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– Ceremonial signing witnessed by U.S. President Donald J. Trump and His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani Amir of the State of Qatar

– Agreement for 130 787 Dreamliners and 30 777X airplanes sets a record as the largest widebody order for Boeing, the largest order for 787 Dreamliners and Qatar Airways’ largest-ever order

– Order will support nearly 400,000 jobs in the U.S.

DOHA, Qatar/PRNewswire/ — Qatar Airways and Boeing [NYSE: BA] today announced the carrier will purchase up to 210 widebody jets, which sets new records as the largest widebody order for Boeing, including the largest order for 787 Dreamliners and Qatar Airways largest-ever order. This purchase, which also includes additional orders for Boeing’s new 777-9, will support approximately 400,000 jobs in the U.S. and position the award-winning Middle Eastern airline for further international expansion.

The order includes:

• 130 787 Dreamliners, the long-range, ultra-efficient widebody airplane family that has delivered a 25% fuel-use improvement compared to airplanes it replaces and superior comfort for passengers. Ten orders were previously booked as unidentified.
• 30 777-9s, the world’s largest twin-engine airplane that is designed to set new standards in efficiency by reducing fuel use and emissions by 25% compared to the airplanes it replaces, while elevating the passenger flight experience.
• Options for an additional 50 787 and 777X airplanes.

U.S. President Donald J. Trump and His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani Amir of the State of Qatarjoined Boeing President and CEO Kelly Ortberg, Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Stephanie Popeand Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer to witness the order signing.

“We are happy to announce our agreement with Boeing and our partnership in the largest aircraft order in our history. A critical next step for Qatar Airways on our path as we invest in the cleanest, youngest and most efficient fleet in global aviation. This so we can meet the strong demand in the airline as we seamlessly connect passengers to the world better than anyone,” said Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer. “After two consecutive years of record-breaking commercial performance and with this historic Boeing aircraft order we’re not simply chasing scale, we’re building strength that will allow us to continue to deliver our unmatched products and customer experiences. We thank our Boeing partners for answering the call and look forward to a future of continued smart growth together.”

“We are deeply honored that Qatar Airways has placed this record-breaking order with Boeing, one that solidifies their future fleet with our market-leading widebody airplane family at its center,” said Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “Our team is looking forward to building 787s and 777s for Qatar Airways into the next decade as they connect more people and businesses around the world with unmatched efficiency and comfort.”

Qatar Airways currently operates more than 150 Boeing airplanes, including 777 and 787 passenger jets and 777 Freighters. With this purchase, Qatar Airways will become the largest 787 Dreamliner operator in the Middle East.

About Qatar Airways
A multiple award-winning airline, Qatar Airways won the ‘World’s Best Airline’ for the unprecedented eighth time at the 2024 World Airline Awards, managed by the international air transport rating organization, Skytrax. Qatar Airways has been the World’s Best Airline in 2011, 2012, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2024. The airline continues to be synonymous with excellence, also taking home, ‘World’s Best Business Class’, ‘World’s Best Business Class Airline Lounge’, and ‘Best Airline in the Middle East’. As leaders in industry innovation and digital adoption, Qatar Airways was also recently voted the ‘World’s Best Airline Website’ by World Travel Tech Awards.

Qatar Airways was the first Airline in the Middle East to be certified to the highest level of IATA’s Environmental Assessment (IEnvA) program, based on recognized environmental management system principles (such as ISO 14001). As an inaugural signatory to the Buckingham Palace Declaration in March 2016, Qatar Airways became the first airline globally to be certified to the industry standard for the prevention of illegal wildlife trafficking in aviation.

Qatar Airways currently flies to over 170 destinations worldwide, connecting through its Doha hub, Hamad International Airport, the ‘World’s Best Airport’, as voted by Skytrax in 2021, 2022, and 2024. In 2024, Hamad International Airport also received the ‘Best Airport in the Middle East’ accolade for 10 consecutive years, as well as ‘World’s Best Airport Shopping’ for the second year in a row.

About Boeing
A leading global aerospace company and top U.S. exporter, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. Our U.S. and global workforce and supplier base drive innovation, economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing is committed to fostering a culture based on our core values of safety, quality and integrity.  

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It’s our birthday month! We’re celebrating with $25 off any level membership (including renewals or gifts) through TOMORROW, May 22, using code  HBDMEM25 at checkout!  

By renewing early, no time will be lost! Your membership renewal begins when your current one ends, and we’ll even add an extra month beyond that! By renewing as a member, you will continue to help us care for sick and injured sea turtles, provide education programming for students and continue our critical conservation work both within our walls and beyond. 

Click HERE to get your discounted membership or remewal.

A Channel for Hope Through Faith, Rock, and Resilience

CHARLESTON, S.C., May 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Christian Rock artist and songwriter Matthew Hartley has released his latest single, “Heaven’s Calling,” accompanied by a powerful music video that premiered on May 18 on YouTube. Both the song and video serve as a compelling call to hope, inviting listeners to find light in life’s darkest valleys—and to hear that still, small voice reminding them they’re not alone.

“Do not let your circumstances dictate your journey.”

A deeply personal anthem, “Heaven’s Calling” draws from Hartley’s own experiences with loss, healing, and renewed faith. Written during a season of heartbreak following a painful divorce, the song’s lyrics surfaced in a moment of total emotional exhaustion:

“When your heart is bawling, you know that Heaven’s calling … out your name.”

Hartley has been writing songs since the age of 8, growing up immersed in the raw energy of rock icons like Poison, Bon Jovi, Whitesnake and Van Halen. That rock foundation—combined with a rediscovered Christian faith—now fuels his bold and heartfelt musical mission.

“Heaven’s Calling” is both a spiritual awakening and a creative milestone.

The music video, which debuted Sunday (The Sabbath), is visually anchored in themes of resilience and compassion. It features real-world disaster footage—highlighting the destruction caused by Hurricane Helene in 2024—alongside scenes of heroic rescue efforts and community support. Filmed across rooftops and iconic locations in Charleston, the video juxtaposes human vulnerability with divine strength, placing Hartley in front of landmarks including St. Michael’s Church, Cannon Park, and the Charleston City Market.

“Love is powerful; the best of people through devastation is remarkable,” Hartley reflects.
“And for those, Heaven’s calling too.”

To bring the video to life, Hartley and his team built a storyboard, secured multiple film permits, and coordinated all production logistics—all within just 30 days. The speed and synchronicity of the process felt extraordinary.

“It was ordained how it all came together,” says Hartley.
“To do this is such a blessing. It’s a process of creation, and you have to be flexible and fluid and enjoy the ride. It’s not about the money or the outcome — it’s about the journey.”

Produced by music industry legend, David Kershenbaum, acclaimed for his work with Tracy Chapman and Duran Duran, “Heaven’s Calling” also marks the first single from Hartley’s forthcoming EP. The project is being developed under his own independent label and creative company, Imagine Peak Studios.

Through Imagine Peak, Hartley hopes to support other independent musicians by offering guidance, resources, and a model of perseverance and purpose-driven artistry.

“Do not let your circumstances dictate your journey. Age or time is irrelevant, and if you have a passion for something just do it. Praise God. Love your family and neighbors. And, live your life.”

“Heaven’s Calling” is now streaming on all major platforms.

• Watch the music video: https://youtu.be/WBoha8kb2BI?feature=shared
• Stream the single: https://open.spotify.com/album/3CJnQzVIbRIntyTBjbJAmJ
• Follow Matthew Hartley: Website: https://matthewhartleymusic.com
• Facebook | Instagram | TikTok: @MatthewHartleyMusic X / Twitter: @MHartleyMusic

Visionary flrm celebrates four decades of investing in people, place, and purpose across the Carolinas

Charleston, S.C. (May 15, 2025) – SeamonWhiteside (SW+), a full-service site design firm with offces throughout the Carolinas, is proud to celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2025. What began in 1985 as a bold idea to bring landscapearchitects and civil engineers under one roof has evolved into a firm of more than 200 professionals with six offces across North and South Carolina. This milestone commemorates four decades of dedication to people, place, and purpose.

Founded by Stuart Whiteside and Kenny Seamon in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, SW+ was the first firm in the Lowcountry to offer both civil engineering and landscape architecture services. This pioneering model not only increased effciency but also provided a higher level of service for their clients. Their visionary collaboration set a new standard in land design while maintaining focus on their key values: passion, collaboration, quality, and care.

“What Stuart and Kenny built in 1985 was more than a business model; it was a culture of care that still defines ustoday,” said Russ Seamon, president of SW+. “Forty years later, that same belief guides everything we do. As we continue to grow and innovate, our foundation in investing in our people, partnering with our clients, designing withintegrity, and creating places that make a positive, lasting impact on the communities we serve will remain the same.”

Over the past four decades, SW+ has been instrumental in shaping iconic destinations and community spaces across the Southeast. Notable projects include Broadway at the Beach, Mount Pleasant Towne Centre, Nexton, and parts of Clemson University’s campus, among

many others. SW+ continues to expand its strategic growth to include surveying, water resources, and construction administration services, with offces now in Greenville, Summerville, Spartanburg, Charlotte, and Raleigh.

SW+’s commitment to care, a company-wide value rooted in putting people and quality first, has cultivated lasting relationships with clients, employees, and community partners. Today, the firm is home to 207 employees, including 34 “Decade Club” members who have contributed their expertise to the firm for over 10 years, a testament to SW+’sculture of mentorship, advancement opportunities, and work-life balance.

SW+ also leads with heart. Through its philanthropic arm, Green Square, which focuses on wellness, vibrancy, and education, the firm’s values are deeply rooted in giving back through employee-led volunteerism and pro bono design services. Strategic partnerships with organizations such as Camp Happy Days, Miracle League, Windwood Farms,and years of work with Green Heart Project, including the Urban Farm at Enston Homes, exemplify SW+’s community-centered mission and dedication to giving back.

Looking to the future, SW+ is poised to continue its legacy of innovation through sustainable growth strategies, the integration of emerging technologies, and the cultivation of

next-generation leadership. With a dedicated innovation department and multi-tiered mentorship programs, the firmis committed to “elevating the site design experience” for decades to come.

As SW+ celebrates this 40-year milestone, the firm honors its history while looking to the future and will continue prioritizing people, pushing boundaries, and helping communities in the Southeast thrive.

To learn more about SeamonWhiteside, its offces, and projects, visit www.SeamonWhiteside.com.

Follow SW+ on Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn, and sign up for their newsletter for news and updates.

ABOUT SEAMONWHITESIDE

SeamonWhiteside (SW+) is a full-service site design firm providing master planning, civil engineering, landscape architecture, urban design services, and permit coordination to public and private clients throughout the Carolinas. SW+ elevates the site design experience through a full commitment to people, clients, plans, and communities. Their passion, collaboration, quality, and care results in innovative spaces that enrich lives and leave a lasting legacy for future generations. Headquartered in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, SeamonWhiteside also has offces in Summerville, Greenville, Spartanburg, Charlotte, and Raleigh, North Carolina. For more information on SW+, visit www.seamonwhiteside.com.

Laughing Seed Cafe, a popular vegetarian/vegan cafe located at 40 Wall Street in Downtown Asheville, North Carolina is closing after 32 years. In an emotional letter on Facebook, the team showed their love for their loyal customers and the community by saying:

Dear Friends,

For 32 years it has been our honor to serve you the healthy and creative vegetarian & vegan cuisine Laughing Seed has come to be known for. When we look back over the years of dedication and hard work, we’re so proud of it all, but we are now approaching the end of our journey. We have made the difficult and very bittersweet decision to permanently close our beloved Laughing Seed on May 31st. As many of you know we are a family-owned restaurant, and we no longer have the time, energy, or motivation to continue to operate such a demanding business in these challenging times. It’s been a rough 5 years since Covid and they have really taken their toll in terms of costs, staffing, downtown issues, and our drive to keep going. We hoped we could come back from Helene in a positive way, but have decided it’s more than we can manage as summer approaches. Times have changed, we’ve changed, Asheville has changed, and the reality is that we need to bow out and head toward our next adventure.

Our heartfelt thanks to the hundreds of talented staff members who have contributed to our success over the years, and of course to our incredibly devoted customers. It is so hard to know we will not be there for you when you next crave a Harmony Bowl or Hempnut Burger, but we strongly feel that now is the right time for us to move on. We hope you will stop by for a last Laughing Seed fix and to say goodbye. To our current staff, thank you so much for coming back after Helene, in spite of the uncertainty, and making the best of a changed world. We are so sorry to bring things to a close and will do our best to assist and support you during this transition.

Our hope is that another wonderful restaurant will move into the space that we’ve called home for so many years and keep the magic alive at 40 Wall St. For any inquiries please email Joan at laughingseed.joan@gmail.com.

We love you, Asheville. It’s been a great run. Thanks to everyone who has supported us over the years. Peace, love, and harmony bowls to all! 

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May 19, 2025 (Charleston, SC) — Spoleto Festival USA has unveiled Hadi Falapishi’s evocative artwork, Professional Painter in a Dream, as the official poster for the 2025 Festival. The artwork is from the artist’s Professional Painter series in which Falapishi explores identity by inserting his own likeness into a variety of scenes, often in direct reference to famous paintings or movements (in this case, from Surrealism), or moments in history. The poster, unveiled at The Charleston Place, is now available for purchase ($35) at spoletousa.org, at Spoleto’s ticket kiosk at The Charleston Place, or by calling 843.579.3100. The Charleston Place is part of BHC, Spoleto Festival USA 2025’s Premiere Hospitality Partner. 

“This year’s poster, created by a truly exceptional artist, captures the vibrant energy and artistic dynamism that defines our festival,” says Spoleto Festival USA General Director and CEO Mena Mark Hanna. “It beautifully hints at the extraordinary performances and unexpected discoveries that await our audiences this season, offering a visual testament to the diverse tapestry of talent we bring to Charleston. It’s our sincere hope that this striking piece will not only capture your eye but also spark conversation and deepen your appreciation for the power of artistic vision.” 

By positioning himself within these notable settings, Falapishi engages in a dialogue with the past, simultaneously reinterpreting their significance and inviting viewers to consider personal identity throughout classical art. 

Falapishi (b. 1987) was born in Tehran, Iran and currently lives and works in New York City. Falapishi received his master’s degree from Bard College, Annandale-on-Hudson, New York in 2016. Falapishi has had solo exhibitions in the U.S. and internationally, and his work has been included in numerous group exhibitions. His art is held in the permanent collections of institutions such as the Whitney Museum of American Art. 

Professional Painter in a Dream, 2025 is courtesy of the artist and Andrew Kreps Gallery, New York. Special thanks to Lara A. Björk, Founder & Principal Advisor at Von Rudebeck Art Advisory, for her skillful guidance and partnership in organizing Spoleto Festival USA’s 2025 poster. 

SPOLETO FESTIVAL USA 

Spoleto Festival USA was founded in 1977 by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Gian Carlo Menotti, who sought to create an American counterpart to the annual Festival of Two Worlds in Spoleto, Italy, which he had founded in 1958. Now in its 48th year, Spoleto Festival USA is internationally recognized as America’s premier performing arts festival. For 17 days and nights each spring, Spoleto Festival USA fills Charleston’s historic theaters, churches, and outdoor spaces with performances in opera; theater; dance; and chamber, symphonic, choral, and jazz music. Spoleto’s mission is to present programs of the highest artistic caliber while maintaining a dedication to young artists, a commitment to all forms of the performing arts, a passion for contemporary innovation, and an enthusiasm for providing unique performance opportunities for established artists. Beyond its role as a launching pad for young talent, Spoleto also serves as a catalyst for cultural change and has aided in Charleston’s flourishing as a top arts and culture destination. With General Director & CEO Mena Mark Hanna at its helm, the 2025 season takes place from May 23 to June 8 in various locations on the downtown peninsula. Spoleto Festival USA is a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization.  

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Mepkin Abbey in Moncks Corner planned the new project after discovering unmarked graves believed to belong to enslaved African Americans. Mepkin Abbey in Moncks Corner planned the new project after discovering unmarked graves believed to belong to enslaved African Americans.

By NATE TINNER-WILLIAMS

Mepkin Abbey, a Trappist monastery in rural South Carolina, has inaugurated a new meditation garden memorializing the enslaved African Americans and Indigenous who once worked the land, part of a larger effort for atonement at the 76-year-old institution.

A blessing ceremony with Bishop Jacques Fabre-Jeune, CS of Charleston took place April 26 at the property in Moncks Corner, which functioned as Mepkin Plantation under prominent British colonists beginning in the late 18th century. 

“We don’t have to be upset. Truth can always hurt,” said Fabre-Jeune, a Haitian-born prelate who is the first Black Catholic bishop in South Carolina.

“We don’t like when people tell us the truth. We feel uncomfortable. But after that experience, we know that it was good for us.”

Built in the 1760s, the complex served as the home of Henry Laurens, a Founding Father who served as a president of the Second Continental Congress. His wealth came largely from his involvement in Austin and Laurens, the largest trafficking house in North America. He held some 50 African Americans in bondage at Mepkin.

The 7,000+-acre plantation, home to 300 enslaved persons over the years, was sold several times before being acquired by publishing magnate Henry Luce and his wife, the future congresswoman and conservative activist Clare Booth Luce. Clare converted to Catholicism in 1946 and the couple donated much of the land to the Trappists.

Mepkin Abbey emerged shortly thereafter, with monks from the Abbey of Our Lady of Gethsemani in Kentucky, where the Trappists themselves held enslaved people in their early history. In the decades since its founding, the establishment in South Carolina has welcomed pilgrims and tourists for prayer while also running a variety of agricultural enterprises.

The Mepkin cemetery houses the remains of the Luces and Henry Laurens, as well as Henry’s son John Laurens, an abolitionist who fought in the Revolution and famously attempted to recruit enslaved men as soldiers in exchange for freedom. (The plan was shot down by the South Carolina legislature and John died in battle in 1782.)

20 unmarked graves, believed to house the remains of workers enslaved by Henry Laurens, were discovered adjacent to the Mepkin cemetery last year, according to Abbot Joseph Tedesco. 

He helped spearhead the new Truth and Reconciliation Meditation Garden, inspired by the landmark commission formed in South Africa following Apartheid. The planning committee for the Mepkin project included South Carolina State University professors Alison Mc Letchie and Frank Martin, the Charleston Diocese’s Black Catholic Ministries director Kathleen Merritt, Pastor Eleanor Cooper Brown of the International African-American Museum, and Dcn Larry Deschaine, who leads the diocese’s Native American ministry.

Among the new garden’s features are a seven-station historical installation, a lemniscate infinity path, and Garland Weeks’ life-size brass statue of a Christ figure held up by the hand of God.

“This meditation garden is to honor the enslaved and somehow charge the world by compassion,” Tedesco said at the blessing ceremony, which was attended by several notable figures, including U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn.

“Their souls are calling us to be attentive to who they are and what they lived through and how we could change the future.”

Nate Tinner-Williams is co-founder and editor of Black Catholic Messenger.

Source: Black Catholic Messenger

By Mark A Leon

Charleston, South Carolina—a city steeped in history and timeless Southern charm—now welcomes Forever Fine Jewelry, a custom jewelry brand founded by Hollie Harris. This expansion marks a new chapter for Hollie, whose passion for creating meaningful, heirloom-quality pieces is deeply rooted in her belief that jewelry should reflect the eternal beauty of the soul.

The Origin Story of Forever Fine Jewelry

Hollie’s journey began at age five, sketching designs that would later evolve into a thriving career. With over eight years of experience in custom design, diamond sourcing, and client relations, Hollie has cultivated a reputation for excellence and creativity. Her work is inspired by global travels and cultural influences, culminating in her earning the prestigious GIA Diamond Graduate degree in 2025.

Forever Fine Jewelry specializes in crafting custom engagement rings, redesigning heirlooms, and offering ready-made pieces that celebrate life’s most precious milestones. Hollie shares: “Collaborating with clients to bring their visions to life is the most rewarding part of what I do. Each piece tells a story—a reflection of love, commitment, and cherished memories.”

A Passion for Connection and Creativity

Operating by appointment only, Hollie works closely with clients to ensure every piece is uniquely tailored to their vision. Whether it’s designing a custom engagement ring or modernizing an heirloom, Hollie approaches each project with care and purpose. Her dedication to personalized service sets Forever Fine Jewelry apart, allowing her to build deep connections with clients and craft truly meaningful pieces.

Charleston, SC: The Perfect Backdrop for Timeless Beauty

Charleston provides the ideal setting for Forever Fine Jewelry’s expansion. The city’s rich history and enduring charm mirror the essence of Hollie’s work—timeless designs that honor tradition while embracing modern elegance. From its iconic architecture to its vibrant arts scene, Charleston is a place where craftsmanship thrives, and stories are celebrated—a natural home for a brand dedicated to creating meaningful keepsakes.

Celebrating Life’s Most Meaningful Moments

At its core, Forever Fine Jewelry is about celebrating life’s most meaningful moments with elegance and ease. Hollie understands that jewelry is more than just adornment—it’s an expression of love, commitment, and identity. Her creations are designed not only to enhance beauty but also to carry emotional weight—a tangible reminder of memories worth cherishing.

As Forever Fine Jewelry settles into its new home in Charleston, it invites residents of the Lowcountry to embark on journeys of creativity and connection through custom-designed treasures. With Hollie Harris at the helm, this boutique brand promises to bring timeless artistry into your life—one dazzling piece at a time.

Whether you’re looking for an engagement ring that captures your unique love story or seeking a way to preserve family history through heirloom redesigns, Forever Fine Jewelry offers an unparalleled experience rooted in passion, craftsmanship, and care. Welcome to Charleston, Forever Fine Jewelry—where timeless beauty meets heartfelt artistry!

Stay connected and schedule a consultation

• Official Website – Forever Fine Jewelry
• Official Instagram – Forever Fine Jewelry
• Follow on Facebook
• Schedule a free consultation
• Shop online

• Related:  5 Wonderful Full-Service Charleston, SC Wedding Providers
• Related:  8 Great Venues to Consider for Your Charleston, SC Destination Wedding
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Lowcountry Land Trust Helps Protect Historic Red Top Park, Preserving Nearly 100 Years of Community Legacy

Preserving Place and Purpose: Red Top Park Safeguarded as a Cultural and Ecological Landmark

Charleston, SC, May 19, 2025 – Lowcountry Land Trust, a nonprofit committed to preserving Lowcountry landscapes and waterways for current and future generations, is proud to share the permanent protection of Red Top Park, a cornerstone of community life in the historic Red Top neighborhood of Charleston County. The conservation of this culturally significant property, spearheaded by the Red Top Improvement Association and Dr. Melody Dover, ensures it will continue serving local residents as it has for nearly a century.

The protection of Red Top Park preserves an irreplaceable piece of community-owned land, providing a rare opportunity to interpret and celebrate the historical and cultural legacy of the Red Top community. Established by formerly enslaved people and their descendants, the Red Top community has long served as a symbol of resilience, heritage, and shared identity. The property will now remain publicly accessible and will continue to serve as a gathering space for generations to come. 

The former site of the historic Red Top Rosenwald School, built in 1927, the park has long served as a central gathering space and symbol of resilience, learning, and pride for generations of families. Its legacy continues to be shaped by the people who have loved and maintained it, and who now have the opportunity to shape its future for the better. Beyond its cultural importance, the property also protects critical upland habitat adjacent to the salt marshes connected to Rantowles Creek and the Stono River, contributing to the ecological integrity of the surrounding landscape.

“This protection ensures the property will continue to serve the local community as it has for the last 100 years,” said Sam Seawell, community lands director at Lowcountry Land Trust. “Owned and operated by the Red Top Improvement Association, this community-owned land will not only preserve the existing park but also lay a path forward for its continued prosperity. It will provide a truly unique, publicly accessible open space that features cultural and historical interpretation highlighting the significance of the property and the Red Top community.”

Protecting Red Top Park was made possible in part through funding from the Charleston County Greenbelt Program and the South Carolina Conservation Bank, highlighting the power of collaboration in preserving places that matter. This project was made possible through the vital leadership of the Red Top Improvement Association and support from Conservation Voters of South Carolina.

“The Red Top Community extends heartfelt gratitude to our fellow nonprofit partners: Charleston County Greenbelt Program, South Carolina Conservation Bank and the Lowcountry Land Trust whose generous support has helped secure the future of the Red Top Park—a cherished space that holds deep historical significance and collective memory for generations within our Black Settlement community,” says Dr. Dover, Red Top Improvement Association’s President. “This park is more than green space—it is a living testament to our heritage, resilience, and the stories that have shaped our identity. Through collaboration and shared commitment of these organizations, we are able to protect this landmark for future generations and ensure it remains a place of reflection, celebration, and inspiration.” 

Stay connected by following @LowcountryLandTrust on social media and signing up for their email newsletter to receive the latest updates on conservation efforts and ways to get involved.

ABOUT LOWCOUNTRY LAND TRUST

Lowcountry Land Trust—a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization—permanently protects land throughout coastal South Carolina that is foundational to the area’s coastal ecosystem and residents’ quality of life. Having protected over 163,000 acres of land since its founding in 1986, Lowcountry Land Trust is one of the most impactful local land trusts in the United States. More information about Lowcountry Land Trust is available at www.lowcountrylandtrust.org.

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Charleston, SC (May 14, 2025) – PURE Theatre is proud to announce their 23rd season,  featuring three regional premieres and a World Premiere new play. In addition to the five shows in the mainstage season, there will also be a Preseason Summer Slam in July and August 2025. Performances in the 2025–2026 season will take place at the Cannon Street Arts Center and virtually through PURE Live, the company’s live-streaming program (subject to rights availability). 

“Theatre is critical. It wakes us up, makes us feel more, see more, and connect more deeply with ourselves and each other,” says Artistic Director Sharon Graci. “PURE is asking for six nights (or afternoons) of your time this season. That’s all we need to change your life, broaden your horizons, entertain you, help you get away, and give you something to talk about. Each of these plays is extraordinary, funny, fierce, smart, and unflinchingly human. From a gothic blues myth to a progressive school council in chaos, from a Nobel-obsessed novelist to a psychological thriller for the ages, and a stunning new world premiere set right here in the Lowcountry—Season 23 is dialed in and dialed up in all the right ways.”

You can get a sneak peek of the season to come with the Preseason Summer Slam, Zelda in the Backyard by Elyzabeth Gregory Wilder. Based on the playwright’s own life, this one-woman show follows Libby as she repairs a 1961 Rolls-Royce left to her by her father. A little broken herself, Libby finds herself with a new understanding of marriage and family during this journey of love, loss, and all the roads in between. PURE Resident Designer Miles Boinest will be making his directorial debut on this show, which stars Core Ensemble member Camille Lowman. 

Season 22 officially kicks off in October 2025 with the Southeast Regional Premiere of Covenant by York Walker. Inspired by the myth of Robert Johnson, this haunting, Gothic play explores the power of belief and tests the thin veil between rumor and truth. Two years after his sudden disappearance, struggling guitarist Johnny “Honeycomb” James returns to his small Georgia town a blues star, sparking rumors that he may have made a deal with the devil to attain his musical genius. Before long, however, it becomes clear he’s not the only one with a secret. 

Covenant will be followed by the Southeast Regional Premiere of Eureka Day by Jonathan Spector. This 2019 breakout hit follows the antics of five school board members at the Eureka Day School, a bastion of progressive ideals and acceptance. When a mumps outbreak threatens their community, the board realizes with horror that they’ve got to do what they swore they never would—make a choice that won’t please everyone. 

Winter 2026 brings another Southeast Regional Premiere and recent Broadway hit, McNeal, by Pulitzer Prize-winner Ayad Akhtar. This “brilliant and transfixing new play” (The Atlantic) follows Jacob McNeal as he deals with an estranged son, a new novel, and an unhealthy fascination with artificial intelligence, all while facing perpetual candidacy for a Nobel Prize in Literature. Wickedly smart and startlingly relevant, McNeal is an examination of the inescapable humanity—and increasing inhumanity—of the stories we tell.

March 2026 ushers in the revival of a classic in Steven Dietz’s Gaslight. Based on the critically acclaimed play and blockbuster film, Gaslight is a heart-pounding, haunting classic for the new age, twisting reality into a nightmare as a young wife fights to escape the dark grip of manipulation.

The season concludes in April 2026 with the World Premiere of The Ocean We Swim In by Brad Erickson. Developed in the PURE Lab, the show follows disgraced art critic Jack as he and his husband flee to the marshy refuge of South Carolina. “I’m thrilled to be working with Sharon Graci and PURE Theatre on the world premiere of my new play,” says Erickson. “The action is set here in the Charleston area and is steeped in the culture of the Lowcountry. There’s no better theatre in the country to bring this story to life for the first time than PURE.”

The Season 23 Flex Pass is on sale now and includes five flexible tickets for the mainstage season, concierge ticketing services, first invitations to all PURE events, and discounts on additional ticket purchases (including tickets for the Summer Slam). The Flex Pass also includes access to PURE’s Dining Benefits Program in partnership with the Charleston Arts Festival, giving you discounts and specials at your favorite local restaurants throughout the season. Current and retired K-12 educators can receive a special discount on their Flex Pass by contacting PURE.

Patrons and ticket buyers should visit PURE Theatre’s website (puretheatre.org) for additional information on Season 23. Information on purchasing season passes as well as individual tickets is also available on PURE’s website, social media platforms, and via PURE Theatre’s box office at 843-723-4444, Tuesday-Friday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. 

ABOUT PURE THEATRE

PURE Theatre is a professional regional theatre in Charleston that creates consequential theatre experiences by and for a diverse gathering of artists and audiences. PURE produces work that inspires thought, ignites dialogue, heightens consciousness, and contributes to our community’s urgent exchange of ideas, viewpoints, aspirations, and inspirations.

PURE’s staff includes Sharon Graci (Co-founder and Artistic Director), Rodney Lee Rogers (Co-founder and Director of New Media and Education), David Mandel (Associate Artistic Director), Joy Vandervort-Cobb (Associate Artistic Director), Richard Heffner (Technical Director), Shivam Patel (Education and New Media Associate), Meagan McMahon (Patron Experience and Marketing Manager), and Tippy Trombly (Patron Experience Associate). 

Michael Culler (President), Peter Calcagno (Treasurer), Chris Burgess (Secretary), Amy Gaffney, Bridget Durkan Laird, Liza Elsner, David Smalls, Brad Erickson, Stephanie Hunt, and Drew Childers serve on PURE Theatre’s board of directors.

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