Live theatre is becoming a real drag at the Queen Street Playhouse

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CHARLESTON, SC, (Feb. 28, 2022) – In a dingy and failing dive bar in the Florida panhandle talented Elvis impersonator and expectant father Casey has just been handed his walking papers. To drum up business, the owner has recruited two talented but equally desperate drag queens to hopefully draw bigger crowds.  

Click Here for Tickets

It’s sink or swim for Casey who quickly picks up some new performance skills that send his act catapulting to ‘legendary’ new heights.  That is the premise of recent Tony Award-winning playwright  Matthew Lopez’s (The Inheritance) outrageous Elvis goes drag comedy The Legend of Georgia McBride, making its  Lowcountry debut at the Queen Street Playhouse on March  11th. The play made its debut Off-Broadway at MCC Theatre in  September 2015 before transferring to the Geffen Playhouse in  Los Angeles and receiving subsequent premieres throughout the country. The play is currently in plans to be transferred into a  Netflix film by prolific producer Ryan Murphy. 

With Casey (Footlight newcomer Brandon Chinn)  barely making ends meet by living out his passion for performing, the brunt of the financial stability of the family is left to his newly pregnant and very practical wife Jo (Imani Lloyd). When seasoned drag queen Miss Tracy Mills and her more reckless protégée Rexy (‘Miss Anorexia Nervosa…it’s  Italian‘) arrive and quickly begin drawing huge crowds at the bar, it is left to Casey to fill in one night when Rexy (Matthew Lombardo) is too wasted to go on for her Edith Piaf extravaganza.  Casey is an instant hit and quickly picks up the art  of drag with some Obi Wan-style mentorship from  Brandon Chinn and Imani Lloyd as Casey and Jo
Miss Tracy (Footlight newcomer Clark Haywood). Without Jo’s knowledge, Casey has become a  sensation taking on the persona of a new country-style queen named Georgia McBride and learning a  whole lot about life, show business, and himself in this feel-good comedy.  

Directed by Kyle Barnette (Ruthless! The Musical, Head Over Heels), the show features a lineup of fabulous live drag performances, stunning costumes, and the zing of hilarious one-liners and bon mots that only the most seasoned of queens can serve up on the regular! 

Cast: 

  • Casey – Brandon Chinn 
  • Jo – Imani Lloyd 
  • Miss Tracy Mills – Clark Haywood 
  • Rexy/Jason – Matthew Lombardo 
  • Eddie – Chad Estel  

The Legend of Georgia McBride 

  • by Matthew Lopez 
  • March 11 – 27, 2022 at the Queen Street Playhouse 
  • Tickets and more info at: footlightplayers.net or 843.722.4487 

On March 10, 2022, Sun Country and Delta will begin nonstop service to Minneapolis-St. Paul

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From Minnehaha Falls to the Fitzgerald Theater; From the Walker Arts Museum to Target Field; Minneapolis-St. Paul is a mecca for theater, art, outdoor lifestyle, sports, and the home of Prince.

We are thrilled to share that on March 10, Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport – MSP and Charleston International Airport will be linked with a new nonstop service offered by Delta Air Lines and Sun Country Airlines. ‘

Delta Airlines will offer daily service while Sun Country will offer service on Thursday and Sunday well into the fall.

Great Things to do in Minneapolis-St. Paul

Comprehensive Video Tour of Charleston, South Carolina (As told by a Raleigh resident on a road trip) – From Hotel Bennett to Angel Oak and Beyond

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n this video we take you on a trip to Charleston South Carolina, one of our favorite cities in the Carolinas. Charleston SC is full of things to do, has tons of history, and a thriving restaurant scene. If you’re thinking about moving to Charleston South Carolina or planning a vacation to Charleston South Carolina, make sure to watch this video to learn about all our favorite things to do and places to eat.

Help Park & Grove Support a Dear Friend and Colleague Willie Brown – A True Charleston Community Rally

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A few words from Park

Click to Support

During these uncertain and trying times, we come together as a community to support those we love who have shown us nothing but love and support in return. Our colleague William “Willie” Brown recently suffered the devastating loss of his wife, his best friend. Together for 16 years, he spent his days working to care for her and provide her with every comfort possible. While we cannot replace the life lost, we can, in our own small way, show that we are always a family, no matter the circumstances.

Please join us in lifting up Willie and helping him in starting the next steps in recovering from the fire that took his home and his heart. Any contribution is a gesture of friendship and we appreciate your outreach of support. If you would like to contribute in other ways, please reach out directly to us here at the restaurant by going to our website parkandgrovechs.com.
We thank you for giving this a moment of your time and please ask that you keep Willie and his family in your hearts and in your thoughts.

Sincerely,Samson, Ramon and the family at Park & Grove

Click to Support

Charleston Restaurant Spotlight: Soul Food Magic with an Accent of Gullah in Charleston – My Three Sons (North Charleston)

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Some places remind us of the importance of family. Some places remind us of the comfort of good home cooking. Yet, when you find that winning combination of love and comfort, you find a way to gravitate to it. My Three Sons in North Charleston is the right mix of amazingly delicious comforting Southern cuisine and an at-home feel.

Where ever you are, make time to venture over and enjoy some of the fresh home cooking and hospitality of My Three Sons, open every day from 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Also, you can order ahead online for pick up).

What you need to know

Testimonials

“We stumbled upon this place as soon as we landed in Charleston and it was the best coincidence EVER!! The food is so delicious and the people were so nice!!” – Emil

“Nice down-home cooking and recipes. The shrimp and rice that I had was super tasty! I will go back again.” – Canto

“Great food, wonderful customer service. I felt like I was with family with the level of care. The food was delicious, and there was plenty to eat. Seafood was delicious, so were the burgers.” –

“Ordered from this place for the first time. I had the rib dinner which was pretty good. The ribs were tender and off the bone the red rice and Mac and cheese were delicious and above all the okra soup was done right. I’ll be coming back in the near future” – Adam

2022 Birthday Party Trends for Kids and some great Charleston Local Businesses to Partner with to Meet All Your Needs

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By Kelsey Bates, Author of Chasing Cinderella Blog

Kids birthday parties seem to be getting more extravagant each year, with trendy and creative themes to boot. We see these Pinterest-worthy parties on Instagram and wonder to ourselves if it’s even possible to throw an event like that in Charleston. Well, I am here to tell you that yes, it is indeed possible! 

Not only can you throw these lavash birthday parties for your kids, but you can also do so by supporting small Charleston businesses! Below are six birthday party trends for kids that you will be seeing this year, along with companies in Charleston that provide each service. 

White Bounce Houses

At the center of these luxe children’s birthday parties, you will most likely see a white bounce house. These open-faced jump castles are the perfect addition to any special event. Little Babes of Charleston offers two different styles of luxury white bounce houses that can be completely customized to any event

Giant Balloon Displays

It isn’t a party without balloons and Balloon Therapy Charleston will bring your vision to life! Whether you add a garland to your white bounce house or create a backdrop for photos, extravagant balloon displays are a must at any party!

Another fantastic Charleston balloon stylist is The Festivity Fairy.

Marquee Letters

Nothing screams “happy birthday” like your name in light-up marquee letters! Alpha-Lit offers 3-foot letters and 4-foot numbers to spell out any name of saying. Keep it simple or add balloons, your guests will be wowed either way

Jumbo Ball Pits

Ball pits are back and in a big way! They are the perfect addition to any event to keep the kids entertained all party long. Little Babes of Charleston brings the party to you with a 7×10 foot customizable soft play ball pit. They even offer an upgraded ball pit package with a large slide, personalized vinyl and, color-coordinated balls to match your theme!

Wooden Backdrops

Whether you’re looking for a backdrop for smash cake photos or a selfie station, wooden backdrops are the perfect addition to any party! There are so many different trendy shapes and sizes, you’ll be able to personalize your backdrop to any event. Check out Shindig Social, or ask your balloon artist what they have available

Personalized Cookies

Personalized cookies are becoming very popular for favors for every event from birthday parties to weddings. 22LeeLa Cookies can personalize these yummy desserts with names, designs, objects, you name it- anything to match your party theme! Did I mention they are not only cute but delicious?!

Another talented Charleston cookie company is Bullfish Cookie Company

Whether you include all six trends, or just one or two, your child’s birthday party will be something to remember! Thank you for supporting local!

About Kelsey Bates

LINKS

Photo Credits

  • Bounce (www.instagram.com/littlebabesofcharleston/)
  • Balloons (www.instagram.com/balloontherapycharleston/)
  • Letters (www.instagram.com/alphalitcharlestoncolumbia/)
  • Ballpit (www.chasingcinderellablog.com)
  • Backdrop (www.instagram.com/shindigsocial/)
  • Cookies (www.instagram.com/22leelacookies/)

AutoNation USA Opens Its First Charleston, SC Store

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~ City of Charleston Councilmember Brady Welcomes AutoNation USA to Charleston  

AutoNation USA store brings Charleston consumers easy way to shop for pre-owned cars CUTLINES: 

CHARLESTON, S.C., February 25, 2022 –AutoNation, Inc. (NYSE:AN), America’s largest and most admired automotive retailer, announced the opening of AutoNation USA Charleston, the first in the state and one of several locations the company expects to open across the U.S. in 2022. The 31,500 square-foot Charleston store brings nearly 30 new jobs to the region.  

AutoNation USA Charleston is the 11th AutoNation USA store in the country. The company plans to have over 130 AutoNation USA stores in operation from coast to coast by the end of 2026. In South Carolina, AutoNation owns and operates 13 new vehicle dealerships and one collision repair center. 

 Offering pre-owned vehicles at competitive prices and a stress-free Customer experience, AutoNation USA redefines the pre-owned car-buying experience with a focus on the Customer, including easy-to-use digital tools for searching pre-owned vehicle inventory online to find the car they are looking for at a guaranteed low price. 

 “We are looking forward to serving the Charleston market and introducing our seamless car shopping experience that makes it easy for Customers to find the pre-owned car they are looking for at a competitive price,” said Jason Muncy, AutoNation Market President. “We prioritize giving back to the communities we serve through job creation and our Drive Pink initiative, which has raised more than $30 million in the fight against cancer. With our expansion into the Charleston region, we look forward to establishing local philanthropic partnerships.”  

AutoNation USA is known for its 1Price Pre-Owned experience which is designed to make buying a pre-owned vehicle easy, with competitive, haggle-free pricing. The company’s We’ll Buy Your Car program offers Customers a competitive cash offer to sell their vehicles directly to AutoNation, with no purchase necessary, and get paid the same day. 

The AutoNation USA store is located at 2250 Savannah Highway, Charleston, S.C. 29414. Store hours are Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and closed on Sunday. Visit AutoNationUSA.com or call  AutoNation USA in Charleston at (854) 222-6600. 

About AutoNation, Inc.  

AutoNation, a provider of personalized transportation services, is driven by innovation and transformation. As one of America’s most admired companies, AutoNation delivers a peerless customer experience  recognized by data-driven consumer insight leaders, Reputation and J.D. Power. Through its bold leadership and brand affinity, the AutoNation Brand is synonymous with “DRVPNK” and “What Drives You, Drives Us.” AutoNation has a singular focus on personalized transportation services that are easy, transparent, and customer-centric.  

Please visit www.autonation.com, investors.autonation.com, and www.twitter.com/AutoNation, where AutoNation discloses additional information about the Company, its business, and its results of operations. Please also visit www.autonationdrive.com, AutoNation’s automotive blog, for information regarding the AutoNation community, the automotive industry, and current automotive news and trends. 

Photos:

AutoNation, Inc. marked the opening of its AutoNation USA Charleston store with a ribbon-cutting celebration. (photo credit: AutoNation, Inc.)

City of Charleston Councilmember and Mayor Pro Tempore Karl Brady Jr. (fourth from left) joins AutoNation USA Charleston General Manager Kevin Houston (second from left), Market President Jason Muncy (center), and sales associates JaRon Godbolt (far left) and Thomas Greene (far right). (photo credit: AutoNation, Inc.)


Have you tried one of Mount Pleasant’s newest sensations: The Crazy Mason Milkshake Bar

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What is The Crazy Mason Milkshake Bar?

Though the first The Crazy Mason Milkshake bar just opened in June 2020 — in the midst of a global pandemic — the minds behind this quirky concept have been working as a team for quite some time. The husband-and-wife team Bo and Sherri Steele have built a life and a family together with dreams of doing something big and just a little crazy.

Bo brings years of experience in business, working in the food industry, and as a distributor to the table, while Sherri’s marketing background, creativity, and design skills help put a unique touch on everything they do together.

As locals in the tourist-friendly town of Myrtle Beach, S.C., the idea for The Crazy Mason came out of a desire to start something new the area has never seen before.

Sparked by a love of all things sweet and a flair for creating unique, picture-worthy treats the Steeles developed a concept that has become an immediate hit with locals and visitors alike. Using more than 100 ingredients, including locally grown produce and toppings sourced from partnerships with local bakeries and businesses, the family remains focused on keeping things local and giving back to their communities even as they expand into new markets like Charleston and Gatlinburg, Tenn.

With an ever-expanding lineup of signature shakes, desserts and over-the-top treats, The Crazy Mason team is always looking for new and exciting ways to innovate and plans to do its best to wow customers for years to come.

Hours:

  • SUNDAY 2:00 pm to 9:00 pm
  • MONDAY 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm
  • TUESDAY 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm
  • WEDNESDAY 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm
  • THURSDAY 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm
  • FRIDAY 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm
  • SATURDAY 2:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Mother-Daughter Duo Opens Grayce Yoga in Charleston, SC

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Charleston is thrilled to welcome GRAYCE BODY & BREATH, a yoga studio, to the community of health and wellness renegades that are transforming our city’s culture. Founded by dedicated and deep-souled mother-daughter duo Erin Gray and Daisy Gray Moses, GRAYCE offers locals and travelers “Strong”, “Soft” and “Still” yoga practices that are focused on conscious movement and connection to breath. 

Erin and Daisy recognized the community’s craving for holistic wellness and decided to meet that need with GRAYCE, a natural-light, fresh-air-filled yoga studio located in the heart of Charleston at 359 King Street, above Williams-Sonoma. 

“The GRAYCE method is based on our mission – strong body, still mind, soft heart,” shares Founder and Head Yoga Teacher Erin. Our goal is to teach our students how to create strength and stillness within, and how to move in a sustainable, biomechanically thoughtful way while doing it. Yoga is an embodied experience, so it’s hard to describe in words, but the one I hear over and over again from students about our practice is ‘beautiful’. That’s a good word.”

“Building strength, flexibility, and stability in the present to sustain a stable foundation in the future is what we are all about at GRAYCE,” shares Yoga Conditioning Coach Daisy. “We want your practice to leave you feeling stronger in your body, spacious in your mind, and more deeply connected to self and others.”

For more information and to book classes (offered seven days a week), visit grayceyoga.com. On the fourth Friday of every month at 4 p.m. (starting this Friday, Feb. 25), GRAYCE will be hosting “Soul,” a free community class for residents of Charleston County. Space is limited, so be sure to register online before space is full.

Photo credit- Maggie Witmer


Middleton Place Foundation Announces the Release of “American Landmark: Charles Duell and the Rebirth of Middleton Place”

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CHARLESTON, S.C., February 23, 2022 – Middleton Place Foundation (MPF), the non-profit educational trust is pleased to announce the launch of “American Landmark: Charles Duell and the Rebirth of Middleton Place” on March 8, 2022. Charles Duell inherited Middleton Place in 1969 when he was 31 years old and acted as the president and CEO for nearly 50 years before stepping down in 2018. “American Landmark,” written by Virginia Christian Beach, brilliantly chronicles the evolution of the man, the place and the vital mission of the Foundation.

“It is certainly fitting that the publication of this important story coincides with the 50th anniversary of Middleton Place being designated a National Historic Landmark,” says Tracey Todd, president and CEO of Middleton Place Foundation. “The culture that Charles established at Middleton Place has allowed it to evolve into a national hub for historical research, education and interpretation with a mission to inspire and enact positive change through an understanding of American history.”

A graduate of Yale, Charles Duell had begun a career in finance on Wall Street before inheriting Middleton Place. The circumstances of his sudden inheritance compelled him to leave New York City and move his family to South Carolina. The former rice plantation was languishing and his challenge was to figure out how to preserve an important landmark with vital connections to the understanding of our nation― while at the same time making it sustainable and accessible for future generations.

Middleton Place is the birthplace of a Declaration of Independence signer and the home of a First Continental Congress president. It was also home to hundreds of men, women and children enslaved by the Middletons. Understanding the weight of the history at this site, Duell enlisted countless relatives and friends, along with some of the nation’s foremost preservationists and scholars to pursue a full, truthful narrative of our shared American history. Together they transformed his inheritance into a leading center for learning and a legacy for all Americans.

“At an early age, Charles Duell dedicated himself to preserving his ancestral home of Middleton Place,” says Author of “American Landmark: Charles Duell and the Rebirth of Middleton Place,” Virginia Christian Beach. “That alignment would subsequently define his life and open a window into the legacy of what is one of our nation’s most important foundational sites. It has been my privilege to chronicle Middleton Place’s story of stewardship, restoration and reinterpretation, especially at this seminal moment in American history.”

“American Landmark: Charles Duell and the Rebirth of Middleton Place”weaves together myriad biographical stories, introducing us to an array of protagonists – both white and Black – who have been associated with Middleton Place for the last three centuries. The book affirms historian Alex Moore’s assertion that “…as long as there is a southern geography and the opportunity for conversation, the Middleton family and Middleton Place will do much to shape our region’s and nation’s fates.”

Written by Virginia Christian Beach and published by Evening Post Books (EPB) in collaboration with Middleton Place Foundation (MPF), “American Landmark”contains more than 140 archival images and is available in hardcover for $34.95 at MPF and online at shop.middletonplace.org; as well as Buxton Books at 160 King St. and the EPB store at 90 Alexander St., Charleston. Net proceeds benefit MPF.

Editor’s Note: For images, visit https://bit.ly/3rNFruS.

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About Middleton Place Foundation

Middleton Place Foundation, a public, non-profit educational trust, is responsible for the effective operation and preservation of Middleton Place National Historic Landmark and of the Edmondston-Alston House. The foundation upholds the highest levels of historic preservation, research, education, and inclusive interpretation by sharing the stories of the Africans, African Americans, and Europeans who lived and worked on these historic properties. Middleton Place Foundation connects people with the past, inspiring a deeper understanding of ourselves and each other through American history.