Charleston Daily

Charleston Daily is a concept in community. Its mission is to promote, assist, and celebrate in everything Charleston, South Carolina. By partnering with businesses, community leaders, volunteers and events, we are spreading the love that is Charleston. As this city continues to grow and prosper, we want to help spread the message to all about how wonderful this community is. Charleston is about the people, community, water, land, history, heritage and the true southern warmth it brings with each and every day.

Cancer can be beautiful – A Charleston Story

February 12, 2016

by Charleston Daily 1 Comment

This piece was written in 2012, just weeks after a diagnosis of stage 4 brain and spinal cancer:

There are a few truly dramatic moments in our lives. Those moments when every facet of your soul is ripped out of your body, stomped on and then left to die. It is those moments when your body and mind going into free fall and you lose all rational control. On Monday, I was overtaken by the news that a close friend had been diagnosed with cancerous tumors in her brain and spine that had progressed to stage four.

After experiencing some dizziness and double vision, she was taken to the emergency room and since then the last ten days have been an emotionally and physically draining period for Michelle, her family and friends.

This is something none of us ever wish to go through in our lives, but all to often we do. Personally, I have felt an emptiness in my stomach all week long, yet I cannot even come close to imagining the thoughts and feelings running through Michelle’s head. Even with every ounce of my being there for her, I don’t feel like it is enough.

Life is about trials and it is the ability to overcome that makes us stronger, but in times like this you even question that belief.

Thursday evening, I was asked to do a very important symbolic gesture knowing very well, this was the final act to realization of what the next six months to a year will be like during this fight. I was asked to shave Michelle’s hair off. I won’t lie, I hesitated. I hesitated and stalled for quite some time and she even gave me an out. I knew I had to do it. Not because she asked and I can’t say no, but because she was putting all her faith in me.

In the end, with all her long red hair on the ground, she was beautiful. It worked. She smiled and seeing her whole face, you could see the hope in her eyes. Was it sad? Yes. Was it hopeful? Yes. Was it a roller coaster of unadulterated emotion? Oh yes!

What is so remarkable about Michelle is that she still continues to think about everyone else around her. Each night this week she has sent me home to sleep seeing the sleepiness in my eyes and my constant yawning. She is also the mother to three beautiful dogs, all of which were rescue dogs. Her heart may actually be too large for her body. The thought of being cuddled on the couch with her dogs has gotten her through this week.

As we speak, doctors are meeting with her to discuss every possible option. Early indication is five days of radiation and chemo treatments for possibly six months to a year. It is going to be a difficult road filled with pain, sickness, crying and a whole lot of love.

I will be there for her as well as every life she has touched in the past.

It is rare in life that you meet someone that defines unconditional goodness. A person that makes you believe in a better tomorrow. Michelle is one of those people. She is pure and unconditional. Her selfless behavior and charitable personality is infectious. If anyone can beat this, she is my vote for the best option.

Postscript:

Michelle made Charleston her home after a long emotional journey to find her place. From Ohio to Charleston, she made many stops, but in the end, it was Charleston that truly made her feel special. She was a fighter working for the Berkeley County Court System, fighting injustice until this disease took control of her body.

Her battled ended less than six months after diagnosis. I was privileged to spend most of her final days with her until she was rushed home to pass away four days later just miles from her birthplace surrounded by family and friends. She often said she would return as a dragonfly and on the day of her funeral at her brother’s home, we sat on the patio and wouldn’t you know it, a dragonfly flew by. We knew.

Social Media Fuels Cyber and Real Life Bullying

February 12, 2016

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

October is traditionally National Bullying Prevention Month. During this month, students are urged to stand up, make friends outside their circles, become more aware of others differences and create a surrounding culture that stamps out bullying and promotes unification.

Bullying takes on many faces and attacks many populations. Unfortunately, one month of awareness is not enough to mend the hole that has been created by the global epidemic of social media interaction. It is a black hole that increases in size and scope daily and sucks the souls out of people around the world.

Bullying can be seen in:

Athletes against nerds
Cheerleaders against Emo
Strong against weak
Straight against gay
Whites against black

And the list goes on. Kids Against Bullying is an organization that was created by PACER Center to bring information and awareness to this issue. Their mission to bring togetherness, acceptance and kindness is one with an important message we should all follow.

At the grade school level, students fight to find identity. This struggle leads to difficult life choices and paths. It is in this pressure driven culture that schools have created where bullying has become one of many pronounced effects.

As we grow, mature and evaluate our lives, the natural progression is toward awareness, acceptance and a new level of compassion. Unfortunately, as adults, the bullying issue is as impacting as it is with the younger generation. We just don’t seem to be acknowledging it.

steve1 During the recent Miss Universe pageant, Steve Harvey made a mistake crowning the wrong Miss Universe contestant. I did not see the event, but the pulsating social media buzz came to my attention early this morning. Like so many of us, Steve Harvey made a mistake.

Like:

A grammatical or erroneous message on the internet
In the heat of passion, calling your lover the wrong name
Releasing a product with a defect
Playing the wrong first song at a wedding
Sending a package to the wrong person

In Mr. Harvey’s case, it was witnessed by millions around the world. He was ridiculed and defended over the course of the next few hours. Was there harm? Yes, emotional, but one he apologized for over and over.

If you look closely at the wave of comments made on social media, not just last evening but everyday, you will see something very eye-opening: Bullying is all around, even in adults.

Donald Trump supporters and Trump himself are some of the most visible supporters of bullying with bumper stickers that say “Hillary Clinton for Prison” and comments demeaning other candidates and former political figures.

Anti-Obama supporters make blanket accusations and insults on a daily basis. Many are based on personal frustration; not fact. Ask Rush Limbaugh, he leads the brigade.

In a recent posting on the I Love Folly Community Site on Facebook, this image of colored hammocks under the pier stirred up over 100 comments, many were negative attacks at one another about entitlement and safety. This was only a symbolic look at the many colors of Folly Beach, the coastal lifestyle and the feeling of taking a step back from life and relaxing to watch a magical sunset. This image turned a quiet coast city into a verbal battlefield.

bully1 Are most of these comments made at public figures, yes, because that is the life path they chose, but once you peel the layers, you will see it is going on at all levels.

There are many factors contributing to the hatred and suffering leading to these cowardly attacks. The economy, limited career opportunities, cost of living issues, over-population and cultural differences all play a role in the anguish that leads to these actions.

Awareness is nice and necessary, but it isn’t changing human behavior. We still have a tremendous amount of work and it will take many more generations to get it right. Through generations of neglect, limited family nurturing and lower standards of accepted behavior, we have dug a deep hole. Now we must look to ourselves, family and friends to find the answers to correct our wayward direction and more us toward a better place.

Love in Charleston and Life – Journey of Photos and Quotes for this season of Romance

February 10, 2016

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

“You can shed tears that she is gone,
or you can smile because she has lived.
You can close your eyes and pray that she’ll come back,
or you can open your eyes and see all she’s left.
Your heart can be empty because you can’t see her,
or you can be full of the love you shared.
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday,
or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.
You can remember her only that she is gone,
or you can cherish her memory and let it live on.
You can cry and close your mind,
be empty and turn your back.
Or you can do what she’d want:
smile, open your eyes, love and go on.”

– David Harkins

What is Love in Charleston?

“If you love somebody, let them go. If they return, they were always yours. If they don’t, they never were.” – Unknown

“The hunger for love is much more difficult to remove than the hunger for bread.” – Mother Teresa

“Do I love you because you’re beautiful,
Or are you beautiful because I love you?”
– Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II, Cinderella

“Love is a symbol of eternity. It wipes out all sense of time, destroying all memory of a beginning and all fear of an end.” – Author Unknown

“Love is an act of endless forgiveness, a tender look which becomes a habit.” – Peter Ustinov

“Love is the condition in which the happiness of another person is essential to your own.” – Robert Heinlein

“Take away love and our earth is a tomb.” – Robert Browning

“Sometimes it’s a form of love just to talk to somebody that you have nothing in common with and still be fascinated by their presence.” – David Byrne

“You have someone that you think is The One, don’t just sort of think in your ordinary mind, ‘OK, let’s pick a date. Let’s plan this and make a party and get married.’ Take that person and travel around the world. Buy a plane ticket for the two of you to travel all around the world, and go to places that are hard to go to and hard to get out of. And if, when you come back to JFK … you’re still in love with that person, get married at the airport.” – Bill Murray

“Love is an irresistible desire to be irresistibly desired.” – Robert Frost

“You know you’re in love when you don’t want to fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams.” – Dr. Seuss

Lowcountry

One Final Toast to Blind Tiger

February 8, 2016

by Charleston Daily 3 Comments

On January 31, 2016 at 11:59 PM the lease expired on Lisa Brown, the final of five owners of Blind Tiger Charleston; an iconic brand in the Charleston infrastructure and watering hole to thousands in the heart of historic Broad Street. From lawyers to college students to wedding parties, Blind Tiger has been a fixture in this community since the 1980’s and situated in a building built in 1803. Soon it will re-open; not in the traditional way we have come to love it, but with a new look an feel.

On this evening, while passing the entrance way, we had the pleasure of a true Charleston moment, experienced and captured. While observing a line of trash laid across the sidewalk in front of the Blind Tiger mosaic, owner, Lisa and friend Amy walked outside and greeted us.

Our conversation reflected on bar memories, alcohol issues, historic ownership and the esthetics of Charleston. It was four strangers creating a memories on a quiet Sunday evening. Lisa invited us inside to continue the conversation. While sitting on the marble floor, we picked up a bottle of vodka with just a few sips remaining. In one final encore, we went around in a circle and shared the final shots inside a true Charleston landmark.

With only the final remaining moments of sunlight shining in through the window, we laughed and toasted new friendships and old times in this dimly light bar. While we embraced the moment, residents walked by peaking their heads and puppies inside and taking the time to give their final goodbyes.

As I looked around, I could see the bars shelves empty, mirrors removed off the walls, light fixtures gone and only the ghosts lingering behind.

As the smooth taste of vodka warmed our spirits, I thought about the Charleston I have grown to love and the changing times. Part of me was happy and part bittersweet. A new era is upon us. We see it everyday and the closing of Blind Tiger is one of the symbols of a changing city.

For a few minutes, we forgot about our troubles and lives and celebrated a neighborhood bar that has withstood so much history. In one final lifting of the glass, it was closing time.

To Blind Tiger, the landmark restaurant and bar may no longer open its doors to the public, but the memories we carry will stay with us for the rest of our lives.

Great Sports Bars in Charleston

February 7, 2016

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

Today is Superbowl Sunday. The big 50. Who would have thought Vince Lombardi and those fiery Packers taking down the Kansas City Chiefs would be the opening act for an American tradition. Today, billions around the world will witness the most expensive sporting event in history. As our way to bring in this sports holiday, we wanted to share some of the best sports bars in Charleston, South Carolina.

After you do all your research, place your online bet or pick your fantasy team for the weekend, here are a few places to kick back with friends and enjoy some great live action.

King Street Grille – With three Charleston area locations downtown, Mount Pleasant and North Charleston, this is a sports lovers dream. Offering all sports packages, great wings, burgers and salads for the lighter side eater, this open bar caters to all fans. They are conveniently located in the Northwoods Mall off of Rivers Avenue (North Charleston), King Street (Downtown) and Towne Centre (Mount Pleasant).

d.d. Peckers’ Wing Shack – 1660 Savannah Highway, West Ashley, SC – This rustic sports bar is a home away from home for Philadelphia sports fans. From the wooden logos in the front of the building, it is clear, this is the spot for Philly transplants from Phillies to Flyers games. Offering great food, beer and a dog friendly patio, this is a spot for the whole family.

Charleston Beer Works – 480 King Street, Charleston, SC – Located in the heart of upper King Street, this two floor sports bar, with its state of the art new location, includes an outdoor patio, televisions both inside and out and a passion for hockey. Yes, this the place to go if you are a hockey fan. From the Rangers to the Hurricanes, Canucks to Canadians, they have you covered. Also, an incredible selection of local craft beer on tap.

My Father’s Moustache – 1405 Ben Sawyer Blvd, Mount Pleasant, SC – If soccer or futbol is your game, then this English & Irish Pub is where you want to plant your bum. From indoor shuffleboard to darts to outdoor seating, this pub is perfect. With walls ordained with old newspapers, images of the Queen and Churchill and iconic flags, My Father’s Moustache brings the look and feel of England right to your front door step (Even the loon is British themed). Toss in rough and tumble soccer fans that throw their whole being into matches and you have yourself a pub party.

Liberty Tap Room – 1028 Johnnie Dodds Blvd, Mount Pleasant, SC – Beer, Burgers and sports. This watering hole offers a large circular bar surrounded by booths and televisions all around. The outdoor area offers a scenic pond and easy entrance to and from the bar for a quick smoke break. With a great assortment of home crafted beers and good grub, this is a good spot for some live sports action.

Dig in the Park – 1049 East Montegue Avenue, North Charleston (Park Circle) – With a giant outdoor big screen and television sets up and down the bar inside, this is the perfect spot in the heart of Park Circle to catch a baseball, basketball or football game. This casual sports bar is set up with an outdoor and indoor bar area to meet all seasons and a little corn hole on the side between periods or halftime.

Smoky Oak Taproom – 1234 Camp Road, James Island, SC – You want some good ribs or a solid burger and enough beer choices to make your palate go wild, head over to Smoky Oak. With a friendly staff and great selection of food and sports, you will find your winning combination. It does get loud, so if that is an issue, get on outside to the front or back for a little relief. Make sure you check out their daily specials. There are some great deals.

Charleston Sports Pub – 1224 Sam Rittenberg Road, West Ashley, SC / 9730 Dorchester Road, Suite 207, Summerville, SC – With two spacious locations stacked with televisions and games from hoops to corn hole, this is a sports bar that brings fun into sports. Even if there is not a great sporting event, there are great weeknight and happy hour specials to entice you to come in for some good local fun.

There you have it. From downtown to North Charleston, West Ashley to James Island to Mount Pleasant, here are some of the best sports bars for all our Charleston area sports fanatics.

An Inspired Performance by Colin Hay at Charleston Music Hall

February 3, 2016

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

“Ghosts appear and fade away; ghosts appear and fade away; ghosts appear and fade away” hauntingly echoed through the hallowed Charleston Music Hall as Colin Hay, accompanied only by his four guitars ended his version of Overkill to a thunderous ovation. With his childish smile, surrounded by his grey beard and millions of miles of touring worn on his face, Colin Hay delivered an inspiring evening of storytelling, music and reflection.

From the familiar sounds of Down Under to the inspiring oratory lyrics of Better Man and Long Way Home, Colin Hay brought thirty-eight years of musical journeys to the stage. During his one hour and forty-minute set, he reminded the audience of the importance of family, the whispers of timing passing and the value of love. His personal path is vividly told in his folk-like lyrics.

With the backdrop of photos and videos, Colin Hay took you back to your childhood with the familiar sounds of Men at Work to his inconspicuous years out of the limelight to a resurgence with the soundtrack contribution to Garden State.

At the conclusion of his set, after he belted Next Year People, the title track to his latest album, he proceeded to put his suit jacket on over his vest and bowed center stage. The entire audience rose in a theater wide standing ovation. It was a glorious and humble moment wrapped into one.

In the truest fashion of an artist who knows the strength of a career is in the power of his fans, Mr. Hay met with fans for autographs and pictures until the last one vacated the venue.

What made the performance so memorable, was not only the music and lyrics, but the story behind the music. Like a grandfather, comfortably resting on his recliner and two grandchildren on his lap, he shared stories of personal time with his mother, playing in front of two billion people during the Olympics and losing the relationship with his record label.

Perhaps one of the most emotional moments came when his shared that he never got closure before his father passed. He described the man as a romantic and played an instrumental entitled Goodbye Romeo as a tribute.

By the end of the evening, you felt a better connection to life, the world and the value of family and relationships. His has called home Australia and Los Angeles, but tonight, his home was with us on stage in Charleston.

60 Years Ago the Pen Died, but the Imagination of Christopher and Pooh Lives On

January 30, 2016

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

By Mark A. Leon (Credit: Pictorial Press Ltd/Alamy)

“I suppose that every one of us hopes secretly for immortality,” – A.A. Milne – 1926

Alan Alexander, “A.A.” Milne lived from January 18, 1882 to January 31, 1956. During his writing career, A.A. Milne wrote seven novels, five nonfiction books and thirty-four plays as well as serving as editor of Granta and assistant editor of Punch Magazine. Yet most of you know Milne for the four children’s books and two poetry collections that he wrote that amassed a total of 70,000 words (the length of an average novel). These four books would open up the window of imagination for generations to come. It’s two central characters were CR Milne and his beloved teddy bear.

For children around the world, A.A. Milne’s son and his teddy bear are best known as Christopher Robin and Winnie the Pooh.

The legacy of these books and his words have inspired children and adults for generations and will continue to be a part of our lives for years to come. In the most loving way a father can show his love for his child and leave an immortal message of imagination, friendship, hope and love, A.A. Milne created a world unlike any other we have seen in literature.

by Marcus Adams, half-plate glass negative, 14 March 1928

In the words of A.A. Milne , “If ever there is tomorrow when we’re not together… there is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we’re apart… I’ll always be with you.” This was his promise not just to his readers, but his family.

In a way, he was sending a message to his cherished child, that immortality is stored in the love we feel for one another. Through the bonds of friendship where life is as simple as getting honey from a beehive, we too can live in harmony, where we respect each other. Whether we hold the hyper tendencies of Tigger or the depressed world of Iyor, every one of us is special.

A.A. Milne saw the world through the eyes of his own child and found a level of inspiration never before seen in a world of childhood fantasy.

Unfortunately, like most that find light in the areas of darkness, the tremendous success of the Pooh series placed challenges on Milne and Christopher Robin. In 1929, shortly after the books and characters had hit a peak of success, Milne decided to discontinue writing children’s books and in 1930, he sent Christopher off to boarding school to escape the limelight and find direction for himself. His publication, Punch would not even publish any new works because nothing gave him as much publicity as those wonderful characters.

During his time at school Christopher was ridiculed and later in life, in his memoirs, he insisted the character was fictional and not based on him. He even declared that his family never even called him “Christoper Robin”, but by his nickname Billy.

Whether reality or fiction mirrored each other, the lives of Christopher Robin, Winnie the Pooh and all their friends have become a part of our hearts.

As we reflect on each of our childhood’s and continue to see the world through the eyes of our own children, let us reflect on his words and their importance:

“Weeds are flowers, too, once you get to know them.”

“Some people care too much. I think it’s called love.”

“It is more fun to talk with someone who doesn’t use long, difficult words but rather short, easy words like “What about lunch?”

“I think we dream so we don’t have to be apart for so long. If we’re in each other’s dreams, we can be together all the time.”

“Sometimes,’ said Pooh, ‘the smallest things take up the most room in your heart.”

“Promise me you’ll never forget me because if I thought you would, I’d never leave.”

“How do you spell ‘love’?” – Piglet
“You don’t spell it…you feel it.” – Pooh”

“I used to believe in forever, but forever’s too good to be true”

On January 31, sixty years to the day that A.A. Milne penned his last word and last breath, we say thank you for creating a world of simplicity, imagination, friendship and immortality. In the world of Pooh, something as simple as a hug can truly make the world a better place.

Can we end homelessness in Charleston? Project Hands Up Lowcountry believes we can

January 27, 2016

by Charleston Daily 1 Comment

By Mark A. Leon - Photo Courtesy of Amanda Marquette-Baird — By Mark A. Leon – Photo courtesy of Amanda Marquette-Baird

Every Sunday at approximately 12:30 PM near Simmons Park (33 Columbus Street) on the East Side, a migration begins. Much like the plight of the penguins, pockets of Charleston area homeless gather for a community event; weekly pot luck in the park. This past week, the event took an evolutionary step offering health screens to the humble masses. Project Hands Up Lowcountry, led by the efforts of Dana Clayton see a future where our area homeless have a roof above their heads, food on the table and provide a valuable contribution to society.

A medical professional by trade whose past took her from providing healthcare to the migrant farmers in the tobacco fields of North Carolina to dedicating herself to providing all the resources to reduce and ultimately end the homeless issue in Charleston County, Dana Clayton continues to give all of her time and efforts to this cause and her voice is being heard.

Her vision of partnership, financial support, training, education and government assistance are separated by short and long term goals. These goals, though challenging and often overwhelming are attainable.

Often we are driven by a personal cause, an event or a situation that forces our conscious to seek salvation in a solution. On the weekend of the 1000 year flood, Dana found a homeless veteran who had passed through Charleston and walked 65 miles in sandals in the treacherous rain trying to get down to Jacksonville, Florida for a job interview. She described the condition of his feet in such detail that her words made me turn my head in sorrow. After providing medical treatment to this man, her commitment to ridding this city of homelessness became a focused mission.

Dana and I sat down for a candid discussion focused on goals, accomplishments, areas of improvement and the minds and souls of the homeless whose daily struggles in a city thriving have left many wondering.

CD: Where can the homeless be found?

DC: Some much recent media attention has been given to the Tent City downtown that many don’t realize there are homeless in other areas of the county. There are communities on John’s Island, James Island, West Ashley, North Charleston and downtown. It is an immense challenge to develop programs, consolidate efforts and find a common organizational front. Last week at the Tent City Initiative meeting at the Charleston County Library downtown, voices were heard and steps began to formulate toward a collective effort. We are really excited to see the direction we are moving.

Photo courtesy of Amanda Marquette-Baird

CD: What are the short and long term goals for these program initiatives?

DC: More funding and government partnerships. These are two critical pieces of the puzzle. We also need consistency in our volunteer efforts and a strong communication channel for planning. Long term we want to get more homeless back in the workforce and create affordable housing. In additional provide educational, legal and counseling resources.

CD: What are key elements missing from the existing programs?

DC: We need to get these individuals identification cards. Many have no form of ID and without it, they cannot get any medical care, interview for jobs or register for any type of city offered training programs. Healthcare is critical. There are two free clinics, but they are in Mount Pleasant and North Charleston and the current transportation issues provide a new set of challenges. We need better care for the mentally ill. Realistically, about 60% or more of the current homeless population have some form of mental illness. Finally, we are in brainstorming sessions for providing educational resources and job placement training opportunities.

CD: What options are currently available for emergency shelters?

DC: Currently, there are no permanent downtown options available. Hibben United Methodist Church in Mount Pleasant provides bus service and shelter for the downtown homeless. Overall, there are four shelters that aid in getting the homeless out of the deep freeze overnights.

CD: How do you measure success and true homeless population?

DC: Unfortunately, this is a group that you won’t find analytics or a community website for. In our minds, every life matters. In about two weeks, we will have a website that will provide information about events, resources and a volunteer calendar.

CD: If anything, what needs to change in the short term?

DC: Stronger political partnership. We need to be hand in hand with the new administration to drive programs, awareness and support. We are currently looking at programs around the United States that have succeeded and seeing how we can make them scalable to this area.

CD: What have you seen as the greatest success of the program?

DC: The feeding programs have been growing and more volunteers are helping. This has fueled more exposure and greater awareness. We hope this trend continues into the future.

There is an overwhelming amount of support in the Charleston Community, but a long way to go. There are a number of organizations working independently, but with talks opening up, efforts are being made to create a cohesive organization focused on one primary goal: End homelessness in our area.

It begins with a gesture, fueled by a passion and resolved with compassion.

The commitment of Dana Clayton and others like her remind us that the struggle exists, but with these tireless efforts the darkness can become light.

To Learn more about volunteer opportunities or program initiatives:

projecthanduplowcountry@gmail.com / 843.471.0697

North Charleston, SC

“Collected Stories” at Midtown Theatre, a Must See For All

January 26, 2016

by Charleston Daily 0 Comments

Midtown Productions, owner and operator of Midtown Theatre located at 2816 Azalea Drive, North Charleston has started 2016 off strong with a captivating show that will make you laugh, reminisce, and ultimately contemplate those all too important “life decisions” you made back in your college years.

“Collected Stories”, produced by Sheri Grace Wenger is winding down it’s production at Midtown Theatre. Written by Donald Margulies, “Collected Stories” first premiered at South Coast Repertory in California on April, 1996 and had a two month run on Broadway in 2010. It follows the dynamic relationship between a celebrated writer and her graduate student protégé over the course of six years in the 1990’s.

Angst, intimidation, pride, doubt and an insatiable need to be accepted are only a few of the emotions that leap off the stage from the only two stars sharing in the spotlight. The performance takes place in the Greenwich Village apartment of Ruth Steiner, a straightforward professor and mentor, played by two time winner of the Charleston’s “Best Actress” Samille Basler. Opposite her is exceedingly bubbly Lisa Morrison, played by Charleston newcomer Sarah Glendening. Seemingly incompatible at first, Ruth and Lisa develop a bond that far exceeds that of your typical professor/student rapport.

The pair develops an intimate mother daughter tie fueled by penetrating moments where life and school lessons are shared in a tapestry of complex exchanges. We watch them go from lightheartedly sharing afternoon tea to having a falling out over the thing that brought them together in the first place which establishes the main conflict of the play. The emotional separation begins to build momentum subtly around the same time that Lisa’s writing career flourishes.

The author scripts out a poignant moment in the play when Lisa gets her first review and she is overwhelmed with feelings of uncertainly and depression. This mental tug of war between success and seeking refuge in a mentor is one so many in the academic circles must face. Ruth, being true to her unapologetic ways, tells Lisa “There’s nothing worse than getting what you wanted.”

Set Designer Ryan Ahelert did an exceptional job with “Collected Stories”. We were easily transported back to the 1990’s in part to his careful attention to detail. We spend the entire play sharing in Ruth’s living room space. It’s comfortable here with her bookshelf filled with books of influence and interest, coat rack that has one too many coats hanging on it, and a messy desk piled up with folders and mail. Ruth and Lisa’s movements flowed seamlessly around the stage and nothing seemed to distract the audience from them.

Midtown Theatre is structured to offer an open cabaret style format. Along with engaging theatrical performances, the theater offers wine, charcuterie and dessert plates. Midtown Productions has been happily calling this place home for just over a year now, and they are excited for what their future here holds.

There are only three more opportunities to catch Samille Basler and Sarah Glendening in their starring roles as Ruth Steiner and Lisa Morrison this Thursday, Friday and Saturday. You can purchase tickets here for the three remaining 8:00 shows. Make sure to keep Midtown Productions on your watch list. They have some great shows coming up for the rest of this season including an upcoming performance of “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change” beginning February 11.

CS_.Both.Woody1 — Photos courtesy of Nancy Santos.

Daniel Scruggs brings global musical expressionism and education to Charleston

January 26, 2016

by Charleston Daily

You can often hear Daniel Scruggs before you see him. I’ve followed the sound of his drumming and turned to find him helping yet another Charleston child join a loud and joyous drum circle. With his expertise, the rhythm is kept well enough that the novices don’t ruin a thing.

And when Daniel is playing drums in Charleston, he’s doing so having brought parts of the world back with him. From Mexico, Egypt, Indonesia, Yemen, Ethiopia, to Brazil… Scruggs has made a career of his talent, friendliness and travel to both perform and teach drumming.

When it comes to drums, Daniel had a colorful (and dutiful) start. He began in The Colonial Williamsburg Fife and Drum Corps at age ten, learning the marches and techniques of the actual colonial musicians and

playing both snare and bass drum. He went on to study jazz drumming, sociology and anthropology in college and eventually, drumming led to the Brazilian martial art Capoeira. Training for years here with a talented Brazilian, Scruggs eventually came to join the oldest continuous group out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, The Bonfim/Chocote de Couro Group. He travels there frequently for training with the other members and its “Grand Master”; a man named Claudionor.

If you haven’t seen Capoeira, it is the martial art with all of the cartwheels and flips, kicks and sweeps, astounding agility, and the tambourine-like instrument (the Pandero) that gives Capoeira it’s distinctive sound. Developed as a means to flee slavery, it was disguised as a dance so that its practice could be hidden from authorities. There is no contact, no scoring, no winners, and players return to the familiar back and forth dance moves (called “Jinga”) after performing spectacular feats. Scruggs tells me that Capoeira “Bridges the line between spectator and performer- and you are supporting the person, clapping and singing. The essence of it is inclusion is critical self-expression and use of the body.” Hundreds of children in Charleston have now been exposed to this martial art, thanks to Daniel.

Scruggs also has a collection of instruments he has presented at countless schools in the area. He brings the Berimbau, an instrument also used in Capoeira, and found in parts of Africa – made of a gourd and a long stick and a wire, the west African djembe drum, and other instruments children just marvel at, like the didgeridoo of Aboriginal Australia, the Tibetan singing bowl, and Peruvian rain stick.

Here is a video introduction to his work.

When asked why he is a dedicated to introducing new music and musical expressionism, Scruggs explains, “Music gives a voice to people that often times don’t know how or can’t express their feelings, it is empowering there’s been countless studies on the medical benefits and the holistic well-being components of recreational music making. When people start playing together they start matching the rhythms; bringing a sense of belonging and inclusion. So it allows a person to feel empowered by creating a sense of connection – your irreplaceable part of the group and the parts are greater than the whole.”

And why is Charleston so lucky? Scruggs, a life-long surfer and lover of people, thinks that having a beach near the city is ideal. And down here, he says, people have a somewhat laid-back attitude. “It’s nice to have people who say good morning and hello. I like the history and the diversity of the city.”

Scruggs is bringing a member of the The Bonfim/Chocote de Couro Group to Charleston in late march to do intensive workshops in the Community (contact him here for information).

All photos provided graciously by Photographer Adam Chandler and Daniel Scruggs.