Lucas: From 'Golden Dragons' to Gypsy Jazz, magic and wonder abounds
Why, exactly, something entertains us can be elusive. Artists strive for precision or perfection, when perhaps they should seek out something a little loftier.
Take the Golden Dragon Acrobats, for instance. Touted as the premier Chinese acrobat touring company, these artists not only exemplify perfection and precision but succeed in bringing us the rarest of qualities -- magic and wonder.
With breathtaking skill and artistry, the Golden Dragons combine gravity-defying acrobatics with traditional dance, ancient and contemporary music and exquisite costuming for a performance you're not likely to forget. The troupe takes the stage at 7 p.m. Thursday Sept. 24, at the University of South Carolina Beaufort Center for Performing Arts, 805 Carteret St. Tickets are $30 to $35 with discounts for seniors and children. Details: Call or visit www.uscbcenterforthearts.com.
The short story also can be a thing of magic and wonder. And those who celebrate its form will gather in Beaufort for the third Short Story America Festival and Conference, Thursday, Sept. 24 through Saturday, Sept. 26. Vermont writer Richard Hawley, whose work has appeared in The New York Times, The Atlantic Monthly and American Film, among other publications, will headline. Hawley will give a free reading at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24, at ArtWorks, 2127 Boundary St., Beaufort. An all-events pass for the festival is $45. For details, call 843-597-3220 or visit www.shortstoryamerica.com.
A little music, a few laughs
Fans of the Woody Allen film "Midnight in Paris" may remember the beautiful theme music "Bistro Fada," which literally swept its characters away through time. That piece was the work of French-born, Gypsy-jazz guitarist Stephane Wrembel. Wrembel and His Band will perform at 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24, at The Spaghetti Club, 27 Market St., Beaufort. Cost: $15.
Also coming up at The Spaghetti Club, comedian Eric Hunter will make an appearance as part of the club's Comedy Night V, 8 p.m., Friday, Sept. 25. Local funny guy Tom Mullins will host. Cost: $15. For details or reservations for either event, call 843-466-3663.
Hilton Head's "Music & Taste on the Harbour" returns to the island this fall with a lineup of local bands and food and drink specials from Shelter Cove restaurants, from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursdays through Oct. 22, at Shelter Cove Harbour and Marina, 1 Harbourside Lane. Target, the Band will play Thursday, Sept. 24. Attendees are encouraged to bring canned-good donations for The Deep Well Project. For details, visit www.palmettodunes.com.
Get your tickets now
Tickets are on sale for several events including the craft beer-tasting portion of Port Royal's popular OktoPRfest. The adults-only evening is from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday Sept. 25, at The Shed on Paris Avenue. Advance tickets are $25 ($30 at the door) and include a commemorative glass. Tickets can be purchased at The Tavern, Smokin' Planks and Helena Place Senior Living in Port Royal. The festival continues from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday Sept. 26, on Paris Avenue, with more food and beer, crafts, Kid's Fun Zone, a classic car display and live music. For details, visit www.oldvillageportroyal.com.
You can also now purchase tickets for The League of the Symphony Orchestra's third annual Tour of Homes. This year's tour will feature six local chefs and six kitchens, from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, at Sea Pines. Proceeds from the event will benefit the orchestra and its youth programs. Tickets are $40 and can be purchased at Burke's Pharmacy and Le Cookery on Hilton Head, and Markel's Card and Gift Shop, in Bluffton. For details, visit www.hhso.org.
Tickets for the 14th annual Hilton Head Island Motoring Festival and Concours d'Elegance are also on sale. Each year, the festival's "Life" exhibit seeks to honor American automotive culture and era-specific vehicles with annually changing themes. The 2015 "Live in the Suburbs" exhibit will pay tribute to the 1940s, '50s and '60s suburbia. The festival roars to a start with the Savannah Speed Classic race series, Oct. 23-25, then continues Oct. 31-Nov. 1, on Hilton Head. For details and ticket information, visit www.hhimotoringfestival.com.
Follow reporter Mindy Lucas at twitter.com/MindyatIPBG.
Related content:
- Lucas on the arts: From auditions ('Mary Poppins', 'Peter Pan'!) to festivals, get ready for a busy fall, Sept. 10, 2015
- Lucas on the arts: From Hilton Head to Beaufort, something melodic is in the air, Sept. 3, 2015
This story was originally published September 17, 2015 at 8:54 PM with the headline "Lucas: From 'Golden Dragons' to Gypsy Jazz, magic and wonder abounds."