Lowcountry

What If? Productions latest musical ‘Hair’ is a magical celebration of life and love

May 8, 2019 by 0 Comments
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By Mark A. Leon

Film and theater have a social responsibility and a cinematic platform to bring to life the essence of existence in all it spectral layers.  It brings us to the trenches of tears, the heights of happiness, the infectious virtues of laughter and the heartbreak of want and loss.  This medium has touched our soul and the latest production by What If? Productions is no exception.

What If? Productions, in partnership with Queen Street Playhouse have brought to Charleston a personal celebration honoring the 50th anniversary of the release of ‘Hair’.  This play takes place in the turbulent 60’s in New York City when the country was turn between love and war.  The 1960’s were a decade of division fueled by protest, calls for change and violence.  Struggles existed centered around war, drugs, segregation and equality.  In the heart of this madness spurred a motley group of friends that chose peace, love, sexual openness and acceptance.  At the time, they were categorized as the counter-culture.

During the heart of the Vietnam Conflict, they banded together to restore faith and a sense of community centered around the idea of choosing love over war.

The play is filled with uncertainty and compromise as each character faces their own truths and challenges fighting the establishment to be the people they want to be.  This sex charged musical production brings the crowd to moments of ovation and cheer.  As the pronounced anthem states in the beginning and to its hauntingly beautiful end, “Let the sunshine in…”. From the very beginning, the audience is brought in as part of the journey.

The poignancy of this production goes deeper than the beautiful  lyrics, dialogue, costumes, sets and direction; the heart of all this is the message of true love as our guiding force. 

In theater, life and art can bleed together.  During rehearsals, stars Rebecca Weatherby (Sheila) and Michael Okas (Claude) became engaged in real life and that true embrace of love showed so clearly during their interactions on stage.

Xan Rogers, as Berger, shined with transparency, humor and a zest for all things.  His prominence on stage defined his role as the community leader.  Though flawed and often vulnerable, Berger showed a level of empathy that drew all to him.

Complimented by an ensemble cast whose embraced and became part of the culture of the 60’s, ‘Hair’ is a declaration of love.

50 years later, we still struggle to find goodness in mankind.  We long for moments of kindness and extraordinary sacrifice.  Deep beyond the media and sensationalism are stories of humanity, virtue and kindness.  These stories, though not touted, are the backbone of existence.

Kyle Barnette, in his spirited direction, exposes those moments of goodness.  Even in tragedy, love does rise once again from the ashes and teaches us that alone we are wandering without direction, but together, there is hope for a better today.

‘Hair’ at its core, is a celebration of unconditional acceptance; of lifestyle, belief, tenderness and love.  It is the core of peace; the cornerstone of meaning and the one thing that will always conquer the mighty weapons of man.

Go see ‘Hair’.  Not for just inspired performances, the beautiful voices in musical harmony, the incredible costume design, but the message of hope.

Click Here to Learn more and Purchase Tickets

Photos Courtesy of What If? Productions

Lowcountry

Putting aside our differences: Gangstagrass brings unity and harmony to the Charleston Pour House

May 5, 2019 by 0 Comments
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By Mark A. Leon

We live in a delicate socio-economic climate where racial tensions, economic standing, and political uncertainty paint the canvas of this country.  With every generation, a series of voices come forward to remind us of the power of unification and acceptance.  Blending a tapestry of unique thinkers, creative minds and powerful talents, we are reminded of the gifts we all have to share and the power of music.

The band Gangstagrass, who made their second visit to Charleston, S.C., reminded us of that in their lyrics, stories and message.  This fusion of bluegrass, rap, country, R&B and a topping of soul is a powerhouse of musical integrity and lyrical honesty and important to the continual struggles of acceptance.  From the Soggy Bottom Boys to Cypress Hill, the influences of decades of evolutionary music have helped this band foster a sound and following that is having fans dance and cheer during each stop in the bands journey.

From Tennessee to Atlanta, Detroit to Kentucky, this band has fostered a sound so unique and poignant that it forces us to look at ourselves and neighbors and realize that rural or urban, rich or poor, we are all the same inside.

The impact their music has had on their fan base came to a visual and energetic high with “Put Your Hands Up”.  As the crowd merged to the base of the stage, jumped and extended their arms, it was a moment of musical solidarity in this intimate club setting.  It was a moment of empowerment and celebration.

With the release of their latest live album, Gangstagrass is reminding us of the key element that drives their passion; the fans.  With two vibrant sets filled with lyrical messages of the struggles in rural America and the hopes of a better tomorrow, Gangstagrass defines a new sound for Americana.

Tuesday night’s performance showcased a band on a mission; to bring a sense of peace and togetherness through music one town at a time.

Lowcountry

Charleston Author Debuts New Novel By Bringing Lust To The Lowcountry – Exclusive Interview

May 2, 2019 by 0 Comments
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By Monica Pepe

Sitting down with Suzie Webster is like hanging out with a close girlfriend you’ve known for years. Suzie instantly makes you feel comfortable with her “no holds barred” personality and by opening up with lively and humorous recounts of her daily life. “A Charlestonian by choice”, Suzie Webster is released her debut novel, Revival on King Street, on April 10th nationwide, where all books and e-books are sold. Revival on King Street is the first book in a five-book series titled Lowcountry Liaisons.

This contemporary romance novel takes place in Charleston, South Carolina. Highlighting some of the beloved local hotspots and paying homage to traditional architecture and design, Webster’s book is a fantastic tribute to Lowcountry living. Author Suzie Webster shares the ups and downs of a group of friends as they pursue their dreams by day and their passions by night. Revival on King Street zeroes in on Charlotte “Charlie” Finley as she pieces her life back together after her husband unexpectedly breaks her heart. At the debut of her latest project, Charlie finds herself in the arms of a captivating stranger. This chance encounter spins Charlie’s life, which she thought was back on track, out of control in unexpected ways.

MP:  What inspired you to become an author?

SW: “I have lived to read for as long as I can remember. I would climb the tree in our front yard and sit in the branches and read for hours. I started writing for fun in middle school. I would write short stories and in eighth grade, I wrote a book that was a hundred pages. It was a fantasy story based on the stories I would tell my little sister before bed at night. I continued to write in high school and I was even the editor of our literary magazine. Life got in the way and I stopped writing after high school, but I always talked about writing a romance novel. Finally last year after taking a sabbatical from event planning, I decided it was time to sit down and just do it.”

MP:  Why did you choose Charleston as a base for your book series?

SW:  “We moved to Charleston from Northern Virginia in 2006. From the moment we got here, Charleston felt like home. The City itself can be a character in most any story and the people here in the South are one of a kind. I love to travel and we spent nine months traveling across the United States with our two younger daughters and I can tell you there is no city quite like Charleston. It makes for a wonderful backdrop.”

MP:  Where did you draw inspiration from for the characters of Charlie and Luke?

SW:  “Charlie has a lot in common with me as far as her interests and her love of fashion and interior design. I also spent the early part of my career selling real estate. As a fictional character she has far fewer flaws than I do, but I like to believe that a small part of her exists in me. I take qualities from many people I admire and infuse them in the characters in my books. Luke definitely has many traits that are similar to my husband, certainly, there are differences too but I will leave it to the reader’s imagination in regards to which are real and which are fictional.”

MP:  Where is your favorite place to write?

SW:  “I usually write in my bedroom or my living room which can get chaotic. We are moving soon and I am looking forward to having a separate area where I can write without disturbing the family (or being disturbed). I will say that I often mentally plot out scenes for the book late at night as I am trying to fall asleep. I usually remember most of the details in the morning.”

MP:  What is your favorite part of Revival on King Street?

“Revival just starts to touch on the friendship between Charlie, Everleigh, and Chase. I really loved that aspect of the book and I’m expanding those relationships in the second book in the series, which will be about Everleigh. I also enjoy reading about the characters’ interests and passions. I hope that translates to readers of Revival in my descriptions of the work Charlie and Luke do and what an important aspect it is in their lives.”

Charleston Fast Five:

  • Bar: Mex 1
  • Brunch: Obstinate Daughter
  • Beach: Sullivan’s Island
  • Brewery: Tradesman
  • Bites: Halls and Smoke BBQ

Click Here to Purchase the Book Today

About Author

Monica is the Founder & Owner of Ideability Marketing Group located in Mount Pleasant. She has worked in the marketing field for over 10 years with companies of all sizes both in the U.S. and internationally. Monica founded the “Boss Ladies of Mount Pleasant” group, which currently has over 150 members, to promote local female-owned businesses and support and connect career-minded women. Originally from Connecticut, Monica, her husband, Alessandro – a Real Estate Agent from Italy – and their Lhasa-Poo, Massimo – Chief BARKeting Officer of Ideability – moved to Charleston for better weather and a higher quality of life.

Lowcountry - Summerville & Goose Creek, SC

Dunkin’ Brings First Next Generation Store to the Charleston Area (Goose Creek) – Including Free Coffee for a Year!

May 2, 2019 by 1 Comment
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Dunkin’ Brings First Next Generation Store to the Charleston Area

Grand opening celebration on May 8th to feature free coffee for a year for first 25 guests

Charleston, S.C. (May 2, 2019) – People who live and work in Charleston and the surrounding area can now experience Dunkin’s store of the future. Dunkin’ will open its new restaurant at 2519 N. Main Street in Goose Creek, featuring the brand’s next generation design, with a modern atmosphere and innovative technologies – including a drive-thru exclusively for mobile ordering — to make running on Dunkin’ faster and more convenient than ever before. The new location is one of only 50 or more new and remodeled Dunkin’ restaurants featuring the new design this year.

To celebrate, the restaurant will host a grand opening event on the morning of Wednesday, May 8th. The doors will open at 5 a.m. to award free coffee for a year to the 25 customers in line.

Exciting elements of Dunkin’s new restaurant experience include: 

  • Modern Design: The openness, colors and materials used in the design help to create an approachable, positive and energetic environment. 
     
  • Faster than Ever Drive-Thru Experience: An exclusive On-the-Go drive-thru lane lets DD Perks® members who order ahead via Dunkin’s Mobile App bypass the ordering lane and head straight into the line for the pickup window. Dunkin’ is the first national restaurant brand to offer this type of drive-thru innovation and convenience.  
     
  • Premium Pours: Dunkin’s signature cold beverages are now served through an innovative tap system serving eight consistently cold beverages such as coffees, iced teas, cold brew coffee and nitro infused cold brew coffee. Crew members will also use top-quality flavor-maximizing espresso machines to make hand-crafted drinks to order.  
  • Dunkin’ on Demand: With fully-integrated digital kiosks coming in the near future, guests will be able to choose to order with or without the help of a crew member.  Dunkin’ has also introduced an area dedicated to mobile pickups, so that members of the DD Perks® Rewards program who order ahead via Dunkin’s Mobile App can get in and out of the restaurant faster than ever before. Guests will be able to track the status of their orders placed for pickup inside the restaurant via a new digital order status board. 

“We are thrilled to be a part of Dunkin’s next generation store initiative and can’t wait to bring this innovative new restaurant to the community,” said George Ross, Dunkin’ franchisee. “The new menu offerings and approachable atmosphere will grab the attention of Dunkin’ fans and help keep Charleston running on Dunkin’ for years to come.” 

To learn more about Dunkin’, visit www.DunkinDonuts.com, or subscribe to the Dunkin’ blog to receive notifications at https://news.dunkindonuts.com/blog. 

Soul of a Southern Angel – Original Poem

May 2, 2019 by 0 Comments
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By Mark A. Leon

On a hot summer night where the moisture glistens off the petals of the azaleas we clench to this Southern sauna

A rainbow of flowers tickles our skin as we dance across the gateway to the forest
Painted red as a rose, the bridge guides us through the murky water as the heron guards us from the ghosts of plantation past

A mystical world all around

Magnolia Gardens, a breathing novel of boy loves girl narrated over centuries
This is an evolving tale of passion in a Garden in Eden so splendid

Your golden curls compliment the blue Southern skies as you tilt your head for one soft gentle kiss
Subtle breasts hug my chest
Candied lips embrace my weak soul

We are but pawns on this chess board of nature moving to a journey of emancipated devotion

A journey to a great abyss; a vast unknown
Leaving behind the curiosity of innocence for the lustful quenching of our affection

Through the distance the plantation home calls us
Words of yesteryear calling us to dinner
To hear the sound of mother’s voice

In fondness we remember

I pick a flower
It calls you
In your hair the color sparkles

With a smile of a Southern angel, I look to your eyes and see to the essence of your being
Like a spy, I peak inside a warm place so inviting
I am complete

Now, with a single step together, we embrace the now and look to a future where the sun brightens our spirits

Lowcountry

Mount Pleasant, S.C. Celebrates Mayday: First Responders Month

May 1, 2019 by 0 Comments
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MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (April 30, 2019) – The Town of Mount Pleasant is recognizing the month of May as Mayday: First Responders Month in honor of Town employees who are responsible for the protection of life, property and the environment, before, during, and after emergencies and disasters.

Throughout the month of May, Mount Pleasant Emergency, Fire, Police and Public Services personnel will be recognized for their commitment to the community they serve. From social media campaigns, to public activities and internal celebrations, Mount Pleasant first responders will be honored during the month.

“Our Mayday: First Responders Month will recognize our unsung heroes,” said Public Services Chairman Councilman Jim Owens and sponsor of the Mayday proclamation. “Each day, our first responders put their own lives on the line, so they can help others. This proclamation reflects our gratitude for their service and offers them the recognition they deserve for keeping our families and community safe.”

Mayday is an emergency term used three times in a row (“Mayday mayday mayday”) to signal a life-threatening emergency, primarily by aviators and mariners, and by first responders. Mayday Month in the Town of Mount Pleasant celebrates Emergency, Fire, Police and Public Services personnel who in times of emergency protect life and property.

Join us in thanking our first responders on social media this month:

Communication created by By Martine Wolfe-Miller, Communications Manager

Lowcountry

JAMIS Software Corporation Hosts User Summit in Charleston, South Carolina

April 29, 2019 by 0 Comments
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SAN DIEGO, April 28, 2019 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — JAMIS Software Corporation, a world-class provider of cloud ERP software, hosted another successful annual JAMIS Summit March 24th-28th at The Belmond Charleston Place in Charleston, SC.

This year’s conference sponsors included SDL Consulting, Marcum LLP, ITB Consulting, Metis GovCon Support, Dixon Hughes Goodman, Capital Edge Consulting, FCE Benefit Administrators, and Federal Publications Seminars. The 2019 Summit sponsors were instrumental contributors to the event, which provided JAMIS’ customers, partners, and industry experts from across the U.S. the opportunity to share and exchange knowledge in an engaging atmosphere. “The event and location were superb. Our team learned a lot and enjoyed meeting all of the JAMIS staff. All of the staff were extremely helpful and friendly,” said JAMIS customer Linda Ehler, Program Control Manager at Boecore, Inc.

JAMIS was thrilled to welcome back Jon Roskill, CEO of Acumatica, as the keynote speaker for the second consecutive year. Before joining Acumatica, Mr. Jon Roskill held the position of Corporate Vice President of the Worldwide Partner Group at Microsoft Corporation. Previously, Roskill served as Corporate Vice President, Business & Marketing Organization of Microsoft North America, where his teams produced all the marketing for Microsoft’s commercial products which in combination drove revenue exceeding $20b. Acumatica, one of the world’s fastest-growing cloud solution providers, recently had record attendance of more than 1,500 customers, partner, media and analyst participants at its annual Acumatica Summit in Houston, TX.

“Having Jon Roskill, CEO of Acumatica, as a keynote speaker at this year’s Summit reinforced our decision to join into partnership with Acumatica and it has been a critical decision for the success of JAMIS. They are global leaders in cloud technology development and are disruptive force in the ERP space for players all across the industry. It’s been a pleasure working with them, and we look forward to a long future of success together,” said owner and CEO Jeffrey Noolas.

One of the more exciting announcements made at the Summit was the launch of the all new JAMIS HR and Payroll suite. To the delight of the audience, John Spirig, Director of HR Product Management, highlighted the powerful new features and beautiful new user interface of the application, with full integration into Prime ERP, perfectly completing the full government contract lifecycle management suite.

JAMIS was proud to present government technology and professional services industry speaker David Berteau, the Professional Services Council’s President & CEO to give JAMIS customers and partners an industry update on legislative and regulatory issues related to government acquisition, business and technology. In addition, the Summit Panel of Experts included Deborah Nixon of Crosshair Advisors, Giacomo Apadula of BDO USA LLP, Gary McDonald of Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP, and Robert Craig of Capital Edge Consulting. These industry experts gave attendees a highly informational Government Contracting Industry update and discussed recent changes to the DCAA and DCMA. In addition, speakers from BMSS CPAs, Venable LLP, and Bass, Berry, & Sims all joined JAMIS at the Summit to provide more expert content and industry insights than ever before.

At the close of the 2019 Summit, JAMIS announced that the location of the next Summit in 2020 will be in Nashville, TN. Summit Attendees received Nashville-themed gifts to announce the Summit, which will be held in October of 2020 at The Westin Nashville, situated in the epicenter of downtown Nashville, close to notable attractions such as Music City Center, Bridgestone Arena and Music Row.

The JAMIS Summit offered invaluable networking opportunities for JAMIS customers, as well as hands-on experience with government and accounting compliance products and services, all while enjoying the wonderful food and accommodations of the Belmond Charleston Place. JAMIS Customer Monica McLendon, Corporate Controller at Jefferson Consulting added, “This was a wonderful 1st-time experience. I enjoyed the classes, location, and people… I learned so much!”

SOURCE JAMIS Software Corporation

Food & Bev - Lowcountry

Charleston Wine + Food Reports Largest Economic Impact in History of Festival

April 26, 2019 by 0 Comments
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Charleston, S.C.- Charleston Wine + Food reported an economic impact of $18.6 million over the course of the five-day annual festival, up from $15.3 million in 2018. This impact number, derived by a third party study from the College of Charleston Office of Tourism Analysis, is the largest to-date.

“We couldn’t be more happy and proud of this year’s results. We welcomed nearly 26,000 guests and generated a measured economic impact of $18.6 million,” says Gillian Zettler, Executive Director for Charleston Wine + Food. “It’s always exciting to see people respond positively to our programming and have that excitement translate into attendance and our largest economic impact to date. The results are a great achievement for our community.”

Charleston Wine + Food is renowned for offering creative, dynamic, and ever-changing programming that features top winemakers, chefs, culinary professionals, artists, and experts from around the globe that come together annually in March to produce a wine + food festival that rivals the very best of its kind. The 2019 festival was no exception, featuring 128 events across the greater Charleston area.  “Over the course of this five day festival we are able to use food to bring people together, create new memories, and offer an experience that warms your belly and your heart, says Zettler.”

Additionally, the 2019 festival saw an uptick in local ticket buyers. Approximately 57% of attendees are local to the greater Charleston area. Visitors to Charleston and the festival continue to report Charleston Wine + Food as the main reason for their visit, and indicate that they plan to return to Charleston within the next 3 years. “I think the increase in local attendance is largely attributed to the diversity of our programming + experiences and the effort the organization has made since my time here to create more accessible price points,” says Zettler. This year’s ticket prices started at $65 and nearly 30 events on the schedule were under $100.

In addition to the economic impact that Charleston Wine + Food’s annual festival creates, the organization has a multifaceted partnership with One80 Place Training and the College of Charleston.  At this year’s Opening Ceremony, two College of Charleston students were presented with multi-year scholarships and One80 Place Training with a financial contribution of $40,000. Since inception, Charleston Wine + Food has contributed more than $500,000 to organizations or persons that directly benefit the Lowcountry’s local foodway initiatives and strengthen our local community.

“As we enter our 15th year, we are already knee deep in planning the 2020 festival and we look forward to continuing to find new ways to inspire people to enjoy Charleston and our culinary + hospitality community,” says Zettler.

For more information and tickets to year-round Charleston Wine + Food events visit charlestonwineandfood.com.

####

Charleston Wine + Food is a cultural entity that champions the region’s unique foodways through world-renowned culinary experiences. Fueled by a contagious passion for the people and places that make Charleston worth celebrating, the annual festival infuses homegrown flavor with top chefs, winemakers, authors, storytellers, artisans, and food enthusiasts from around the globe for a five-day event that spans the first full weekend each March. Charleston Wine + Food is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that supports Charleston and the Lowcountry’s diverse culinary + hospitality community through financial contributions to organizations or persons that directly benefit our local foodways initiatives and strengthen our local community.

MEDIA CONTACT:

  • Alyssa Maute Smith, Marketing + Communications Director
  • (843) 303-1517
  • alyssa@charlestonwineandfood.com
Lowcountry - Mount Pleasant, SC

Mount Pleasant, SC Recognized with Prestigious Platinum, Gold Hermes Creative Awards

April 25, 2019 by 0 Comments
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MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (April 24, 2019) – The Town of Mount Pleasant’s multi-departmental creative team was recently recognized with a Platinum, four Gold and four Honorable Mentions during the 2019 Hermes Creative Awards competition. The Town competed with international brands and Fortune 500 companies to secure wins in a wide array of topics. They ranged from an annual report, a public service announcement, and a magazine, to a digital newsletter and infographic product.

The 2019 Mount Pleasant Hermes Creative Awards winners are:

Administered by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals, the international organization consists of several thousand marketing, communication, advertising, public relations, digital media production and free-lance professionals. More than 6,000 entries, from throughout the United States and many other countries, enter the competition. Out of those, only about 15 percent of entries will win Platinum (the top award) and 20 percent will win the Gold Award. About 10 percent will gather an Honorable Mention.

Press Release Prepared by By Martine Wolfe-Miller, Communications Manager

Lowcountry

TW Cast & Recruit Will be doing the Extras Casting for OBX, filming in CHARLESTON, SC (and surrounding areas!) for new Netflix show

April 24, 2019 by 2 Comments
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Pleased to Announce Extras Casting for OBX, filming in CHARLESTON, SC (and surrounding areas!)

Filming starts WEDNESDAY, MAY 1st and goes until close to Labor Day. Below is info on how to submit a general submission along with a heads up on whats to come these next few weeks!

That said, PLEASE STILL SEND A GENERAL SUBMISSION even if you don’t fit one of the specific group casting calls (again, which will go up over the weekend.) Submitting a general submission will help us when it comes to checking availability closer to the start of filming and throughout the duration of filming!

General submissions should be sent to OBXBG@TWCastAndRecruit.com, subject line: General Submission and MUST INCLUDE ALL of the following to be considered for extra work on OBX:

1.) 2 Recent Pictures (Head Shot and Body Shot)
2.) Name
3.) Phone Number
4.) Age
5.) Location
6.) Height
7.) Weight
8.) Shirt Size
9.) Jacket Size (if applicable)
10.) Pant Size (W and L, if applicable)
11.) Dress Size (if applicable)
12.) Shoe Size
13.) Color, Make, Model (Year) of Vehicle, Brownie Points if you include a photo!
14.) List of Any Tattoos or Piercings

Official Announcement Website