Bravo Arts & cultural festival
Hilton Head Island and the Lowcountry celebrate our area's vibrant arts community and diverse cultural heritage through visual and performing arts events, cultural activities and programs during the month of May each year. For more information about activities or an event calendar, contact the Chamber of Commerce at (800) 523-3373.
2010 Bravo Events
African Americans in the Civil War
3 p.m., May 26
Joseph McGill, historian and founder of Company “I” 54th Massachusetts Reenactment Regiment in Charleston, will share the role that African Americans played during the Civil War, particularly on Hilton Head Island. In partnership with the South Carolina Humanities Council; Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn; $5; 843-689-6767; www.coastaldiscovery.org
America Sings!
7 p.m., May 30 & May 31
Choral concert featuring all-American repertoire including Colonial folksongs, 19th century hymns, patriotic anthems and a musical tribute to our Armed Forces. Performed by Hilton Head Choral Society led by Artistic Director Tim Reynolds.
May 30: First Presbyterian Church, 540 Wm. Hilton Pkwy; May 31: Holy Family Catholic Church, 24 Pope Ave. $10, students & children under 12 are free.
Sponsored by the Hilton Head Choral Society; 843-341-3818; www.hiltonheadchoralsociety.org
An Evening in Egypt
5-7 p.m., May 27
A guided gallery walk with stories of life and after-life in this ancient African civilization. Afterward, participants can choose to create their very own Egyptian amulet bracelet or Rosetta stone with a secret message using hieroglyphics. Ages 5-12; Disney Studio, Arts Center of Coastal Carolina; $12
843-686-3945, ext. 233; www.artshhi.com
Annie Sellick Quartet
8 p.m., May 21 & 22
Annie Sellick has been described as having Ella Fitzgerald’s playfulness with Carmen McRae’s attitude. The Jazz Corner, The Village at Wexford; $15; 843-842-8620; www.thejazzcorner.com
Art Around Town
10 a.m.–5 p.m., May 14-15
Art Around Town is a self-guided tour of art galleries on Hilton Head Island & Bluffton. Pick up a free map of participating galleries. Each of the 20 galleries offers refreshments and an opportunity to win a piece of art or a gift certificate. Art League of Hilton Head Island; 643-681-8041; www.artleaguehhi.org
Art in the Marsh
10 a.m.–Noon, May 15
Children ages 8-13 learn watercolor pencil techniques from an experienced art instructor and create landscapes “en plein air” as we explore the salt marsh ecosystem. Naturalists will be on hand to share the biological stories at the Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn; $20 includes materials. Sponsored by: Arts Center of Coastal Carolina and Coastal Discovery Museum; Register at Arts Center of Coastal Carolina; 843-686-3945, ext. 233
Artists of Indigo Run Exhibit
Mon-Sat, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.- 3 p.m.; April 23-May 10
Indigo Run on Hilton Head Island is home to many talented artists. These artists have collaborated to create a unique exhibition of works in pastel, fiber, photography, clay, oil, acrylic and mixed media. Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn; $3 donation; 843-689-6767 www.coastaldiscovery.org
Art Market at Historic Honey Horn
10 a.m.-5 p.m., April 25; 11 a.m.-4 p.m., April 26
In its 8th year, this outdoor juried fine art and craft festival is held under the majestic live oaks at historic Honey Horn. Over 80 artists from around the country will have a broad range of original artwork available for sale. $6 per car donation for parking; Coastal Discovery Museum; 843-689-6767; www.coastaldiscovery.org
Arts & Sciences Exposition
2 p.m. & 6 p.m., May 27
Arts integrated curriculum will be highlighted with choral performances, artist-in-residence projects and many exhibits of student projects. Hilton Head Island School for the Creative Arts; 843-342-4157
Bobby Ryder Quartet
8 p.m., May 5, 19
Saxophonist and vocalist Bobby Ryder swings big band, blues and Sinatra at The Jazz Corner, The Village at Wexford; $5; 843-842-8620 www.thejazzcorner.com
Bob Masteller’s Jazz Corner Quintet
8 p.m., May 4, 11, 18 & 25
Enjoy New Orleans hot jazz and down-home blues at The Jazz Corner, The Village at Wexford; Free admission; 843-842-8620 www.thejazzcorner.com
Chalk Art Show
10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., May 11, 12, 13 & 14
Stop by The Sandbox and help decorate the outside of the museum with chalk. The Sandbox will be turned into a work of art for everyone to see. All artists and budding artists are encouraged to participate. The Sandbox, An Interactive Children’s Museaum; Admission; 843-842-7645; www.thesandbox.org
Deas Guyz
8 p.m., May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 & 31
Enjoy one of the most popular rhythm & blues and Motown bands of the Lowcountry at
The Jazz Corner, The Village at Wexford; $7.50; 843-842-8620 www.thejazzcorner.com
Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast”
7:30 p.m., May 15 & 17; 4:30 p.m., May 16
The First Presbyterian Musical Theater presents Disney’s well-known musical “Beauty and the Beast,” a traditional fairy tale adapted into a hit Broadway musical. Free; First Presbyterian Church; 843-681-3696; www.fpchhi.org
Disney’s “Mulan Jr.” Student Production
6:30 p.m., May 28; 2 p.m., May 29
“Mulan Jr.” is a heartwarming celebration of culture, honor and a fighting spirit in the legendary, story-telling days of ancient China. Hilton Head Island School for the Creative Arts; $10; Patti Maurer 843-342-4118
Earl Williams Quartet
8 p.m., May 12 & 26
Saxophonist and vocalist Earl Williams performs jazz and blues at The Jazz Corner, The Village at Wexford; $5; 843-842-8620 www.thejazzcorner.com
Elton John’s “Aida”
April 28-May 30
This grand, epic musical is winner of four Tony Awards, including Best Score. The prince of Egypt is engaged to Amneris but falls for Aida, princess of Nubia, in a story of forbidden and unrequited love. Arts Center of Coastal Carolina; Adults: $50-$54; kids: $35-$37; 843-842-ARTS; www.artshhi.com
“Egypt: A Sense of Place”
May 8-30
Inspired by the beauty and majesty of Egypt, the exhibit relates to the Egyptian tale and musical love story, Elton John’s “Aida.” Walter Greer Gallery, Arts Center of Coastal Carolina; Free; 843-842-ARTS; www.artshhi.com
Enigma Variations Concert- Season Finale
8 p.m., May 3
The season finale features Bach’s Harpsichord Concerto, Dan Welcher’s Prairie Light, a musical interpretation of Georgia O’Keeffe’s artwork, and Sir Edward Elgar’s colorful, humorous and adoring portraits of fourteen close friends. First Presbyterian Church of Hilton Head; Tickets are $40, $30 and $20; Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra; 843-842-2055; www.hhso.org
Four Corners Art Gallery
3-5:30 p.m., May 14
Gallery artist Doug Corkern, retired architect, will be painting and sharing some of his techniques with chalk and watercolor. 1263 May River Rd., Bluffton; Free; 843-757-8185
“Gallery Talk and Walk with Artist Robert Weissman”
11 a.m., May 16
Meet photographer Robert Weissman and hear about his experiences while traveling through parts of rural South Carolina with his camera. Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn; 843-689-6767; www.coastaldiscovery.org
Garden Art
10:30-11:30 a.m., May 8
Make unique works of art with plants from The Sandbox’s garden. Sponsored by The Hilton Head Herb Society, Long Cove Dirty Diggers and The Plantation Garden Club; Admission; 843-842-7645; www.thesandbox.org
Get Fired Up with Pottery
10 a.m., May 1, 15 & 29
Get your imagination fired up and create a unique work of art. Personalize your own pottery plate as a Mother’s Day gift or keepsake. Pottery will be fired and ready to pick up the following Wednesday of each week. The Sandbox: An Interactive Children’s Museum; Admission plus $10; 843-842-7645; www.thesandbox.org
Grand Opening–Art League Gallery/Academy
10 a.m.-7 p.m., May 11
Grand opening of the new Art League of Hilton Head Gallery/Academy. Enjoy artwork from over 100 local artists, art demonstrations, refreshments and meeting the artists. Mall at Shelter Cove; Art League of Hilton Head Island; 843-681-5060; www.artleaguehhi.org
Heritage Library Lecture Series
2 p.m., May 5, 12 & 19
The Heritage Library Foundation offers three history presentations about the Lowcounty: “Colonial Hilton Head” by Bill Altstaetter, “Hilton Head in the Civil War” by Robert P. Smith, and “Hilton Head After the Bridge” by Natalie Hefter. Heritage Library, 852 Wm. Hilton Parkway Ste. 2A; 843-686-6560; www.heritagelibrary.org
2nd Annual Hilton Head Island Art Festival at Shelter Cove Harbour
10 a.m.-6p.m., May 29; 10 a.m.-5 p.m., May 30
Howard Alan Events presents a juried art fair. Visitors will have the opportunity to stroll through a unique, fine arts & crafts featuring award-winning artists. Shelter Cove Harbour; Free; Shelter Cove at Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort
Howard Alan Events; 954-472-3755; www.artfestival.com
Hotlanta Dixieland Jazz
8 p.m., May 14 & 15
Enjoy jazz with a Southern accent. Hotlanta sets your feet firmly on Bourbon Street in old New Orleans at The Jazz Corner, The Village at Wexford; $10; 843-842-8620 www.thejazzcorner.com
Imagination Hour
10:30-11:30 a.m., May 6, 13, 20 & 27
Join us every Thursday for story time followed by a related arts & crafts project. Each week will have a unique theme aimed at instilling a lifelong passion for reading and creative thinking. The Sandbox: An Interactive Children’s Museum; Sponsored by Hargray’s Caring Coins and The Sandbox; Admission; 843-842-7645; www.thesandbox.org
King Tut Gallery opening
6 p.m., May 7
Help celebrate the opening of the new exhibit, “Egypt: A Sense of Place.” The event will help support the Arts Center’s education and outreach programs. Walter Greer Gallery, Arts Center of Coastal Carolina; 843-842-ARTS; www.artshhi.com
Lavon Stevens Quartet with Louise Spencer
8 p.m., May 6, 13, 20 & 27
Jazz, Broadway and blues at The Jazz Corner. The Village at Wexford; $5; 843-842-8620 www.thejazzcorner.com
Lowcountry Appreciation Night
Doors open 6 p.m., Music at 8 p.m., May 3, 10, 17 & 24
A Bayou & Delta Blues tribute to Ray Charles, Louis Armstrong, Dr. John and more with The Martin Lesch Band. Free admission with food & beverage specials. The Jazz Corner; 843-842-8620; www.thejazzcorner.com
Lynn Roberts with the Bob Alberti Trio
8 p.m., May 7 & 8
Swing & big band vocalist Lynn Roberts is said to be one of the “super songbirds” of all time. The Jazz Corner; The Village at Wexford; $15; 843-842-8620 www.thejazzcorner.com
Maye River Gallery
May 11
Caroll Kay will give a weaving demonstration and Susan Knight will be showcasing her techniques working with silver jewelry. Painters will also be working in the garden.
37 Calhoun St., Bluffton. Free; 843-757-2633; www.Mayerivergallery.com
Meet the Artists
5:30-7 p.m., April 25
Meet artists participating in the Art Market at historic Honey Horn, the annual outdoor juried fine arts and crafts show awarding $5,000 in prize money to winning artists. Hors d’oeuvres and beverages will be served. $25; Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn; 843-689-6767; www.coastaldiscovery.org
Modern Hilton Head Island Terrace Talk
3 p.m., May 25
Learn about the early development of Hilton Head Island and the impact the construction of the first bridge from the mainland had on this barrier island. Reservations requested. Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn; $5; 843-689-6767; www.coastaldiscovery.org
Musical Masterworks
8 p.m., April 23
Celebrate Tim Reynolds 10th anniversary as artistic director of the Hilton Head Choral Society. The full chorus and orchestra will present audience favorites from the last decade. First Presbyterian Church; $20; Hilton Head Choral Society, 843-341-3818; www.hiltonheadchoralsociety.org
Music at Noon
Noon, May 14
Organist W. Raymond Ackerman and soprano Maggie Nash present a superb musical with acoustic and large pipe organ. Sponsored by Low Country Chapter American Guild of Organists. Holy Family Catholic Church, Pope Ave.; Free; 888-840-0152; www.lowcountryago.org
Native American Pottery of the Lowcountry
10 a.m.- Noon, May 22 & 29
A clay artist helps students 8 and up create clay pots like the Native Americans who lived here over 4,000 years ago while an historian shares cultural stories. Arts Center of Coastal Carolina (5/22) and Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn (5/29) $35 includes materials; Reservations required; RSVP to Arts Center of Coastal Carolina; 843-686-3945, ext. 233
Picnic & Pops at Rose Hill – Susan Brown and Friends Blue Grass
6 p.m., picnic; 7 p.m., concert, May 15
Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra presents Susan Brown and Friends, an acoustic ensemble delivering an eclectic mix of folk, bluegrass, country and swing. Susan Brown’s voice is a blend of Alison Krauss and Emmylou Harris with a bit of rock-and-roll. Rose Hill Plantation; $25; Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra; 843-842-2055; www.hhso.org.
Pluff Mudd Gallery: Artist Demonstrations
May 10
Gallery artists will be available throughout the day with featured work in oil, acrylic, mixed media, wood and jewelry at 27 Calhoun Street, Bluffton. Free; 843-757-5590 V
Puppet Workshop
1-2:30 p.m., May 22
Make your own paper bag puppet, then join “Yostie the Puppet Lady” for a puppet workshop. Learn how to handle and perform with puppets and put on your own show. The Sandbox: An Interactive Children’s Museum; Admission; 843-842-7645; www.thesandbox.org
Rural South Carolina: A Photographic Journey Through My Lens
Mon-Sat, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Sun 11 a.m.- 3 p.m., May 15-31
5-7 p.m., May 21 Exhibit Opening
Hilton Head Island photographer Robert Weissman traveled through rural South Carolina with his camera–capturing cotton fields, sharecroppers’ cabins, general stores and historic mansions. Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn; $3 donation 843-689-6767; www.coastaldiscovery.org
“Say Goodnight, Gracie”
8 p.m., May 17
This hit Broadway play invites you to spend a hilarious, heart warming evening in the uplifting company of the legendary comedian, George Burns. The Tony-nominated one-man show was Broadway’s third-longest running solo performance. Arts Center of Coastal Carolina; $42; 843-842-ARTS; www.artshhi.com
“Seeing Red”
8 p.m., April 27–May 1; 2 p.m., May 2
After a lifetime of wandering, artist Emile Bernard is planning one last trip. As he prepares, he recalls his friendship with Vincent van Gogh and he looks down the roads not taken. South Carolina Repertory Company, 136 B Beach City Road; $15-$28; 843-342-2057; www.hiltonheadtheatre.com
Sidewalk Chalk Event
May 15
Bluffton will show off their new sidewalks by having a chalk art contest. Contestants participating will be students at various art programs including Bluffton High School, USCB, and Savannah College of Art and Design. Entry fee is $10 per space, winner takes all! Sponsored by the Old Town Bluffton Merchants Society; Free; 843-757-8185
SOBA Gallery Artist Demonstrations
May 11
SOBA members will be actively painting both indoors and out at 48 Boundary Street in Bluffton. Free; Dave Dickson, President SOBA Gallery; 843-757-6586 www.sobagalleries.com
The Sparrow Trio–Hendrix Remixed
8 p.m., May 28 & 29
Enjoy a jazz tribute to Jimi Hendrix at The Jazz Corner. The Village at Wexford; $10; 843-842-8620 www.thejazzcorner.com
The Spiritual and Ethical Wisdom of the Talmud
6 p.m., May 5
Rabbi Dr. Arthur Segal, author of the two best-selling spiritual and ethical texts, will give a lively talk on the Wisdom, including some humor, in the Talmud, the basis of Judaism and Christianity. Picture This Gallery, Arrow Rd.; Free; Sponsored by Rabbi Dr. Arthur and Ellen Charitable Trust for the Arts & Cultural Diversity; 843-689-9393; www.jewishspiritualrenewal.org
Thank the Troops
10 a.m.-5 p.m., May 29
Create your very own thank you card to be sent to a deployed soldier. Your unique gift will be sent overseas with the help of the “Blue Star Moms.” The Sandbox: An Interactive Children’s Museum; Admission; 843-842-7645; www.thesandbox.org
“Thoroughly Modern Millie”
8 p.m., May 7, 8, 14, 15, 21 & 22; 3 p.m., May 9, 16 & 23
This Tony award-winning musical is truly a modern delight featuring such songs as “Only In New York” and “Gimme Gimme.” The Ulmer Auditorium in Bluffton’s Town Hall presented by The May River Theatre Co., Inc.; $20; 843-837-7798; www.MayRiverTheatre.com
Treasures From the Telfair II
April 23-May 2
Savannah’s prestigious Telfair Museum of Art assembled this exclusive exhibition, selecting several special and unique artworks from its permanent collection. Walter Greer Gallery, Arts Center of Coastal Carolina; Free; 843-842-ARTS; www.artshhi.com
