Editor's Picks

TUESDAY

Halsey presents Groundhog Day benefit concert

The Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art at the College of Charleston School of the Arts will host a Groundhog Day Benefit Concert at 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Memminger Auditorium. This concert will showcase local singer/songwriters and raise money in support of the Halsey Institute's programming. Tickets are available at the Halsey Institute (161 Calhoun St.) or 52.5 Records (561 King St.). On the day of the event, the box office at Memminger Auditorium will open at 7 p.m. Seating is general admission. Tickets are $10 for children, students and Halsey members and $20 for nonmembers.

Local favorites The Opposite of a Train, featuring musical director Bill Carson, Nathan Koci and Ron Wiltrout, headline the event with support from Kevin Hamilton, Charlton Singleton, Clint Fore and Wilton Elder. Special musical guests include Cary Ann Hearst, Michael Trent, Lindsay Holler, Joel Hamilton and Stephanie Underhill.

"I've seen a lot of collaboration in Charleston among musicians from different backgrounds, and I've been fortunate to have worked with a great diversity of talent here," Carson said. "It's deeply thrilling for me to bring all of these folks together for a project."

The Memminger Auditorium is at 56 Beaufain St. at Coming Street. Parking is available on-street or in the Wentworth Garage.

Contact the Halsey Institute at 953-5680 or visit www.halsey.cofc.edu.

TONIGHT

Kevin Taylor's 'Half Life' show at ELA

Charleston native and San Francisco resident Kevin Earl Taylor's upcoming show, "Half Life Whole Hearted," will feature some of his latest works, many of which are explorations between the human and natural worlds.

"Everything that is matter (or has carbon) has a half life. I'm not eternal. I will die. No matter how long I live or have to live, I put my whole heart into the things I do. I always give 100 percent," says Taylor, elaborating on the exhibit's title.

He says that while he was in Charleston, he was trying hard to accomplish his goals; he moved to San Francisco and works hard there, too. The environment there is different, but his dedication to putting himself wholeheartedly into his work is the same. Even though he has progressed, Taylor thinks he is the same person who is striving to do his best, no matter where he lives.

"Half Life Whole Hearted" is open to the public and will take place at 7 p.m. tonight at Eye Level Art's 103 Spring St. gallery. Taylor also will be putting together a multimedia installation in the backyard of Eye Level Art for that night only. The exhibit will be up through February.

For info about Taylor, visit www.kevinearltaylor.com or www.eyelevelart.com or call the gallery at 425-3576.

Feb. 13

Ticks on sale for Carolina Belle first 2010 event

Come aboard the Carolina Belle for its first event of the 2010 season. The operators have partnered with the Lowcountry Blues Bash, Home Team BBQ and The Bridge at 105.5 to throw a Charleston Harbor Tours kickoff event. Featured will be blues from the Juke Joint Johnny Band and a buffet from Fiery Ron's Home Team BBQ. Tickets are limited and are on sale for $39.50. The cruise boards at 5:30 p.m. and leaves at 6 p.m. to return at 8 p.m. Boarding is at the Charleston Maritime Center, 10 Wharfside St. Get tickets at www.charlestonharbortours.com or call 722-1112. Also visit www.bluesbash.com.

Wine to Water event benefits Haiti

Charleston's own local artists, photographers, boutiques, designers, and performers will all contribute to a soiree at Social Restaurant + Wine Bar to benefit the nonprofit organization Wine to Water. The nonprofit helps provides clean water around the world and is responding to the crisis in Haiti.

The soiree will take place 6-9 p.m. Wednesday at Social Restaurant + Wine Bar. SCOOP Studios artists Ben Timpson, Christopher Murphy, Stewart Young, Cyle Suesz, Julio Cotto and Scott Debus, along with other artists such as Nathan Durfee, will display pieces throughout Social.

In addition, photography pieces by Rich Dean, Jeremy Collier Higgs, Tim Zienlenbach, and Andrew Cebulka will be on display.

Local boutiques Eden Boheme, Cose Belle and Cavortress will showcase some of their winter collections throughout the evening. Guests also will have a chance to explore the upstairs Pop-Up-Shop and purchase art pieces and various showcased boutique items including The Kenneth Beatrice collection. The tunes that evening will be flowing by CMNDer, and the local Afro-Latino dance group Buen Ache will do a live performance.

Tickets are $20 and include wine and appetizers. Tickets can be purchased at SCOOP Studios, Eden Boheme, Cose Belle, online at www.cavortress.com/events.html and at the door. All proceeds will benefit Wine to Water. Visit www.winetowater.org. For information on the local event, e-mail Angharad Chester-Jones at angharad19@hotmail.com. See Page 35F.