Lowcountry

As I walk the streets of Charleston turning down the cobblestone of the French Quarter, I can hear faint sounds of journeyman and poets through the walls of the historic buildings.  For centuries, Charleston has defined romanticism with passionate simplicity and elegance.  It is a city blessed with church steeples and architecture that dates back to the early colonists escaping religious persecution for a better life.  It is in their sweat and blood that we can now smell the fragrance of flowers, freedom and community.

Written word and song from lover to lover, performer to fans, dreamers to visionaries and leaders to supporters has been the capstone of our foundation in Charleston.  From Gershwin to Poe, Charleston has housed some of the most creative minds in American history.

As a poet and a writer, Charleston showers me with inspiration each and every day.

My love for this town inspired the following poem:

This is Charleston

It is a rainbow of infinite memories
From the early settlers to the pioneers of tomorrow

Sailboats raise a symbol to the sky as the wind guides them offshore creating a finely stitched canvas of white clouds and ocean blue

From the tips of the church steeples reaching to the heavens, to the remains of our forefathers resting in the sacred burials, Charleston is a blessing and gift

In its wonder, we are taken back in time to cobblestone roads, horse drawn carriages and southern hospitality as sweet as nectar on pecan pie

Once a shipping ground for slavery and inequality; now a harmonious settlement of integration, culture, dining and hospitality

Each morning, the sun rises over the harbor and welcomes a new day with open arms

Streets filled with life, the sound of music and aromas to warm the soul

This is Charleston

It is home to the world

Defining a global appeal, an artist sees a city with a marriage of nature and skyline beauty becoming one
Painting in his head a true masterpiece
Now this canvas, resting peacefully on the coast, is laden in strokes of reds and blues
Always in flux as patrons pay homage to the city we love

This is Charleston

From the laughter of the children in the fountain, to the love of an elderly couple embracing on the sand, this is heart of all that is good

This is Charleston; where the heart of the South reminds you of the beauty of life

After performing at various events in Charleston including Jailbreak 2014, East Bay Meeting House and The 827 Center and hosting spoken word open mic events at How Art Thou Cafe, it is clear that there is incredible talent in this community.  Recently, I published my third collection of poetry and the last collection has been exclusively inspired by the people, places and experiences of this place I call home.  Poetry is often hidden in the shadows due to its intimacy and personal nature.  It is disguised as music, composition, storytelling, acting and written word.

Poetry is a personal emotion that is shared from one to another.

I have often said that poetry is one of the greatest risks you can take in your life.  It is ability to become emotionally naked to everyone around you and let them inside your deepest personal thoughts and feelings.  That is the true core of poetry.

Being honored as the number one city in the world and the nicest city in the United States is not just an honor we carry in a magazine article or a plaque, but a way of life.

Just months before his passing of terminal cancer, the legendary basketball coach Jim Valvano said, “If you laugh, you think, and you cry, that’s a full day. That’s a heck of a day. You do that seven days a week, you’re going to have something special.”  That line has stayed with me for 21 years and in all my travels it has never rang more true than in Charleston.  There isn’t a day that goes by without a stranger saying hello or smiling at you.  In times of need, this community rallies like no other.

If you ever find yourself walking down the street alone, thinking and then sitting on a dock watching one of our magical sunsets, you will have experienced visual poetry.

I hope each one of you finds that internal strength to open up your emotional window and let people in.  Each day, you should laugh, cry and think and most importantly, write down how you feel.  Someday, those words will inspire another generation.

If you would like to read more of my personal thoughts, my door is always open at Recruiterpoet Blog and if you see me on the street, say hello.  I may read you a poem.

Charleston is a craft beer heavenly oasis. It is a marriage made to last. The synergies between our careful community spirit and the flavorful zest of a good pint of craft beer is priceless.

The next time you are sitting outside at Bohemian Bull, Bay Street Biergarten or My Father’s Mustache, you know where your local beer is coming from.

What makes Charleston and craft beer such a special combination is that it is much more than the beer. Along with tours, there are even yoga classes, pot luck fundraisers, tastings and so much more. Craft beer in Charleston is its own tourist attraction. Come and see….

Breweries

• Coast Brewing – 1250 2nd St. North, North Charleston, S.C. 29405
• Holy City Brewing – 4155 C Dorchester Road, North Charleston, SC 29405
• Westbrook Brewing – 510 Ridge Road, Mount Pleasant, SC 29466
• The Frothy Beard Brewing Company – 7358 Peppermill Parkway, Suite B, North Charleston, SC 29418
• Palmetto Brewing Company – 289 Huger St., Charleston, SC 29403
• Southend Brewery and Smokehouse – 161 East Bay St., Charleston, SC 29401
• Edmund’s Oast – 1081 Morrison Drive, Charleston, SC
• Freehouse Brewery – 2895 Pringle Street, Suite B, Charleston, SC
• Tradesman Brewing Company – 1639 Tatum Street, Charleston SC
• Revelry Brewing – 10 Conroy Street, Charleston SC
• Cooper River Brewing Company – 2201-B Mechanic Street, Charleston, SC
• Low Tide Brewing – 2863 Maybank Highway, Johns Island, SC

Bottle Shops / Craft Beer Havens

• Charleston Beer Exchange – 14 Exchange St., Charleston, SC 29401
• House of Brews – 1537-C Ben Sawyer Blvd. Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
• Ted’s Butcherblock – 334 East Bay Street, Charleston, SC 29406
• Craft Conundrum – 630-A Skylark Drive, West Ashley, SC 29407

Events

• Brewvival – Annual
• Ballpark Festival of Beers – Annual
• Charleston Brews Cruise – Ongoing
• “The Original” Pub and Brewery Tours of Charleston – Ongoing
• Charleston Beer Week – Annual Event

Check out the websites to learn more about tours and other events.

Bring the taste of Charleston home today.

*Charleston Craft Beer Blog

Fishing, jet-skiing, tubing, skiing, swimming, wakeboarding, camping, hunting, eating, and relaxing.

It’s that time of the year again. The weather is hot and the water is cool, which means lakeside parks like Somerset, Overton and Short Stay on lakes Moultrie and Marion are in full swing. For those who are unfamiliar with the lakes, they are located on the shores of Upper Berkeley County, just a cool 30 minutes from Downtown Charleston. Every weekend, hundreds of boaters are beaching on “Coon Island” to enjoy a little bit of lake life. Almost certainly, a few of them will enjoy it so much they will spend the weekend out there camping. Once dawn breaks, meals will be prepared over a campfire, beverages will be consumed and a typical day on the lake will be underway.

Children will be slung around on tubes behind pontoon boats, screaming with joy while holding on for dear life. Jet skiers spontaneously “race” each other without any word or mention of a start or finish. Skiers, wakeboarders, and kneeboarders glide around, unhindered from every worldly stress except the painful fall that is soon to come. After everyone works up an appetite playing on the lakes, they could visit one of the several restaurants conveniently located nearby. The catfish nuggets at any of these locally owned destinations are always heavenly.

Speaking of fish, the lake’s main attraction is the award winning fish it produces.

Daily, whether there is rain, sleet, or hail, someone is casting a line into the Santee Cooper lake system. And who could blame them? State record bass, catfish and bream have all been caught in the Lowcountry lake system. This is probably what has prompted the rise of the various fishing tournaments that are held on the lakes. Year round, bass and catfish tournaments are held with cash prizes as large as $10,000.

If catching prize-winning fish isn’t your forte, there are dozens of fishing tours that could help even the most unskilled angler land a big one. If you get the opportunity to sail out with one of the lake’s fishing veterans, you are almost guaranteed to land a sizeable fish. If you have not gotten to experience the incredible feeling of winding in a largemouth bass, participate in a tour as soon as possible. You will quickly find out why so many people spend their past-time on a lake.

So get out and about Charleston! There is so much beauty out there to continue to experience. And now you can take us with you. We have Charleston Daily bumper stickers for sale so that you can spread the love throughout Charleston. We appreciate each one of you!

Written by Charleston Daily’s blogger Hayden Grooms.

The climb into a prop plane that rises fast into the sky like the adrenaline pumping through your body. The little plane circles in quick loops higher and higher to reach the right elevation point. The moment of truth to jump or to have the flight of shame back to the ground. You tuck your arms into your chest close your eyes and on three, you’re free falling. Then the wind starts rushing past you blocking out all other noises except your thrilled screams. Limbs spread out and it will be the closest feeling to flying that you will ever have, until the next time you do this, that you have already decided you must. The jerk of the chute stopping you in the air for a split second making your plummet to the ground turn into a float to earth. Then lifting your feet so your tandem guide can bring you onto the grassy field with a jolt to your bum and it’s all over in a flash. All that’s left to do is strip off your gear and digest that you just checked off skydiving from your bucket list.

All that thrill and rush was NOT for me. I get my thrills from flying down a mountain on my bike, or finding the perfect cheese to go with a new wine. I’m too much of a control freak and a scaredy cat to go tandem skydiving. My boyfriend on the other hand says bring it on.

So thanks to a living social coupon we rose early on Saturday and, with our rare nasty treat of Bojangels chicken and biscuit permeating my truck, we headed out for my man’s thrilling adventure again. On our first attempt to dive the winds picked up and it was too dangerous to send a man out of a plane at 10,000 feet, but this time we just knew it was going to happen. We had the drill down and brought chairs, beverages and reading entertainment. You might be scheduled for 10:00 am but that really interprets into sometime this afternoon. The crew works quickly and efficiently but only three teams at a time can fit into the tiny plane, then getting to elevation, fueling, it all adds up to… be patient dude you get to jump out of a plane today. It was a beautiful afternoon and I was able to bring my dog so I settled in for catching a tan, reading a book on my bucket list and letting Hagan romp through the grassy fields and get belly rubs from all the anxious clients.

My man was signed up and went through the safety video quickly, the weather was sunny and breezeless and the packs of three cycled through until it was GO time. I watched with a tight stomach of nerves as they strapped the heavy harness over his shoulders and around his legs and just like that he was in the sky. I had one eye on the plane and another on my phone that kept lighting up with his mother’s worried texts, and then he appeared, a little dot high in the air. What felt like seconds to him was drawn-out eternity for me. When is the chute going to open! It finally did and he swooshed down in large circles to the ground with no incident. He was thrilled with the experience and ready to sign up again, hell ready to learn solo jumping. My man was ready to jump every day.

Are you ready for the rush? Just an easy drive to the small town of Andrews you too can check off that “I always wanted to do that” from your list. Don’t be a baby like me and take a very safe chance to skydive with some awesome guys from SC Skydiving.

Want to see what it’s all about? Ride along!

Written by contributing adventurist & writer Tatiana Fisher

I could see it, those little kids just plain bored only allowed to sit in the courtyard, innocent enough, boys being boys- fire is cool. I could see it, those pig-tailed girls pattering around us, their snow white feet dancing around right under our paranormally blind eyes. A bolder one tapping her cherub fingers teasingly on my boyfriend’s arm. She was right there, according to Hope our Seer. I could hear the voices of the seven little girls, playing Ring Around the Rosie, singing “ashes, ashes” in that courtyard. College freshman went running by us, giggling and excited about Friday night freedom, alive and loud, breaking the moment, but not chasing away my goose bumps.

I had a very cool apartment in the Faubourg Marigny, before I knew it was cool to be in the Marigny in New Orleans. I shared a balcony with a black cape, top hat wearing tour guide. On sunny afternoons, we would enjoy each other’s company out on our little veranda with some cold Abita brews. Laughing off stress as we tried to one-up each other on Quarter Touron experiences. My twinkly-eyed, drama major neighbor would always push me to come to his haunted tour.

When my family came to visit the single, childless, black sheep, living in the original city of sin, I tried to play the “look me and my city are not so bad” card. I signed us all up for the French Quarter horror tour. Those stories of a lover freezing on a rooftop and the poor slave girl chained to a stove, burning to death will stick in my memory forever. I was impressed with his theatrics and storytelling. I was thrilled to take my family on a safe, non-sordid adventure. My neighbor, with his flash and charm, did a great job with a script.

I thought I knew what I was getting into when we went to take a downtown tour in Charleston. My boyfriend and his brother have a little bit of a hard on for Walks in History. It’s their go-to for visitors or date night fun. One reason they like the tour is because they recognize a local kid from James Island. The boys can appreciate and support the hard work and rigorous time-consuming research it must have taken to glean out the history that would give you shivers.

Geordie isn’t full of theatrics and his tour was “just the facts, ma’am”. Sometimes, the truth itself is scary. I loved how adding the spirit medium, Hope, brought it to a new level. From a guy telling you this place has ghosts, to Hope telling you where they are standing and how those ghosts are feeling.

My tour with Walks in History was very different than the one I drug my family to. Geordie is a treasure trove of facts about Charleston. He has written six books (going on seven) about his beloved city and it’s impossible to rattle him with a question he can’t answer related to his specialty. This is Geordie sharing his hard work, not an actor hired by a company. Instead of teaching a college course about his history buff-ness, he self-started his own business to share his passion with you.

Jay Leno used to have an on-the-street quiz about what people knew about US history. These people always failed miserably. Don’t fail your city, get a little smarts about our amazing ghost-filled downtown. How cool would it be to walk by the Embassy Suites and blurt about its sordid past, like the local you want to be? So get out, support local and enjoy your fascinating city with Walking Tours.

Hope and Geordie will be doing another tour together on March 2^nd. Limited spots available and fill quickly. Reservations required.

Written by Tatiana Fisher, contributing writer

Do you remember when you registered for your first library card? The nice lady with the blue veined hands and a tissue stuffed in her sleeve placed that ticket to independence into your eager tiny little palm. Your world was blown open! You discovered ALL the Berenstain Bears books and played hours of Oregon Trail! Later in life, using that card to fill your obsession with Dean Koontz horror, stalking the stacks to find a new novel to scare the wits out of you. I have a warm and fuzzy for public libraries. So much that I transformed from a spunky Bourbon Street bartender, playing a tambourine on top of a bar to having my feet planted firmly on the carpet in a more civilized environment checking out books to those bright eyed children, with less emergency tissue. It’s an extreme change, but now I find peace wandering through my stacks of old friends. Our libraries provide great books, from crazy Christopher Moore to the “how to salvage your life- for idiots”, the latest DVD’s, and even internet access when your laptop crashes.

I was happy to see that one of my customized indoor/bad weather choices from On Purpose Dating was to go hang out at the library and play hide and seek. I love that On Purpose supports local and really what better place to witness the slice of life that is your city than at the library.

Since joining the family at Charleston Daily, I have had the opportunity to meet some remarkable characters of our city. One of those is Ben from On Purpose Adventures. One conversation with Ben will have you thinking, “Why am I not doing more with my life like this guy?” This fella is busy doing amazing things in our little city including a zombie run, a radio show, adventure outings and his latest endeavor- helping you have a fabulous date.

His company’s core belief is that “the body craves adventure and the soul needs purpose”- hence On Purpose Adventure! As someone that believes you need to follow your dreams and fill your soul, not a bank account, I was immediately on board. I was excited to have the opportunity to take part of On Purpose dating.

Whether you are planning for a first date or a several year anniversary, dating is a great option to get out of your element and take advantage of original Charleston ventures. Is anyone really impressed with dinner and a movie anymore? You fill out an easy questionnaire and, in short order, Ben and his team email you customized date options. This service is for everyone from the low-cash-flow couch potato to the has-money-to-impress adventure junkie.

My man and I are the poor… or maybe…“budget savvy” active couple, and we were set up with some great ideas, catered specifically to our creative outdoor selves. This cold weather is crippling me. I have been absolutely miserable, but for the sake of writing inspiration my go-go-go boyfriend drug me from hibernation, underneath the warmth of goose down, to try our indoor date option, and we headed downtown to the Charleston County library on Calhoun. I decided to take the suggested hide and seek idea one step further.

I challenged us each to make a romantic confession, finding each word out of a different book. With a little PDA between the stacks- because really, who hasn’t wanted to play out that fantasy? We eventually found our love line, swapped clues and set off to piece together our original declaration of love to each other.

My first clue for my man: “This Nobel peace prize winner took over as my #1 author after I read his American masterpiece about a family trying to survive in California during the great depression. He also took a classic tale for a new spin. I wonder if Mallory would like it. Page 56 line 4.” This was probably too easy, but I had to give the non-reading fella a break, right?

I got a little tear in my eye when I pieced together my line, found from greats spanning from Shakespeare to Chuck Palunchuck. It was a wonderful way to spend a cold afternoon in a warm, funky building. Thanks to On Purpose Dating, we were inspired to make a unique and memorable day that we will never forget, in our local library.

If you’re looking for something fresh to do with your loved one, a group excursion or team building for your office staff, On Purpose Adventure can put it together for you. So get out, support local and enjoy your fascinating city folks.

To get your customized date just email Ben- info@onpurposeadventures.com subject DATE PLANNING

By: Tatiana Fisher, contributing writer

Lights, camera and action!!!

The Charleston International Film Festival may be the best week you will spend in Charleston. Scheduled for April 9 – 14, also known as Official Charleston Film Week, the festival provides sunrise to sunset entertainment, networking and the passion of film from around the globe. In its purest form, it feeds the mind and soul and wakes your senses with a unique global outreach that will leave you laughing, crying, pondering and valuing the importance of film and life.

Founded by Summer and Brian Peacher, the seventh annual event once again promises lasting memories. From the beginning, their vision was simple, provide filmmakers an avenue to showcase their creativity to cinematic fans with the backdrop of one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

It is truly an act of love that Summer, Brian and many others bring each year. From the outdoor cocktail party that kicks off the festivities to the glamorous award ceremony held at the beautiful Memminger Auditorium that closes the festival.

As a fan of the cinema and the creative process, I was taken to another place. How often do you have an opportunity to:

• Discuss the film making and scripting process with University professor Steve Albrezzi who brought the heart warming coming of age film Commencement to the screen over a martini.
• Talk to Marin Hinkle about her wonderful portrayal in an independent film, her roots dating back to her start on Another World and not even mention Two and a Half Men
• Take a picture of Tom Berenger at an award ceremony.
• Talk to legendary Cinematographer Bill Butler, the man beyond Jaws, Stripes, Rocky II and dozens more before his wife forces him to shut up and get ready for the awards ceremony.
• Have a candid conversation with Frank Abagnale Jr., the subject inspiration for the film Catch Me If You Can.
• Get threatened by the man himself, Bill Murray at a Charleston RiverDogs game.
• Get taken home by a driver in a BMW after a memorable after party at The Alley.
• Meet film makers from South America and Europe.
• Witness some of the most innovative short films, animated shorts and features made from the heart and shared with all their vulnerability

From a woman sharing the story of her mentally ill brother who disappeared for over 20 years, to the rise and fall of Doc Pomus, one of the greatest songwriters of all time; from a families struggle to send their daughter to law school to a young girl caught between a straining divorce, from three friends dealing with prejudice after 9/11 to firefighters dealing with cancer from the after affects, The Charleston International Film Festival opened my eyes to subjects that many deem taboo or fear opening up to.

Each block of shorts and films are carefully selected to compliment style and subject matter so the audience is given a full experience.

The evenings were filled with the purest of Charleston evening entertainment. From Mynt to The Music Farm and Seeking Indigo to The Alley, the participants, organizers and fans were treated to amazing parties. From live music to sharing of ideas, each night left you wanting more. Personally, I will always remember some of the in-depth conversations I had with the filmmakers about their influences, creative process and the sacrifices they make for their art. That is truly what drew me in.

A special recognition needs to go to Jim Bush who organized a special group of volunteers whose passion for the creative arts and tireless hours made the event a huge success. Their individuals are the definition of positive energy. Their efforts and connection to the fans and participants were the backbone of this festival and friends to this day.

What kept me coming back was a group of amazing dedicated professionals that believe in something bigger than themselves and the desire to share that with the city of Charleston.

If you have never experienced the Charleston International Film Festival, I would not recommend going to just a single block, but to purchase a pass for the entire event. It is truly a remarkable week for this city.

Ticket Information for the 2014 Charleston International Film Festival

[vimeo http://vimeo.com/65555437]

I heard one of my boyfriend’s “this is interesting, you should pay attention ‘hmms’” while I unpacked some of our camp gear onto the deck of tree house #1. He came out of the cabin, with a slap of the sturdy screen door, holding a treasure trove of memories encased in a simple, crinkled leather book. For better or for worse, years of reviews and experiences were chronicled inside this gem of entertainment.

Experiencing the delicious first bite of their wedding cake, melting in their mouth after missing the chance to try it at their busy reception. They fed each other bites with a sigh of relief. A mother teaching her daughter how to navigate the river on a bonding retreat. The long memorizing stare at a lover across the picnic table as the sun caught the strands of her falling hair and made them shine. The boys out for a fishing getaway, nighttime caught catfish frying for breakfast to fill hungover bellies. Birders making a page long list of their sightings. The report of monsters. The report of a giant owl. The response that city ladies might think owls are monsters?

The treehouse provided shelter from a lightning storm just missed and furnished over and over again the much needed retreat we all craved from our real lives. A birthday, a honeymoon, a surprise engagement- the little treehouse that could perpetually delivers while it sits on the Edisto River in Givhans Ferry, South Carolina.

Carolina Heritage Outfitters, located just an hour from Charleston, has been providing adventure seekers with a unique getaway experience for over 20 years. Just enough time to have ironed out all the details to make the trip simple and bomb proof. At $150 per person, you receive a canoe and its gear, a shuttle ride up the river and an outfitted treehouse completely off the grid. For just a small investment, you pay for the opportunity to experience the scenery and wildlife of the ecosystem on the Edisto. You get the thrill of relying solely on your own wit and grit for survival. Of course this designated “active” couple were drawn to this excursion to celebrate our mutual birthdays.

We loaded up the shuttle van on a clear, crisp Sunday fall morning. Our provisions of water, sleeping bags, clothes, the kitchen sink (better to have than to need is my motto) and lastly what I considered the necessities- wine, cheese and bloody mary mix. I tried to relax into the river time that Scott kept with his driving speed, which eventually got us to the drop off point. Only forty-five minutes from the city and thirty minutes from base, but you instantly feel cut off from the world when you dip your yellow paddle into the cold, rusty colored water and feel a sense of power when the canoe pulls forward into the elements.

Turtles don’t gracefully dive into the water when you startle them with your enthusiasm over witnessing nature. Your library quiet voice suddenly turned Game Cock cheerleader in this still environment. Instead, they just belly flop from their sunning perch. No finesse- just a fall and plop. Ducks are awkward little creatures as well. Anything will scare them into frantically flapping their wings in escape from the latest fright. Like bears through the woods, as they crack branches and move bushes with their huge effort to maneuver their little bodies away from the self-created danger.

As a couple, the trip provided us with a growing moment. It could have been locker-room worthy expletives after being dunked with our gear into the cold water, if either one of us had panicked. Instead, we handled the situation of hitting an unexpected log with style. The larger log than we anticipated stopped us dead, the water pushing us sideways against the fat beast that was the power of the water trying to tip us over. Oh, the drama! We worked like a well-oiled team though. No screaming or panic, but calm problem solving. My hands shook for a bit, but the two of us and our bottles of wine snuggled in-between made it dry and safe to our destination right at five hours easy paddling, as predicted.

Our home for the night was well equipped. We had an outdoor propane grill and picnic table with a big fire pit outside. Inside we had an indoor cooking stove and heater, lanterns and plenty of little candles to make the place glow like a séance room after the sun went down. We had the island all to ourselves and explored the two empty cabins, both progressively a little larger than our couples lodge. The sun sank through the leaves, lighting them through their thin skin while the river bubbled like the best bought sound machine. Shadows grew long and my shoulders started to relax. The realization that we had nowhere to be and nothing that had to be done made us both giddy. We listened to our fire crackle and the woods take on night sounds. Sipping our vino into the night, talking about nothing and everything. We both slept warm and deep in our loft that night.

We took our time paddling the lazy river the next day, watching the egrets and herons sweep in front of us. Choosing to land at a few sand bars along the way to sink our toes into the cold grains and watch the river drift by. Very reluctant to step back through the curtain and into our daily grind. Our only regret not staying for a few more days. For more information please visit their website.

By: Contributing writer Tatianna Fisher

In 1994, the New York Theater Workshop did a 3 week run of Rent. Twenty years later, Jonathan Larson’s opus is played throughout the world with a single message of love. On January 25, 1996, the evening before the premiere of the Off-Broadway production of Rent, Jonathan Larson died suddenly of an aortic dissection. This tragic event resonated through the entire acting and creative community, but more importantly enforced his message of love, family and “No Day But Today”. Twenty years later, the community theater company Flowertown Players in historic Summerville, SC is sharing the magic of Rent with South Carolina for only the second time ever.

As an avid fan and an amateur Rent fanatic, this was my tenth performance in three states over twelve years, including sixth row center on Broadway at the Nederlander Theater. With all the anticipation and nervousness of seeing my first “community” presentation, this was truly a memorable and emotional evening.

The musical score from high above the elaborate stage was played incredibly well by Cathy Almquist, Raymond Sutton Tobey, Kelly Farmer and Micha Otto and complimented the talented actors that carried the legacy and beauty of Rent so well.

Giulia Maria Dalbec and Cody Smith’s portrayal of Mimi and Roger was saturated with pure and unadulterated emotion. During some of their more passionate moments, including the stirring finale of No Day But Today, tears not only filtered through the actors, but you could hear it from the audience. Light My Candle added a playful flirty element to their relationship that demonstrated the intimacy that community theater can bring. As an audience member and fan, I felt the cast truly connected as they brought this play together.

Angel, played by Beaufort, SC native Jason Marion, did not disappoint. Angel over the years, has been a crowd favorite and one that has carried many a performance. Note: minor spoiler alert: The moments before Angel’s death from affects of the AIDS virus, his shaking and pain stricken face was near perfection. That scene, which included three simultaneous scenes, grabbed me and fixated my view on his final moments.

Andrew Turnbull’s portrayal of Mark added the seamless narration that created the tapestry of a year in the life of friends, lovers and family.

In its truest form, without any glamor, fanfare or sensationalism, Rent is about living each moment to the fullest filled with love, family and caring. In the wake of tragedy, it is the comfort you find in friends that will overcome it all. Tackling the epidemic of the spread of the AIDS virus in the 80’s and 90’s is such a difficult and personal story for some and the ability to convey that time with passion, laughter, love and simple connection was handled so well by this cast.

As one that has studied and followed the journey of this play, I am always humbled by the personal stories of Rent. Michelle Caulder Smith and Cody Smith, who play Maureen and Roger respectively, are happily married off stage and though they stayed in character from the opening number until the last, they were hand in hand on stage after the performance.

After the production ended and friends and family swarmed the stage to offer hugs and kisses to the cast, I noticed that many of the fans were very young and some would not have even been born during the setting of this story. Rent has transcended time and will continue to find new audiences.

Rent gives a message of hope. Whether you were a lesbian, homosexual, homeless, poor, rich or an addict, Rent accepts and opens its arms to an invitation of comfort.

If you have not had a chance to ever see Rent or musical theater, this is one show that will pull you in from the start and take you on a ride you will not soon forget. Since 1997, Flowertown players have offered Charleston an escape from reality through theater. With a level of intimacy and connection you don’t normally see in larger productions, Flowertown is a symbol of the charm and creative graces of Charleston.

Purchase Tickets for Rent – Flowertown Players

Legacy of Jonathan Larson – The Man, The Music, The Vision behind RENT
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDqXHzA9PPI&list=PLzW1OLfQs8oIZvC_dSKL-lQIicPoUKjvA&feature=c4-overview-vl]

Starting a family in any city is challenging, but when you are living in the landscape of a city that has gotten global recognition for multiple years for its beauty, tradition, history and culture and is in the midst of a population renaissance, the challenges can even be greater. We had an opportunity to speak to Adrienne and John who are expecting a baby boy in early 2014. As they prepare for parenthood, we discussed the excitement and risk around starting a family in Charleston.
This is truly a wonderful interview with two individual that have not only found love, but are filled with unconditional love and excitement for the impending birth of their son. Enjoy this heartfelt exchange of questions and answers from Adrienne and John.

With the great recognition Charleston has been getting, it will result in a advanced population growth. One of the potential concerns is over-crowded schools. Is that a concern as you bring a new child into the world?

Adrienne: Charleston is a great city. Its culture and environment are unlike many others and that’s one reason why we love living in Charleston so much. That being said, so does everyone else, people are reading about Charleston in travel magazines and seeing beautiful pictures online everywhere and they want to move here. It’s crazy how much this city has grown in the last 5-10 years. I’m a product of Charleston County Public Schools and I’ve seen almost all of the public elementary schools on James Island go under construction to make room for students. Boeing has also already brought so many families to the Low Country that school districts are being forced to build new schools in Dorchester and Berkeley Counties. There is no doubt that having a spot for our child in a good school district is a very top priority; so much so, that I would consider moving in order to get our child into a good school. I also work at a local private preschool and know first-hand how early you have to start planning for childcare & education here. There are people with babies and kids on waiting lists for some schools and they just found out they are pregnant. We are already on a waiting list. It’s never too early to start thinking about this future population boom that is inevitable!

John: YES! I have to drive to different areas of Charleston daily for work and often do work in many schools located throughout the area. All I see are trailers everywhere. Schools are already overflowing. There are some schools that have more students out in trailers than inside the actual building. It’s a major concern and one that we have already started discussing. Hopefully, Charleston’s school districts are also thinking ahead and will be able to accommodate everyone as this city continues to expand.

What makes the two of you so passionate about living in Charleston? What makes this area special to you?

Adrienne: How can you not be passionate about living in Charleston? If you can handle the weather and like living by the water it’s a perfect place to live. Charleston will always be special to me since it’s my hometown. I love everything about Charleston. I’m southern to the bone and can’t imagine not having Charleston culture and scenery being a major part of my family’s life. The sounds and smell of the ocean warm my soul. There is nothing sweeter than sitting on the beach, toes in the warm sand and watching the sunrise or set. It’s my “happy place”. I always run to it when I’m feeling sad or need some “me” time. I also love the food, the history, the shopping, and the various festivals that flow through here. I look forward to things like Spoleto, The Charleston Farmer’s Market, Piccolo Fringe, local comedy festivals at Theatre 99, RiverDogs games, Stingrays games, The Cajun Festival, The Greek Festival and many, many others every year. You can almost always count on me to try and gather a group of friends together to attend many of these events. Charleston is very special to me, because it’s home.

John: I originally moved down to Charleston with a close group of friends and family to start a new chapter in my life, and although we have all gone our separate ways now, I decided to stay in Charleston because of my job and I met the love of my life. I’m in a good place in my life right now meeting Adrienne and being able to start a family down here is what makes Charleston special to me.

What are some of your fears and challenges about becoming a mother?

Adrienne: There’s no greater challenge or blessing than becoming a mother. It’s one of the greatest gifts you can ever be given (I’m crying just thinking about it). I face many challenges ahead, but many rewards as well. I pray that I will be a loving, flexible, exciting, adventurous, physically active, & capable mommy. I want my son to know that I will always do any and everything I can to make him happy. I want to stay physically fit so that I can also play sports with him, go on camping & hiking trips, and play a very active role in his life. One concern I have is being able to let the little things go more, relax and go with the flow. I’m a natural born planner, and sometimes that dictates my life. I know as soon as you have a child all planning goes out the door. I guess you could say I’m working on that. I have a lot of fears and concerns about motherhood, but I am more excited than scared. I know I’m not perfect and that’s ok because I don’t need to be. I just need to be “his mommy” and that I know I can do that because my heart is already overflowing with more love than I’ve ever felt before. I’m already changing who I am to become a better mother, and look forward to all the other changes that lie ahead!

What major changes in your life do you both expect when your new addition comes?

Adrienne: I expect a lot of changes when this little boy arrives. I assume I have a lot of the same expectations most first time parents do: less free time do to…well anything (take a shower, go to the gym, cook a healthy meal, hang out with friends, watch movies etc.), all extra finances going to this baby (no more shopping sprees for me!), less sleep, and of course I’ll have way more to pack for the beach next summer! Our lives are about to completely change, but I think we are ready for it, as ready as you can be.

John: I’m expecting everything to change, a lot that Adrienne has mentioned…less sleep, not having as much free time to hang out with friends, and I expect to be working a lot more. But hey, what’s life without a little change?

Are there things that your parents did to raise you that you would do different and things you want to do the same?

Adrienne: My parents divorced when I was 2yrs. old and mainly my mother raised me. She was and still is a very strong willed and independent woman who can accomplish anything she puts her mind too. I was raised with the same mentality…that I don’t need anyone to do anything for me, because I can do it! I want my son and other future children to have a similar sense of security with themselves. I want them to feel secure enough to try things on their own, and if they fail it’s ok to brush yourself off and to try again; however at the same time I want them to feel it is ok to fail, that I won’t be upset or disappointed and if they need help I am right there to support them. My mom was also great about putting me into extracurricular activities like cheerleading, gymnastics, and letting me try anything I wanted to. I’d like to do the same thing for my son, because I think it’s important for kids to participate in-group activities outside of school. I take pride in knowing I’m a fully independent, responsible, and capable woman and I definitely hope to pass those characteristics onto my children.

John: My parents are amazing; they’ve been married for over 30 years and had twins at 21 years old. There is not much I would change when looking at my parents now. They started young and worked very hard (still do) to give my brother and I everything we ever needed and wanted. They stood by us when we gave them trouble in high school and when we wanted to start our first band. They were always supportive with our love for music and came to every single show we put on at first. I hope I can show my son that same level of support and love every single day of his life.

If a family were looking to move to Charleston and raise a family, what would you say to them?

Adrienne: Do your research! Make sure you can afford to live in Charleston with the rising cost of homes and schools. It isn’t cheap to live here and with the growing popularity prices continue to soar. Also make sure you already have a school district in mind and there’s room for your child there before you relocate. If you can handle the heat, humidity, and love the beach Charleston is a great place to settle down. There is always something to do and plenty of mom groups to join. It’s just a beautiful place; inside and out.

John: I agree with Adrienne about doing your research. There are already a lot of people living in Charleston, and depending where you are moving from you may or may not be able to deal with the traffic and crowded downtown areas. It is a really nice place to live, but don’t forget your sunscreen!

Sometimes in life, the right moment comes along and you meet your true love. Together, life takes on a whole new meaning and direction. For Adrienne and John, their love has led them down the road of a new and exciting journey. From the time spent with them, it seems clear, they are ready to take on this new stage in life together full of compassion and hope.

Adrienne and John were so wonderful to open up to us and share their story. We hope their insights of love, parenthood and life in Charleston drew some pure emotion and provided some wonderful advice for new families starting out in this city.