March Arts Calendar

Special events

Feb. 28-March 2: The BB&T Charleston Food + Wine Festival celebrates the area's culinary history and culture. The festival is a four-day event that promotes and supports a variety of culinary interests and charities. 722-5566 or www.charlestonfoodandwine.com.

March 1-29: The National Park Service and the town of Mount Pleasant present Celebrate Gullah Heritage!, a series of cultural programs including craft demonstrations, cooking, African drumming, storytelling, folktales and other musical performances. Charles Pinckney National Historic Site, 1254 Long Point Road. 2 p.m. Saturdays. 881-5516 or www.nps.gov/chpi.

March 13-April 12: The Historic Charleston Foundation presents the Festival of Houses and Gardens. Enjoy the interiors and gardens of some of the finest private residences in America during the 61st annual festival. 722-3405 or www.historiccharleston.org.

March 14-16: The Historic Charleston Foundation presents the Charleston International Antiques Show. 40 East Bay St. 722-3405 or www.historiccharleston.org.

March 15: The town of Mount Pleasant presents the 12th annual Town of Mount Pleasant Arts Festival. Noon-4 p.m. at Mount Pleasant Town Centre. Free. For information, contact Su McManus-Frost at 849-2061 or visit www.townofmountpleasant.com.

March 15-16: The Actors' Theatre of South Carolina presents the "Tides of March" Folly Renaissance Fest. This is an all-day outdoor arts and crafts festival with musical and theater performances. Folly River Park. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. 345-8739.

Music

March 4, 11, 18, 25: St. Luke's Recital Series presents soprano Laura Ball (March 4), organist William D. Gudger (March 11), classical guitarist Zane Owens (March 18) and classical guitarist Greg Guay (March 25). St. Luke's Chapel, MUSC, Ashley Avenue and Bee Street. 12:15 p.m. Free. 792-6775.

March 10, 17, 24, 31: The College of Charleston's Monday Night Concert Series presents Chucktown Trippin' Tones (March 10), Charleston Pro Musica (March 17), Cello Mania (March 24) and Brio, A Renaissance Cafe (March 31). 54 St. Philip St. Recital Hall. 8 p.m. $5 at the door, free for C of C students with valid ID. 953-0935.

March 11: The College of Charleston concert series presents Frank Duvall: Jazz. 54 St. Philip St. Recital Hall 8 p.m. $5 at the door, free for C of C students with valid ID. 953-0935.

March 13: The Charleston Men's Chorus performs at the S.C. Irish Historical Society. The concert will include the Na Fidleiri youth Irish musical group. Sottile Theatre, 44 George St. 7 p.m. Tickets are $25 and available by calling 722-6204.

March 13: Charleston Music Fest presents Chamber Music: Romance. Ashley Hall. 7:30 p.m. $25. 953-0935 or www.etix.com.

March 15: The Charleston Symphony Orchestra's Family Concert Series presents "Music that Moves Us ... Really!" West Ashley High School. 10 a.m. Adults $10 and children $5. 723-7528.

March 16: Chamber Music Charleston presents Charleston House Concert Series providing intimate chamber music performances in a downtown home with a light reception following the concert. The Kuhn Home, 42 Church St. 3 p.m. Individual concert: $25; subscription of five concerts: $110. 763-4941 or sandra@charlestonhouseconcerts.org.

March 18: Chamber Music Charleston presents Charleston House Concert Series providing music in various homes on Kiawah Island with a light reception following the concert. The Hilstad Home, 33 Marsh Edge Lane. 7 p.m. Individual concert: $25; subscription of five concerts: $110. 763-4941 or sandra@charlestonhouseconcerts.org.

March 29: The Charleston Symphony Orchestra presents Symphony Fantastique, featuring works by Hector Berlioz and Hollywood film composer Erich Korngold. Gailliard Auditorium. 8 p.m. Adults are $15-$55; children and students are $5. 723-7528.

March 30: Charleston Symphony Orchestra presents a String Quartet Recital at the Gibbes Museum of Art. 2:30 p.m. Adults $10, Students $5. 723-7528.

Dance

March 5: The Charleston Concert Association presents the St. Petersburg Ballet Theatre, featuring a classic production of "Giselle." Gaillard Auditorium, 77 Calhoun St. 8 p.m. Tickets $15- $55 and may be purchased at the Gaillard Box Office, by calling Ticketmaster at 554-6060 or visiting www.ticketmaster.com.

March 21-23: The Robert Ivey Ballet presents its Spring Performance. Sottile Theatre, 44 George St. 8 p.m. March 21 and March 22. 3 p.m. March 23. Adults $15, seniors and students $12. 566-1343.

March 29-30: Charleston Ballet Theatre presents favorite ballets of the past 20 years, including "Poetry With a Splash of Blood" with music by Philip Glass and "Rite of Spring" with music by Stravinsky and choreography by Jill Eathorne Bahr. Sottile Theatre, 44 George St. 7 p.m. March 29, and 3 p.m. March 30. $40, $35, $30. 723-7334.

Theater

Feb. 29-March 9: Charleston Stage presents "Fiddler on the Roof," telling the poignant story of a Jewish milkman and his daughters in turbulent turn-of-the-century Russia. Feb. 29; 8 p.m. March 1, 6-8; 3 p.m. March 2 and 9. Sottile Theatre, 44 George St. 7 p.m. Adults $36.50, seniors $34.50, students $26.50. 577-7183 or www.charlestonstage.com.

March 6-April 17: Pure Theatre presents "The Tragedian," a one-man portrait of Edwin Booth, who was one of the most brilliant theatrical artists in history. Performances are 7:30 p.m. Thursdays only. Circular Congressional Church, 150 Meeting St. Admission is $25. 723-4444.

March 7-22: The Footlight Players presents "The Violet Hour." 8 p.m. March 7, 8, 14, 15, 20, 21 and 22, and 3 p.m. March 9 and 16. 20 Queen St. Adults $25, seniors $22 and students $15. 722-4487 or www.footlight players.net.

March 8: Creative Spark will present Billy Jonas. 3 p.m. Wando High School Performing Arts Center. Limited free tickets are available to Title I schools with application. 881-3780 or creativecarol@bellsouth.net.

March 10-14: Flowertown Players and the Lee A. Barrett Children's Theatre present "Cinderella: Or How Pipsqueak the Mouse Became a Stallion." 9:15 a.m., 10:45 a.m., 12:15 p.m. March 10-14; 7 p.m. March 14; and 3 p.m. March 15. 133 S. Main St., Summerville. Tickets $5. 875-9251 or www.flowertownplayers.org.

March 11: North Carolina Touring Theatre presents "Under the Sombrero," a collection of songs, poems, sayings and stories celebrating the Latino cultures told in English and Spanish by four actors in colorful costumes. Creative Spark, 757 Long Point Road, Mount Pleasant. 10 a.m. $5 per child, and accompanying adults are free. Free tickets are available for Title I schools. 881-3780 or creativecarol@bellsouth.net.

Ongoing Wednesdays: The Have Nots! Laugh for a Lincoln features two different sets with different improv groups. 280 Meeting St., above The Bicycle Shoppe. 8 p.m. $5. 853-6687 or www.thehavenots.com/theatre99.

Film, literary

March 7: The Halsey Institute Southern Circuit Film series presents "Guerrilla Radio: The Hip-Hop Struggle Under Castro" by Thomas Nybo and Simon Umlauf. 54 St. Philip St., Room 309. 8 p.m. Free. 953-5680.

March 10: The Center for Photography will host photographer Gian Luigi Scarfiotti in the Second Monday Lecture Series. Alterman Studios, 654-D King St. 7 p.m. Free. 577-0647, www.center4photography or info@altermanstudios.com.

March 13: The Historic Preservation & Community Planning Program Lecture Series presents a panel discussion with local design leaders. Charleston Museum, 360 Meeting St. 7 p.m. Free. 953-3888.

March 14: The Poetry Society of South Carolina presents a reading by Sebastian Matthews, author of "We, Generous" and the memoir "In My Father's Footsteps." Second Presbyterian Church, 342 Meeting St. 7 p.m. with reception to follow. Free. 509-4945 or www.poetrysocietysc.org.

March 15: Poetry Society of South Carolina presents "Space Is the Place: Using Classic Film Techniques to Deepen a Sense of Place in Poetry," a seminar taught by Sebastian Matthews. 10 a.m.-noon. $10 for poetry society members, $15 for nonmembers. 509-4945 or www.poetrysocietysc.org.

March 14: The Halsey Institute Lecture presents "You are Here: Mark Trujillo." 54 St. Philip St., Room 309. 4 p.m. Free. 953-5680.

March 15: The Jane Austen Society of North America presents Joanne Lannie on "Beau Brummel." Berkeley Electric Building, Maybank Highway on Johns Island. 1:30 p.m. Free and open to the public for both the program and refreshments. 884-4398 or gofigure@gowebway.com.

March 20: The Archaeological Institute of America and Dr. Ann Gunter of Freer and Sackler Galleries present Smithsonian Institution Curatorial Studies and Asian Art Lecture. College of Charleston's Maybank Hall, Room 100. 7 p.m. Free. 953-3888.

March 31: The Archaeological Institute of America presents "The Light of Icons at St. Catherine's Monastery, Mount Sinai, Egypt." Lecture by Dr. Robert Nelson. College of Charleston's Maybank Hall, Room 100. 7 p.m. Free. 953-3888.

Tours

Ongoing Saturdays: "The Complete History of Charleston for Morons Tour/Show." More than 300 years of Lowcountry history in less than 70 minutes. Charleston Legends & Lore Theatre, 161 Church St. 5 p.m. $16. 937-0916, 866-0916 or www.charlestonlegendsandlore.com.

Classes

Ongoing Mondays: The city of Charleston James Island Recreation Complex offers dance classes in tap, jazz and ballet with instructor Barrie Roland. 1088 Quail Drive. Ages 3-5. $60 per six-week session. 720-3802.

Ongoing Tuesdays: The Southern Harmony Chorus is looking for ladies who love to sing. The chorus performs at public and private venues throughout the Lowcountry, and offers free voice lessons to its members. 817-0598.

Ongoing Tuesdays: The Lowcountry Senior Center's Top of the Hill Chorus meets weekly. Members only. 865 Riverland Drive. 1 p.m. 762-9555.

Ongoing Tuesdays: The Lowcountry Senior Center offers beginner shag lessons. 865 Riverland Drive. 6:30-7:30 p.m. $20 members, $30 nonmembers. 762-9555 or www.rsfh.com/seniorcenter.

Ongoing Tuesdays: The Lowcountry Senior Center offers ballroom dancing. Partners are not required. 865 Riverland Drive. 9:30-10:30 a.m. $29/members, $34/nonmembers. 762-9555 or www.rsfh.com/seniorcenter.

Ongoing Wednesdays: Creative Arts Workshop provides training in performance and theater arts, team building and relationship and communication skills, with emphasis on self-esteem and personal values. 133 S. Main St., Summerville. Grades 1-6, 4:30-5:45 p.m. Grades 7-12, 6-7:15 p.m. $50 in cash due at registration. 875-9251 or www.flowertownplayers.org.

Ongoing Wednesdays: Modern dance for adults taught by Jocelyn Nugent, who has been with Anonymity Dance Company as a performer, choreographer and assistant director since 1988. She brings her background to a intermediate modern class for adults aimed at developing creative minds and bodies using music and movement ideas. 6:30-8 p.m. $12 per class or $40 per month. 881-3780 or creativespark@bellsouth.net.

Ongoing Fridays: The Lowcountry Senior Center offers Dancercise, which is dance and exercise all in one class. The instructor is Judy Bennett of Trudy's School of Dance. 865 Riverland Drive. 9:45-10:45 a.m. Free/members, $2/nonmembers. 762-9555 or www.rsfh.com/seniorcenter.

Ongoing: The Charleston County libraries offer a variety of classes and workshops. 805-6930 or www.ccpl.org.

Ongoing: The McClellanville Arts Council offers classes and workshops in the visual arts. 887-3157 or www.mcclellanvilleartscouncil.com.

Ongoing: The Mount Pleasant Recreation Department's fine arts program offers classes throughout the year in art, dance, music and theater. 849-2061 or www.townofmountpleasant.com.

Ongoing: The North Charleston Cultural Arts Program offers classes and workshops in visual arts, photography, crafts, music, dance, theater and more for youths and adults at the city's new multidisciplinary Cultural Arts Center adjacent to Sterett Hall on the old Charleston Naval Base. 745-1087 or www.northcharleston.org.

Ongoing: The Charleston Museum education department offers After-School Classes, Toddler Days, Kids Tours and Second Saturday activities. Preregistration required. 360 Meeting St. at John Street across from the Charleston Visitor Center. 722-2996 or www.charlestonmuseum.org.

Ongoing: The Center for Photography offers classes and workshops in film and digital photography. Beginner, intermediate and advanced courses are available. Alterman Studios, 654-D King St. Prices vary. Registration required. 577-0647, www.center4photography.com or info@altermanstudios.com.

Ongoing: The Acting Studio offers new classes starting in February and March at the Charleston Acting Studio on James Island. Classes for adults and children in acting, musical theater and stage makeup. In the Shops at Folly and Camp roads, behind Walgreens. The Charleston Acting Studio is a nonprofit, educational arm of Midtown/Sheri Grace Productions. 557-1163 or www.midtownproductions.org.

Submissions, auditions

Ongoing: Serious visual art and fine craft artists are encouraged to apply for consideration as an exhibiting artist in the North Charleston City Gallery. Exhibitions are rotated monthly, and deadlines for applications are May 30 and Nov. 30. Applications can be downloaded at www.northcharleston.org, or request a mailed application by calling 745-1087.

Visual arts

Through March 9: The City Gallery at Waterfront Park presents "Gary Grier: Room Full of Mirrors" and "Lou Stoval: Artist and the Landscape." 34 Prioleau St. Gallery hours 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, and noon-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Free. citygallery@ci.charleston.sc.us or 958-6484.

March 7: French Quarter Art Walk. Stroll the cobblestone streets and gas-lit alleys to discover the works of well more than 500 artists. Located at participating galleries on Meeting, Church, State, East Bay, Broad, Cumberland, Queen, Chalmers and Tradd streets. Free. 5-8 p.m. 577-7100.

March 7: The Charleston Artist Guild hosts a reception for Artist of the Month Marty Biernbaum. "Pear Lady: A Celebration of Feminine Mystique" celebrates the honest beauty of a real woman with a full figure, an intelligent, curious mind and a sense of humor. Reception is 5-8 p.m. at the gallery, 6 North Atlantic Wharf. 722-2454.

March 7: The Allison Sprock Fine Art Gallery will hold a reception honoring Marc Chatov and his work. 5:30-8:30 p.m. 178 King St. 577-3636.

March 7-24: Smith-Killian Fine Art presents "Panoramas," an intimate exhibition unveiling new paintings by Lowcountry artist Betty Anglin Smith. A reception for Smith will be held 5-8 p.m. March 7 at 9 Queen St. 853-0708 or www.smithkillian.com.

March 7-31: The Ella Richardson Fine Art Gallery presents First Light to Twilight with a reception March 7 to kick off the exhibition at the gallery, 58 Broad St. 722-3660.

March 16: The Spencer Art Gallery presents "A Touch of Reality," new paintings by Claudette Bell, Gallery I, as well as "Delicate Color," new paintings and etchings by Pat Van de Graaf, Gallery II. Opening receptions for both new exhibits 5-8 p.m. 722-6854.

March 24-28: The Coleman Art Gallery announces the annual Wet Paint exhibit. The reception will be 5-8 p.m. March 28. Free. 853-7000.

March 27-April 25: The Halsey Institute Exhibition presents Young Contemporaries. Halsey Gallery, 52 St. Philip St. Opening reception 4-6 p.m. March 27. Free. 953-5680.

March 28: The Charleston Crafts Gallery presents Black & White: Duality, an open-house reception featuring the photography of Jennifer J. Daly and the pottery of Kelly Thiel. Meet and greet with the artists. Light refreshments will be served. Free. 87 Hasell St. 723-2938 or www.charlestoncrafts.org.

March 30: The Spencer Art Gallery will present the third annual "She Painted, He Painted," new paintings by Kaye and Scott Penegar, Gallery I. Husband (abstracts) and wife (realistic) painting the identical subjects in different styles. "Charleston's Best," Kelly Stanley, new paintings. Gallery II. Opening receptions for both exhibits 5-8 p.m. 722-6854.

Through March 28: The second annual National Outdoor Sculpture Competition and Exhibition is installed at Riverfront Park in North Charleston. There are 13 sculptures by artists from 10 states. 745-1087 or www.northcharleston.org.

Ongoing: Spring Sidewalk Show hosted by the Charleston Artist Guild. Weekends from March 22 though June 8. 151 Meeting St. Set up promptly at 9 a.m. 722-2454.

Ongoing: Third Saturday of every month, meet the artist. Hosted by The Courtyard Gallery, 149 E. Bay St. 723-9172.

Gibbes Museum of Art

At 135 Meeting St., the Gibbes features numerous exhibits throughout the year. 10 a.m. -5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday. $9 for adults, $7 for senior citizens, military and students and $5 for children ages 6-18. Free for members and children under 6.

Call 722-2706 and visit www.gibbesmuseum.org.

Through March 16: "William Christenberry: Photographs, 1961-2005." Since the early 1960s, William Christenberry has photographed the American South and its slowly changing landscape. This exhibition offers a survey of this artist's poetic documentation of Southern architecture, signage and landscape that captures moments of quiet beauty in a sometimes rustic terrain.

March 1-Aug. 31: "Seeking." Inspired by Jonathan Green's large-scale painting, this exhibition explores the theme of personal discovery through art.

March 1: Celebratory dinner for Jonathan Green Week. Meet the artist and preview the exhibition "Seeking." Live jazz and hors d'oeuvres and a three-course meal. 6:30 p.m. $150 ($35 tax deductible). 722-2706 or www.jonathangreenweek.com.

March 2: Jonathan Green Week Symposium: "Seeking Roots, Finding Spirit." This symposium brings together four panelists to reflect on Jonathan Green's work, on the influence of Gullah culture in the Lowcountry and more generally on Southern art in the context of the times. 3-5 p.m. Tickets $30. 722-2706 or www.jonathangreenweek.com.

March 8: Figure Drawing Marathon. Choose a studio and work from the figure (nude and costumed) in gradual movement, 10-minute, 30-minute and 1-hour poses in this all-day marathon. This class is for adult artists of all levels (students 16 and older may participate). 10 a.m. -5 p.m. $20 museum members/$25 nonmembers/$15 students. 722-2706.

March 12-16: The Charleston Art & Antiques Forum. Lectures, tours and special events at the 11th annual forum benefiting the Gibbes Museum. Opening Charleston's Antiques Week, this year's forum will examine Southern fine and decorative arts in a program titled "Terra Incognita: New Discoveries and Influences on the South." Prices vary. 722-2706 or www.CharlestonAntiquesForum.org.

March 22-April 27: "Pleasant Journeys and Good Eats Along the Way: A Retrospective of Paintings by John Baeder." This exhibition explores John Baeder's affectionate documentation of roadside diners. Baeder's approach to these classically American subjects emphasizes the architectural details, color and signage that make each diner a reflection of the proprietor's personality.

March 29: Free Community Day: Celebrating Americana. Celebrate the work of John Baeder and the American icon, the diner, at this event. Participate in hands-on workshops and gallery tours, hear musical performances and sample American comfort food. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

March 30: The Gibbes and the Charleston Symphony Orchestra present the CSO String Quartet in a musical response to the "Pleasant Journeys" exhibit. 2:30 p.m. Adults $15, students and seniors $7.

Ongoing: "The Charleston Story" features paintings, sculpture and miniature portraits that highlight significant people, places and periods from Charleston's birth as a British Colony, through the American Revolution, Civil War and culminating today as a culturally diverse community.

Ongoing: The Gibbes Museum of Art and The Original Charleston Walks tour company present Gibbes Museum of Art Discovery Walking Tours. View artistic treasures at the Gibbes Museum and then walk in the footsteps of the artists who created them. This 90-minute tour highlights the many historic sites that have inspired artists for centuries. Every Saturday at 10:30 a.m. (advance reservations and a minimum of five people required). $20 includes museum admission and walking tour. 800-729-3420 or www.charlestonwalks.com.

Arts in Charleston is a monthly calendar of cultural events in the Charleston area compiled by the Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs and published as a public service by The Post and Courier. Deadline for submissions is noon the 15th of each month.

For more information about the calendar and including upcoming events in future issues, call the Office of Cultural Affairs at 720-3819, e-mail event listing to ocaintern@ci.charleston.sc.us or fax the event listing to 720-3967 or write:

Arts in Charleston Calendar

City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs

180 Meeting St., Suite 200

Charleston, SC 29401