Sunset Serenade concert May 28
The annual Piccolo Spoleto pops concert raises the curtain on this citywide festival. Grab your blankets and beach chairs and gather in front of one of Charleston’s historic buildings to hear favorite works by American composers, including Aaron Copland, John Williams, William Schuman, and Duke Ellington. The program will be performed by the Piccolo Spoleto Festival Orchestra, conducted by Donald Portnoy and comprised of senior music students and professors from area universities along with local musicians.
U.S. Custom House, 200 East Bay St. Friday, 8-10 p.m., Free
For the full Piccolo Spoleto schedule and ticket information, visit www.piccolospoleto.com.
“Contemporary Charleston 2010” May 20-July 3
Discover the creative synergy that occurs when 10 local artists draw inspiration from the words of 10 local poets for their visual works. Several of the artistic pairs will also lecture about their collaborations.
City Gallery at Waterfront Park, 34 Prioleau St. Exhibit: daily, 10am-noon; Lectures: June 5-July 3, Saturday, noon-5 p.m. Free
Dance at Noon Series
May 30-June 6
Spend your lunch hour indulging in a hefty helping of music and movement. Coordinated by Robert Ivey Ballet, the Dance at Noon Series hosts talented companies from across the Southeast. Full of imaginative choreography and abstract narratives, these performances engage audiences through ballet, jazz, tap, swing, Irish step, and contemporary dance.
Footlight Players Theatre, 20 Queen St. Daily, noon. $15; $12 student/senior
“Carnival of the Animals”
Children’s Festival May 29
Kids have some of the best imaginations, so make sure they get in on the arts festivities at this annual fun-filled family fair. Go wild with face painting, crafts, and live entertainment throughout the day. And don’t miss the musical petting zoo, where children can try their hands at playing a variety of instruments.
Marion Square, corner of King & Calhoun sts. Saturday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free
Moments of Joy May 28-June 1
College of Charleston theater professor Joy Vandervort-Cobb returns with her one-woman tour-de-force and 2009 Piccolo box-office smash. With incredible charm, wit, and sincerity, she delivers this play (complete with impersonations of notable Charlestonians) based on her own midlife experiences. Share her moments of heartfelt happiness through laughter, and leave feeling Joy-ful.
Theatre 220, Simons Center for the Arts, College of Charleston, 54 St. Philip St. Friday-Tuesday, times vary. $18-$20.
