PICCOLO
Welcome to the 2025 Piccolo Spoleto Festival!
Every spring, Charleston transforms — our streets, parks, and stages come alive with music, movement, and imagination. For over four decades, Piccolo Spoleto has helped make that transformation possible, and it remains one of the most exciting times of the year in our city.
This festival is a true celebration of the arts — from jazz and theater to poetry, painting, dance and everything in between. You’ll see work from incredibly talented local artists alongside emerging and established creatives from across the country. It’s a reminder that Charleston is not just a backdrop for great art — it’s a place where creativity thrives.
What I love most about Piccolo is that it brings people together. Whether you’re a lifelong Charlestonian or here for your very first visit, the festival offers something that will move you, make you think or simply make you smile. It’s in the moments of connection — in the audience, on stage, and out in the community — that this festival really shines.
To the artists: thank you for sharing your gifts with us. To the city’s Office of Cultural Affairs and the volunteers who make all of this possible — your work makes a lasting impact, and I’m truly grateful.
So, get out there, explore something new, and soak up everything this festival has to offer. Here’s to a vibrant, joyful and unforgettable Piccolo Spoleto.
Sincerely,
William S. Cogswell, Jr. Mayor
Festival staff About the festival
The Piccolo Spoleto Festival annually presents a varied program that includes visual arts exhibitions, performances of classical music, jazz, dance, theater and choral music, as well as cultural events and community celebrations, poetry readings, children’s activities, craft shows and film screenings.
Piccolo Spoleto prioritizes accessibility for both artists and performers, presenting professional work of the highest standard, while ensuring that nearly half of Piccolo’s events are admission-free, with the balance offered at affordable prices.
In addition to the Festival’s visual arts, artisan crafts exhibitions and public art installations, performances are being planned for outdoor settings in Charleston’s parks. Events are scheduled in advance for the City’s larger parks on a rain-or-shine basis; smaller neighborhood pop-ups events will be announced the week of the event to ensure that the weather will accommodate the performance.
Piccolo Spoleto was launched in 1979 by the City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs, which continues to work closely with an engaged group of volunteers from the Charleston arts community. The working group of arts professionals who serve as volunteer program coordinators for the Festival now numbers nearly 40 with each specializing in a particular discipline, genre or period.
Applications for the 2026 Piccolo Spoleto Festival will be available online in the autumn at PiccoloSpoleto.com
For more information, call the City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs at (843) 724-7305 or email CulturalAffairs@charleston-sc.gov.
Piccolo Spoleto Festival is produced and directed by the City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs
CITY OF CHARLESTON
William S. Cogswell, Jr. Mayor
CITY COUNCIL
Boyd Gregg District 1
Kevin Shealy District 2
Jim McBride District 3
Robert Mitchell District 4
Scott Watson Director
Mindy Manziano Co-Producer of Piccolo Spoleto (Programs)
Harrison Chapman Farmers Market Manager
Karl L. Brady Jr. District 5
William Dudley Gregorie District 6
Perry K. Waring District 7
Michael S. Seekings District 8
OFFICE OF CULTURAL AFFAIRS
Basil Punsalan Outreach and Event Coordinator
Anne Quattlebaum City Gallery Manager
Katie LaPorte Cultural Projects Coordinator
William Tinkler District 9
Stephen Bowden District 10
Ross A. Appel District 11
Caroline Parker District 12
Latanya Mueller Production Manager
Sidney Shanahan Artist Liaison and Event Coordinator
Rachel D. Workman Co-Producer of Piccolo Spoleto (Operations)
CHARLESTON MUSICAL HERITAGE CONCERTS
Sound of Charleston From Gospel to Gershwin MAY 24, 31 & JUNE 7 AT 2pm Circular Congregational Church, 150 Meeting St. Charleston
“Gershwin & Jazz” with Jon Philips and John Tecklenburg, “Porgy and Bess” stars Diamond Tyler and Ramelle Brooks, and “Rhapsody in Blue” SUNDAY, MAY 25 AT 2pm
“Oh Happy Day” Gospel Music featuring the Bright Family Singers & Ensemble SUNDAY, JUNE 1 AT 4pm
with special guest, Ann Caldwell
Adults $28 Seniors $26
Tickets available at Charleston Visitor Center | (843) 270-4903 www.piccolospoleto.com
Piccolo Spoleto salutes its recent sponsors
“Barn Burning” (detail), by Hampton Watts. The painting was awarded Second Prize in the 2025 Piccolo Spoleto Juried Art Exhibition.
Early Music Series, L’Organo provide bold classical variety
By Henry O’Brien
With the Piccolo Spoleto Festival and summer right around the corner, it’s time again to take in the beauty of Charleston’s churches indoors and experience wondrous music from two classical staples: the Early Music Series and L’Organo.
Since 1986, the Early Music Series has been part of Piccolo Spoleto each May and June, offering a bountiful variety of classics and lesser-known music outside the Western music canon.
Hosted at St. Mary’s Catholic Church at 3 p.m. daily from May 24 through June 7, the first week of the series included performances by the Spartina Consort and others, such as the North Carolina Baroque Orchestra Chamber Players. That group’s musicians will also play May 30 with “Flowers of the French Baroque,” followed by a culmination of their best hits on May 31.
Scott Watson, director of the Office of Cultural Affairs for the city of Charleston, said the musicians aim to showcase the highlights of their current repertoire during their performances here.
Guitarist Christopher Teves, who first plays classical guitar on May 28, will return June 1 with College of Charleston
Getty Images
Organist Eddie Zheng returns to Piccolo Spoleto to perfrom at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist on June 4
Provided
Recorder player Steve Rosenberg (above) and guitarist Christopher Teves will perform Baroque music to close out the Early Music Series on June 7
West-East
Our friend Steve remains passionate, as he gets into his later years in life, about making sure that the recorder is not forgotten.” —Scott Watson
Professor Emeritus and renowned recorder player Steve Rosenberg. He will also perform Baroque music on the recorder alongside Teves’s guitar work and then dazzling recorder solos to close out the series on June 7.
Rosenberg will also join percussionist Danny Mallon, viola player Mary Anne Ballard and organist Julia Harlow in “Drums, Winds & Strings Through the Ages” on June 4.
“Our friend Steve remains passionate, as he gets into his later years in life, about making sure that the recorder is not forgotten,” Watson said.
Violinist Micah
Gangwer and members of the Charleston Symphony will offer Vivaldi’s most popular work on June 2 and 5.
The Early Music Series also couldn’t do without a hint of Mozart. Members of the Charleston Symphony will perform his Eine kleine Nachtmusik on June 3 and 6.
Then on May 27, Aaron Patterson of Philadelphia was to perform at St. John’s Lutheran Church for his performance, followed by Columbia’s Thomas Russell at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist the next day. Emanuel AME Church on Calhoun Street was to host Pamela Kane of Hilton Head May 29 for her third time at L’Organo.
Starting in the second week of the festival, L’Organo will also feature young organists Chase Olson, a senior at Oberlin College, who will perform May 30 at Summerall Chapel at The Citadel; and Baylor graduate Laura Smith, who will perform the “Star Wars Medley,” among other pieces, at John Wesley United Methodist Church at 3 p.m. on May 31.
Additionally, collegiate organist
David Kraft of the University of Rochester performs at St. Michael’s on June 2, and Juilliard’s Eddie Zheng returns to the festival at the Cathedral of St. John on June 4.
“I think it really helps them build a sense of growing their career,” Watson said. “But it also helps keep things fresh for us.”
L’Organo rounding out the festival
Similar to the Early Music Series, L’Organo’s organ concerts will take place at 10 a.m. daily from May 26 to June 6 (with exceptions on May 31 and June 1) in various churches around the city.
New Zealand-born Eugene Lavery kicked off L’Organo on May 26 at St. Michael’s Church with pieces like Handel’s “Hornpipe” and Jongen’s Sonata Eroica.
Along with the students, organist Sarah Carlson of Bemidji, Minnesota — who has performed at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris — will perform at 3 p.m. on June 1 at St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church. Canadian organist Brennan Szafron will provide the audience with some Bach at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church on June 3.
Two other organists are Bostonian Rosalind Mohnsen, who will play at the Cathedral of St. Luke and St. Paul’s on June 5, followed by Thomas Heidenreich at St. Matthew’s on June 6.
The pipes are already warming up, ready to do the same for audiences during L’Organo and the Early Music Series.
IF YOU WANT TO GO: “Early Music Series,”
3 p.m. daily through June 7, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. “L’Organo,” 10 a.m. daily through June 6 (except May 31 and June 1), at various locations.
JUNE 2 AND 4 AT 7:00 PM
THE UNITARIAN CHURCH IN CHARLESTON 4 ARCHDALE STREET, CHARLESTON, SC
citypapertickets.com
Gangwer
Craftsmen are part of Marion Square this year
By Olivia Meier
The craft show during Piccolo Spoleto has been around for more than four decades. But last summer, renovations at Wragg Square — the longtime site of the show — threw a wrench in the tradition. This year, the show is back with a new venue, a new name and some fresh perspectives. The newly rebranded Artisan Showcase will be held noon to 5 p.m. June 1 at Marion Square. Artisans also showed their crafts on May 25.
Vanessa Baran, who is an artisan vendor liaison for Piccolo Spoleto, said this year’s event is something of an experiment. All vendors are local — from a state away, at most — and every piece is handmade. But there’s more to offer than what’s on display. For two firsttime vendors, the story is just as much a part of the craft as the product itself.
Southpaw Cigarbox Guitars
Tony Walker, a 67-year-old Columbia resident, has been woodworking since he was barely in grade school. By college, he had a retirement plan: to craft colonial period furniture. But a decade ago, back surgery shifted those plans.
Furniture would be too hard for Walker to lift. Then, he discovered cigar box guitars.
“Oh, that’d be fun, and I can handle that size material,” he said.
Never having played the guitar or even smoked a cigar in his life, Walker gave it a try. After three attempts, he’d made a fully functioning instrument.
“
“I’m not doing what I initially planned on doing, but I’m doing something that I enjoy. And actually, I enjoy this a lot more because it gives me an opportunity to get out and study the history of it.” —Tony Walker
Encouraged by his daughters, he first participated in the Big Grab yard sale along 50 miles in the Midlands. From there, he gained traction at Soda City Market, the Charleston Night Market and Rockabillaque.
Walker said his health kept him from his dream of a cross-country motorcycle trip, but the guitars gave him a new way to explore. In less than a decade, the business has taken him across the Carolinas, Georgia, Pennsylvania and soon, Maryland. Walker has learned to play just enough to demo his instruments, but his passion isn’t performing. It’s in honoring the roots of homemade blues music.
“I’m not doing what I initially planned on doing, but I’m doing something that I enjoy,” he said. “And actually, I enjoy this a lot more because it gives me an opportunity to get out and study the history of it.”
Every guitar he makes is a nod to the musicians that came before him.
“It really began post-Civil War, and then became prevalent again during the
Alfred Conely sources fallen trees and whiskey barrels for his craftwork
EARLY MUSIC SERIES
Depression. You have people like Lightnin’ Hopkins, Big Bill Broonzy,” said Walker. “They would build their own, [from] whatever scrap materials they could find, whether it be a cigar box or soap box.
Drink Small said he used the inner tubes from a tire.”
Lowcountry Wood Art
Alfred Conley is a 61-year-old Charleston artist who creates serving trays, fruit bowls and cutting boards.
What’s most important to him is what happens before he picks up whiskey barrels from a local distillery, recovers stormdamaged trees from the Citadel campus or comes across a piece of driftwood on his morning walk along Sullivan’s Island.
Conley honors the materials he uses and doesn’t want their history to end with his products. Often made with epoxy resin, local sand and shells, his art is designed to be functional and he welcomes interaction whether shoppers buy or not.
“If I can make something that pulls you over, that you want to go see and touch, I feel like I’ve done my job,” Conley said. “That warms my heart.”
Woodworking has been his creative outlet since childhood. And although his
“
If I can make something that pulls you over, that you want to go see and touch, I feel like I’ve done my job.” —Alfred Conley
work is for sale, he avoids turning his passion into a business. A frequent vendor at the Charleston City Market, Conley looks forward to setting up in Marion Square.
“Charleston is unique. There’s so much cultural influence here,” he said. “Great food, great music and entertainment. Spoleto certainly accentuates that.”
Conley feels most inspired when he’s surrounded by people.
“That’s the joy,” he said. “Interacting with people and telling the story.”
IF YOU WANT TO GO: “Spoleto Piccolo Artisan Showcase,” Noon to 5 p.m. June 1 at Marion Square.
Olivia Meier is a journalism graduate student at the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University.
at Old Saint Mary’s May 24 -June 8 • Daily at 3 pm
Featuring: Bach, Vivaldi, and Mozart
Provided
Tony Walker began creating cigar box guitars after back surgery
The festival by genre
Charleston’s Piccolo Spoleto Festival is back with a broad range of performances — from free outdoor concerts, family-friendly fun and exhibitions to ticketed events to whet your cultural whistle in theater, music and more. Get out during the 17-day festival to experience the Holy City’s creative community.
The calendar profiled in this publication focuses on the second half of the festival. To learn more, check schedules, and buy advance tickets, visit PiccoloSpoleto.com
FESTIVAL TRADITIONS
Pop-ups and Neighborhood Events
A newer tradition is the festival’s addition of various pop-ups and community events to spread the arts throughout Charleston. Of note this year:
• Marion Square Jam: Enjoy four free performances at Marion Square as you saunter through art exhibitions lining the park: Swamptooth, 5 p.m., May 31; Brendan James, 7 p.m., May 31; Maddie and Rayna, noon, June 1; Soda City Brass Band, 2 p.m., June 1.
• Community Potluck at Mulberry Park: 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., June 1, 1653 Mulberry St., West Ashley.
• Ferguson Village Park: 6 p.m to 7:30 p.m., June 3, 1935 Ferguson Road, West Ashley.
• Lenevar Park: 6 p.m to 7 p.m., June 5, 1309 S. Lenevar Dr., West Ashley.
• Meeting Street Manor: Keepin Jazz Alive in 2025! with Bill Wilson and Band, 4:30 p.m., June 5, 562 Meeting St.
Children’s Programs at the Library
All events at Charleston County Public Library, 68 Calhoun St. Free tickets are limited, but required, for various kidfriendly programs:
11: a.m., May 31: College of Chalreston’s Opera Goldie B. Locks and the Three Singing Bears
9:30 a.m., and 11:30 a.m., June 3: Anson Quartet’s “Kids Classical! At the Library.”
MUSIC
Shows may be ticketed (T) or free (F). More info: visit PiccoloSpoleto.com.
Early Music Series
A major part of Piccolo Spoleto since 1986, the Early Music Series this year will again be at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 89 Hasell St, Charleston. Bach, Vivaldi, and Mozart are the composers that will be featured in an intimate setting with stunning acoustics in this Piccolo favorite.All concerts start at 3 p.m. and last an hour. Tickets are $30 and available online or at the door.
May 30: Flowers of the French Baroque
May 31: The best of N.C. Baroque Orchestra Chamber Players
June 1: Classical Guitar with a Hint of the Renaissance and Baroque Recorder with Christopher Teves and Steve Rosenberg
June 2, 5: Vivaldi’s Four Seasons with Micah Gangwer and members of the Charleston Symphony
June 3, 6: Mozart’s Eine Kleine Nachtmusik with members of the Charleston Symphony
June 4: Drums, Winds & Strings Through the Ages with Dann
June 7: The Virtuoso Recorder and Ensemble Brio – An Early Music Series Retrospective
L’Organo
Musicians will explore the range of pipe organs in nine churches throughout the Holy City in Piccolo Spoleto’s annual L’Organo performances. Learn more about the music and locations online at PiccoloSpoleto.org. Free, but contributions welcome. 10 a.m., May 30: Chase Olson. Summerall Chapel, The Citadel.
Note Schedule is subject to change, with additions and tweaks expected in the coming weeks. Be sure to check back with the Charleston City Paper and the City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs for the latest up-to-date information. This advance calendar listing focuses on the events in the second half of Piccolo Spoleto. The most up-to-date calendar information can always be found at piccolospoleto.com
piccolospoleto.com
PiccoloSpoletoFestival
charlestoncitypaper.com charlestoncitypaper
3 p.m., May 31: Laura Smith. John Wesley United Methodist Church; 626 Savannah Highway, West Ashley.
3 p.m., June 1: Sarah Carlson. St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church, 991 Etiwan Park St., Daniel Island.
10 a.m., June 2: David Kraft.
St. Michael’s Church, 71 Broad St.
10 a.m., June 3 : Brennan Szafron.
St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, 405 King St.
10 a.m., June 4: Eddie Zheng.
Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, 120 Broad St.
10 a.m., June 5: Rosalind Mohnsen.
Cathedral of St. Luke and St. Paul’s, 126 Coming St.
10 a.m., June 6: Thomas Heidenreich.
St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, 405 King St.
Noon concerts at Circular
Enjoy the talents of a broad array of local musicians who are performing as a tribute to the festival with free noon concerts at Circular Congregational Church, 150 Meeting St. Performances are by:
May 30: Ann Caldwell
June 2: Jonathan Kammer
June 3: Mike Fritz Jazz Quartet
June 4: Brentwood United Methodist Youth Choir
June 5: Bill Carson and Ron Wiltrout
June 6: Leah Suarez and Friends
Charleston Musical Heritage Series
The Sound of Charleston, featuring music of Charleston’s history, from gospel to Gershwin, is a Festival favorite that this year offers more than ever. All shows at Circular Congregational Church, 150 Meeting St. (T)
• The Sound of Charleston: 2 p.m., May 31; 2 p.m. June 7.
• Oh Happy Day Gospel Music with Ann Caldwell: 4 p.m., June 1.
Concerts at the Citadel
Carillonneur Michael Varnadore will play
The Citadel’s 59-bell Carillion, one of the largest instruments in North America. All concerts are free and start at 11 a.m.
171 Mountrie St.
• June 3, 5, 7
• Music for Children, May 31
Guitar Series at Circular
Guitarists Christopher Laughlin and Alejandro Rowinsky perform in thrilling separate shows that range from timeless classics to flamenco to Disney themes.
Venue: Circular Congregational Church, 150 Meeting St. (T)
6 p.m., May 30: Alejandro Rowinsky
Young Artists Series
Emerging artists from the College of Charleston showcase their talents in various musical disciplines in shows at the Recital Hall of the Simons Center for the Arts at the College of Charleston, 54 St. Philip St. All shows at noon. (T)
May 30: Music of the Romantics
June 2: Mostly Mozart
June 3: Go for Baroque
June 4: Isn’t It Romantic
June 5: To Infinity and Beyond
June 6: Steel Band, Caribbean Style!
The Journey of a Song 2
Awendaw Green presents “The Journey of a Song 2” on the heels of a critically acclaimed performance in 2024. Lowcountry songwriters Danielle Howle, Sam Rae and Mike Kaufman with rapper Sxvxnt present their songs and the stories behind them.
Circular Church, 150 Meeting St. 7:30 p.m., June 6. (T)
Classical Pride Charleston
This concert is a celebration of LGBTQIA+ voices and will feature Aaron Copland’s “Appalachian Spring” with the Classical Pride Chamber Orchestra, the Unitarian Church of Charleston’s Chancel Choir and the Palmetto Peace Choir.
Venue: Unitarian Church, 4 Archdale St. 7:30 p.m., June 7. (T)
Scottish Performing Arts Classic
Enjoy four world-class musical events by Scottish musicians on June 6 and 7 at South Carolina Society Hall, 72 Meeting St. All events are ticketed.
• A solo Scottish harp concert by Maeve Gilcrist, 1 p.m. June 6
• Piobaireachd (Highland bagpipes) with four of the best pipers in the world, 5 p.m. June 6
• Clarsach (harp) with four major harpists, 1 p.m., June 7
• Scottish fiddle with four fiddlers from Scotland, 4 p.m., June 7
A World of Jewish Culture
This engaging series, started in 1998, is a public celebration of works of Jewish artists worldwide that also celebrates more than 250 years of Charleston’s history as a home for Jewish settlers.
• Auction, encore screening or 2024 film that follows modern art specialist Andre Masson’s dilemma over a letter. 4 p.m., June 5, College of Charleston Education Center, 30 St. Philip St. (T)
• Sol y Sombra - Music of the Sephardim, 3 p.m., June 8, Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim, 90 Hasell St. (T).
• Chamber music featuring Jewish composers, 6 p.m., June 8, Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim, 72 Hasell St. (T).
Other musical events
• Palmetto Youth Choir, 6:30 p.m., May 30, Unitarian Church in Charleston, 4 Archdale St. (F)
• Community Contra Dance , 7:30 p.m., May 30, Circular Congregational Church, 150 Meeting St. (T)
• Charleston Sound Chorus - Barbershop 101, 3 p.m. May 31, Cathedral of St. Luke and St. Paul, 126 Coming St., (T)
• Christopher Laughlin Guitar, 4 p.m., May 31, Gage Hall, 4 Archdale St. (T)
• Limited Time Only Chamber Choir,
4 p.m., May 31, St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, 405 King St. (T)
• Keys for a Cause, a dueling piano benefit, 5 p.m., May 31. Meals on Wheels of Charleston, 259 Meeting St. (T)
• West-East, the first two acts of the fivepart A’Mazing: 5 Days Out of Time, 7 p.m., June 2 and June 4, Unitarian Church in Charleston, 4 Archdale St. (T)
• The Power of Love: A Celine Dion Tribute, 7:30 p.m., June 2, 3. Circular Congregational Church, 150 Meeting St. (T)
• KleZmer FusioN!, 6 p.m., June 4, Cannon Street Arts Center, 134 Cannon St. (T)
• City Lights Eastside Piccolo Series with V-Tones, 6:30 p.m. June 5. City Lights Eastside, 12 Line St. (F, with cafe minimum).
• Ballads to Battle Cries: The Artistry of Nina Simone, 6:30 p.m., June 5. Circular Congregational Church, 150 Meeting St. (T)
• Charleston Symphony Chorus, 7 p.m., June 6, Grace Episcopal Church, 98 Wentworth St. (T)
• Bells of Christ Church, 11 a.m., June 7, Circular Congregational Church, 150 Meeting St. (F)
• Piccolo Guitar Concert at Drayton Hall with Alejandro Rowinsky, World Music, 7:30 p.m., June 7, 3380 Ashley River Road, West Ashley. (T). Gates open at 5:30 p.m.
• Gullah Collective, 7 p.m. June 7, Cannon Street Arts Center, 134 Cannon St. (T)
• Columbia Choral Society, 4 p.m., June 8, Circular Congregational Church, 150 Meeting St. (F)
• The Rainbow Connection: Music by LGBTQ+ Composers, 5 p.m., June 8, St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 67 Anson St. (F)
• Savannah Men’s Chorale, 5 p.m., June 8. St. Johannes Lutheran Church, 48 Hasell St. (F)
Piccolo Picks
Piccolo Spoleto 2025 is back, stronger than ever. This year’s annual event — the 46th so far — again will offer scores of fun, innovative programs and art experiences, according to Scott Watson, director of the City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs. The 17-day long arts party and companion to Spoleto Festival USA connects friends and neighbors to artists across the Lowcountry. It’s all about “what’s made us special through those past decades and also brings in some new twists.”
While this year’s festival will again feature several last-minute neighborhood “pop-up events,” here are five things you can count on to make memories that will last for years:
Sand sculpting competition
9 a.m., June 7. Location: Isle of Palms, Front Beach.
Visit the front beach of Isle of Palms to watch artists transform the beach into art as they compete for prizes in six categories of the annual sand sculpting competition. Family-friendly and free.
Annual Piccolo Spoleto Finale
5 p.m. to 10 p.m., June 7. Location: Hampton Park
Groove to the reggae beats of local all-star musicians as they play tribute to the family of superstar Bob Marley. The concert, which is expected to start around 7 p.m., will feature songs by Bob Marley, Ziggy Marley, Stephen Marley as well as music from original Wailers Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer. The tribute band features members of Da Gullah Rootz, Jah Creation, Crucial Fya, Well Charged and Operation Irie. Picnics are encouraged. Food trucks and vendors will be in an adjacent parking lot. Beer and wine are available at concessions in the park.
Scottish Performing Arts Classic
June 6 and 7 at South Carolina Society Hall, 72 Meeting St.
All events are ticketed.
Enjoy four world-class musical events by Scottish musicians.
• A solo Scottish harp concert by Maeve Gilcrist, 1 p.m. June 6.
• Piobaireachd (Highland bagpipes) with four of the best pipers in the world, 5 p.m. June 6.
• Clarsach (harp) with four major harpists, 1 p.m., June 7.
• Scottish fiddle with four fiddlers from Scotland, 4 p.m., June 7.
Annual Piccolo Spoleto Outdoor Art Exhibition
Marion Square. Free.
The park is transformed into a beautiful open-air market as 60 of the finest and most creative local artists exhibit and sell their work. You can view original oils, pastels, watercolors, acrylics, encaustics, photography and more.
• Through June 7. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday-Friday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday.
• On June 1, local artisans and craftsmen will set up at Marion Square to showcase pieces. There will be live music on these days, too.
Piccolo Spoleto Juried Art Exhibition
May 23-June 8, City Gallery, 34 Prioleau St. Free.
More than five dozen visual artists have been invited for the 2025 Piccolo Spoleto Juried Art Exhibition presented by the City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs. This annual exhibition highlights the recent work of artists across South Carolina featuring painting, sculpture, drawing, printmaking and photography. Artworks receiving prizes are presented alongside a limited selection of pieces identified by the juror as meriting display.
This year’s juror is Zinnia Willits, executive director of the Southeastern Museums Conference in Atlanta, Ga.
”Smile” by Ervin McDaniel
The festival by genre
PICCOLO FRINGE
Tickets online at PiccoloSpoleto.com. All shows at 280 Meeting St.
The Have Nots! Comedy Improv Company
Powerful improvisational comedy in Charleston’s longest-running show. Shows on May 31 and June 7 at 8 p.m. (T)
OTHER THEATRE 99 SHOWS
Take the Funny and Run
Bring your improv suggestions.
8 p.m., May 30 (T)
Doozy
Improvised scenes with Dan O’Connor, Edi Patterson, Brandy Sullivan and Greg Tavares.
8 p.m. on June 4, 5, 6. (T).
THEATER
Tickets online at PiccoloSpoleto.com.
Fantasmagoriana: An Immersive Musical Theatre Experience
Join Lord Byron and others during the year without a summer that led to the creation of Frankenstein.
6 p.m. on June 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7, with a kid-friendly performance at 2 p.m. June 7. Venue: The Charleston Museum, 360 Meeting St. (T)
The Shortwave Kitsch Show
New stories and vintage radio vibes in a show that blends live music, comedy and spontaneous audience moments.
In partnership with SCETV.
7 p.m., June 7. Venue: Capers Hall, The Citadel, 1 Lee Ave. (T)
Cannon Street Arts Center Presents
All shows at 134 Cannon St. (T)
Shortwave Kitsch: Fuzzy Wuzzy
Mumbo Jumbo
Jump back in time with two radio shows.
2:30 p.m., May 31.
Shortwave Kitsch: By Hook or By Crook
A double feature of suspense.
7:30 p.m., May 31.
Nameless Numberhead and Friends
Sketch comedy and more.
8 p.m., June 5.
Mind Reading Musical Game Show
Family friendly performance of mindreading tricks and fun.
7 p.m. May 30; 7 p.m., June 6.
Threshold Repertory
Theatre Presents
All shows at 84½ Society Street. (T)
So Long, 3108!
Written and performed by acclaimed violinist and comedian Christian Zamora.
3 p.m., May 31; 8 p.m., June 7.
A Yank in Scotland
On a story of loss and discovery in Scotland.
5 p.m., June 3.
Musings from the Bar
A dive into marriage, a bar and patrons.
7 p.m. June 2; 7 p.m., June 5; 8:30 p.m., June 6
Eurydice
Back by popular demand, this show reimagines the classic myth of Orpheus. Presented by the Flowertown Players.
7:30 p.m., May 31; 3 p.m., June 1.
Sylvia
5th Wall returns with A.R. Gurney’s comedic tale of love, loyalty, and a dog named Sylvia.
7:30 p.m., May 30; 7:30 p.m., June 1; 7:30 p.m., June 4; 4 p.m., June 7.
Hearts of Stone
Stage reading and talk back for this new play by Donna Hoke. Noon, June 7.
Stelle di Domani at the College of Charleston
Visit PiccoloSpoleto.com for full descriptions and times of performances of these theatrical productions by students at the College of Charleston. Shows are ticketed, unless otherwise marked, and are being performed in the Simons Center Black Box Theatre, 54 St. Philip Street; Chapel Theatre, 172 Chapel St., or Charleston Library Society, 164 King St. May 31, June 1 (Simons): Under the Lights (10-minute student plays)
May 30; June 4, 5 (Chapel): Staged Readings from McNerney contest (F)
June 6, 7 (Simons): The Red Suitcase, Annex Dance Company
June 7 (Chapel): Dark/Magic Shakespeare’s Antagonists and Alchemists
June 8 (free, Library Society).: Dark/Magic Shakespeare’s Antagonists and Alchemists
ART
Contexture Art and Fashion Show
Contexture is the third group show curated by Rachel Briggs of Second Life Supply. Local Charleston artists and fashion designers will be presenting pieces made from recycled art supplies and restaurant waste. The diverse line-up of 17 artists include some newcomers to the scene, but will also display works from veterans like Hirona Matsuda, Mat Duncan, and Vassiliki Falkehag.
5 p.m. to 9 p.m., June 6 in Lance Hall, Circular Congregational Church, 150 Meeting St. (F)
DANCE
Piccolo Spoleto Dance Showcase Day
In Piccolo Spoleto’s new Dance Showcase Day on May 31, you can stop by the Citadel’s Capers Hall to enjoy the work of youth, freelance, and professional talent. On the next day, current or aspiring dancers can learn various styles of dance during Piccolo’s first Workshop Day. Free-to-attend, donations accepted.
• Showcase Day: Noon and 7 p.m., May 31, Capers Hall, The Cidadel, 1 Lee Ave. (F)
• Workshop Day: Six classes from noon to 5 p.m., Cato Center for the Arts, College of Charleston, 161 Calhoun St. (F)
LITERARY AND IDEAS
Sundown Poetry Series
Piccolo Spoleto’s annual Sundown Poetry Series features acclaimed poets who will read from their work in the Washington Square Park, 6 p.m., 80 Broad St. Bring lawn chairs and picnic baskets to these free events. Signings and receptions follow at Buxton Books, 160 King St.
May 30: Daniel Cross Turner
June 2: Kendra Hamilton
June 3: Len Lawson
June 4: Maria Martin and Joe Zealberg
June 5: Melissa Whiteford St. Clair
June 6: Rich Ferguson
Piccolo Fiction
This event devoted to fiction offers local and S.C. authors reading short stories. Authors include Laurie Devore, Julia Elliott, Kate Fagan and Finn Merritt. (F) 5 p.m. May 31, Blue Bicycle Books, 420 King St.
Sierra
Club presents “From Combahee to Winyah: The Importance of the South Carolina Coast”
7 p.m., June 5, Hollings Science Center Auditorium, 58 Coming St. (F)
Rūta Smith file photo
Shortwave Kitsch brings vintage vibes to Charleston’s theater scene
Piccolo Fringe’s improv offers bowls of fun and laughs
By Mathilde Refloch
The second half of the Piccolo Spoleto Festival Includes three improv shows in Piccolo Fringe at Theatre 99.
At the center is “Doozy,” a fast-paced spectacle from June 4 to June 6 that stars Edi Patterson, better known as Judy Gemstone on HBO’s The Righteous Gemstones. Days before “Doozy,” Patterson was in Tennessee Williams Unscripted, an improvised play inspired by the legendary playwright.
“I knew it was something I was supposed to be doing,” she said in an interview, “probably because I had been improvising without knowing that’s what it was called for my whole life — making up skits and
doing characters for my family and trying to make my friends laugh at school.”
“Doozy” is a mix of scenes built from audience suggestions and performed by Patterson, Dan O’Connor, Brandy Sullivan and Greg Tavares.
“Dan and Edi approached me and Greg about doing a show together, and we jumped at the chance,” said Sullivan, a Theatre 99 co-founder. “Our first ‘Doozy’ show was in November 2023, and every performance has been a total blast.”
For Patterson, the success of an improv show lies in letting go, trusting co-actors and not thinking about what’s next.
“The audience is smart,” Patterson said. “They know when something is planned and it just doesn’t ring true. You have to stay in the magic of the moment and let your ideas go.”
The Have Nots! turns 30
Two other improv shows will draw crowds at Theatre 99 during Piccolo Fringe. “The Have Nots!” — created in 1995 by Tavares and Sullivan during time in Los Angeles — is Charleston’s longest-running improv show.
Photos provided
From left: Timmy Finch, Brandy Sullivan and Greg Tavares continue to bring the laughs to Theatre 99’s stage with The Have Nots!
O’Connor
The Righteous Gemstones ’ Edi Patterson has been doing improv since an early age
Live, Work, Play Downtown at IRON FORGE
Comedy
Earlier
Fringe CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13
“The audience really feels like they’re part of the show,” Tavares said. “People come up to me years later and ask if I remember their suggestion — sometimes I do, especially when it’s something new. Charleston loves to support local artists. They know we live here year-round and make an effort to see us during Piccolo.”
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the troupe at the festival, and though no big celebrations are in sight, every show is like a reunion.
“The audience is smart. They know when something is planned and it just doesn’t ring true. You have to stay in the magic of the moment and let your ideas go.” —Edi Patterson
Wood/Tile Flooring
Granite/Quartz
Countertops
2-Car Garage
Energy Efficient
Tankless Water Heaters
Walk-In Closets
Ceiling Fans
Recessed Lighting
Convenient to: MUSC, CofC, Meeting & King
“We often guest a member of our performance company, which makes it extra fun,” Tavares said. “ ‘The Have Nots!’ is like watching a band play together that has been together over half their lives. We have such history and kind of know what the other guy is going to do or say before they even say it.”
Catch them if you can
“Take the Funny and Run” is a third energetic improv show featuring shortform games in the first act and long-form improv in the second, with a rotating cast of Theatre 99’s finest.
“Charleston is full of some hilarious improvisers, and ‘Take the Funny and Run’ is where you can see them,” said Tavares.
“The games we play change a lot, and you get to see different players every time you come to the show.”
Whether it’s “Doozy’s” engaging fun, the tight-knit teamwork of “The Have Nots!” or the fresh variety of “Take the Funny and Run,” Theatre 99’s improv scene continues to thrive and keep Charleston laughing.
IF YOU WANT TO GO: “The Have Nots!” plays on May 31 and June 7; “Take the Funny and Run” performs on May 30; “Doozy” runs from June 4-6 at Theatre 99.
Mathilde Refloch is a graduate student in the Goldring Arts Journalism and Communications program at Syracuse University.
in Piccolo Fringe, Dan O’Connor (second from left) and Edi Patterson (far right) performed in Tennessee Williams Unscripted
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