Spoleto Festival 2022--Don't Miss the Finale

The name Spoleto comes from an ancient city situated in the province of Perugia in east-central Umbria on a foothill of the Apennines in Italy, 131 miles southeast of Florence and 78 miles north of Rome.

Spoleto is home to the "Festival dei Due Mondi," also known as the "Festival of the Two Worlds," first organized and founded by Gian Carlo Menotti. The festival has developed into one of the most important cultural manifestations with a three-week schedule of music, theater, and dance performances.

Gian Carlo Menotti wanted to establish a counterpart of the festival in the USA. So, the organizers searched the US for a city that would offer the same charm and hospitality as Spoleto, Italy, and a wealth of theaters, churches, and other performance spaces. Charleston was rightly selected, and held its first festival in 1977. Spoleto Festival USA produces its own operas, which are rarely performed masterpieces by well-known composers, and also presents theater, dance, and music ranging from classical to jazz. It is now one of the world's major performing arts festivals. This year it begins May 27.

One of my regularly attended events of the festival is the finale with its impressive fireworks display. In previous years, the Spoleto Finale was always scheduled at Middleton Place. This is my favorite fireworks show in 2014 paired with a song performed by Pink Floyd called On The Turning Away. This year the Wells Fargo Spoleto Finale will held at the Firefly Distillery with Shakey Graves.

Shakey Graves is a Texas theater-kid-turned-Americana-rocker. He will bring to the event his unique "distinct stage presence, strong vocals, insightful lyricism, and melodies that linger." (The Post and Courier) Check out one of his sessions.

Pack a picnic, gather your blankets and chairs, and head to the new Firefly Distillery grounds in North Charleston on Sunday, June 12, with gates opening at 5:00pm. Adult beverages will be sold on site, so do not bring any alcohol in from the outside. Performances will begin at 6:00pm. The rousing fireworks display closes out the affair. You don't want to miss it.

Click on for complete Spoleto schedule.

Five Charleston Lowcountry Events You Want To Experience Before July

As the "number one tourist destination in America", Charleston embraces its lofty claim to fame by providing an endless summer of things to do. Its sun-drenched beaches, beautiful parks, historic landmarks, and hospitable communities are its pride and joy. From the heart of its Old City Market to all points of its surrounding Lowcountry, it is a multifaceted topography jam packed with interesting tours, yearly festivals, tasty cuisine, fashionable shopping, rooftop bars, and an active nightlife to fill your days and evenings.

From Charleston's expansive catalog of things to do, I have picked five events you will want to do before July arrives.

Spoleto Festival Finale
Internationally recognized as America’s premier performing arts festival, the 17-day Spoleto Festival is a celebration dedicated to showcasing and honoring the artists and performers while providing high caliber entertainment from beginning to end for all its patrons.

Beautiful, historic Middleton Place Plantation, home of "the oldest gardens in America", is the host and the backdrop for the finale. The setting is unmatched, the music is entertaining, and the fireworks at the close are spectacular. This is one of my top must-do events.

The 3rd Annual Beer Garden begins at 3:30 p.m. with local craft beers, gourmet picnic fare, and music from the best local and regional bands--4:15pm - 5:00pm Johnny Delaware, and 5:15pm - 6:00pm Steven Fiore. At dusk, the attention turns toward the main stage performance featuring the Alabama-based seven-piece soul band, St. Paul and The Broken Bones, at 8:30pm.

Patrons are welcome to bring their own chairs, blankets, and picnics; food and beverage will also be available for purchase until 7:30pm. Adult Advance ($35.00), Senior ($31.50), Military ($31.50), Child ($15.00). Video of fireworks from 2014. Purchase tickets.

Party at the Point
Charleston Harbor Resort on Patriots Point hosts this beach party every Friday from April to July. You can kick off whatever foot wear you are wearing and sink your toes into its soft, cool sand while listening to the tunes of local bands--one of the top ten on my list of things to do.

Connected to the beach, a long walking pier provides you with a great view of the whole harbor while its balmy breezes wash over you with a splash of salt water scent. It is the only beach in Charleston where you can drink a brew.

The schedule--Seven Handle Circus with The Kenny George Band - May 29th, Banana Pancakes - June 5th, Sol Driven Train with Jordan Igoe June 12th, Reggae Night with The Dubplates - June 19th, and Season Finale with The Dave Matthews Tribute Band - June 26th. Party begins at 5:30pm with a cover charge of $7. More pictures.

Party in the Park
With a stunning view of the Ravenel Bridge towering over the pier at beautiful Memorial Waterfront Park, the Party in the Park offers free music concerts featuring national country music recording artists every Tuesday evening in June at 6:30pm to 8:30pm. The Firefly red pick-up truck is always a welcome sight for me. I always enjoy Firefly's Sweet Tea Vodkas and Moonshine mixes.

The complete lineup: JUNE 2ND--Dan and Shay, JUNE 9TH--Kelsea Ballerini and John King, JUNE 16TH--Canaan Smith and Mo Pitney, JUNE 23RD--Chase Bryant and Craig Wayne Boyd, JUNE 30TH--Kristian Bush and Mickey Guyton.

It is highly recommended you park offsite and hop on a Lowcountry Loop Trolley for a free ride. No coolers allowed; food and beverage are available for purchase.

Wednesday Wine Stroll
The weather and the setting were perfect. There was but a whisper of a breeze playing on the long branches of the old oaks. The fading sun cast a tranquil shade of pleasant over the beautified gardens. The numerous reflective ponds, alive with the chatter of its amphibious residents, were one with the surroundings. Their mirror like surfaces disturbed only by the watchful eyes of the long-toothed reptiles common to these Lowcountry waters.

Beyond the gated ruins and overlooking the Ashley, the four strategically placed tables were elegantly set, two bottles of vino on each, servers in place. Friends, relatives, acquaintances, and couples with cups in hand soaked in the ambiance and engaged in light conversation as they walked from table to table and strolled the numerous intertwined paths of the plantation landscape. All this is courtesy of Middleton Place and its Wednesday Wine Stroll--More pictures. Purchase tickets.

The final stroll is May 27th beginning at 6:00pm to 8:00pm.

Record Smashing Tea Party
The annual celebration of National Iced Tea Day occurs on June 10th. The day is set aside to celebrate the summer drink that has become one of the most popular ways to quench one's thirst in the United States. As an alternative to carbonated soft drinks, iced tea makes up about 85% of all tea consumed. It can be enjoyed sweetened or unsweetened, but here, in the South, sweetened is infused, and the historical concoction is proudly called sweet tea.

On June 10th, the Birthplace of Sweet Tea is going to celebrate the day by attempting to set a new World Record for the World's Largest Glass of Iced Tea, and you are invited to participate. Summerville will be making from scratch a single 1,400 gallon glass of sweet tea, brewed with local tea leaves from America's only tea grower, the Charleston Tea Plantation, and the brew will be sweetened by Dixie Crystals--the sugar of the south.

An Adjudicator from the Guinness Book of World Records will be on hand to oversee, verify and present the record for the 'World's Largest Iced Tea'. It all takes place at 5:00pm - 8:00pm at the southern end of Hutchinson Square in front of Town Hall.

Spoleto and Piccolo Spoleto Festivals Showcase Charleston's Charisma and Charm-Pick Your Event

It's Spoleto time in historic Charleston. Charleston showcases its charisma. The Spoleto Festival and its complement, Piccolo Spoleto, begins May 24th. The Spoleto Festival is patterned after a yearly festival held in Spoleto, Italy called the Festival of Two Worlds.

Charleston was chosen by the festival's founders as the perfect counterpart of Spoleto because it mirrors the classic charm of Spoleto as well as its wealth of preserved architecture, intimate theaters, natural beauty, churches and other charming performances spaces. Although compact in size compared to other U.S. cities, Charleston's closeness allows for the entire city to be submerged into the festivities, yet it is cosmopolitan enough to provide an enthusiastic audience.

The main difference between the two festivals-Spoleto concentrates on international artists where Piccolo Spoleto concentrates on artists of the Southeast. Other standout features of Piccolo Spoleto-It provides access to the festival for every person, especially children and half of its events are admission-free. Some examples of free outdoor concerts include the Sunset Serenade concert behind the U.S. Custom House featuring the Charleston Symphony Orchestra, the Children’s Festival, the Memorial Day Concert, and the Piccolo Spoleto Finale at Hampton Park.

A favorite of mine is the Piccolo Spoleto’s Sand Sculpting Competition. You can enjoy the natural beauty of one of Charleston's barrier island beaches and express your appreciation for art.

At times, I have been known to dig around in the sand to see what my imagination could come up with. Once, while vacationing on  Estero island, I conjured up a sand sculpture of a man buried in the sand. An older couple passing by asked me if I sculpted for a living and thought I worked for the resort. Come and try your hand for the fun of it or just come on down and see what creative minds and talented hands can do with the shaping and sculpting of sand. Isle of Palms, Front Beach is the place. June 1 from 9am-12noon is the time. Admission is free. Hopefully the rain stays away.

Two Spoleto events I have been eyeing are Rosanne Cash at the TD Arena at College of Charleston June 2 at 7:30pm and The Red Stick Ramblers at Middleton Place, June 9 at 8:30pm. Rosanne Cash's music career has spanned three decades. She has a sound that blurs the lines between country, rock, roots, and pop. Eleven number one singles, a Grammy and nominations for twelve more, and three books including the bestselling Composed are among her achievements. Recently, her endeavors have turned toward the South, her ancestry and the people. The finale at Middleton Place features the Red Stick Ramblers known for their unique hybrid of Cajun, honky-tonk, and swing. Enjoy craft beer at the Finale Beer Garden located at the Pavilion and sample the food. A spectacular post-concert fireworks display will bring the Festival to its traditional celebratory close.

Spoleto Festival Kicks Off Friday And Displays A Wide Range Of Music Venues

When it comes to music I have always said, "If it sounds good, I'll listen to it". Now, I know that statement is rather subjective, because what sounds good to me may not necessarily sound good to you, but I do have a wide range of interest when it comes to music. I never really followed any particular group or singer. They all had their good ones and their not so good ones. There again, my criticism may be subjective.

One song that sticks in my memory and I find myself randomly thinking of from time to time, and this is for no apparent reason, is "Mellow Yellow" by Donovan. Another favored oldie "when I get drunk"(I just thought I would throw that in there because it is part of the lyics, I never get drunk-honest) from a Scottish group "I Would Walk Five Hundred Miles" called the Proclaimers. But I will have to stop there because there just is not enough space for me to list out everything I recall by such groups as Genesis, Moody Blues, Who, Eagles, Billy Joel, John Cougar became Mellencamp, Queen, and so on and so on. I have to interject that Country music was not a favorite of mine until it emerged out of the twangy stage. Oh, when I am on a cruise or the beach somewhere and there is something in the blender, Jimmy Buffet.

From May 27-June 12 Spoleto Festival and Piccolo Spoleto will be featuring music of various genres both international and local such as classical, jazz, and grass roots. So, there is plenty to choose from depending on your tastes or you just might want to broaden your range of interest. The festival is a great place to test the waters out.

Sarah Jarosz will be performing at College of Charleston Cistern Yard Thursday, June 2 at 9:00 pm. I personally haven't heard much of her music until I saw her name on the events list and checked her out. One of her releases that caught my attention was "Long Journey". She is billed as having a "haunting voice whose purity recalls Alison Krauss, mandolin and banjo skills worthy of a Grammy nomination, and songwriting abilities the envy of anyone twice her age." Tickets are $30-$40.

The Del McCoury Band will perform at Middleton Place Sunday, June 12 at 8:30 pm. Del McCoury is considered a bluegrass icon. The evening will end with a spectacular fireworks display. Alot of foot stomping here. Tickets ar $30. Want to listen to a sample click here.

Karrin Allyson will perform at College of Charleston Cistern Yard Friday, May 27 9:00 pm and Saturday, May 28 9:00 pm. She is not a newcomer to the festival. She is a celebrated Jazz vocalist. Tickets are $30-$45. Here is an example of her singing.

Early Bird Blues: Juke Joint Johnny & Drew Baldwin “The Harmonica Beast of the Southeast” will be at Mad River Bar and Grill, 32 N. Market St. Tickets: $11. May 27 at 5-7pm.

The Piccolo Spoleto Block Party: The Summer Frenzy! A night full of music, dancing, and good eats. Entertainment ranges from local bands battling it out, dance performances by Dancefx and Mufuka Works Dance Company and a DJ mixin’ up tunes from the 60’s to today’s hottest hits. It is all free. Marion Square, Calhoun St. and King St. June 4 from 7-11pm.

This is only a samlping. For all the music venues offered go to Piccolo Spoleto and Spoleto Fesival. See you at opening ceremonies May 27.

Piccolo Spoleto Festival Fun-Sand Sculpting Competition On Isle Of Palms

Everytime I vacation on the beach somewhere I can't help myself. I have an irresistable urge to dig around in the sand and sculpt something, usually hammerheads or sea turtles. One time, when I was staying at the quaint oceanside condo resort called the Lahaina Inn Resort on Fort Meyers Beach, I sculpted a human head with its hands sticking out of the sand. I added seaweed for hair and etched in the sand the words, "Help me." A couple walking along the shore stopped and asked me if I did it for a living and whether I worked for the resort as a sand sculptor. I slyly smiled and said no. Another time I made Mount Rushmore with Disney characters instead of presidents. I am also a Disney enthusiast on top of it.

The Piccolo Spoleto Festival begins May 27 and there are plenty of things to see and do, including a sand sculpting competition to encourage appreciation for art and the environment. It will take place on the Isle of Palms at Front Beach on May 28 from 9am to noon. Admission is free. Bring your shovels, buckets and sand utensils. Fun for the whole family. Cameras are encouraged. Hopefully the weather will cooperate because sand mixed with  large volumes of water don't adhere together well. Map location.

Other ways to enjoy the celebration of art are the exibits, both painting and photography. Piccolo Spoleto 27th Annual Juried Art Exhibition will showcase works of South Carolina artists. This year’s jurors are Alex Powers (painting/ 2D) and Rick Rhodes (photography). Charleston Visitor Center, 375 Meeting St. Admission: free. May 27-June 10; Daily, 8:30am-5pm. Map location.

Piccolo Spoleto Outdoor Art Exhibition will showcase the works of award-winning South Carolina artists at Marion Square, with free demonstrations each day. King and Calhoun Streets. Admission: free. May 27-June 11; 10am-5pm. Map location.

Jack Alterman Invitational Exhibition: Allende! will debut his documentary film featuring two Charleston artists and a longtime expatriate educator who have made San Miguel their home. Jack Alterman Gallery, 36 George St. Admission:  Free.  May 25-June 12; Mon.-Sat., 10am-6pm; Sun., noon-5pm. Map location.

Looking for tips on sand sculping click here.

It's Near Spoleto Time In Charleston-Join In The Fun

It's Spoleto Festival USA time and it's Piccolo Spoleto Festival time. Wait a minute, which is it? Is it Spoleto Festival or is it Piccolo Spoleto Festival? Both festivals conspicuously take place May 27 thru June 12. The question is: Are they one in the same or two separate festivals occurring simultaneously? To answer that question, we need to investigate its history.

The name Spoleto comes from an ancient city located in Italy situated in the province of Perugia in east central Umbria on a foothill of the Apennines. To put it in perspective, it is centrally located some 131 miles southeast of Florence and 78 miles north of Rome. Spoleto is home to the "Festival dei Due Mondi" also known as the "Festival of the Two Worlds" first organized and founded by Gian Carlo Menotti. The festival has developed into one of the most important cultural manifestations in Italy, with a three-week schedule of music, theater and dance performances.

Gian Carlo Menotti wanted to establish a counterpart of the festival in the USA. So, the organizers searched the US for a city that would offer the same charm and hospitality of Spoleto, Italy, and also its wealth of theaters, churches, and other performance spaces. Charleston was rightly selected and the first festival was held in 1977. Spoleto Festival USA produces its own operas, which are rarely performed masterpieces by well-known composers and also presents theater, dance and music ranging from classical to jazz. It is now one of the world's major performing arts festivals.

While Spoleto Festival USA features artists and performers of national and international renown, the City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs wanted to highlight outstanding local and regional artists. Thus, Piccolo Spoleto was established and became the official companion festival, the perfect complement.

Each festival has its own official poster. The poster of the Spoleto Festival is often not well received by the native masses and this years choice is no exception. The official poster is a red, white, and black abstraction of the interior, architectural schematic of London's famed opera house Covent Garden, home of the Royal Opera and the Royal Ballet. The Piccolo Spoleto poster tends to favor local artistic tastes. Both posters are the featured images of this article. You decide for youself?

So, Charleston, for 17 days, will be full of the performing arts. Its theaters and streets will be filled with visitors and locals alike. There is scheduled something for everyone and anybody, a spattering of the diverse artistic expressions in our culture. It is by far the most popular festivals of the year. You can purchase Spoleto tickets and events and Piccolo Spoleto tickets and events. Charleston hotels and accommodations.

A couple of interesting scheduled performances:
Circa-Australia’s most innovative circus company debuts with its newest show, hailed by The Herald (UK) as “truly a circus, but with a poetic, life-affirming modern twist.” Combining heart-stopping acrobatics with contemporary choreography and cheeky humor. Memminger Auditorium June 7-12. Times and tickets. Prices $30-$45. Map location.
The Gentleman Pirate-Great fun, splendidly performed and exhaustively researched. “Grade A,” Charleston City Paper. A one-of-a-kind interactive theatrical event that brings to life the notorious Stede Bonnet. Pure Theatre, Powder Magazine, 79 Cumberland Street. Tickets: $16. Complete list of dates and times. Map location.
Award-winning South Carolina artists display their works at Marion Square, with free demonstrations each day. Marion Square, King and Calhoun Sts. Admission: free. May 27-June 11; 10am-5pm King St. at Calhoun St.