing at the restaurant.

Boaters on Shem Creek

Boats docking at Red's Ice House

Red's Ice House crowd

Eddie Bush started his first set around 10:15pm. Eddie needs no introduction. He is a Charleston favorite and draws a crowd where ever he goes. He is well known for his fiery guitar riffs and energized performances. Another talent became apparent tonight, he would make an excellent radio talk show host judging by his introduction of his accompanying bassist, Ben Bennett, where he encouraged him to do a rendering of "Billy Jean". Eddie was also joined by Julie Beam, the birthday girl of the night with excellent moves and harmony singer. I will let the videos speak for themselves and enjoy the pictures as well. See you around town.

 

Mount Pleasant-Gateway To Charleston Hosts The Lowcountry Splash May 19th And Other Activities You Don't Want To Miss

This one-time English settlement was known as "the sleepy town on the other side of the harbor." Then, it had an abrupt awakening. Life changed dramatically for this "sleepy town" with the construction of the Grace Bridge in 1929 and then the Silas Pearman Bridge in 1966, but these two bridges, which crossed the Cooper River and connected it with Charleston, would feel the stiff winds of change themselves, in a big way. The bridges bowed to the inevitable winds of progress and were replaced with the highly celebrated eight-lane wonder, the Authur Ravenel Bridge. The gates of Mount Pleasant were flung open. The building boom that was ignited made it one of the states fastest growing areas for several years. It is now known as the suburban gateway to Charleston and two of Charleston's most popular beaches, The Isle of Palms and Sullivan's Island.

Shem Creek

Mount Pleasant's cherished history has been well preserved along side its remarkable growth. You can still view the fishing fleet moored at the docks in 300 year old picturesque Shem Creek, also considered the historic heart of Mount Pleasant. Historic Boone Hall Plantation is open to the public with events scheduled throughout the year. Across the road from Boone Hall is Snee Farm Plantation, home of one of the original signers of the Constitution. Travel along Highway 17 and you will get a glimpse of its Gullah heritage where sweetgrass basket stands dot the roadside. The Sweetgrass Cultural Arts Pavilion is located at Memorial Waterfront Park. The original village was laid out by James Hibben in 1803 when it received its name. Hibben House still stands in the Old Village. A note from the Civil War years: Mount Pleasant was the secret training ground for the crew of the H. L. Hunley, the Confederate submarine that sunk the USS Housatonic.

USS Yorktown, Patriots Point

Today, Mount Pleasant is home to Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum where the World War II aircraft carrier USS Yorktown serves as a museum, Palmetto Islands County Park, a nature-oriented, 943-acre park with Splash Island Waterpark, paddle boats, bicycle paths, boardwalks, and picnic sites with grills, Westbrook Brewing Company, golfing, kayaking, and a farmer's market. Shem Creek is a popular hot spot for live music and eateries such as Red's Icehouse, Vickery's Bar and Grill, Shem Creek Bar and Grill, and the Water's Edge Restaurant. It hosts the Cooper River Bridge Run held every year, a 10k run across the Authur Ravenel Bridge, that draws people by the tens of thousands from all over the country and the world. The list of festivals and events goes on and on.

Shem Creek Inn

This Saturday, May 19th, it will host the "Lowcountry Splash", a 2.4 mile open water swim along the Mount Pleasant shoreline from Hobcaw Yacht Club and wet finish at the Charleston Harbor Marina in front of the USS Yorktown. The Splash has been growing in popularity through the years attracting swimmers from 30 of the 50 states and 3 countries. It is a benefit race for the Logan Rutledge Children’s Foundation. Entry fee is $60. You can register here. Race begins at 8:00 am. First shuttle bus departs Patriots Point at 6:30am-schedule. There are prizes in different age categories. The weather looks good for this Saturday morning and the tide is favorable.

Following the race, head on over to The Lighthouse on the Creek, next to Reds on Shem Creek for "Eddie Bush and The Mayhem" kicking off the "Lowcountry Splash Race to Rock II After Party" starting 11:00 am until 2:00 pm. Admission is free and $20 wristbands get you all you want adult beverages.

The fun doesn't end there on Saturday, May 19th,  in Mount Pleasant. "Shaggin' on the Cooper" should be your next stop. Live music will fill the air on the Mount Pleasant Pier. Gates open at 7:00 pm and the music begins at 8:00 pm. The featured band is the Yeager Park Band. All ages are invited to let loose, breathe in the ocean breeze and dance the night away under the stars. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Tickets purchased in advance: $10/$8, at the gate: $10 (based on availability). Located at 71 Harry Hallman Boulevard, Mount Pleasant.

Don't forget the "Party at the Point" held every Friday night at the Hilton Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina on Patriots Point. It will be Reggae Night with Dub Island and The Dubplates. Admission is $5. Gates open at 5:30 pm.

Party at the Point

May 20, 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Park West Recreation Complex will be the "Mount Pleasant Beers, Beats, and Eats." If you want to sample local and regional craft beers, this is the event. A home brewer's tent will be set up with creative craft beer demonstrations and accompanied by delicious local food. Entertainment will include the bands The 3 Dudes, The Larry/David Project and Plane Jane. The first 1,000 sample-ticket buyers will receive free souvenir mini-tasting mugs. Free admission, parking and kids activities. Located at 1251 Park West Boulevard, Mount Pleasant.

Summerville Ghost Stories And The Blue Bottle Tree Along with A Festival At The Ponds

blue bottle tree at W. Carolina and Tupper

In Summerville, there is an area where three roads converge unto South Main Street to make a single intersection of five points. The roads are W. Carolina Ave, E. Carolina Ave, and Tupper Lane. I have driven through this intersection many times and have often wondered about the significance of the strange potted ornament placed at the point where W. Carolina Ave and Tupper Lane come together. It was always just a brief curiosity because I never made any real effort to find out what the strange looking tree-like structure with blue bottles stuck on its branches was. Until recently, and only by accident, I stumbled upon the answer. I was researching ghost stories in the Summerville area. Not surprsing, it's called a blue bottle tree and quite common throughout the South.

Today, it is mainly nothing more than a decoration people put in their gardens and on their lawns, but in history the blue bottle tree is steeped in superstitions brought here by African slaves. The color blue was believed to ward off spirits, more specifically, the evil kind. The bottles on the bottle tree are thought to entice the evil spirits into climbing inside during the evening hours where they become trapped. Then, the morning sun comes up and the sunlight kills the spirits. Quite an ingenious idea, if you believe in such things. Also, a nifty way of making good use of empty wine bottles, if you like the idea of a blue bottle tree in your yard.

Old City Jail

Charleston is rich with a diverse collection of varying cultures each laced with their own blend of superstitions and beliefs, necessary ingredients for inventing interesting ornaments and compiling ghost stories to entertain the many tourists who come here to experience history at its best. Poogan's Porch tells stories of encounters with a ghost named Zoe St. Armand, a woman who once lived there. She is sometimes heard banging things around in the kitchen. Battery Carriage House Inn is known as “Charleston’s most haunted inn." It is home to the “gentleman ghost” and the headless torso. Want to reserve a room for the scare of it? The Dockstreet Theater has two ghosts wandering within its walls, a male ghost dressed in formal attire, thought to be Junious Brutus Booth, and an alleged prostitute. You will need tickets for this show. No tickets needed on Church Street, which is lined with plenty of graveyards, but a tour guide would be helpful. Last but not least, Lavinia Fisher awaits your presence at the Old City Jail. The stories are many and the tours are plenty. Check out Bulldog Tours.

Summerville has its share of ghost stories as well. One notable story is associated with The Ponds, a community located on Highway 17A where Dorchester Rd ends. The entrance is marked by a tower. The Ponds has a history dating back to 1682. Plenty of time for human activity and interaction needed to create stories of mystery tainted by an active imagination. The first owner of the land built a plantation called Westin Hall. His name was Andrew Percival. From 1723 to 1765, the Donning family of England had controlling interest in the plantation until they sold it.

Several families from that point in time owned it and for over a hundrerd years it was a rice plantation. John Shultz took ownership in 1818 and later his son. After returning from the Civil War, having served in the First South Carolina Mounted Militia, Frederick Schultz eventually sold it to Edward Lotz in 1881. Edward Lotz became a lumber dealer and made shingles out of the numerous cypress trees growing on the land. Edward Lotz is where the ghost story begins. Today, it seems he makes a nightly visit to the old farmhouse to make sure everything is well. Sorry, nothing ghastly or gruesome to report. It seems the lands history has been one of tranquility.

The Ponds is also a center for local area events and community activities. World-renowned arts shows, outdoor music festivals, and sporting events have unfolded on this one-time plantation. There is an outdoor amphitheater on the property located next to the lake. This Saturday, April 21st, the Southern Flame - The Southern Food Festival Under the Oaks kicks-off. The time is 11 am to 8 pm. It is $10 to park all day with food and berverage tickets available. There will be a BBQ Competition and a People’s Choice Southern Foods Competition. Live bluegrass and rock music will keep you dancing. Eddie Bush and The Mayhem are the featured group. Join the fun and stick around after dark to see if Edward Lotz likes what he sees.

Charleston Loves Eddie Bush-It's All About The Music

click here for the video

I remember the first time I picked up an electric guitar, cradled it in my lap, strummed the strings, fingered the fret, and clumsily attempted to play some simple chords. Actually, it was a friends guitar. It was red and white. He was looking to sell it. I watched him play this old piece called "The Little Black Egg", a popular song by the Nightcrawlers. He plucked the strings and moved his fingers across the fret. It was magical. He showed me his fingers. He had developed grooves on the tips of his fingers, a desired result from the many hours of play needed to perfect his skills. I was sold.

"The Little Black Egg" was the first song I wanted to learn. I envisioned brightly lit stages and screaming, adoring fans. I was seventeen and it was the 60's. Vietnam broke hearts and bodies. Society was in an uproar. The British invasion was underway and the Beatles ruled the day. The Doors sang, "Girl, we couldn't get much higher." Rock was the salve that soothed the wounds or the stick that stirred the pot, depending how you want to remember it, but my aspirations of playing in a band faded. Other interests had muted the music. I also loved to play sports.

alto sax

When I turned twenty-one, I began to work for a company that made brass line musical intruments. Assembling and tuning saxaphones became my expertise. The saxaphone is the most complicated of the brass instruments, requiring the most parts to bring it to completion. I loved the rich, powerful and vocal sound it produced. I was asked on numerous occassions what seemed to be a logical question to many of my acquaintances, "Do you play the sax?" In the ten years I spent making the instrument that makes the music, I didn't take the time to perfect the skill for playing it. My oldest son became the sax player. It was the 70's. The Flower Children sang for love and  peace. Kent State mourned their fallen students. The Eagles sang about "Life in the Fast Lane."

I then began to build trumpets, which I did for a short time, and no, I didn't become a trumpet player. My youngest son became the trumpet player. For the remainder of my years working for King Musical, that became United Musical, that became Conn-Selmer, I made pistons for all the instruments that had a valve. Many of them went into instruments played by famous musicians in big city symphanies and marching bands from all over the country. I estimated to have made close to 1,900,000 pistons in those thirteen years.

My story doesn't end there. On a lighter side, in my early thirties, my oldest daughter took up the piano. I accompanied my daughter on her lessons. It was during this time I decided to teach myself on the piano. My daughter took lessons at a mall store that sold pianos and keyboards. So, while she was taking lessons I would play around on the pianos. This practice however, of playing in the store while she took lessons, became a source of discomfort for my daughter. Apparently, her teacher would hear me pounding on the pianos and would make mention of my unknown-to-me indesretion. She would say something like, "Your Father is at it again." Children can be sensitive about such things. A few years later an opportunity to play keyboards with a band materialized, but once again, other interests prevailed.

All total I worked 35 years making the instruments that make the music, and then I retired. Like society, rock music has morphed in so many ways. Music has always been an integral part of my journey. Other interests may have overshadowed it at times, but the passion has never been exstinguished. In recent times, I have taken up the keyboards once again and I still recall the old song, "The Little Black Egg", with fondness. Aspirations of playing in a band still remains a viable possibilty. You should never give up on your dreams. Visions of brightly lit stages and screaming, adoring fans, only in my wildest imaginations. But that isn't what it is all about, aspirations and adoration. It is all about the music.

Before I came to Charleston, I had not heard of the name Eddie Bush. Since my arrival in Charleston, near seven years ago, I have researched and consumed every bit of information I could gather to learn about the place I have come to love and now call my home. I started a blog to share my discoveries with family and friends and to inform my readers of upcoming events. I came to learn the name Eddie Bush is as well known in the Charleston area as Rainbow Row and the Battery. So, I did what I do. I researched his bio and began to follow his engagements throughout the Lowcountry. Eddie picked up a guitar at age four and from that moment on his path was set in stone, no other possible distractions had a chance to prevail. He has a strong base of committed and loyal followers. I have seen Eddie perform. I have become a believer.

Eddie is a person who has truly found his calling. Yes, he has loyal, adoring fans. It's the subsequent byproduct of a great performer. But he doesn't do it for the applause or adoration, he does it because it's all about the music. When on stage, he breathes charm, sweats passion, and bleeds guitar. His vocals are powerful, his songs inspiring. "The Thin Blue Line" is a masterpiece. I recently had the privilege of meeting Eddie. He is a class "A" performer. You can get the whole story at eddiebush.com.

Eddie Bush & the Mayhem at Wild Wing Columbia, SC (Vista) 4/6/12
Eddie Bush & the Mayhem @ King Street Grill - Northwoods: 4/7/12
Eddie Bush & the Mayhem at Wild Wing Charlotte, NC 4/14/12
Eddie Bush & The Mayhem: Southern Flame Festival 4/21/12

The Flowertown Festival 2012 In Summerville Is Underway-Eddie Bush And Lots Of Fun

I stepped out onto the hot pavement of S. Main. The unusually hot, spring sun was performing its magic. I looked ahead down the main strip of the festival and as far as I could see was a mass of fellow festival goers. The smell of carnival food carried on the warm breeze curled around me. In close proximity to my position was a vendor cooking up an assortment of french fries, which included butterfly fries. Although I am not a fan of carnival food, I do like fries and the temptation was strong. I resisted, for the moment, and pressed forward.

Immediately, I was confronted by a gantlet of vendors attempting to hand me their cards, one on the right, next the left. In my mind I had a flash-back of a scene from a Dirty Harry movie called coincidentally "The Gauntlet", but spelled differently, and began to sympathize with how he must have felt as he was confronted with the hail of bullets showering down on his bus. I survived the onslaught, but one vendor did manage to get his card into my pocket.

spin-the-wheel

Next, a young man called out to me and tried to persuade me to putt a ball into a hole for a chance to win a Kindle Fire. The catch was you had to do it blindfold, and then if you were successful, your name would be put into a drawing. I politely gave the excuse, "Not at the moment. Maybe when I come back around." And so, this is the way it was on down the line. Win a dream vacation, win a gift card, spin-the-wheel, more food, more vendors. Yep, it's the Flowertown Festival in Summerville and if you were expecting something different, you're in the wrong place because that is what it is all about. People showcasing their businesses, their arts and crafts, food, live entertainment, and all in the name of fun.

joggling boards

take a seat.

live entertainment

My main objective today was to locate the Flowertown Players booth managed by Christine Eliason. Christine was the director of the Players most recent play "Wait Until Dark". The play was both entertaining and engaging, and a success. The Flowertown Players have a small stage set up next to their tables where brief scenes from popular plays will be acted out. Today, I was present to view a scene of a women's version of "The Odd Couple" acted out by Stephanie Crowley and Leslie Vicary. Stephanie was all fired up for the skit. Be sure to stop by for a look-see and pick up one of the brochures highlighting their season ahead and the plays they will be performing.

Stephanie Crowley and Leslie Vicary

One of the highlights in the way of live entertainment Saturday will be Summerville's own Chelsea Summers. She will take the stage at 11:00am in Azalea Park near the Cuthbert Center. Chelsea is generally seen around Summerville performing at local venues including the Icehouse Restaurant, Single Smile Café, Firewater Grille and Madra Rua Irish Pub. She recently won a contest for a gig in Winston-Salem, N.C at Ziggy's where she opened for Parachute.

Chelsea at Ziggy's

Sunday's highlight needs no introductions. He is well known around Summerville and just about everywhere else. He once played the guitar with his teeth. He performs, writes, and teaches. He formed a trio with Chris Roberts and Royal Reed called One Flew South. He plays with a group called the Mayhem. Eddie Bush is his name and he will perform 1:30-2:30pm. Don't miss it.

Woodlands Inn And Resort of Summerville-Come For The Party On The Lawn

Today, November 8, 2011, it is 74 degrees and sunshine, sunshine, sunshine in Summerville, SC. Could it get any better? Maybe, alittle wine with the sunshine, and how about some song. Reminds me of a famous quote, "Who loves not wine, women and song, remains a fool his whole life long.” Let's take it a step further. Another quote, “I cook with wine, sometimes I even add it to the food.” Now you have all the ingredients for a goodtime: food, wine, and music.

Sunday, Nov 13, 2011, The Woodlands Resort Inn of Summerville, SC will be bringing all of these amenities together for their second annual Wine and Art Under the Pines. Regardless of the weather, you are invited to gather with other guests on the Woodlands Inn lawn for wine and food tastings, art displays and sales, a silent auction and musical entertainment.

The musical entertainment will be provided by former Summerville local singer/songwriter, Eddie Bush of One Flew South. That in itself is worth spending money on a ticket. Tickets are $35 per person until November 7th and are $50 thereafter. Time is 1:00pm to 5:00pm. Location is 125 Parsons Road Summerville, SC, 800-774-9999.

Eddie Bush is a standout favorite to all those familiar with the local music scene. For over two decades he had been a regular in local clubs as a solo performer and as the lead singer of the Eddie Bush Group. A self taught guitarist, his guitar skills earned him several first place honors in local battle of the bands contests in the 1990's.

Several years ago a solo release caught the attention of Nashville producer/songwriter Marcus Hummon. Eddie Bush was paired with Royal Reed and Chris Roberts. The result was the formation of pop country band, One Flew South, formed in the tradition of the Eagles, Poco, and Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young, with a little Alabama and the Beach Boys thrown in for good measure. What is there not to like about that.

The Woodlands Inn and Resort of Summerville is a restored 1906 Charleston estate. It has been restored to become a Five Star, Five Diamond Inn that rests on 42 private acres amidst a grove of palmettos, moss-draped oak, and towering magnolias. One of only four lodging properties in the United States to receive the Five Star and Five Diamond hotel awards for both lodging and dining.

It offers a dining experience that is world renowned, not to leave out, a local favorite. Its New American cuisine incorporates the freshest, most exclusive ingredients gathered by private gardeners, day-boat fisherman and farmers. The service by the dining staff is superlative, and I can personally vouch for that. The resort also has a two-bedroom, 1,300 square foot Country Cottage.