Editor's picks

FRIDAY

'Fresh Faces' at Spencer Art Gallery

Friday is your last chance to see local artist Julie D. Lawrence's "Fresh Faces" at The Spencer Art Gallery II, 57 Broad St. The exhibition features a collection of new figure paintings. "Fresh Faces" is noted for depicting an intimate view of women portraiture. Gallery hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday. Work may be viewed at www.JDLawrenceart.com. Call the gallery at 722-6854.

TUESDAY

Charleston Concert Association begins new season

The Charleston Concert Association kicks off its 73rd season with the Martha Graham Dance Company. Anointed as "one of the seven wonders of the artistic universe" by The Washington Post, it is the oldest, most celebrated contemporary dance company in the country. Martha Graham was a prime force in ushering in the concept of modern dance. She wanted dance to be used and seen as a form of expression rather than simply a visual form. Graham, who died in 1991 at 96, was lauded as "Dancer of the Century" by Time magazine.

The performance will be at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Gaillard Municipal Auditorium, 77 Calhoun St. Ticket prices are $25-$99. Individual tickets may be purchased at the Gaillard box office, which is open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday. Individual tickets also may be purchased through TicketMaster (554-6060 or www.ticketmaster.com).

Season prices range $123-$577 and can be purchased by calling the CCA office at 727-1216. Visit www.charlestonconcerts.org.

SUNDAY

Charleston Oktoberfest at Blackbaud Stadium

Oktoberfest will return to Blackbaud Stadium noon-5 p.m. Sunday. This year's headlining band is the Roger Gootman Sauerkraut Band. In addition to live Oompah music, there will be authentic German dancers, a selection of German beers and a variety of food options. The first 1,000 festival attendees will receive a free commemorative beer stein.

Blackbaud Stadium once again will be transformed into a Bavarian-style beer hall with big tents along the south concourse for the stage and beer trestle-tables. The main beer vendors also will be arranged on the concourse.

Charleston Oktoberfest will benefit a local charity with a portion of the proceeds going to Live 5 News' Debi's Kids and the Salvation Army Angel Tree.

Those attending are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs.

Children's events during the afternoon include mini-soccer games on the stadium field, a Mountain Slide, inflatable combination game, Hot-Shot Power-Kick game and jump castle.

The 2009 Oktoberfest Corporate Challenge, the German Cup, will run during Oktoberfest festivities with local teams competing in a variety of events including tug of war, barrel races, three-legged races and bratwurst-eating competitions.

Tickets to Charleston Oktoberfest 2009 are $5 in advance ($7 day of event) and can be purchased at the Blackbaud Stadium box office or by calling 971-4625. Tickets also are available online at www.charlestonbattery.com. There is no charge for parking; for more information or for directions to Blackbaud Stadium, call 971-4625 or visit www.charlestonbattery.com.

SATURDAY

Paws in the Park & Walk for the Animals

The Charleston Animal Society invites you and your leashed pet to take part in its 20th Annual Paws in the Park & Walk for the Animals on Saturday at Felix Davis Community Center, Park Circle, North Charleston.

Registration for the walk begins at 9 a.m., and the walk kicks off at 10 a.m. Walkers raise donations individually or by forming a team. All proceeds benefit the humane programs of the Charleston Animal Society. Visit www.pawsinthepark.kintera.org to form a team, register for the event and donate.

Walkers who raise $25 help provide vaccinations for two dogs and cats and prepare them for adoption. Walkers who raise $50 help to support the "animal enrichment program." Walkers who raise $100 will help spay or neuter two animals at the high-volume spay/neuter clinic.

Walkers who raise $200 for the animals at CAS help provide funding for programs such as its "Pet Buddies" humane education program, which reaches out to students helping them to be good stewards of the animals.

For information, visit www.pawsinthepark.kintera.org.

SATURDAY

Follypalooza 2009 returns, benefits cancer patients

It's time for the second annual Follypalooza cancer benefit. It will take place noon-7 p.m. Saturday on Center Street, Folly Beach. This year's celebration will feature carnival games, a jump castle, face-painting, balloon animals, food vendors, a dunk tank and live music including headliner Maurice Williams and the Zodiacs.

A portion of Center Street with be blocked off for the benefit, with local restaurants and businesses providing food and fun. Adult beverages are allowed as long as they are in plastic cups. IDs will be checked for wristbands.

Follypalooza is a cancer benefit of which half the proceeds go to the Hollings Cancer Center Patient Support Fund, and the other half going to local Folly Beach cancer patients who could use some help.

For lodging and tourism information, check out www.cityoffollybeach.com. For more event information, e-mail Follypalooza@yahoo.com.

TUESDAY

Michael Jackson's 'This is It' movie premieres

"This is It" is much more than a music documentary to a lot of Michael Jackson fans. Two local theaters, The Terrace Hippodrome and Cinebarre, are celebrating the release of the film with elaborate parties.

The Terrace Hippodrome's "This is It" party will start at 10 p.m. Tuesday with DJ Kurfu spinning Jackson's hits. At midnight, the movie will begin. Tickets for this event are $11. Call 724-9132 for tickets or visit www.terracetheater.org. The Hippodrome is at 360 Concord St., downtown.

Cinebarre's party will begin at 9 p.m. and will last until the midnight showing of the movie. Cinebarre's party features a "Thriller" dance performance by DanceFX with full costume and makeup, best Michael Jackson look-alike contest, moonwalk dance off, "Thriller" 25 Year Anniversary Vinyl giveaway sponsored by 52.5 Records, free admission if your name is Billie Jean and half-price admission if your last name is Jackson.

Additionally, everyone will get a free glove to pay tribute to Jackson. DJ Mike Kruz will spin tunes throughout the night. Tickets are $10 and are on sale at fandango.com or at the door.

Cinebarre is at 963 Houston Northcutt Blvd., Mount Pleasant. Call 884-7885.