We were all in our places on opening night as the overture set the mood for the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina’s production of that particular,  “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.”  Just let me say right here… that the writers, meant “dirty rotten” in a good way.  The actions, in question,  of those dirty rotten scoundrels, were performed with wide-eyed vitality, and in perfect character, by a cast which is  loaded with talent, charisma and tons of charm.

Director/Choreographer, Casey Colgan took this accomplished cast through their paces… they sang and they danced and they moved and they kept moving.  We, in the audience,  were thoroughly with them all the way.  The Music Direction of Michael McAssey, is spot-on, and the sets, and costumes transported us to the French Riviera, a bustling casino and all that goes with it, along with the most  romantic full moon and ocean as backdrop.  “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels “ is absolutely on the mark, and you will want to book your tickets, immediately.

Offering one of those entertaining, enduring, storied stories,  “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, ” is rich with  its own set of amazing, gorgeous, intricate and unanticipated complications.  Basically its about what happens when a couple of guys,  Lawrence Jameson (Sean McDermott) and Freddy Benson (Blake Spellacy) both con men, who focus on wealthy women, one more accomplished than the other,  bet everything on the outcome of a less than gracious wager… a kind of winner walks away with the entire package kind of thing.  Not surprising, the package contains people, places and things.

Photo credit: Jordan Sturm Photography Left to Right: Katie Ann Harvey, Sean McDermott & Caitlyn WIlayto

Adding layers of appeal , action and great good humor to the goings-on, on the stage, look forward to the rivalries, the cons, the swindling, oh, and the disappointments of:   Christine Colgate (Kristine Reese,)  Andre Thibaut, (Stuart Marland,)  Muriel Eubanks  (Gail Cook Howell,)  Renee (Giulia Dunes,) Jolene Oakes (Jennifer Knox,)  Lenore, (Caitlin Wilayto).

Through the course of the two acts, filled to the brim with stellar performances, by all of the leads, you’ll note that they are magnificently supported by a totally gifted , talented and energetic ensemble.  Among my favorite musical numbers  were “Give Them What They Want,” “What Was a Woman to Do,” “Great Big Stuff,” “Nothing is Too Wonderful to Be True,” and “Dirty Rotten Number.” Of course the “Finale” had the entire audience on their feet, joining in the production, in a way.

What a  perfect  evening of  musical theater… filled with a delightful storyline loaded with the most amazing complications, right along with music and dance performed by the most accomplished, energetic cast, under the direction of Casey Colgan.  Just couldn’t ask for more.

“Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” will run through May 29, with all performances, Tuesday through Saturday at 8 pm and 2 pm  and 7 pm on Sunday,  staged in the Elizabeth Wallace Theater of the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, 14 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head. 843 842 2787 or www.artshhi.com.

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For the third time in six years, this free exhibition features 19 larger-than-life artworks by artists from all around the country. The pieces are created in a variety of mediums from bronze to marble, aluminum to wood and represent a myriad of styles from literal to abstract. The exhibition is open to the public during Coastal Discovery Museum hours, be sure to call or visit their website to check their holiday hours prior to visiting. The 2015 Exhibition also has a Guide by Cell Phone Tour.  Information can be found in the tour map available at the Discovery House and on the sculpture informational signs.

Some may not know, but The Public Art Exhibition is part of a larger project undertaken and funded by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry’s Public Art Fund established in 2006. The Fund’s main objective is to serve as a conservator, of sorts, to the Town of Hilton Head Island by offering residents and visitors exposure to public art, while building the Town’s permanent public art collection.

The primary function of the exhibition is for the Public Arts Fund to purchase a piece chosen by a select jury of artists, gallery owners and art enthusiasts which is then donated to the Town of Hilton Head Island to incorporate into the public art collection. This year’s purchase prize winner is “Setting Sun” by Tom Holmes from Greelay, Pa. The piece consists of bright orange radials that span symmetrically from a steel base and stands 19 ft. x 19 ft. x 16 ft.

People’s Choice Award winners:

• First Prize: Nature’s Journey, by Robert Sadlemire of Myrtle Beach, SC
• 
• Second Prize: Hanging, by Eileen Blyth and Mark Finely, Columbia, SC
• 
• Third Prize: Lovearch, by Andrew Denton, Greenville, NC

If a particular piece appeals to you enough to want to add it to your own art collection know that almost all of the 19 pieces in the exhibition are for sale. After taking in the Public Art Exhibition, be sure to keep an eye out as you’re traveling the island for the existing pieces within the Island’s permanent public art collection.

Education
Through a partnership with the Island School Council for the Arts (ISCA) learning opportunities were made available at schools throughout the Island. Thanks to two of the exhibition’s artists, Jeff Boshart and David Teng-Olsen for taking the time to work with students on the island.

About Community Foundation of the Lowcountry

For over 20 years, Community Foundation of the Lowcountry has been connecting people, resources and needs by helping build stronger communities and assisting donors in making a difference through charitable giving. With over 300 charitable funds, combined assets totaling $70 million and grantmaking and scholarships reaching $58 million, Community Foundation of the Lowcountry is the largest source of unrestricted philanthropic resources dedicated to Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper Counties.

For more information contact us at (843) 681-9100 or visit their website at www.cf-lowcountry.org.

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The child in me was transfixed throughout the entire show…especially because all of all of the magic parts…Mary soars, kites fly, all kinds of people go up and down the chimneys, perch on rooftops, even! Then toys take on human character, stilts are involved, animals, too. Mary’s bottomless valise is mystical, and it offered lamps and plants and all sorts of things. Also, think my child side loved it because Michael and Jane Banks, about whom this story revolves, are amazing, if not magical, children, too.

The adult in me was captivated by this enduring musical theater production. First, who doesn’t love ‘Mary Poppins,?” But beyond that, the number of times I was dazzled, again and again, by the stunning performances of the carefully prepared performers…the leads and the supporting cast. How I appreciated the stage management…oh and again and again, the eye-blinking costumes.

Just in case you don’t remember the details of the story, based on the P.L. Travers children’s books along with one of the most loved Walt Disney Films in history, here’s the flow of the show.

Mary Poppins, somewhat uncannily, arrives at the home of the Banks family, to become their new nanny…to straighten out the muddle caused by the departure of the previous nanny. But, because of the book by Julian Fellowes, we all know, wink-wink, there is a back story which is far more involved than that!

Through the evening, in addition to the Banks family…Winifred and George, the mother and father, and the children, Mary Poppins handles “Practically Perfectly” the unforgettable household staff; as well as the enigmatic Bert, who escorts Mary and the children through the storyline which features close-up encounters with the most graceful dancing statues; a crop of tapping chimney sweeps; a sympathetic, ragged bird lady; and an array of crotchety, murky bankers, and dare I say, much, much more. Through it all, we meet and re-meet the unique, talented, energetic and colorful, cast, at every turn.

But, do look forward to your favorite Mary Poppins memories …. “Practically Perfect,” “Jolly Holiday,” “Spoonful of Sugar,” “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,” “Chim Chiminey,” “Brimstone and Treacle,” “Let’s Go Fly a Kite,” “Step in Time.” The stage, in all cases, comes to life in the most unimaginable way.

There are dozens of staggeringly heartfelt sequences of gracious theatrical brilliance as well as delicious, unrelenting, frenzied activity with occasional almost Cirque du Soleil spins. Again, the showstopping costumes, which arrive in every design and in every hue on the palette spectrum, contribute, enormously to every scene.

There is, of course, a really big finish, and the responsive, and enthusiastic audience which, by the way, had been on their collective feet a number of times through the production, clapping, cheering and whistling, was standing and singing in place, all, part of the production, in a way.

Looking forward to Agatha Christie’s “THE MOUSETRAP, “ 2/9 TO 2/28….” DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS,” 5/4 – 5/29, “MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET,” 6-21 TO 7/30 at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina.

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As part of the HHCS Presents series and in celebration of the Choral Society’s 40^th Anniversary Season, Chanticleer is returning to the Island for its second time. They performed to a sold out crowd in 2013.

Don’t let the words “classical” or “orchestra” fool you. Chanticleer appeals to a wide array of audiences – from the young to the young at heart. The 12-man ensemble of seamless voices performs music from a broad genre of vocal favorites in a style unparalleled by contemporary musicians. With pieces spanning ten centuries and also contemporary jazz, spirituals and even pop, there’s something for everyone at their concerts.

At their Hilton Head Island performance, Chanticleer will present their concert entitled “Over the Moon” featuring music from the likes of Gustav Mahler, Mason Bates and Francis Poulenc. These pieces will be combined with special arrangements from composers such as Elbow, Bart Howard, and Henry Mancini. The highlight of the evening will definitely be the group’s performance of a three-song set entitled Songs for the Moon – newly commissioned by Nico Muhly especially for Chanticleer.

Named the Musical America’s Ensemble of the Year in 2008, Chanticleer has made more than 40 albums. And each year the ensemble performs around 100 concerts in major concert halls around the world in the U.S., Europe, and Asia. This season will be the first under the direction of newly appointed Music Director William Fred Scott. We are so lucky they chose Hilton Head to be a stop on their tour this year.

Chanticleer’s mission is “to present choral music at the highest level of excellence and to encourage worldwide appreciation for the art of ensemble singing through live performances, education, recording and the creation of new choral work.” When you witness firsthand the greatness of their singing caliber – you will agree that they definitely accomplish this mission. And believe me, you’ll walk away a fan of this amazing group.

Established in 2006, the HHCS Presents series brings a varied assortment of artists and styles of choral music to the Lowcountry, highlighting choral singing at its finest. In the past, the HHCS has welcomed the Vienna Choir Boys, the American Boy Choir, the King’s Singers, Swingle Singers, Voces8 (UK) and Cantus (USA).

They expect this one to be a sellout – so you’ll want to get your tickets fast. Concert tickets for Chanticleer are $30 or $35 and are available online. All seating is reserved. Tickets may also be purchased at the door the night of the concert, if available. For more details, call 843-341-3818 or visit www.hiltonheadchoralsociety.org.

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Lowcountry Reads for the Holidays   The Island’s exemplary literary scene will be on display at Heritage Library’s inaugural Book Fair. Much has been made of the Lowcountry’s rich arts scene (and rightfully so), and you only need ears to realize that our music scene is one of the best. But what often goes unheralded is the strong and ever-growing literary scene in the Lowcountry.

Something in the salt air seems to coax the muses from their slumber and attract talented writers of all kinds to our shores. The Heritage Library fundraiser will shine the spotlight on our area’s talented stable of writers when it launches the first ever book fair, devoted solely to books, on Hilton Head Island from 11 am – 3 pm on Nov. 14 at Christ Lutheran Church.

This will be a great opportunity to pick up gifts for friends and family and have your purchases signed by the authors. Headlining the event is inarguably the most towering figure in our local literary scene, author Pat Conroy. The man who introduced the world to the Lowcountry through his books, The Water is Wide, The Great Santini, and The Prince of Tides, will be on hand with his latest, The Death of Santini. He’ll share the stage with The Same Sweet Girls author Cassandra King, as well as Story River Books authors Ellen Malphrus, Bernie Schein, Maggie Schein and John Warley.

Local authors who have made a national impact will be appearing at the Book Fair, including CJ Lyons, Sallie Ann Robinson, and Kathryn Wall.

Patricia Branning will sign her wonderful Lowcountry books, Magnolias, Porches, and Sweet Tea and Shrimp, Collards, and Grits. Hilton Head’s own Island Writers’ Network will be well-represented by James Edward Alexander, Len Camarda, Tom Crawford, Jane Hill, Norm Levy, Greg Smorol, and Charlie Thorn. The Network will be introducing its latest anthology, the 4th, Hilton Head Island: Time and Tide, a collection of works by 31 writers, as well as 11 photographers, most from the Camera Club of Hilton Head.

“We’re very excited to present so many wonderful authors who have helped create this strong culture of writers and readers here in the Lowcountry,” said Heritage Library Linda Piekut. “To have them all in one place, sharing their knowledge, will be a wonderful event.”

The Heritage Library exists to preserve and celebrate local history, so a slate of authors who have dedicated their work to telling Lowcountry stories will be present including Larry Rowland, History of Beaufort County, Vol I -and brand new- II and III; William Carson, Emancipation Procrastination; Natalie Hefter, Images of America; Hilton Head Island; Jim Jordan, Savannah Grey; Dwayne and Peggy Pickett, The European Struggle to Settle North America and Colonizing Attempts by England, France,and Spain 1521-1608; and Tom Thibeault, The Man Who Stole Himself. Don’t miss Wendy Pollitzer’s, South; Andrea Studenc’s, Hair Brain Jane books, including award-winning, Oh, No there is a Jingle in my HAIR!; Natasha Boyd’s new book, Deep Blue Eternity; Michelle Grandy’s, Ohhmazing Wellness; Susan Mandell’s children’s book, Cuffy’s New York Adventure; James McTeer’s first, award-winning novel, Minnow; Nicole Seitz’ lovely Lowcountry Christian novels, Beyond Molasses Creek, The Inheritance of Beauty, and Trouble the Water; and Charlie Ryan’s novels, The Pullman Hilton, A Christmas Mystery and Dead Man’s Clubs.

Lowcountry Reads for the Holidays, A Book Fair & Fundraiser

Saturday, November 14th. 11am-3pm

Christ Lutheran Church, Hilton Head Island

Tickets are $10 per person

Purchase tickets here. 

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Juneteenth is also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day and it commemorates the issuance and first reading of General Order Number 3 by Union Major General Gordon Granger on June 19, 1865. President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, which became law on January 1, 1863, freed the slaves in states that were under rebellion and not in Union hands. In many locations in the South it was not enforced because of a lack of military presence. The Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution which abolished slavery was passed by Congress on January 31, 1865, and was signed by President Abraham Lincoln the next day.

Today, Juneteenth is recognized as a State Holiday or a Ceremonial Holiday in 43 states. To celebrate Juneteenth Day on Hilton Head Island this year, the Mitchelville Preservation Project will be reconstructing Mitchelville for one day only on June 20th.

Mitchelville was the first self-governing town of Freedmen in America. General Ormsby McKnight Mitchel set aside some land and provided lumber for homes when he established the town that would later bear his name. Residents of Mitchelville elected their own officials, passed their own laws, and had the first compulsory education law in the state. During the Juneteenth event, the Thirteenth Amendment will be read at different times during the day. There will also be readings by reenactors portraying General Mitchel, General Granger, and the Reverend Abraham Murchinson, who was the first Mayor of Mitchelville and also the pastor of the First African Baptist Church. Harriet Tubman and Clara Barton will also be in attendance.

Lavon Stevens will be the emcee for the event, as well as one of the musical performers along with the Voices of El Shaddai, the world renowned Marlena Smalls, Anita Prather, The Gullah Geechee Ring Shouters and others. There will be Artists in the Park, featuring Amiri Farris and Sonja Griffin-Evans. Food and beverage vendors will be selling 1860’s period type foods and beverages, including strawberry soda pop, which is traditional at Juneteenth celebrations.

Highlighting the event will be the reconstruction of a day in the life of Mitchelville. A walking tour will take you to several partial structures, such as a Praise House and a home.

The walking tour will feature different experiences of a day in Mitchelville. Attendees will learn about gardening and herbal medicines at one stop. Another experience will involve some of the foods and a demonstration of sweet grass basket weaving. Another stop on the tour will feature teachers and students demonstrating educational practices in Mitchelville. You will see shrimp cast net making and quilting. The Praise house, where some religious practices were held, was also a central meeting place. In addition, a reenactment of a wedding will be performed as well.

The event will be held from 11:00 AM until 3:00 PM and will cost $10 for adults children under the age of 12 can attend free of charge. For tickets and additional information about the event please call the Mitchelville Preservation Project at (843) 255-7301 or purchase online at mitchelvillepreservationproject.org.

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THEATER

“Gypsy” at Arts Center of Coastal Carolina

The Arts Center brings us a powerhouse musical about an ambitious showbiz mom who pushes her two daughters to perform. They didn’t call this play the “mother” of Broadway for nothing. Each time the show was on Broadway, it was a Tony-award winner. From April 29 – May 2, you can catch it performed on Hilton Head, and hear the songs it made standards, including “Everything’s Coming Up Roses,” “You Gotta Get a Gimmick” and “Let Me Entertain You.”

Show Times: Tuesdays-Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m. or 7 p.m.; $55 for adults and $39 for children

ART

Art Market at Historic Honey Horn

This outdoor, juried fine art and craft show is April 25 and 26 at Honey Horn, the 68-acre property in the middle of Hilton Head. Over 90 artists will be on site with original artwork for sale. Check out oil and acrylic painting, pottery, photography, watercolor and fine jewelry. Who knows, maybe you’ll find your next living room centerpiece!

Admission is free, but parking is $6 per car, so carpool if you can. For more information, visit http://www.coastaldiscovery.org.

“Life is a Carnival” sculptural work by Nancy Mitchell 

Local artist Nancy Mitchell has devoted her latest work to the carnival experience. Her eclectic  free-standing sculptures and wall hangings are inspired by the annual Savannah Carnival and feature motorized rides, playful vignettes and brightly-painted figures.

The exhibit can be seen Tuesday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through May 2 at the Walter Greer Gallery at 14 Shelter Cove Lane.

Dan McCaw’s One Man Show at The Red Piano Art Gallery

Dan McCaw is an expressive artist with an impressionistic style. His work is light and airy, yet rooted in emotion and sensitivity. Ocean blues and the sunrise yellows are common colors in his paintings. See them for yourself beginning at a reception from 6-8 p.m. May 8 at Red Piano Art Gallery. The gallery is at  220 Cordillo Parkway.

7th Annual Hilton Head Island Art Festival 

Head to Shelter Cove on Memorial Day weekend (May 23 and 24) for the Hilton Head Island Art Festival, where more than 150 artists will gather to show off their crafts.

This annual event has become a favorite of both tourists and locals alike. Visit with artists displaying paintings, jewelry, sculpture, photography, pottery and more. There will also be food and live entertainment making this a fun, free family event.

MUSIC

Chopin and Sibelius: Two Nationalists

Open your ears for some classical music as the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra presents “Chopin and Sibelius: Two Nationalists.”

The orchestra will perform  Finlandia, Op. 26  and Symphony No. 5 in E-flat major, Op. 82 by Finnish composer Jean Sibelius as well as Piano Concerto No. 2 in F minor, Op. 21 by Polish composer Frédéric Chopin.

Catch the show from 4-6 p.m. May 3 and at 8 p.m. May 4 at the First Presbyterian Church. The Church is at 540 William Hilton Parkway. Tickets are $25-$50.

Lavon Stevens presents “Gullah Culture and my Music and Life in the Lowcountry”

Musician and entrepreneur Lavon Stevens has performed on Hilton Head for many years. Lavon plays multi-keyboards and sings everything from jazz and blues to love ballads. He is one of the featured speakers for the Heritage Library’s 2015 lecture series.

His lecture will be May 19 at Coligny Theater in Coligny Plaza.

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There are an estimated 300,000 Gullah living along the southeastern coast in a “living, breathing” culture – vibrant and comfortable in its own heritage and determined to continue its legacy. See why Hilton Head Island, Daufuskie Island and Bluffton are a ‘must-visit’ during your trip – explore the history, cuisine and stories here: https://www.hiltonheadisland.org/gullah/

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Behind The Scenes of Singing In The Rain at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina

What happens when you take 150 costumes, 23 umbrellas and 7 dance numbers, combine them with 14 crew members, 23 actors, an orchestra, amazing scenery and then mix it all together with 250 gallons of water-every night for 4 weeks?

You get Singing In The Rain! Directed by Casey Colgan it is the biggest production to date for the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina.  Now, take this show and consider the “production” that happens backstage. Brian Riley, Director of Production, calls it “controlled chaos and very well orchestrated.” The process to put a show together like this begins 3-6 months before they even go into rehearsals. It all begins with set, lighting and costume design. The process is “very fluid and orchestrated with lots of communication back and forth between the director and designers. It is a living art form, nothing is set in stone-it evolves”, says Riley. Rendering drawings of the sets are a starting point in setting “the stage” and everything seems to develop from them.

Fast forward to 6 weeks before rehearsals begin. Casting the show took place locally and in New York City. According to Jill Gorrie, choreographer for Singing In The Rain, the Arts Center has a great reputation in NYC. When auditions for an Arts Center show are held in NYC there is a buzz among the actors. Actors I spoke with were in awe of the island’s hospitality and they love performing here! Jill Gorrie danced in the Arts Center’s very first show, Crazy For You, with Casey Colgan and has since danced with Broadway national touring companies and in Europe. She now focuses on choreography and in 2010 returned to the Arts Center to choreograph Aida for Casey. Jill said, “Casey is such a visionary. I get him. He’s trusting, I trust him…and he’s just fun!”

Director Casey Colgan has been directing and performing with the Arts Center from it’s beginning. Mr. Colgan has performed on Broadway, toured with national and international companies, directed, choreographed and has been on the dance faculty of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in NYC for 30 years. Hilton Head is so fortunate that Casey keeps coming back!

There were seven dance numbers in the show and it took 4 weeks to rehearse. Since it was such a big musical they needed to use 2 rehearsal spaces. The Black Box was mostly used for dance and the 3rd floor was used for book/dialogue and music rehearsals. The crew taped the set outline on both floors so cast members could move from floor to floor and not miss a beat. The Stage Manager, Ginger M. James, has in her possession the Stage Manger book-AKA the Bible. This book is several inches thick and contains EVERYTHING – from scene blocking to lighting cues, costume changes to scene changes…any change to anything is documented in it. You name it, it’s in the Bible! Ginger has been a stage manager for over 30 years and is in her 13th season at the Arts Center.

The actors arrive and dive right in – going from dancing in the black box to singing or running a scene on the 3rd floor and sometimes head to the Bank of America Room or the Heritage Foundation Room. In between everything they go for costume fittings for 150 costumes! There was actually a third production behind the scenes with this show. Three black and white films featured in the musical had to be shot during all of the rehearsal madness. Can you picture the “backstage production” I’m talking about? To keep the actors organized and on schedule there is a bulletin board that displays rehearsal schedules, announcements, sign in sheet and more.

While the actors are rehearsing the crew is busy “loading in” two weeks before “teching” (technical rehearsal) the show. The first week lighting is hung as well as the soft goods – scenery, drapes, legs and borders. During the second week the scenery is installed onstage. Once this is all finished there is a 10 hour rehearsal for the actors to get their stage spacing set. Next up, 3 1/2 – 4 days to tech (technical) the show, a Broadway production does it in 3 – 4 WEEKS! Teching a show consists of light cues, costumes changes, scene changes, special effects (raining onstage!!), film cues, music cues, sound cues all coming from the Bible. These are long 8 hour days. Finally, they move into dress rehearsals – working out the kinks and finding the rhythm of the 2 productions…onstage and backstage.

Next up for the Arts Center Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash  February 10 – March 1, 2015 for tickets and to see the Arts Center’s season visit http://www.artshhi.com

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The Hilton Head Island Gullah Celebration is held throughout the month of February each year and features events that incorporate the many facets of the Gullah culture. Visitors have an opportunity to experience the food and music, receive firsthand, historical information and take a journey through the culture via the visual arts.

19th Annual Hilton Head Island Gullah Festival
The Gullah are a living culture, keeping the traditions of their ancestors relevant in the 21st century through engaging celebrations like the Hilton Head Island Gullah Festival. The festival encompasses a variety of events designed to attract local residents, regional, national and international travelers. The Hilton Head Island Gullah Celebration has been recognized by the Southeast Tourism Society as one of the Top 20 Events in the Southeast.

These are just a few of the events that are taking place during the 2015 Gullah Festival. Click here for all events.

Sweetheart Ball with Deas Guys
February 6, 2015 at 7 pm
The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort and Spa
With the purchase of your ticket you can enjoy the delicious buffet of Lowcountry foods and soft drinks. You can add beer, wine or spirits of your choice at our cash bar. Includes Native food – buffet dinner $650.00 for table of 10. Learn more

Taste of Gullah
February 7, 2015 at 11am
Arts Center of Coastal Carolina
This one-of-a-kind event features authentic Gullah dishes such Okra Gumbo, Conch Stew, fried shrimp dusted in traditional Gullah seasonings and classic barbecue favorites like char-grilled chicken and ribs. While you eat you can enjoy the entertainment of several local artists including traditional dancers, musicians and storytellers. Learn more

Traditional Gullah Gospel Night
February 13, 2015 at 7pm
First Zion Missionary Baptist Church
The Voices of El Shaddai Celebrate and honor the spiritual thread that binds the African ancestors and the Gullah of today. This kickoff to the Gullah Celebration’s annual music series features The Voices of El Shaddai, the acclaimed community choir of the Hilton Head Island. Learn more

Arts, Craft and Food Expo
February 14-15 at 11am
Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn
Two-day all access experience to the Gullah culture! The annual Arts, Crafts and Food Expo offers cultural demonstrations, authentic Gullah and African crafts and food for sale, as well as an offering of traditional storytelling and music entertainment. An event to be shared with family and friends or for you to make new friends! Learn more

Gullah Gospel Concert
February 20, 2015 at 7pm
St. James Baptist Church
Celebrate and honor the spiritual thread that binds the African ancestors and the Gullah of today. This evening is a featured event of Gullah Celebration’s annual music series featuring Time for 2, a duo of youth that combines the harmonious sounds of classic instruments used to perform Gullah Gospel music. Learn more.

Visit Mitchelville
As enjoyable as all these events are, it would behoove visitors to visit a place where they will truly learn about Gullah history and its integral role not only in the history of Hilton Head Island, but of the United States: Mitchelville, the First Self-Governed Freedmen’s Town in America. Before the Emancipation Proclamation was signed in 1863 and at the height of the Civil War, a group of escaped slaves, considered “contraband of war”, set about creating their own town on the grounds of the former Drayton Plantation called ‘Fish Haul’.

Here Union General Ormsby Mitchel, created an actual town and the newly minted citizens went about their business with elections, enacting various laws, collecting taxes, making a living, and enacting a compulsory education edict for children — most likely the first such law in the South.

Within the past few years the Mitchelville Freedom Park, located on Beach City Road, has been fitted with a covered gazebo, an observation platform looking out toward Port Royal Sound, and kiosks telling the Mitchelville story through words and historical images. While this park is a work in progress, it is a wonderful place to reflect as you stand on the same earth and take in the same view as the Mitchelville Gullah did 150 years ago!

Gullah Arts
The Gullah retain a strong and direct link to their African ancestry by preserving their folkway traditions in their language, music, and distinctive arts and crafts like sweetgrass baskets. Woven from indigenous marsh grasses, long leaf pine straw and occasionally even fabric, Gullah artists combine ancestral skills in ancient ways to produce remarkable wares. Check out the Coastal Discovery Museum gift shop located at Honey Horn, for that perfect basket to complete your collection.

The unique painting style of Amiri Geuka Farris has established him as one of the shining stars of the arts rich South Carolina Lowcountry.  Amiri’s style is one of multi layered bright colors incorporating stamps, West African Adrinka symbols and drips to define his concept of time and space – “Fine art with a Gullah Flare”.  He has participated in juried art shows throughout the country and his works are highly valued by private collectors.  His paintings have been displayed at the United States Capitol and locally Amiri was selected to interpret “Bluffton Heart of the Lowcountry “.   Amiri received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration and Design, and a Masters of Fine Art in Painting from the Savannah College of Art and Design.  He is currently on the faculty of the University of South Carolina Beaufort where he teaches studio art.

Tours & More!
For an interactive overview of Gullah history on the Island, check out Emory Campbell’s Gullah Heritage Tours, which departs from the Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn. Not only is Mr. Campbell a leading expert on Gullah cultural heritage, he is also past Executive Director of the historic Penn Center, and a SC Commissioner for the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor. Be sure to stop in at the Coastal Discovery Museum too, which houses a fascinating permanent exhibit connecting Gullah history to the Island.

Hungry for authentic Gullah fare?
Like a good gumbo, Gullah cooking was and is still, layered with ingredients, flavors and cooking techniques borrowed over time from many cultures – West African, European, Caribbean and even native American. Check out these local Gullah Eateries and Catering:
Dye’s Gullah Fix’ins
Gullah Grub Restaurant
Kinfolks Gullah Grubs & Seafood Restaurant
Sallie Ann Robinson
Ruby Lee’s

Looking to cook up your own Gullah grub? There is no shortage of delectable local produce and seafood to choose from at the Hilton Head Island Farmers Market, Farmers Market Bluffton or one of our locally owned and operated seafood markets, where, in most cases the shrimp boats loaded with the day’s catch moor right out the back door!
Benny Hudson Seafood
Bluffton Oyster Company
Hudson’s Seafood House On The Docks

More History and Resources
To learn more about the Gullah history and how it lives on today, visit www.hiltonheadisland.org/gullah.

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