Isle of Palms Beach Renourishment Project: What Residents and Visitors Need to Know
By Joshua Uys
The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services has approved the City of Isle of Palms’ request for dredging and beach renourishment along the island’s shoreline. The permit is valid for five years. Contractor Marinex is expected to begin setting up equipment and staging areas in late June, with sand pumping expected to begin shortly after the
Fourth of July. Construction is anticipated to advance at a pace of approximately 25,000 to 30,000 cubic yards of sand per day, or roughly 100 to 300 feet of shoreline daily.
Project Timeline
Work will be completed in three phases along the beach, with all timelines subject to change due to weather and other factors:
• Early July through mid-August — Reach 1: Sand placement begins near Mariner’s Walk and progresses north to Ocean Point Drive.
• August through early September — Reach 2: Work continues near the Wild Dunes Property Owners Beach House and moves south to 56th Avenue.
• Mid-September through November — Reach 3: Sand placement begins at the midpoint between Fifth and Seventh avenues, extending north to the pier and then south to Breach Inlet.
All dates are estimates and subject to change. Visit the city’s beach webpage for live project updates.
Sea Turtle Protection
Nighttime monitoring will be conducted in active construction areas to protect sea turtles during nesting season. If a turtle attempts to nest, crews will establish a buffer zone around the animal to ensure she can complete the process safely and without disturbance.
The Beach Stays Open
The beach will remain accessible to the public throughout construction. Sand walkovers will be installed so beachgoers can safely cross pipes and reach the water. Only the active construction zone will be cordoned off.
Strengthening Regional Emergency Response: IOP Fire Department Trains With Charleston County EMS
By Joshua Uys
The Isle of Palms Fire Department spent time last month training with Charleston County EMS, familiarizing personnel with the new Mobile Ambulance Bus and strengthening the regional partnership between the agencies.
The Mobile Ambulance Bus is a specialized emergency response vehicle designed to transport multiple patients simultaneously during mass-casualty incidents, large-scale evacuations and major community events such as the Cooper River Bridge Run. The unit can transport up to 22 patients at once and includes 10 seated transport positions, 12 patient beds, wheelchair
tie-downs, emergency medical equipment and a Bluetooth-enabled blood pressure monitoring system.
Originally part of the Charleston County Public Library’s Library on Wheels program, the vehicle was converted into an EMS unit using a $199,051 grant from the South Carolina Department of Public Health. It is available for deployment 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
“Great training this week! Building relationships with our partners at Charleston County EMS and working with new apparatus and creative approaches to treating multiple patients with their new Mobile Ambulance Bus,” firefighter Braxton Comer said.
PUBLISHERS OF:
The Island Eye News
The Island Connection SiP Magazine
In Memory of Swan Richards
EDITOR
ieneditor@luckydognews.com
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ASSISTANT PUBLISHER
Christian Senger
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Stacey Nichols
CONSULTANT
Lynn Pierotti
CONTRIBUTORS
Geoff Bennett • Katherine Berry
Amber Doskos • Pamela Marsh
Mary Pringle • Aaron Sweet
Joshua Uys • Chris Zoeller
Campbell Sullivan
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Lucky Dog Publishing of South Carolina, LLC P.O. Box 837
Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina 29482 843-886-NEWS
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Message from the Mayor
Dear Island Neighbors, I hope you’re in the mood for a couple of busy weekends, because they’re heading our way.
This weekend (June 27-28) will feature a variety of National Park Service activities at Fort Moultrie celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Sullivan’s Island. It will be Carolina Day on steroids! You can learn all about the events at https://www. nps.gov/fosu/planyourvisit/carolina-day-2026.htm (or just Google “Carolina Day 2026 NPS”). You won’t want to miss it.
The town has been working with the folks at the fort to manage the very large crowds expected for the event, but be prepared for traffic delays. If possible, you may want to walk or bike to the festivities.
FISH FRY!
On top of all that, the 77th Annual Fish Fry will take place Saturday, June 27, from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Fish Fry Shack, conveniently located adjacent to the fort. As always, the event benefits the Sullivan’s Island Fire and Rescue Squad and helps volunteers obtain needed equipment for their important work.
In addition to one of the best deals around ($5 per dinner), there will be jump castles, Kona Ice, a beer truck and music from Fowler’s Mustache. You can enjoy your dinner on-site or take it home.
More information is available at https://bit.ly/ sifishfry2026.
INDEPENDENCE DAY
The following Saturday, July 4, marks the longawaited celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
As usual, the day will begin and end with two longstanding traditions: the Bike and Golf Cart Parade and the Party in the Park, complete with fireworks. The parade begins at 9 a.m., and the park event starts at 6 p.m., with fireworks scheduled for approximately 9 p.m.
More information is available at https://bit.ly/ sijuly4th2026.
BUDGET INFO
At our last Town Council meeting, we held third reading and ratification of the town’s budget for fiscal year 2027, which begins July 1. This is one of the most important annual responsibilities of local government.
The budget reflects and supports the priorities and goals established by council on behalf of residents. It is based on input from residents, staff and councilmembers, while adhering to municipal financial management requirements, state and federal law, and principles of fiscal responsibility. One key state requirement: the budget must be balanced.
Despite what you may have heard from the rumor mill, the budget development process is lengthy, methodical, careful and transparent. This year, our approach was even more systematic and structured than in years past, thanks to the efforts of Town Administrator Joe Henderson and Comptroller Jason Blanton.
Planning began in October of last year. As shown in the accompanying table, the iterative budget development process took place through numerous meetings involving staff and council. (Note that the Finance Committee is a Committee of the Whole and includes all councilmembers.)
Following recommendations from our auditors, one significant improvement over the past two years has been the separation of the budget into two sections: the operating budget, which (Continued on page 3
Mayor’s Letter
Continued from page 2
covers recurring services and functions of the town (such as police, fire and licensing), and the capital budget, which covers major nonrecurring projects and purchases with long-term value. Each budget requires a different process.
Here is how Town Administrator Henderson describes the two budget components:
“Incremental Line-Item Budgeting (Operating Budget):
Our operating budget begins with the previous year’s approved operating budget and incorporates adjustments for inflation, contractual obligations, operational changes and service demands. This approach is predictable, easy to manage, straightforward to audit, and promotes accountability for expenditures.
“Program-Based Budgeting (Capital Budget):
Our capital budget functions much differently. Each proposed project must be justified based on the goals and objectives contained within the town’s Comprehensive Plan and other adopted strategic planning documents. Unless a project is a multiyear carryover, departments are essentially starting from a zero base and must justify each request independently. Department heads are required to identify the programmatic need, explain the relationship to adopted policy goals, identify potential funding sources, develop cost estimates, and present the project through the ClearGov platform. All of this information is then reviewed publicly through workshops, Finance Committee meetings and council meetings before any funding decisions are made.”
As you can see, this approach allows the town to accommodate recurring operational needs while taking a zero-based approach to separable, nonrecurring projects.
You can learn much more about the town’s finances by visiting our Financial Page at https://bit.ly/SITownFinances. The page includes links to our Financial Transparency Center and a variety of related resources.
As always, Comptroller Jason Blanton is happy to speak with interested residents who would like to learn more about the town’s financial matters.
See you around the island!
Pat O’Neil
Mayor 843 670 9266
oneilp@sullivansisland.sc.gov
Help Keep IOP Beautiful During Peak Beach Litter Season
The Isle of Palms Cleanup Crew is sounding the call for an “All Hands on Deck” litter sweep the Monday evening after Independence Day weekend while also adding a new series of Thursday evening cleanups in July — typically the busiest and most litter-prone month at the beach.
Anyone who wants to help keep Isle of Palms and America beautiful can volunteer for at least 30 minutes during the crew’s scheduled litter sweeps:
• Mondays through Labor Day from 6 to 7 p.m.
• Thursdays in July from 6 to 7 p.m.
The special All Hands on Deck Litter Sweep on Monday, July 6, coincides with the end of national Clean Beaches Week. It will follow what is expected to be the island’s busiest beach weekend of the year due to the City of Isle of Palms fireworks show on July 4.
The crew will co-host the All Hands on Deck event with the Isle of Palms Police Department and the South Carolina Aquarium’s conservation team. South Carolina Federal Credit Union will provide refreshments for volunteers.
“While we are making headway in preventing and cleaning up litter, we know the beach will need a deep clean after the holiday weekend,” said Isle of Palms Cleanup Crew co-founder Susan Hill Smith.
“The new Thursday night litter sweeps in July will help us keep up the momentum with large numbers of beachgoers expected throughout the month,” Smith added. “During this busy period, we encourage visitors to pack in and pack out so the trash receptacles provided by the City of Isle of Palms are not overwhelmed.”
Everyone can help prevent litter when visiting the beach by packing lightly, limiting disposable packaging, including items restricted by the City of Isle of Palms, and taking care not to leave belongings behind.
“We would love for beachgoers to take a few minutes to collect litter each time they visit,” Smith added.
Check-in for all litter sweeps will take place along the beach walkover in the 1100 block of Ocean Boulevard, between the outdoor showers and the city restroom building featuring the IOP postcard mural, next to Coconut Joe’s.
Supplies will be provided. No advance registration is required, and all ages are welcome.
Volunteers can receive an IOP Cleanup Crew magnet, which provides free parking in the city’s parking lots during future scheduled litter sweeps.
The IOP Cleanup Crew uses volunteer power to keep the coast clean, protect natural ecosystems and public health, and document litter to help address the pollution crisis, including microplastics. Working with the South Carolina Aquarium’s conservation team and the aquarium’s Litter Journal program, the crew has engaged thousands of volunteer citizen scientists in collecting and documenting nearly 300,000 litter items since 2018.
Be Part of the Solution, Not the Pollution
Tips for Beachgoers:
• Limit disposable items such as packaged snacks. Avoid bringing juice boxes and pouches.
• Use reusable bags, bottles and other containers.
• Remember that the City of Isle of Palms prohibits smoking and the following items on the beach: balloons, single-use retail plastic bags, plastic straws and stirrers, and polystyrene (Styrofoam) food containers and coolers.
• Buy or rent chairs and tents designed for repeated use.
• Avoid boogie boards covered with fabric and plastic mesh. These boards and the foam inside can easily break apart. Do not leave boogie boards on the beach or place them in beach trash cans.
• Keep track of all personal items, including toys, towels and clothing.
• Conduct your own litter sweep and collect at least “three for the sea.”
• Pack in, pack out. Take trash home or dispose of it properly off the beach to help keep it out of the environment. Trash cans can overflow or be affected by weather and wildlife.
Links
• City of Isle of Palms beach rules, including restrictions on littering, smoking and single-use plastics: iop.gov/beach/beach-rules
• Isle of Palms Cleanup Crew Facebook page: https://www.facebook. com/IOPCleanup/
• South Carolina Aquarium’s Litter Journal: https://www.anecdata.org/ projects/view/litter-journal
Spoleto Festival USA Concludes a Remarkable 2026 Season
By Lauren Van Liew
Spoleto Festival USA’s 2026 season, held May 22-June 7, celebrated a landmark year. Expansive in vision and electric in execution, the festival unfolded across 12 venues throughout Charleston, featuring 116 performances spanning 26 genres, from world-premiere opera and contemporary dance to jazz, folk, bluegrass and documentary film.
This year’s program featured 28 sold-out performances, four world premieres and two U.S. premieres brought to life by 445 artists representing 40 states and 10 countries. Beyond the ticketed stage, the festival reached deep into the community through 13 free public programs, engaged more than 1,275 students through education initiatives and partnered with 27 local organizations.
This year also saw the festival extend beyond theater walls, with activations stretching from Charleston International Airport to projections and pop-up performances throughout the King Street corridor, as well as a presence at the Charleston Visitor Center that welcomed guests into the world of Spoleto from the moment they arrived.
With a social media reach in the millions and media coverage reaching more than 1.2 billion readers worldwide, the 2026 season affirmed Spoleto’s place not only as a cornerstone of American performing arts, but as a living, breathing part of the city it calls home.
“The 2026 Festival was both a creative tri-
umph and a strong financial success, reflecting the extraordinary energy and support of our community,” said Spoleto Festival USA General Director and CEO Dr. Mena Mark Hanna. “As we conclude another remarkable season, we are deeply grateful to the artists, audiences, donors, sponsors, volunteers and community partners who make Spoleto Festival USA possible. For 17 days, Charleston became a gathering place for extraordinary creativity, meaningful connection and unforgettable artistic experiences. We look forward to welcoming audiences back in 2027 for our 50th anniversary season.”
sold-out An Evening with Ken Burns, presented by Bank of America, where the celebrated filmmaker offered insights into the stories and people that have shaped the United States.
The 2026 festival was shaped in part by the national commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary, with several signature programs exploring the country’s history, culture and evolving identity.
Among the season’s highlights was the sold-out performance of The Fiddle and the Drum at the Charleston Gaillard Center, featuring acclaimed soprano Renée Fleming and banjo virtuoso Béla Fleck in a celebration of American musical traditions. Audiences also filled the house for the
The festival also premiered George + George, a new play by Denis O’Hare and Lisa Peterson that delighted audiences with its inventive blend of comedy and theatrical imagination. Together, these landmark events reflected the festival’s role as a forum for both artistic excellence and meaningful cultural conversation.
Among the season’s most celebrated productions was the U.S. premiere of Mary, Queen of Scots by Scottish Ballet, which completed a triumphant run
(Continued on page 11
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Meet the Turtle Team’s Newest Volunteers: Two Babies on Beach Patrol
By Mary Pringle, Project Leader, Island Turtle Team
The Island Turtle Team is comprised of nearly 200 volunteers who patrol the beach each morning searching for loggerhead sea turtle nests. Each year, the team operates under Marine Turtle Program Permit No. 517 from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.
The team includes volunteers of all ages and backgrounds. But did you know that babies just weeks old also head out at dawn to search for new nests and monitor those that have already been laid?
This season, two young mothers have been carrying their newborns in slings while conducting patrols. Coincidentally, both are medical doctors as well as new mothers.
Penny Huebsch Smith has patrolled the south end of the Isle of Palms since 2017 with her friend Marilyn Markel. She moved to Charleston from Indian Land in 2014 to attend the College of Charleston. She graduated in 2018 with a bachelor’s degree in biology and a minor in chemistry.
After taking a few years off to work as an EMT, medical scribe and medical assistant, she began medical school at MUSC in 2021 and graduated in May 2026. She will begin a transitional year with MUSC’s Department of Family Medicine before starting a dermatology residency at MUSC in July 2027. Penny and her husband enjoy living in the Lowcountry, and she hopes to remain in the area and practice dermatology.
On May 20, her daughter Zelda was just 6 days old when Penny discovered Nest No. 2 near the 5A beach access path. Team partners Kathy Jahn and Karen Thompson were sharing the section from Breach Inlet to Ninth Avenue.
The other new Turtle Team mother is Shelli Ciandella, who lives on the Isle of Palms with her husband and new baby, Sophie. Shelli grew up in Mount Pleasant and loves to surf. She and her husband had their first date surfing at 31st Avenue and recently moved into their dream home on Hartnett Boulevard in time for her first season on the Turtle Team.
Shelli is a sports medicine attending physician at MUSC and completed her training there three years ago. She also completed a fellowship at the Andrews Institute in Florida. She currently serves as a team doctor for the College of Charleston, the South Carolina Stingrays and the Credit One Charleston Open.
On May 29, Shelli and 2-week-old Sophie were the first to spot Nest No. 5 near 40th Avenue while covering the beach at dawn with Kimberly Mallos and Bill Evans.
As Shelli said, “Sophie was thrilled to find her first loggerhead nest!”
The Turtle Team is indeed fortunate to have such strong, smart and dedicated mothers working to find and protect loggerhead nests. Let’s hear it for our “Babes on the Beach!”
INTERPRETED BY: Katherine Berry
OWNER NAME: Nicole Barley
NAME: Tater’
Tater-Tot’, ‘Tatey-Boy’
AGE: 5 ½
BREED: Cava-Shon
FAVORITE TOY: BALL!
VET : Marsh Tide
FOOD: Royal Canine
Tater
LUCKY
Well, hi there, good people. I’m Tater, and just like a tater tot, I’m petite and deliciously adorable.
When I think about a lucky dog’s life, I don’t know any other way to live. My days are bright compared to some of the stories I’ve heard, but comparison is the thief of joy, and I am truly grateful to live the life of this pampered cavapoo.
A little about me? Well, it’s pretty simple. I’m here for Mom, the ball and beach days.
Mom is where everything begins. I’m her first dog ever — and a much better purchase than the couch she told people she was leaving town to pick up. Surprise, everyone! Here I come — the best boy ever, with enough love and personality to power a thousand wagging tails. Thanks to my undeniable cuteness, I received the family stamp of approval on sight.
My days begin the same way. Mom goes to the gym. No thanks. I’ll continue napping until it’s time to head to the office. When that time comes, I’m up and ready to tackle the world with her.
I’ve never missed a day of work — not because I have to be there, but because I refuse to be left out of anything. Wherever Mom is going, I’m already there, saving her a seat.
My signature head tilt and underbite are basically my executive résumé. I communicate without words, but wait ... did you say BALL?
Oh, now we’re talking.
My head tilts a full 90 degrees, and my eyes bulge as big as my body.
This is my favorite thing in the world.
Overall, I’m pretty low-key and chill, domi-
DOG
nating my kingdom of soft spaces at the office. But my soul comes alive when we head to the beach with the most perfect invention in the history of time.
In fact, I’d say my motto is: “The ball is life.”
Take me for a sandy walk and watch me soar. That’s joy in its purest form.
My dream job — aside from my security guard duties — would be serving as a ball boy at Wimbledon. If they allowed dogs to do the job, we’d steal the show.
There’s not much in life I don’t appreciate to the fullest. The neighborhood strolls where I steal hearts without trying. The beach adventures. Snuggling with Mom.
However, it’s a baaaaad day if she leaves me or her attention is diverted by something other than me. Insert drama king here. And yes, I’m perfectly OK with that.
Like I said in the beginning, I’m here for her. Without her, I have no pack.
Lucky dog? Yes, and thank you.
Spoiled? Absolutely — and well deserved.
I’m lucky to have my person, and I love her with my whole heart, fur-ever.
I’ll take one loving mom, unlimited adventures, a soft place to nap and a ball launcher that never quits. That’s more than enough for this little Tater.
And Mom? Thanks for choosing this couch story. It turned out to be the best decision either of us ever made.
Know a Lucky Dog? We’d love to hear their story. Contact us at LuckydogsIOP@gmail.com
Sullivan’s Island Police Officer Named South Carolina School Resource Officer of the Year
By Chief Glenn Meadows
The Sullivan’s Island Police Department is proud to announce that Cpl. Joshua Poole, school resource officer at Sullivan’s Island Elementary School, has been recognized by the South Carolina Association of School Resource Officers (SCASRO) as the 2026 Eric Bamberg School Resource Officer of the Year, the organization’s highest honor for a school resource officer in South Carolina.
Poole received the award on June 15, 2026, during the SCASRO Annual Conference at the Hilton Myrtle Beach Convention Center. In addition to being named the state School Resource Officer of the Year, he was also recognized as the 2026 Lowcountry School Resource Officer of the Year.
The Eric Bamberg School Resource Officer of the Year Award is presented annually to an SRO who demonstrates exceptional dedication to school safety, student mentorship, community engagement and service to the profession. The award recognizes individuals who have made a significant and lasting impact on the students, schools and communities they serve.
These latest honors follow another significant recognition earlier this year when Poole was named the 2025 LENS Sullivan’s Island Officer of the Year in February. Receiving both local and statewide recognition within a matter of months reflects the extraordinary impact he has made within the school, the department and the community he serves.
“Corporal Poole exemplifies the very best of the school resource officer profession,” said Sullivan’s Island Police Chief Glenn Meadows. “He has built strong, positive relationships with students, teachers, parents and staff while creating a safe and supportive learning environment. His dedication to serving students, strengthening relationships with educators and families, and fostering a safe and supportive learning environment makes him exceptionally deserving of this recognition.
“Being recognized as our LENS Officer of the Year and now receiving both the Lowcountry and State SRO of the Year awards speaks volumes about his dedication and character. We are incredibly proud of Corporal Poole’s accomplishments and grateful for the outstanding service he provides every day.”
As the school resource officer assigned to Sullivan’s Island Elementary School, Poole plays a vital role in campus safety, emergency preparedness, student engagement and fostering positive relationships between law enforcement and the community. His commitment to serving students extends far beyond traditional law enforcement responsibilities and reflects the core mission of the school resource officer program.
The Sullivan’s Island Police Department congratulates Poole on this achievement and thanks him for his continued dedication to the students, families and educators of Sullivan’s Island Elementary School.
Luxury Vacation Home Management
Perfect Point: The Beach Day You Wish You Thought Of
By the Isle of Palms Chamber of Commerce for The Island Eye News
There are two kinds of beachgoers.
The first arrive looking like contestants on a survival show — hauling chairs, umbrellas, coolers, towels, sunscreen, toys, snacks and whatever else somehow seemed essential when they left the house.
The second stroll onto the beach carrying little more than a smile and a beverage.
Thanks to Perfect Point, more people are choosing option No. 2.
Founded on a simple idea — that beach days should actually feel relaxing — Perfect Point has built a reputation as one of the most thoughtful hospitality services on the Charleston coast. Its specialty is creating fully curated beach experiences that allow guests to skip the setup, the hauling and the hassle altogether. Its motto? “Where Leisure Meets Luxury.”
When customers arrive, everything is already waiting for them. Picture stylish beach cabanas, umbrellas, comfortable chairs, towels, tables, a YETI cooler stocked with ice and water, sunscreen, speakers and all the little details that transform an ordinary beach outing into something memorable. When the day is over, guests simply leave. Perfect Point handles the breakdown, too.
What makes the company stand out isn’t just the equipment — it’s the experience. The team has built its business around anticipating what people need before they even think to
ask. Customer reviews consistently highlight the attention to detail, communication, convenience and the feeling that every aspect of the day has been thoughtfully considered.
While visitors often discover Perfect Point during vacations, residents may be the ones who benefit most. Whether you’re hosting visiting family, planning a girls’ day, celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself to a stress-free beach day, Perfect Point handles the details.
Beyond its signature beach setups, the company partners with a variety of local businesses to create customized experiences, including yoga sessions, charcuterie boards, professional photography, bachelorette celebrations and more. Its goal is simple: connect guests with the very best of Charleston while creating unforgettable days by the ocean.
The company continues to grow as word spreads about its signature “show up and relax” approach. In a community where we all know the value of a great beach day, Perfect Point has found a way to make those days even better. And honestly, after watching someone else wrestle an umbrella through the parking lot, you’ll understand why it has become such a hit.
The Isle of Palms Chamber of Commerce is proud to have Perfect Point as a member and supporter of the island business community. To learn more or book your own hassle-free beach experience, visit CharlestonBeachCabanaRentals.com.
More. Stress Less.
AROUND THE ISLANDS
MULTIPLE DAYS
WHAT: Tacos for Tom
WHERE: Home Team BBQ, 2209 Middle Street
WHEN: June 2–30
MORE INFO: Join Home Team BBQ for the return of its annual Tacos for Tom fundraiser running June 2–30 at all locations, including Greenville. Guests can enjoy the limited-time Cheeseburger Taco while supporting families affected by ALS through organizations including Compassionate Care ALS, Project Main Street, and Touched by ALS. Proceeds from taco sales and campaign merchandise directly benefit ALS families and resources.
FRIDAY, JUNE 26
WHAT: Party at The Point with Highway Boys (Zach Bryan Tribute Band)
WHERE: Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina, 20 Patriots Point Rd., Mt. Pleasant
WHEN: 6 p.m.
MORE INFO: Party at The Point is a family-friendly beachfront event that features live music and plenty of food and drinks. Gates open at 5 p.m., with music starting at 6 p.m. Free parking is available along the road leading into the Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina, as well as in the brand new parking lot across from the resort entrance. Uber and Lyft drop off area will be available to all guests to use, located 50 yards from the entrance. Tickets are $15 and be purchased here. Kids 12 and under get in for free.
WHAT: Yacht Rock Revue – PRIMETIME Presented by CANN – on the NÜTRL Beach Stage WHERE: The Windjammer, 1008 Ocean Blvd., Isle of Palms
WHEN: Doors at 6 p.m.
Our community calendar keeps you updated on local events. From festivals to workshops to family-friendly gatherings. Stay connected and never miss out on the excitement.
MORE INFO: Embark on a journey through radiant musical waters with Yacht Rock Revue, the band Rolling Stone hails as the “world’s premier soft-rock party band.” Their repertoire, spanning from the sun-kissed melodies of Steely Dan and Michael McDonald to the velvety harmonies of Hall & Oates, evokes memories of palm trees, ocean breezes, and carefree summers. The group continues to transport audiences back to the golden era of the ’70s and ’80s while charting bold new horizons in the present day..
WHAT: Chris Stapleton’s All-American Road Show with Grace Potterr
WHERE: North Charleston Coliseum
WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
MORE INFO: Eleven-time Grammy Award winner, 19-time CMA Award winner and 21-time ACM Award winner Chris Stapleton will continue his All-American Road Show through the fall with more than 20 newly confirmed dates, including a stop at the North Charleston Coliseum in North Charleston with special guest Grace Potter.
SATURDAY, JUNE 27 AND SUNDAY, JUNE 28
WHAT: Carolina Day 2026
WHERE: Fort Moultrie
WHEN: 9 a.m.
MORE INFO: Friends of Charleston National Parks invites the public to step directly into the story that helped shape a nation as Carolina Day returns for the National Park Service’s 250th commemoration of the Battle of Sullivan’s Island—a weekend that promises equal parts spectacle, substance, and summer memory-making. Two and a half centuries ago, on June 28, 1776, a fort built of palmetto logs absorbed British
cannon fire and, in doing so, delivered a defining early victory for American forces. Today, that same shoreline becomes the stage once more—not for battle, but for remembrance, celebration, and a little well-earned awe. You can learn more at friendscnp.org/sc250.
SATURDAY, JUNE 27
WHAT: Mo Lowda & the Humble – on the NÜTRL Beach Stage
WHERE: The Windjammer, 1008 Ocean Blvd., Isle of Palms
WHEN: 6 p.m.
MORE INFO: Mo Lowda & the Humble are a self-produced indie rock band hailing from Philadelphia.
SUNDAY, JUNE 28
WHAT: An Afternoon with Darley Newman WHERE: Gaillard Center, 95 Calhoun Street WHEN: 2 p.m.
MORE INFO: Join Emmy Award-nominated host, producer, author, and traveler Darley Newman for a special afternoon at the Charleston Gaillard Center exploring the power of place, history, and storytelling. Tickets are available now at gaillardcenter.org.
WHAT: Josiah & The Bonnevilles Josiah & The Bonnevilles on the NÜTRL Beach Stage WHERE: The Windjammer, 1008 Ocean Blvd., Isle of Palms WHEN: 6 p.m.
MORE INFO: Josiah Leming has paid his dues. As a teenager from East Tennessee, his devotion to music led him to hit the road, where he lived in his car and played for anyone who would listen. That took him all the way to a major record deal when he was only nineteen.
Spoleto Festival
Continued from page 5
at the Charleston Gaillard Center and earned standing ovations at every performance. Audiences also embraced the festival’s original opera productions, including Gian Carlo Menotti’s The Old Maid and the Thief and the U.S. premiere of Circa’s reimagining of Dido and Aeneas, featuring the Festival Orchestra and Chorus.
Dance and theater remained cornerstones of the festival. Dance highlights included a centennial celebration by the Martha Graham Dance Company and the return of tap artist Ayodele Casel with The Remix. Theater audiences were captivated by the world premiere of George + George, while acclaimed performances of All the Devils Are Here: How Shakespeare Invented the Villain and the family-friendly productions Dead as a Dodo and Alvin Sputnik: Deep Sea Explorer further showcased the festival’s commitment to bold storytelling.
Music was at the heart of the 2026 season. The Bank of America Chamber Music Series continued its long-standing legacy as one of the festival’s most enduring traditions, presenting 11 programs over 17 days and featuring 25 worldclass musicians. Curated and hosted by Paul Wiancko, the Charles E. and Andrea L. Volpe Director of Chamber Music, the series reflected his genre-defying artistry and shaped a dynamic musical journey spanning eras, styles and voices.
The 2026 Suzan D. Boyd Composer-in-Residence, Allison Loggins-Hull, brought her distinctive voice to performances, further enriching the series’ tradition of artistic discovery and innovation.
The Wells Fargo Jazz series featured performances by Jason Moran; a sold-out appearance by Terence Blanchard; the Pedrito Martinez Group with special guest Bill Murray; Quentin Baxter; and jazz artists-in-residence Mali Obomsawin and Sullivan Fortner. Each contributed distinctive voices that underscored the festival’s commitment to innovation and collaboration across genres.
Live at the Cistern once again served as a centerpiece of the festival, with sold-out performances by Brandi Carlile, the Indigo Girls and Emmylou Harris, alongside appearances by Punch Brothers, The Mountain Goats, Molly Tuttle and Colin Meloy.
Music Director Timothy Myers led the Festival Orchestra in a series of acclaimed performances throughout the season. Highlights included Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5 alongside the world premiere of a new work by Michael Abels featuring cellist Zuill Bailey; Mahler’s Symphony No. 1 paired with a new violin concerto by Paul Wiancko performed by Livia Sohn; and sold-out performances of Appalachian Spring and American Classics at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church.
Beyond its orchestral concerts, Festival Orchestra fellows played a vital role across the season, performing in The Old Maid and the Thief, Mary, Queen of Scots, Circa’s Dido and Aeneas and An
FREE FLAGS!
Evening with Ken Burns.
The Festival Chorus, under the leadership of first-year Music Director Dr. Amanda Quist, made a strong impression throughout the season. Quist led a performance of Mozart’s Mass in C Minor with the Festival Orchestra, while the chorus also delivered two performances of Storytelling Through American Composers at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church. The chorus additionally contributed an acclaimed performance in Circa’s Dido and Aeneas.
The festival’s commitment to community engagement extended far beyond the performance stage. Free programs throughout the season included the Opening Ceremony in partnership with the City of Charleston and Piccolo Spoleto; Tell Your Story; a public table read of The Duchy; The Untold Story Behind Porgy & Bess; Davóne Tines & THE TRUTH: REVIVAL; Jazz Talks with Larry Blumenfeld; and Conversations With Martha Teichner.
Free community simulcasts at the Charleston Visitor Center expanded access to An Evening with Ken Burns, presented by Bank of America, and George + George. Audiences of all ages also participated in interactive workshops following performances of Dead as a Dodo, creating opportunities for deeper connection, learning and artistic discovery.
The 2026 Spoleto Festival USA closed as it began — with Charleston united through the power of the arts, celebrating the artists and audiences who make the festival one of the nation’s premier cultural events.
