One island helps another with Maui fundraiser + other September art and music happenings

The community of Hilton Head Island, in collaboration with the Rotary Lowcountry Environmental Club, has announced the upcoming “Kokua” fundraiser to benefit the people of Maui. Kokua is the Hawaiian word for help. Its deeper meaning is to extend help to others with no intent of personal gain.

“We invite you to join us for an evening of fun and philanthropy as we come together to support those in need. All proceeds from the fundraiser will go directly to aid the people of Maui,” said Richard Grant, curator for the exhibit. “We encourage attendees to consider making a donation or participating in the silent auction.”

Flip-flops and Hawaiian shirts are optional but highly encouraged!

• What: Kokua fundraiser for the people of Maui, including a silent auction, live music and mingling
• Where: Soundwaves, 7 Lagoon Road, Hilton Head
• When: 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 6
• Info: https://www.facebook.com/events/6442548235827393

VISUAL ARTS

ART LEAGUE OF HILTON HEAD GALLERY

“Below the Surface”

An exhibit of paintings by Judy Blahut is on view at the Art League Gallery. This collection of acrylic and charcoal paintings is Blahut’s colorful interpretation of underwater environments, balanced between realism and fractured, playful abstraction. These fantastical “waterscapes” are made of sinuous and lyrical forms bathed in translucent light.

• Where: 14 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head
• When: Through Sept 29; gallery hours 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday
• Info: artshhi.com or 843-681-5060

LA PETITE GALLERIE

In September, the Gallerie is spotlighting artist Sue Grilli, whose work is a delightful treat to experience! Her floral paintings, as well as her abstract creations, elicit more than just visual pleasure. Describing her florals, she says, “A garden filled with flowers presents an everlasting inspiration for art. Although there is so much beauty in nature, I am not just painting the flowers. I am painting how the flowers make you feel.” Sue is generally on hand Wednesdays to greet you; it’s her day to work the desk at La Petite Gallerie.

• Where: Adjacent to The Store, 56 Calhoun St., Bluffton
• When: Through September
• Info: lapetitegallerie.com

SOBA – SOCIETY OF BLUFFTON ARTISTS

“Myriad of Visual Expressions”

Haldora is a contemporary artist whose love for nature and old-world antiquities inspires her art from a raw, childlike vision to impressionism and abstract art. Haldora’s lifetime spent exploring art visually filters into a creative lifestyle. Her visionary sense and passion to create manifests in an eclectic style across different mediums: Self-taught, she has explored various forms of artistic expression including fiber arts, fashion design, ceramics, sculpture, drawing, watercolor, acrylic, mixed media and oils. Her current focus is with oils and occasionally acrylics.

• Where: 6 Church St., Bluffton
• When: Through Sept 3
• Info: sobagallery.com

“Of Water: Aquascapes Photography”

SOBA’s September featured artist exhibit will spotlight the photography of Jean Macaluso. The overall theme of Macaluso’s body of work focuses on the calming properties of water as a symbol of healing and power for cultures around the world. “Aquascapes” taps into the mystical nature of oceans, lakes, rivers or bays.

• Where: 6 Church St., Bluffton
• When: Opening reception 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 14; exhibit Sept. 5 through Oct. 1
• Info: sobagallery.com

RED PIANO GALLERY

The work of Michael B. Karas fills a section of the walls at the Red Piano Gallery. He is long associated with the gallery, and his work is superb. While you are there, don’t miss the impressive, diverse work of Sandy Scott, Joseph Orr, Leslie Shiels and the dimensional work of Jane DeDecker.

• Where: 40 Calhoun St., Suite 201, Bluffton
• When: Through the month
• Info: redpianoartgallery.com or 843-842-4433

PERFORMING ARTS

ARTS CENTER OF COASTAL CAROLINA

Tickets on sale for “Clue,” running Sept. 27 through Oct. 29. Irving Berlin’s “Holiday Inn, The Musical” runs Nov. 29 through Dec. 24

• Where: Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, 14 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head
• Info: artshhi.com or 843-842-2787
  
  

USCB CENTER FOR THE ARTS

“The Sound of Music”

The spirited, romantic and beloved musical story of Maria and the von Trapp family will thrill audiences with its Tony-, Grammy- and Academy Award-winning best score, including “My Favorite Things,” “Do-Re-Mi,” “Climb Ev’ry Mountain,” “Edelweiss” and the title song.

• Where: 805 Carteret St., Beaufort
• When: Sept. 23, 24, 29 and 30; Oct. 1
• Info: uscbcenterforthearts.com or 843-521-4145

LEAN ENSEMBLE

Season subscriptions are now available. “The Mountaintop” runs Oct. 19-29, and “Outside Mullingar” runs Dec. 7-17.

• Where: 3000 Main St., Hilton Head
• Info: leanensemble.org

MUSIC

HILTON HEAD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

The HHSO’s third annual Jazz in the Park free outdoor concert series comes to an end with its final event featuring John Brackett Quintet. Bring your own chairs or a blanket.

• Where: Lowcountry Celebration Park, 94 Pope Ave., Hilton Head
• When: 7:30 to 9:15 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 5
• Info: hhso.org or 843-842-2055

Upcoming

• Oct. 20: “Hollywood in the Lowcountry” at Lowcountry Celebration Park
• Oct. 22 and 23: The Orchestra Series at First Presbyterian Church with “Symphonie Fantastique.”

EVENTS

HILTON HEAD ISLAND ANNIVERSARY

In honor of the 360th anniversary of the sighting of the headlands of Hilton Head Island by Capt. William Hilton and the 40th anniversary of the island’s incorporation as a municipality, the town has planned a series of events. For complete information, go to hiltonheadisland360-40.org.

• Celebration of Gullah Culture: 1 to 5 p.m. Sept. 10, at Lowcountry Celebration Park, 94 Pope Ave., Hilton Head
• Let’s Chalk The Walk!: Sept. 13, islandwide
• Hilton Head Jam 2023 Songwriter Festival: Sept. 14-17, various locations
• Community Concert: 7 p.m. Sept. 16, at Lowcountry Celebration Park, 94 Pope Ave., Hilton Head

BLUES AND BBQ

This year’s crowd favorite has an all-blue theme, so get your tickets and your blue outfit ready!

• When: 3 to 7 p.m. Sept. 9
• Where: Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park, 40 Harriet Tubman Way, Hilton Head
• Info: eventbright.com

CRESCENDO

In a triumphant understatement, let me say Crescendo is huge! And it is just around the corner. If you are an artist, musician, poet, author, workshop leader, actor, even an event organizer, you must absolutely look forward to the unparalleled events offered. If you are simply interested or fascinated or mesmerized by the list above, immediately begin planning and looking forward to our Crescendo. Anticipate our next column, which will present more information and details about this magnificent cultural arts event!

• When: Oct. 10 through Nov. 18
• Where: Various locations
• Info: culturehhi.org

To reach Nancy K. Wellard email coastalartnews@gmail.com.