Charleston SC Events Jan-Feb 2014

Rocky Mountain School of Photography Photo Weekend

Jan 11 - 12

Rocky Mountain School of Photography, based in Missoula, Montana, will be presenting a Photo Weekend in Charleston. This photo education seminar is geared toward beginner and intermediate level photographers wanting to improve their skills. Participants will get to choose up to five classes to attend from a list of ten, connect with professional photographers Tim Cooper and Tony Rizzuto, meet their fellow photographers, and experience a professional level group critique. Mini classes offered include Photo Basics I and II, Understanding Exposure: Using the Zone System, Understanding Light, Macro Photography, Landscape Photography and People Photography. Francis Marion Hotel, 800-394-7677. rmsp.com/weekends

2nd Sunday on King Street

Jan 12 & Feb 9

Lined with locally owned shops, King Street has been hailed as one of the best shopping spots in America according to U.S. News and World Report. For one Sunday afternoon of every month, cars are re-routed so the street may become a lively pedestrian fair with outdoor dining, live music and special deals offered by the merchants. 2ndsundayonkingstreet.com

Romantic Spirits: Nineteenth Century Paintings of the South from the Johnson Collection

Jan 17 - Mar 23

This exhibition examines the core concepts of the Romantic Movement as it unfolded in fine art of the American South. Having had its genesis in European literature and art, romanticism found its way into the cultural output of the young republic, both North and South. The same ideals that imbued the canvases of the Hudson River School also colored the art of painters who found their inspiration and audience below the Mason-Dixon Line. Gibbes Museum of Art, 843-722-2706. gibbesmuseum.org

4th Annual Charleston Marathon

Jan 18

The Charleston marathon is a scenic 26.2-mile run that will showcase the beauty and history of the Lowcountry, starting in downtown Charleston and ending in North Charleston. Music and performance groups from local schools and community will dot the course to keep you moving! For registration and additional information, please visit the website. 8am. Start at Burke Middle High School. charlestonmarathon.com

Charlotte's Web

Jan 24 - 26

The warm and moving story of a spider named Charlotte and a pig named Wilbur and their remarkable friendship has been acclaimed as the "best American children's book of the past 200 years". Now, share the story that you loved as a child with a new generation as Charlotte spins her enchanting web in this heartwarming and humorous tale of Wilbur, the remarkable pig, as it comes magically to life onstage. Fri 7:30pm, Sat 3:00pm. Dock Street Theatre, 843-577-7183. charlestonstage.com

Charleston Boat Show

Jan 24 -26

The Charleston Boat Show has grown into  the biggest boat show and sale in the Lowcountry.  It specializes in new powerboats, including everything from small jon boats, skiffs and cruisers, to yachts and ski boats. There is something for everyone’s taste and budget. It’s a fact that this show offers incredible deals, and previews of the hottest new boats available on the market. A must-attend event for family-friendly fun, it’s everything you need for life on the water. Fri noon-7pm, Sat 10am-7pm, Sun 11am-5pm. Charleston Area Convention Center, 843-529-5011. thecharlestonboatshow.com

31st Annual Lowcountry Oyster Festival

Jan 26

The Lowcountry Oyster Festival is the world’s largest oyster festival and has been named one of the “top 20 events in the southeast” by Southeastern Tourism Society. Highlights include the legendary “Oyster Shucking” and “Oyster Eating” Contests, live music on the main stage, wine, a selection of domestic and imported beers, a Children’s Area and a “Food Court” showcasing a variety of local favorite restaurants to satisfy everyone’s taste. The Lowcountry Oyster Festival is a charity fundraiser. 10:30am - 5pm. Boone Hall Plantation, 843-577-4030. charlestonrestaurantassociation.com

Braise & Brew Festival

Jan 26

The annual Braise & Brew beer dinner at Middleton Place is the ideal gift for the man or woman who enjoys the dark, delicious, soul-warming beers of winter, and the flavors of locally-sourced, slow-cooked meats and vegetables. Braise & Brew combines Holy City's finest beers with a robust menu of braised fare, served over several courses in front of a roaring fire in the Middleton Place Pavilion. The three-hour feast will take place from 6-9pm. The Inn at Middleton Place, 843-556-6020. middletonplace.org

Chosen Women's Conference

Jan 30 - 31

Chosen 2014 is a two-day conference experience with over 1,000 Sisters of all ages. Come and feel renewed, as you spend time with other amazing women. Come and be encouraged, as you hear from nationally known speakers. Come and be reminded that you have been chosen. Speakers include Greg Sturratt, Jen Hatmaker, Christine Caine, and Mercy Lokulutu. Register online by visiting the website. Thur 5-9:30pm, Fri 8am-3:30pm & 5-11pm. Seacoast Church in Mt. Pleasant, 843-881-2100. chosenwomensconference.com

A Night in the Valley

Jan 31

The Trident Technical College Foundation and Culinary Institute of Charleston host the 11th annual A Night in the Valley. This year's event will truly be a special occasion as it marks the beginning of the 50th anniversary year of Trident Technical College. For the past decade, A Night in the Valley has played a crucial role in raising awareness of the programs at TTC and has provided substantial support for student scholarships, educational equipment in the classrooms and other programs of the college that benefit students directly.  6:30pm. Main Campus at TTC, 843-574-6693. tridenttech.edu/wine.htm

The Dee Norton Lowcountry Children's Center Chart a Course for Children

Feb 6

Chart a Course for Children is one of Charleston’s most unique charity events. Guests enjoy cocktails and sumptuous appetizers while bidding on exciting silent auction items. Following is a specially-prepared, three course dinner and a live auction offering exciting vacations, exclusive dinning opportunities and fine original art. All proceeds from the auction support the delivery of critical services for abused children and their families seen at DNLCC. 6-11pm. Individual tickets are $175 per person. Corporate tables are also available. Fleet Landing Restaurant, 843-723-3600. dnlcc.org

Gourmet & Grapes at Kiawah Island Golf Resort

Feb 7 - 9

Gourmet & Grapes is a weekend-long culinary extravaganza that is the only fundraiser in the Lowcountry that brings together renowned chefs and winemakers to raise money for cancer research. The event, benefits Hollings Cancer Center at the Medical University of South Carolina. Schedule includes:

Friday, An Epicurean Affair
The Ocean Room, The Sanctuary, 6:30pm. Elegant, black-tie exclusive dining experience featuring The Sanctuary’s very own culinary visionaries while pairing beautiful wineries from Jordan Vineyard & Winery. With the breathtaking Ocean Room as a backdrop, savor a luxurious evening with the region's most celebrated gourmet and grapes.
Saturday, Gourmet Culinary Luncheon
The Ocean Room, The Sanctuary, 12pm. Exquisite culinary demonstration and elegant multi-course luncheon featuring Executive Chef Colin Bedford of The Fearrington House Restaurant held in the picturesque Ocean Room. The guest chef will describe and demonstrate the preparation of the dishes, while Mira Winery will pour specially selected wines for each course.
Build Your Own Afternoon
The Sanctuary, 2pm. After lunch guests can attend one of two great seminars featuring Jordan Vineyard & Winery and Laurent Perrier Champagne. Taste back vintages of Jordan Cabernet with winemaker Rob Davis or sip bubbles as Sarah Halstead hosts the Champagne tasting seminar.
Wine Odyssey Gala
The Terrace Ballroom, The Sanctuary, 6:30pm. Savor the flavors of the Southeast. Meet the chefs and taste their unique creations while sipping on distinctive wines from around the world at this main event and auction gala. Then, dance the night away with a champagne and chocolate afterglow.
Sunday, Farewell Brunch
Jasmine Porch, The Sanctuary, 11:45am. Celebrate the weekend and salute the chefs at this seaside brunch featuring the chefs of Kiawah Island Golf Resort. 843-768-6000. gourmetandgrapes.com

The Chocolate Affair

Feb 8

This gala event offers gourmet catering and chocolate desserts from Charleston's finest restaurants and specialty shops. An open bar is available and the Reception Menu includes a variety of hors d'oeuvres. The evening also features more than 200 auction items for every budget. Bid items include jewelry, fantasy vacations, furniture, artwork, dinner packages, gifts, and services. The Daniel Island Club, 843-740-6793. thechocolateaffair.net

 Camelia Walks at Middleton Place

Feb 13 - Mar 22

Special guided tours focus on camellias throughout the original gardens as well as the “new” camellia garden of the 1950s. Admire hundreds of varieties, including the 1786 Reine des Fleurs, one of the first camellias planted in America. Camellia Walks are free with paid admission to Middleton Place, but reservations are required. Tours are Tue, Thu & Sat., 11:00am. Middleton Place, 843-556-6020. middletonplace.org

Memphis

Feb 18 - 19

The winner of four 2010 Tony Awards® including Best Musical, Memphis, will be performed at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center as part of the Best of Broadway 2013-2014 Season. From the underground dance clubs of 1950s Memphis, Tennessee, comes a hot new Broadway musical that bursts off the stage with explosive dancing, irresistible songs and a thrilling tale of fame and forbidden love. The Best of Broadway series features the best in national touring Broadway shows. 843-529-5012. northcharlestoncoliseumpac.com

The Temptations and The Four Tops

Feb 22

Two of the most iconic and best-selling vocal groups in American music history, the Temptations and Four Tops helped define the Motown sound and shape pop and R&B music for the last five decades. The two Rock and Roll Hall of Fame members bring their decades of hits to the Lowcountry for one night only! 8 pm. North Charleston Performing Arts Center. 843-529-5012. northcharlestoncoliseumpac.com