Spoleto Festival USA kicks off in just 12 days, and that means it’s time to get your show schedule in order! Here, find suggestions from locals in the know
With dozens of music, theater, and dance productions, plus concerts, art exhibits, walking tours, and more, the Spoleto lineup is exciting, absolutely—but it can be a bit daunting, too. If you need help narrowing down the options, read on to find out what events leaders of area arts organizations, as well as a couple of media pros, name as their top picks. Then go to spoletousa.org to snag your tickets before they sell out.
Jenny Ouellette, associate editor, Charleston
Bill T. Jones/ Arnie Zane Dance Company
May 27-29
“I’m counting down the days to this performance, which includes D-Man in the Waters. Created in 1989 amidst the AIDS crisis, Jones’ landmark work celebrates Demian Acquavella, a company member who had recently been diagnosed (and died the following year), just as it honors the many others who fell sick during that period. But the piece also speaks to a broader sense of loss, triumph, and renewal, bravery, community, and strength. It’s at once haunting, reverent, and exhilarating. You won’t leave the theater without goose bumps.”
College of Charleston Sottile Theatre, 44 George St. Friday, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday, 3 p.m. $25 & up.
Sandra Nikolajevs, president & artistic director, Chamber Music Charleston
Bank of America Chamber Music Series
May 27-June 12
“I am most excited about this year’s Bank of America Chamber Music Series. Violinist Geoff Nuttall’s flair for programming, wonderful rapport with the audience, and unique sense of style (you have to look at his socks!) make it a series not to be missed.”
Dock Street Theatre, 135 Church St. Days vary, 11 a.m. & 1 p.m. $20 & up.
Angela Mack, executive director, Gibbes Museum of Art
“The Art of Porgy and Bess” & “The Things We Carry”
May 28-October 9
“It’s hard for me not to choose the two exhibitions that launch the reopening of the Gibbes after an 18-month-long major restoration and renovation. ‘The Art of Porgy and Bess' uses paintings and more to explain the impact the opera has had in portraying Charleston to the wider world from its very first production through today. ‘The Things We Carry’ responds to last summer’s tragedy at Mother Emanuel AME through the work of 10 outstanding contemporary Southern artists who are winners or finalists of our 1858 Prize.”
Gibbes Museum of Art, 135 Meeting St. Tuesday & Thursday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Wednesday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; & Sunday, 1-5 p.m. $12; $10 senior/military/college student with I.D.; $6 ages four-17; free for child under four.
Charlton Singleton, artistic director & bandleader, Charleston Jazz Orchestra
René Marie
May 29
“I could literally listen to René sing all day, every day! She is the total package of artistry onstage. Her delivery of lyrics, combined with her stunning voice and never-ending amount of energy, makes it very hard to keep your eyes off of her and your ears not tuned to her. On top of that, her band is always on fire!”
Charleston Gaillard Center, Martha & John M. Rivers Performance Hall, 95 Calhoun St. Sunday, 7 p.m. $25 & up.
Lee Barbour, co-founder, Ohm Radio
Jason Moran Fats Waller Dance Party
June 4
“I saw Jason Moran’s show in Paris last year, and it was extraordinary! He’s one of the top jazz musicians in the world today and, like other great jazz artists, he pays tribute to the past while pointing to the future. Reconceptualizing the music of a jazz legend like Fats Waller is tricky territory, but he succeeds, and he even exceeded my expectations.”
College of Charleston Cistern Yard, George St. Saturday, 9 p.m. $30 & up.
Mark Sloan, director & chief curator, Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art
Grace Notes: Reflections for Now
June 4 & 5
“I highly recommend Grace Notes: Reflections for Now. Carrie Mae Weems is one of the most insightful and necessary artists working today. She has the capacity to distill truths down to their essential elements, while calling out the deceptions, diversions, and misdirections intended to throw us off the trail. I am eagerly anticipating this performance, largely because I have no idea how it might all come together. I do expect it will be brilliant.”
College of Charleston Sottile Theatre, 44 George St. Saturday, 7 p.m. & Sunday, 8 p.m. $25 & up.
Ken Lam, music director, Charleston Symphony Orchestra
Choral Fantasy
June 7
“I’m looking forward to hearing our wonderful CSO Chorus collaborate with the Westminster Choir in this program of Beethoven choral works. You will also get to hear Olivier Messiaen’s Couleurs de la Cité Céleste, which is not often performed. It will provide an incredible and unique opportunity to see local musicians collaborate with international performers.”
Charleston Gaillard Center, Martha & John M. Rivers Performance Hall, 95 Calhoun St. Tuesday, 8 p.m. $25 & up.
Sharon Graci, co-founder & artistic director, PURE Theatre
Golem
June 8-12
“1927 is an exciting, innovative, disciplined company with a commitment to ensemble (something near and dear to my own heart). As a theater artist, I relish the opportunity to watch the work of any company that takes risks as boldly as 1927 does. That pervasive willingness to risk creates exciting theater. It creates art.”
College of Charleston Sottile Theatre, 44 George St. Wednesday-Friday, 8 p.m.; Saturday, 2 p.m. & 8 p.m.; & Sunday, 2 p.m. $25 & up.
Cathryn Zommer, executive director, Enough Pie
Opposing Forces
June 8-12
“As someone who dances to stimulate joy and maintain sanity, I’m eager to experience Amy O’Neal’s Opposing Forces. In this piece, she explores the feminine within a more masculine style of street dance. O’Neal’s movement is fresh and opens the doors for connecting with our bodies, our communities, and the unknown.”
Memminger Auditorium, 56 Beaufain St. Wednesday-Friday, 6 p.m.; Saturday, 5 p.m.; Sunday, 1 p.m. $30 & up.
To find a full Spoleto Festival USA schedule and links to purchase tickets, click here.
For more articles from our May issue, click here.
