Steinway Artist to Present Solo Recital at Coker College

Jun Matsuo, assistant professor of music at Coker College, will perform a solo recital entitled “Musical Motives: Inspiration, Obsession and Death”at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 11 in the Watson Theater on the Coker College campus.

This recital will include works by Mozart, Beethoven, Rachmaninov and Debussy. A few selections Matsuo will play include Mozart’s Sonata, three pieces by Rachmaninov and three pieces by Debussy, which pieces, Matsuo explains, “share a certain cohesiveness.”

“One aspect of music that intrigues me is how composers create and utilize a motive, which is, perhaps, the most fundamental part in a musical composition,” explained Matsuo. “I would like to share with the audience my point of view and hopefully it will enhance their listening experience in the future.”

“Dr. Matsuo is a consummate musician, a gifted teacher and a wonderful colleague,” said William Carswell, associate music professor and chair of the Department of Music, Theater and Dance. “Her upcoming piano recital, featuring the works of Beethoven, Debussy and Rachmaninov, will showcase her musical talent and will, again, demonstrate why she was recently named a Steinway Artist – one of only five in South Carolina.”

Matsuo, who joined the Coker College staff in 2009 as a visiting assistant professor of music, teaches piano and music theory. She is a frequent performer and has played as a guest in New York, Maine, Florida, North Carolina and Texas, as well as South Carolina. Her overseas activities include a recital and lecture at the Universitii Sains Malaysia in Penang as well as being one of the selected performers at the French Piano Institute in Paris for master classes with Dominique Merlet, Pascal Devoyon, Noel Lee, and Roy Howat.

Matsuo earned her Doctor of Musical Arts in Piano Pedagogy from the University of South Carolina and prior degrees from Binghamton University and the State University of New York at Plattsburgh.

The Coker College Music, Dance, and Theater Department is sponsoring Matsuo’s performance, which is free and open to the public.

February 12th: St. John's Pancake Supper to Feature Dance Band

Does Big Band era music set your toe to tapping or make you want to dance?  Satisfy that pleasure and your appetite at St. John’s Church Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper on Tuesday, February 12.  This year’s supper will feature a jazz combo from 5:15-6:00 and a dance band from 6:00-7:00.  The supper will be held in the church’s fellowship hall.  The public is invited.  Bring your dancing shoes!

Take-out service will be offered from 4:00-5:00.  You may dine in or opt for take-out from 5:00-7:00.

Tickets are $5 for adults and $2 for children ages 6-10.  There is no charge for children age 5 and under, and there is a maximum price of $25 for families.

Tickets can be reserved by calling St. John’s parish office at (843) 662-5585.

St. John’s is located at 252 S. Dargan Street, directly across the street from the FMU Performing Arts Center.  The fellowship hall is the large one-story building at the back of the property.

February 10th: The St. John's Epiphany Concert Series Continues in Florence

St. John’s Epiphany Concert Series concludes with a performance by Lana Duo on Sunday, February 10 at 6:00 p.m. in the church’s parish hall.  There is no charge for the concert, but donations are appreciated.  Light refreshments will be provided.  St. John’s is located at 252 S. Dargan Street in Florence.  Parking is available in the lot behind the church.

Soprano Svetlana Strezeva and her pianist daughter Milana Strezeva are Lana Duo.  Svetlana Strezeva, a prominent Russian-American soprano, is a Laureate of the Tchaikovsky International Competition in Moscow as well as the Glinka Vocal International Competition in Minsk. She completed her professional studies at La Scala in Milan, Italy.  

As Prima Donna of the Moldova National Opera Company, Svetlana performed in numerous prestigious theaters, including the Bolshoi Theater in Moscow and the Kirov Theater in St. Petersburg. She has also recorded with the Bolshoi Opera Orchestra and the Moscow Pops Symphony.

Also a devoted teacher, Svetlana has given master classes in colleges and universities around the world, and maintains private voice studios in New York, NY; Tampa, FL; Chişinău, Moldova.Western Europe, and Cuba.  Her voice has been lauded for its lightness and purity of sound, and is “unbelievably beautiful for it's magic and the spell she casts over the audience.”

Praised as "The Great Russian Nightingale" by Russia’s St. Petersburg press, Svetlana currently resides in the United States and performs with her pianist and daughter, Milana Strezeva. Together they have given recitals throughout the United States as well as in Italy, Denmark, Germany, Ukraine, Romania, Moldova, and China.

Milana Strezeva is a founding member of the award-winning Manhattan Piano Trio, one of the most prominent and active chamber music groups in the country. Since its inception in 2004, the Trio has performed over 500 concerts spanning 35 US states, South Africa, Europe, and Australia.

A talented vocal collaborator and a consummate vocal coach, Milana has been part of several opera productions including Dicapo Opera (NYC), Sorg Opera (OH), and American Opera Company (NYC). 

As a pianist, Milana is a recipient of the Arts Recognition and Talent Search Award and winner of the Young Artist Competition and Yamaha Piano competition. In 1998, she won the IBLA International Competition as a vocal collaborator that led to her debut recital at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall.  She holds undergraduate and master degrees from The Juilliard School.

The international press has praised Milana’s command of music and instrumental, sensitive interpretations, and an ability to “make the piano sing in an almost human voice.”

There is no concert on February 3. 

February 14th: Love's Embrace Dinner & Concert at the ATG

Love's Embrace

Thursday, February 14

Art Trail Gallery in Florence

185 West Evans Street

Presented by The University of Barbeque

and

The Embrance Foundation

Dinner for Two: $50

Includes dinner, cocktails, dessert and concert from 7:30-11pm.

Concert Only: $10

Includes light Hors d'eoures and concert from 8:30-11pm.

Cash Bar

Music by The TOS Band

Call 843.667.9099 for tickets.

Proceeds will be used to fund community programs in Florence.

February 4th: Artsville Open Mic at the Midnight Rooster in downtown Hartsville

Artsville Open Mic will be Monday from 7-9:30pm. Sign up is $3. Winner receives a cash prize and a slot in The Artsville Songwriting Competition set for Sunday, September 29.

Visit Artsville's webiste, welcometoartsville.com for complete event information, including official rules, dates, and sign up forms.

For more information on Artsville Open Mic, please call 214.686.3996 or send email to info@welcometoartsville.com.

February 25th - March 1st: South Carolina Chamber Music Festival in Florence

SOUTH CAROLINA CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL

February 25 - March 1, 2013

Performing Arts Center Black Box Theater - Francis Marion University

201 South Dargan Street in downtown Florence

Romantic Soirée || February 25, 7:30pm ($5)
Music by Frank and Brahms.
Danijela Zezelj-Gualdi, violin; Heidi Lucas, horn; Paolo André Gualdi, piano

Lecture by Heidi Lucas || February 26, 6pm (FREE)
Dealing with Performance Anxiety: Setting Yourself Up to Have More Successful Performances

From Blues to Tango || February 27, 7:30pm ($5)
Music by Gershwin, Garner, Piazzolla and others, featuring a new work by Brandon Goff.
Danijela Zezelj-Gualdi, violin; Martin Gueorguiev, cello; Marcos Machado, double bass; Terry Roberts, horn; Dan Hull, guitar; Paolo André Gualdi, piano

Master Class by Marcos Machado (dbl bass) || February 28, 6pm (FREE)

Great Masterworks || March 1, 7:30pm ($5)
Music by Schubert and Brahms
Cármelo de los Santos, violin; Danijela Zezelj-Gualdi, viola; Martin Gueorguiev, cello; Marcos Machado, double bass; Paolo André Gualdi, piano

Guest Artists 
Cármelo de los Santos, violin – Brazil (University of New Mexico)
Danijela Zezelj-Gualdi, violin and viola – Serbia (UNC Wilmington)
Heidi Lucas, horn – USA (University of Southern Mississippi)
Martin Gueorguiev, cello - Bulgaria (Oxford College of Emory University)
Marcos Machado, double bass – Brazil (University of Southern Mississippi)

FMU Faculty
Paolo André Gualdi, Piano
Brandon Goff, Composer
Terry Roberts, Horn
Dan Hull, Guitar

Free admission for all students with valid ID. For more info please call the PAC Box Office at 843.661.4444 or contact Dr. Paolo André Gualdi at pgualdi@fmarion.edu

For updated information visit our Facebook page facebook.com/SCCMF

February 14th: BCAC's Share Your Heart With The Arts

Black Creek Arts Council is hosting their second annual Share Your Heart With The Arts Valentine's party. There will be a live and silent auction covering visual arts, performing arts, and culinary arts. Heavy hors d'oeuvres, adult beverages and live music will be provided for your enjoyment. The funds raised for this event with help Black Creek Arts Council continue to foster the Arts in Darlington County. Bring your sweetie or bring a group of friends for a wonderful evening. Call Black Creek Arts for your reservation at 843-332-6234. TICKET SALES ARE LIMITED! $40 per person.

Share Your Heart With The Arts will take place on February 14th from 7-10pm at the Drengaelen House on the campus of Coker College in Hartsville. 

Call to Artists: Pieces of the Heart Exhibit at the ATG

February 25th - March 1st: South Carolina Chamber Music Festival in Florence

More info coming soon.

February 7th: The African-American Voice Opens at BCAC

Pee Dee residents can view works by African-American artists who are

among the state’s best-known and most widely celebrated practitioners

beginning Feb. 7, when The African-American Voice exhibition opens at

the Black Creek Arts Center in Hartsville. The exhibition runs through

March 28, with an opening reception February 7, from 5:30-7pm.

Coordinated by Harriett Green, visual arts director at the South

Carolina Arts Commission, the exhibition includes 26 pieces of artwork

in all media from the State Art Collection. The pieces are by 19

African-American artists who range from self-taught, outsider artists

like Sam Doyle, Leroy Marshall and Dan Robert Miller, to academically

trained artists with established careers such as Leo Twiggs, Arthur

Rose and Tarleton Blackwell.

“A number of these artists are legendary as arts educators as well.

Their influences and contributions extend beyond image and object

making,” said Green, who sees the show as an opportunity for area

residents to learn more about the contribution of African-American

artists in South Carolina.

The exhibition is free to the public. Black Creek Arts Council gallery

hours are Tuesday-Thursday 10-1 and 2-5, Friday 10-2 and the first

Saturday of the month 10-1. For more information about the exhibition,

visit www.blackcreekarts.org. A preview of The African American Voice

artwork is available at

www.SouthCarolinaArts.com/aavoice/gallery.shtml.

The art in The African-American Voice is drawn from the State Art

Collection, a comprehensive public collection of works by contemporary

South Carolina artists. Established in 1967 as one of the first

programs of the South Carolina Arts Commission, the State Art

Collection is composed of 448 works in a variety of media and styles

produced by 277 artists.

For information about hosting an exhibition from the State Art

Collection, contact Harriett Green at (803) 734-8696. In addition to

The African-American Voice, two other traveling exhibitions are

available: Contemporary Conversations and Points of Departure: Vessel

Forms from the State Art Collection.

About the State Art Collection:

The State Art Collection is considered the most comprehensive public

collection of works by contemporary South Carolina artists.

Established in 1967 as one of the first programs of the South Carolina

Arts Commission, the State Art Collection has grown to include 448

works in a variety of media and styles by 277 South Carolina

contemporary artists. Small exhibitions featuring work from the

collection are organized on a regular basis for rural and isolated

areas inside and outside of the state. Works from the State Art

Collection are available for loan to art museums, state agencies, and

public and private organizations for the purpose of public exhibition

or public display. The collection is supported in part by the South

Carolina Arts Foundation and Kahn Development Company.

About South Carolina Arts Commission:

The South Carolina Arts Commission is the state agency charged with

creating a thriving arts environment that benefits all South

Carolinians, regardless of their location or circumstances. Created by

the South Carolina General Assembly in 1967, the Arts Commission works

to increase public participation in the arts by providing services,

grants and leadership initiatives in three areas: arts education,

community arts development and artist development. Headquartered in

Columbia, S.C., the Arts Commission is funded by the state of South

Carolina, by the federal government through the National Endowment for

the Arts and other sources. For more information, visit

www.SouthCarolinaArts.com or call (803) 734-8696.

About Black Creek Arts Council:

The mission of Black Creek Arts Council is to promote and foster the

Arts in Darlington County. BCAC’s offices are housed in a state of the

art 10,000 square foot facility at 116 West College Avenue in

Hartsville, SC. BCAC offers a variety of programs including art

classes of all styles, after-school activities, pre-school aged

programs, private music lessons, and various types of gallery

exhibits. BCAC also offers assistance with arts management, funding,

education, and program coordination to arts and cultural organizations

in Darlington County.

February 9th: The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs in Cheraw

Is the Big Bad Wolf guilty or not guilty? That's the question raised in the hilarious rock musical The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs. The fate of the furry creature rests in the hands of the audience.

 

On Saturday, February 9, the Cheraw Arts Commission presents the Children's Playhouse featuring the Tarradiddle Players in a brilliant parody of the Three Little Pigs. Based on the book by Jon Scieszka, the Big Bad Wolf shares his version of what really happened.

 

Geared for K-5th grade audiences, the performance is one of several shows offered in the Cheraw Arts Commission Children's Playhouse series. The 55 minute show starts at 11:00am at the Theatre on the Green in Cheraw. Admission is $5.00 per person with advance tickets available at the Cheraw Community Center-200 Powe Street.

 

For additional information, contact the Cheraw Arts Commission - 843.537.8420 x 12. The Cheraw Arts Commission is supported by the United Way of Chesterfield County and the SC Arts Commission which receives funding from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Through March 1st: Recent Works by Abigail McLaurin at Coker College

An art exhibition of Abigail McLaurin’s “Recent Works” will open with a reception from 7 to 8 p.m. Monday, Feb. 4, in the Cecelia Coker Bell Gallery.

“Describing Abby McLaurin’s work as mixed media is a start, but only just,” said gallery director and assistant professor of art Larry Merriman. “Her drawings of people and interiors are aggressively rendered with thick, colorful layers of pastel, charcoal, paint stick and oil paint.

“While some artists strive for photographic accuracy, McLaurin’s approach is often described as ‘aggressive’ or ‘muscular’ and one that breathes life into energetic forms fashioned from raw pigment and powerful but refined marks. Although she sometimes draws from life, choosing friends as models, she often works from a diverse mix of photographs that portray emotional extremes, on the one hand, or emotionally flat family snapshots, on the other. In both cases she strives for emotional complexity and psychological depth,” Merriman added.

“It can be a struggle to find your feet after college, especially pursuing art,” said McLaurin. “You have to remind yourself not to quit, to take what you've learned and to utilize it to push your career—to continue learning, researching and connecting with people. The things that I have learned in school from biology and sociology to drawing and art history are all interwoven; they are subjects I refer back to in moving forward in my art and career."

McLaurin received her bachelor’s degree in fine arts from Coker College in 2009. She went on to work with Casa Manana Theatre as a scenic artist and designer for such performances as “The Jungle Book,” “Sweeney Todd” and “Sound of Music.” She resides in Beaumont, Texas, where she maintains a studio.

McLaurin’s art has been exhibited in more than a dozen galleries including Columbia Art Museum in Columbia, S.C., Manifest Gallery in Cincinnati, Craighead Green Gallery in Dallas, Bikram Studio at Fort Worth, Texas, and Art Studios in Beaumont.

The reception for McLaurin’s exhibit is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served. The exhibition will continue through March 1.

The Cecelia Coker Bell Gallery is located in the Gladys C. Fort Art Building on the Coker College campus. Gallery hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, while classes are in session. For more information, contact Merriman at 843-383-8156 or lmerriman@coker.edu.

Coker College upholds and defends the intellectual and artistic freedom of its faculty and students as they study and create art through which they explore the full spectrum of human experience. The college considers such pursuits central to the spirit of inquiry and thoughtful discussion, which are at the heart of a liberal arts education.

February 8th: Patz & Dogs to open in Lake City

In February, the Greater Lake City Artists' Guild and the Florence Regional Arts Alliance will partner to present Patz & Dogs at the ArtFields Gallery in downtown Lake City. This dynamic exhibit, featuring the whimsical sculptures of Patz Fowle and dog paintings by Heidi Bond, will open with a reception on February 8th from 5:30 - 7:30pm. Admission is free and everyone is invited to attend.

The exhibit will remain on display through March 15th. The ArtFields Gallery's normal operating hours are 9am to 5pm Monday through Friday. The gallery is located at 110 East Main Street in downtown Lake City. 

For more information about the exhibit or the Greater Lake City Artists' Guild, contact Sandy Cook at 803.435.3860 or greaterlakecityartistsguild@gmail.com. For more information about the Florence Regional Arts Alliance, contact Bruce Douglas at 843.861.8316 or peedeearts@gmail.com. 

floscarts.org

February 2nd: Film Symposium to be held in Florence

The Florence Short Film Showcase will offer a film industry symposium on February 2nd from 9:30am to noon.  The symposium is intended for those interested in pursuing a career in the film industry. Attend the FREE three session symposium and receive information about how you can pursue a career in the film industry right here in the Pee Dee Area, the state of South Carolina, or maybe even in Hollywood. 

All attendees must register by January 31 to attend and is based on first come, first serve basis due to limited space. For more information and registration, visit www.florenceshortfilmshowcase.com.

The symposium will take place at the Bruce & Lee Foundation Library in downtown Florence (509 South Dargan Street). 

February 2nd: Legally Saved at the Dillon County Theatre

The Dillon County Theatre presents the Florence Christian Center's production of "Legally Saved" by Toney Jefferson on February 2 at 7:30pm.

Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for students and season tickets are $80. If you purchase the season tickets you will get two tickets for all five shows. To purchase tickets, call the theatre at 843.774.8746 or the Dillon Chamber at 843.774.8551.

The Dillon County Theatre is located at 114 North MacArthur Avenue in downtown Dillon.

February 2nd: Comedy Improv Night at FLT

Florence Little Theatre will hold an Improv Night on Saturday, February 2 at 7:30pm.

Along the same lines as the hit television show, "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" this night will feature performers creating scenes, charaters and much more ON THE SPOT! The short-form improvisation games will be based on a few pre-determined prompts and suggestions by YOU the audience! That's right! This is your chance to join the fun! Who knows? You may even get to make an appearance on stage.

Tickets are $10 per person and can be purchased at the door. Doors open at 6:30pm. For more information, please contact the Theatre office at 843.662.3731.

February 11th: Florence Symphony Orchestra's Winter Concert

Elias Latto

Come join the excitement with the Florence Symphony Orchestra for our Winter Concert on Monday, February 11, 2013 at the FMU Performing Arts Center. The Florence Symphony Orchestra will be performing with guest Violinist Terris Roberts and guest Violist Elias Latto.

Terris Roberts

 Guest soloist, Terris Roberts, began his violin studies at the age of 6.  Now 21, he has started to make his mark in the music world.  He has worked with internationally renowned conductors including Ransom Wilson of Yale/SUNY Purchase,  John Mauceri of the Hollywood Bowl and Charles Barker of the American Ballet Theatre to name a few.  He has also worked with renowned chamber music artists such as members of the Vermeer and Melos string quartets as well as the Eighth Blackbird Ensemble.   In the summers, he has attended the Brevard Summer Music Festival and the Meadowmount School of Music.   He received his high school Diploma at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts with special concentration in violin.  He currently studies as a junior undergraduate student at the University of Missouri, Kansas City Conservatory of Music under the tutelage of Joseph Genualdi.

Our guest soloist, Elias Latto, is currently the student of renowned violist, Sheila Browne, at the University of North Carolina: School of the Arts. Elias began playing the viola at the age of 10 years old in a public school string program. He very quickly became fascinated with music and began studying privately with Julliard-graduate, Linda Sickles. Elias worked with Sickles for 8 years—during which he held many scholarships at the Petrie School of Music including the top Peggy Gingilet scholarship. Elias has now performed in orchestras internationally in Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic. He has collaborated with artist such as violinist, Shmuel Ashkenasi, and cellist, Mark Johnson of the Vermeer String Quartet. Elias has studied with Sheila Browne now for 3 years and will finish his bachelor’s degree before moving to New York City to begin work on his master’s degree in chamber music performance.

The evening of brilliant Classical music will begin with Conductor Dr. Terry Roberts leading the orchestra in Gioachino Rossini's comic opera " Overture to L’Italiana in Algeri ". Following that wonderful beginning the orchestra will perform Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's true double concerto " Sinfonia Concertante for Violin and Viola, K. 364" with guest soloists Terris Roberts and Elias Latto. Lastly, the evening  of music will end with Robert Schumann's symphonic fantasy "Symphony # 4". This is definitely a Winter Concert to see and hear.

Prime seating will go quickly for this concert event so call today and reserve your seats now! February 11th’s Winter Concert will be an evening of excitement not to be missed!

Adult tickets start as low as $28 with senior and student discounts available. Contact the FMU Performing Arts Box Office for your tickets by visiting or calling 843.661.4444 today! 

Call to Artists: The Greater Lake City Artists' Guild to host Juried Show

The Greater Lake City Artists’ Guild is calling for artwork for their first annual Juried Show in the Artfields Gallery.

Submissions are due March 30, 2013 by email or mail at PO Box 96 Lake City, SC 29560. 

Artists should send image of work, short description, title, and medium of work. Artists may submit up to 3 pieces. Artists may submit 2-D or 3-D pieces. 

Juried Show will hang from April 19-May 30.

For more information about the show or the Greater Lake City Artists' Guild, contact Sandy Cook at 803.435.3860 or greaterlakecityartistsguild@gmail.com. 

The mission of the Greater Lake City Artists' Guild is to cultivate, nurture, and grow the Arts in the greater Lake City area and the state of South Carolina. 

February 2nd: Three Billy Goats Gruff at FLT

The Florence Little Theatre Schoolhouse Players present Three Billy Goats Gruff on Saturday, Febuary 2, 2013 at 11:00am. This play is directed by Kathy Moore and underwritten by Chick-fil-A.

 

All the three Billy Goats want to do is get across the bridge so they can eat the grass on the other side, but they think there is a grumbly, grouchy, bulling Troll under the bridge who is determined not to let them pass. Well, actually, the Troll is not a bit mean - he just wants someone to play with! They do finally get across, but not until they learn some manners - and they even make a new friend in the process.

 

Tickets are $3.00 per person and can be purchased at the door.  Doors open at 10:00am. The Florence Little Theatre is located at 417 S. Dargan Street, Florence. For more information, please call the Theatre office at 662-3731 or visit their web site at:

http://www.florencelittletheatre.org

February 16th: FLT to host Fat Tuesday on Saturday Gala

Pee Dee’s Most Talented Chefs Collaborate to Bring Authentic Mardi Gras Flavor to Florence for the Florence Little Theatre’s “Fat Tuesday on Saturday Gala”

As the kitchen timer ticks away, final touches are being put on the menu for the Florence Little Theatre’s Capital Needs Gala. The event will be held Saturday, February 16th ; the theme is Fat Tuesday on Saturday. To achieve the high quality and authenticity of a traditional Mardi Gras celebration, the Pee Dee’s finest have been chosen to deliver their very best Cajun offerings. Some menu items will include: Mini Muffalettas by Laurie Crouse of Top Hat Special-Teas, Grilled Andouille Sausage by Bill Moelich of the Florence Country Club, and Mini Crab Cakes with Remoulade Sauce by Nick Townsend of Sodexo at Carolinas Hospital. The staples of Bayou cuisine will be served up too, like Red Bone Alley’s Shrimp Etoufee, by Dale Barth and Jamie Verstoep, Jack Brantley ‘s Aberdeen Catering Bourbon Street Gumbo, and the Venus’ Helen Doulaveris’ Red Beans and Rice . An array of desserts will also be on display including Bourbon Pecan Tarts by Caleb Koski of Victor’s, Harris Teeter Bakery’s Hillary Mills with Mardi Gras Cake, and Linda Freeman’s Mardi Gras Cake Pops from Buttercream.

“Our fabulous Florence Little Theatre Capital Needs Gala, FAT TUESDAY ON SATURDAY, is featuring local area extraordinaire chefs who are preparing foods that reflect their creative spirits associated with traditional Mardi Gras,” commented longtime theatre volunteer and chair of the Food Committee, Elaine Morehead. “With the diverse offerings throughout the evening, there will be not only food for the body, but food for the soul as well.”

The event will take place in the Julia W. Buyck Auditorium and J.W. (Jimmy) Rainwater, Jr. Rehearsal Hall at the Florence Little Theatre at 8:00 pm. At 7PM there will be a VIP Reception for the Sponsors of the event with hors d’oeuvres prepared by Ryan Hicks of Backyard BarBQ and Adam Silverman with Country Club of South Carolina. Nick Townsend and Tommy Crayton will oversee the coordination of the chefs and food service through the night. Black ties are optional, or attendees can come dressed in Mardi Gras-themed costumes or masks. Individual tickets are now on sale for $75 and will include an evening of great food, drink, and music by the Coco Loco Party Band, and a silent auction.
Proceeds generated will be used to purchase new sound and lighting equipment that will greatly enhance the quality of future performances and shows. Currently FLT is using lighting and sound equipment dating anywhere from 10 to 30 years old.

The Florence Little Theatre was founded in 1923 by a small group of dedicated performers. It didn’t take long before the small group of players began selling out performances to captive audiences. Even during hard times, the Florence community has shown its support for the Florence Little Theatre. In 2006 the Florence Little Theatre emerged at the forefront of downtown revitalization movement by opening a brand new, state-of –the-art facility on Dargan Street. The Florence Little Theatre continues to lead the way in bringing culture and quality entertainment to Florence and the Pee Dee Region.

January 26th: Opening Reception for the Seacoast Artists Guild at the ATG

The Seacoast Artists Guild will be visiting the Art Trail Gallery from January 26 until February 9. The opening reception will be Saturday, January 26 from 2-5pm.

The Art Trail Gallery is located at 185 West Evans Street in downtown Florence. Normal gallery hours are Tuesday through Thursday 11-3, Friday 11-7 and Saturday 11-3.

For more information about the Seacoast Artists Guild, click here.

January 24th: Love's Labour's Lost at Francis Marion University

FMU Artist Series

Thursday, 24 January 2013

Chapman Auditorium, McNair Science Building, 7:30pm

(4822 East Palmetto Street in Florence)

Free, General Admission, No Reservations

Love's Labour's Lost by American Shakespeare Center

About Love's Labour's Lost & American Shakespeare Center:

In Love's Labour's Lost, the King of Navarre and his three schoolmates are ripe for an education in love from the Princess of France and her three ladies. Joining the lovers is a brilliantly goofy troupe of clowns, including the love-warrior Don Armado and the lust-sick rogue Costard, who ardently pursue the affections of a winsome country maid - and who perform an unforgettable pageant for the royals. Written around the same time as Romeo and Juliet and A Midsummer Night's Dream, this giddy and extravagant romantic comedy is Shakespeare's most exuberant wordfest - a joyful carnival of love, loss, and hope.

Since 1988, the American Shakespeare Center has produced English Renaissance plays in a bold, fresh style, bringing Shakespeare and other early modern works to communities across the country and around the world. Direct from the stage of the Blackfriars Playhouse in Staunton, VA, the ASC On Tour employs Shakespeare's own staging conditions to break down the barriers that traditionally separate performer and audience.

"We scour the country for the right 10-12 actors to perform all these roles in all of these plays," said ASC Artistic Director Jim Warren. "Not only are we looking for the right talent to do these shows in true rotating repertory (a great lost joy in today's theatre world), but we're also looking for personalities we think will gel into a dynamic, well-balanced ensemble on and off the stage. On top of all of that, we're also looking for singers and musicians because we perform all of our music live and unplugged; join us for our pre-show a half-hour before show time for some musical treats."

January 25th: Author Meet & Greet with Dr. Joe Baroody, Jr

Author Meet and Greet with Dr. Baroody, Jr.

Friday, January 25 from 4-5:30pm

Burry Bookstore in Hartsville

Free and open to the public.

Dr. Baroody, Jr. will be signing copies of his new book Chronicles of an Irreverent Reverend.  Burry Bookstore is located at 130 West Carolina Avenue in downtown Hartsville.

For more information please call Burry Bookstore at 843.332.2511, email burrybooks@msn.com or visit their website at www.burrybookstore.com.

Through February 15th: The Seacoast Artist Guild at the ATG

The Seacoast Artist Guild will be visiting the Art Trail Gallery from January 26 until February 15th. 

The Art Trail Gallery is located at 185 West Evans Street in downtown Florence.  Normal gallery hours are Tuesday through Thursday 11-3, Friday 11-6 and Saturday 11-3. 

For more information about the Seacoast Artist Guild, click here.

February 15th: The Blue Dogs at the FMU PAC

FMU Alumni Association Presents
The Blue Dogs

Reception 6:30-7:45pm in Lower Lobby

Concert begins on the Mainstage at 8pm

On February 15th, the FMU PAC will host The Blue Dogs.  Don't miss what will undoubtedly be a great performance.  Tickets are $17.  The FMU PAC is located at 201 South Dargan Street.  For more information, contact the PAC at 843.661.4444.

About the Blue Dogs:

In 2012 the Blue Dogs, after 25 years of playing shows and releasing 9 CD's and 2 DVD's, continue to perform up to 100 shows a year, from clubs, festivals, and colleges to corporate events, private parties, and fundraisers---primarily in the southeast but still traveling wherever they are called, over the past few years to New York, DC and Virginia, Texas, Louisiana, Florida, and of course Georgia and the Carolinas. They continue to maintain a national (and international) fanbase, with all 9 recordings available through ITunes and other digital portals via their distributor, Redeye, and their CD's, DVD's and other merchandise offered exclusively at their website, www.bluedogs.com.

February 20th - 23rd: And Baby Makes Seven at the FMU PAC

And Baby Makes Seven

at the Francis Marion University Performing Arts Center 

The Francis Marion University Theatre's 2012-13 season's winter production will be And Baby Makes Seven by Paula Vogel, directed by professor Dawn Larsen. It will be performed in the Black Box Theatre at the FMU Performing Arts Center in downtown Florence (201 South Dargan Street).

The performance will run from Wednesday, February 20th, through Saturday, February 23rd. Show time is 7:30 on the weekdays and 2pm on Saturday. 

Reservations may be made by calling 843.661.4444 between 12-5pm.

February 28th: Blue Moon Jazz Gala in Hartsville to feature After Dark

Artsville Open Mic has a new format for 2013

Artsville Open Mic, the popular monthly music event hosted by Dylan Sneed at The Midnight Rooster in Hartsville, has radically changed their format for 2013. Each first Monday of the month one songwriter will walk away with a cash prize and an invitation to the Artsville Songwriting Competition in September.

“Our motto is ‘try new things,’” explained Dylan Sneed, founder of Artsville. “We wanted to add some excitement to an already exciting event. It’s not about winning, but about trying new things, things you thought were impossible.”

Each performer pays $3 to register. These fees will become the prize money for each month. The maximum amount of acts for each month is 15, so the winner could earn as much as $45.

Sneed said the idea of the new format came from Eddie’s Attic, the celebrated acoustic venue in Decatur, GA. “Each time I played Eddie’s open mic, I ended up meeting great songwriters from all over the country, even if I didn’t win. That’s what I’d like to see happen with our event.”

Visit Artsville’s webiste, welcometoartsville.com for complete event information, including official rules, dates, and sign up forms.

Artsville, a music event production and promotion company, is responsible for such successful events as Artsville House Concerts, The Artsville Songwriting Competition, and The Lakeside Music Room (a joint effort with Pee Dee Outfitters and Cheraw State Park).

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For more information on Artsville Open Mic, please call 214-686-3996 or send email to info@welcometoartsville.com.

January 31st: Chamber Innovista at the Bishopville Opera House

Chamber Innovista, the University of South Carolina's newest chamber music series, will be bringing its exciting, world-class performances affiliated with Innovista, the University's research and innovation district, to the Opera House in downtown Bishopville on January 31st. 

Show time is 7:30pm.  Tickets are $15.  Students and those with season tickets to the Opera House's Performing Arts Series will be admitted for free. 

The Bishopville Opera House is located at 109 North Main Street in downtown Bishopville.  For more information, call 803.484.5090.  

'Patz & Dogs' to open in Lake City on February 8th

(Homecoming by Heidi Bond)

In February, the Greater Lake City Artists' Guild and the Florence Regional Arts Alliance will partner to present Patz & Dogs at the ArtFields Gallery in downtown Lake City.  This dynamic exhibit, featuring the whimsical sculptures of Patz Fowle and dog paintings by Heidi Bond, will open with a reception on February 8th from 5:30 - 7:30pm.  Admission is free and everyone is invited to attend.

(Belly Button Pusher by Patz Fowle)

The exhibit will remain on display through March 15th.  The ArtFields Gallery's normal operating hours are 9am to 5pm Monday through Friday.  The gallery is located at 110 East Main Street in downtown Lake City.  

For more information about the exhibit or the Greater Lake City Artists' Guild, contact Sandy Cook at 803.435.3860 or greaterlakecityartistsguild@gmail.com.  For more information about the Florence Regional Arts Alliance, contact Bruce Douglas at 843.861.8316 or peedeearts@gmail.com.  

floscarts.org

January 22nd: FMU Cinema Series presents 'The Well-Digger's Daughter'

Francis Marion University's Cinema Series presents "The Well-Digger's Daughter" on Tuesday, January 22. The free film will be shown at 3:45pm and 7:30pm in the Lowrimore Auditorium, Cauthen Educational Media Center. For information, call 843.661.1385.

The Lowrimore Auditorium is located on the campus of Francis Marion University at 4822 East Palmetto Street in Florence. 

January 20th: Blue Mountain Ensemble at St. John's Church in Florence

St. John's Church in Florence continues its Eighth Annual Epiphany Concert Series with a performance by Blue Mountain Ensemble (bassoon, flute, piano) on Sunday, January 20 at 6pm in the church's parish hall.

There is no charge for the concerts, but donations are appreciated. Light refreshments will be provided. Parking is available in the lot behind the church.

The remainder of the series slate is as follows: Jazz Charleston Trio, January 27; Svetlana and Milana Streveza (soprano, piano), February 10. A downloadable brochure is available at www.stjohnsflorence.org.

St. John's Church is located at 252 South Dargan Street in downtown Florence.