Holiday Celebrations around the Pee Dee

Check out the list of Holiday Celebrations around the Pee Dee by clicking on the link below:

Pee Dee Area Holiday Celebrations for 2011

(compiled by SCNow.com)

It's a Wonderful Life at the FMU Performing Arts Center in Florence

FMU Performing Arts Center to showcase 

“It’s a Wonderful Life: Live from WVL Radio Theatre”

FLORENCE – “It’s a Wonderful Life: Live from WVL Radio Theatre,” will be performed at the Francis Marion University Performing Arts Center on Thursday, Dec. 1 and Friday Dec. 2 at 7:30 p.m.

The show, an adaptation by W.V.R. Repoley, is produced by the N.C. Stage Company and Immediate Theatre Project.

Set on Christmas Eve in 1945, the show features a handful of WVL Radio’s actors who have braved the blizzard to perform that evening’s broadcast of “It’s a Wonderful Life” and keep the station afloat. The clever stage adaptation breathes new life into the poignant story of George Bailey and Bedford  Falls.

When Frank Capra and his co-writers were working on the original screenplay of It’s a Wonderful Life, the Great Depression was a vivid memory. The story of George Bailey and Bedford Falls is juxtaposed against of time of failing banks, devastatingly high unemployment and a shortage of affordable housing.

The  circumstances are eerily familiar and over 60 years later, this story remains as fresh and relevant as ever. It’s message of hope and optimism is the perfect antidote to holiday cynicism.

It is the second  of four performances in the Variety Series that includes “Second City” and “War Bonds: The Songs and Letters of World War II.”

In addition to the “Variety Series” there are four others during the PAC’s season that runs until May of 2012.  Those series include Broadway shows, concerts, family oriented shows and a dance series as well as a wide range of acts in the smaller, more intimate Black Box Theatre. Information on the complete season is available at www.fmupac.org.

Tickets for the show start at $15 and may be purchased at www.fmupac.org, via telephone at (843) 661-4444, and at the FMU Performing Arts Center Box Office. Telephone and personal ticket sales are available Monday through Friday between 12-5 p.m. Subject to availability, tickets may be available for purchase at the door.  The PAC is located in downtown Florence at the intersection of Dargan and Evans Streets. 

Release contact: Angela Crosland (843-661-1227, office; acrosland@fmarion.edu, e-mail)

View FMU news releases online at www.fmarion.edu/news.

Christmas at Cheraw's Centennial Park - December 1st

Photos with Santa, strolling carolers in Dickens attire, games, train rides, and merchants with extended hours will all be a part of the Christmas Celebration at Centennial Park Thursday, December 1 from 4:00-8:00 pm.

Sponsored by the Town of Cheraw, the Cheraw Merchants Association, and the Cheraw Arts Commission, the family-friendly evening will be an entertaining event for children and adults.  Activities will begin with the Marlboro County School of Discovery Band (4:00-4:30) and the Kids’ Train Ride (4:00-7:00).  The train ride will be offered for $1.00 per child.

Strolling Dickens vocalists, “Carolers of Christmas Past”, from Winston-Salem, will entertain shoppers along Market and Second Streets with a variety of Christmas carols from 4:30 until 7:30.  Photos with Santa will be available from 5:30 until 7:30 at a cost of $3.00 per photo. Also, the evening will be the official kickoff for “Oh! Christmas Tree” Festival of Trees, with decorated trees lining Market and Second Streets.

For holiday shoppers, merchants will remain open until 8:00 Thursday evening, offering guests light refreshments.  At Centennial Park, Jingle Bell Jangle, a children’s Christmas craft, will be offered, and several children’s games will be provided including the Who-ville Wreath Toss, Cindy Lou’s Who Walk, and Welcome Christmas Face Painting.  An invitation has also been extended to Rudolph and Frosty to join the evening’s festivities.

For more information about the Christmas Celebration and other December events, check out the town’s FaceBook page.

Jewelry Trunk Show by Beth Wicker in Florence - December 9-10, 2011

The Chancel Handbell Choir to perform at First Presbyterian in Florence

The Chancel Handbell Choir of First Presbyterian Church, Florence, will present its annual Christmas Concert on Wednesday, November 30th, at 6:30 p.m. in the sanctuary at 700 Park Ave. 

Selections will include "In the Bleak Midwinter," "African Noel," "Angels We Have Heard on High," and many other Christmas melodies from around the globe. 

The handbell choir has grown in its 20 years of worship leadership at the church and welcomes the opportunity to share its music with the public. Members of the choir are Curt Boswell, Margaret Hobson, Kathleen Gelzer, Mary Lynn Van Witzenburg, Lee Nunn, Susan Ingram, Karen Porter, Elizabeth Braswell, Daniel Hubbs, Genia Tyson, Margaret Jones, Lalla Saleeby, and Carol Dawson, led by Ann Rodgers Chandler. 

Upcoming Auditions with the Hartsville Community Players

The Hartsville Community Players are holding auditions for their Mystery Dinner Theater production of “The Last Dance of Doctor Disco” directed by Kendra Woods. Casting needs are for three men and four women ages 17 and up; however backstage participants are also needed. Auditions are scheduled for Monday, December 5th and Tuesday December 6th at 7PM in the Hartsville Community Players office upstairs in the Center Theater in Hartsville.

For more information, call (843) 857-3535.

Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting in Mullins

The City of Mullins &  The Mullins Chamber of Commerce present:

Christmas Parade

Saturday, December 3rd at 1 p.m.

&

Annual Christmas Tree Lighting

Sunday, December 4th

Begins at 4:30 p.m.

There will be a visit from Santa and a food drive for local Food Banks.

For more info, call 464-6651.

Mike & Patz Fowle to take part in the Midlands Clay Arts Society Show

Mike & Patz Fowle will be participating in the 11th Annual Holiday Sale presented by the Midlands Clay Arts Society in Columbia from December 1st to December 4th. 

The Holiday Sale takes place at Gallery 80808, located at 808 Lady Street in Columbia. 

For more information, call 803-252-6134.

The Fowles have shown work all over the world.  Their most recent show, Funk & Awesome, was exhibited at Francis Marion University in October.

Wesley United Methodist Church in Hartsville to host Von Trapp

Elisabeth Von Trapp, granddaughter of the famous Count & Maria Von Trapp immortalized in the film and play The Sound of Music, will be performing at Wesley United Methodist Church in Hartsville on Thursday, February 9, 2012 at 7 p.m.  As part of this performance choirs from Hartsville High School will be performing selections from The Sound of Music which will be HHS's spring musical in May of 2012.


More information about this event will be posted closer to the performance date.

Florence's Art Trail Gallery is the place to be!

Christmas Through the Years at Red Doe Plantation - December 2nd-4th

Pee Dee Artisan's Market - December 3rd - Florence, SC

Florence's Earring Lady to host show and sale for Beth Wicker - December 9th to 11th

December 9th through 11th, The Earring Lady of Florence will be hosting a show and sale of original handcrafted jewelry by Beth Wicker. 

Wicker, co-president of the North Carolina Society of Goldsmiths, will be showing work in affordable copper, silver, and semi-precious stones. Light refreshments will be served Friday and Saturday nights.  There will also be multiple door prizes all three days. 

The Earring Lady is at 2717 Second Loop Road in Florence. Look for the lavender house. For more information call (843)317-1732.

Black Creek Arts Council's 5th Annual Christmas Shoppe in Hartsville

Black Creek Arts Council's Christmas Shoppe is the perfect place to buy unique, handmade gifts this holiday season.  

The Shoppe will open on Thursday, December 1 from 5:30-8pm and continue Friday, December 2, 4pm-7pm and Saturday, December 3, 10am-2pm.

Vendors will sell items such as wood cravings, handmade soaps, jewelry, paintings, knitted accessories, and pottery. The Black Creek Arts Center is located at 116 W. College Ave. in downtown Hartsville.  For more information about the Christmas Shoppe, call 843.332.6234.

Also in Hartsville on December 3rd... 

Good Living Marketplace - 9am to 2pm

Holiday Parade - 10:30am

Tree Lighting & Wish Lantern Release - 6:30pm

To have your event, program or project promoted by Pee Dee Arts, 

send complete info to peedeearts@gmail.com.  

Burry Bookstore to Host Author Meet & Greet with Sara Odom

Burry Bookstore will have an "Author Meet and Greet" with Sara Odom on Friday, December 2nd from 4:00-5:30 pm.

Odom is the author of: Absolutely Adorable (released Summer 2011), Gram's Switch,My Lucky Irish Ear, and Precious Pudding.

This event is free and open to the public.  Burry Bookstore is located at 130 W. Carolina Ave. in downtown Hartsville.

 

For more information, email burrybooks@msn.com. 

Divorce Southern Style in the Prettiest Little Town in Dixie (Cheraw, SC)

Divorce Southern Style, a comedy by Jennifer Jarrett, will be performed at the Theatre On The Green by the OnStage Theatre Group December 1st, 2nd & 3rd at 7pm and December 4th at 3pm.

Ticket prices are $8 for adults and $5 (age 12 & under). Advance tickets are available now at the following venues: Cheraw Community Center, Cheraw Chamber of Commerce, and L&W Hair Design. Tickets will also be available at the door. 

For more information, contact the Cheraw Arts Commission at 843.537.8420, ext. 12.

The Florence Symphony Guild's Holiday Home Tour is set for December 4th in Florence

The Florence Symphony Guild will present its Holiday Home Tour on December 4th from 2 to 5pm in Florence.

The tour will include seven homes ranging in age from 4 to 75 years old and will include the communities of Forest Lake, Windsor Forest, Oakdale, and Palmetto Shores. Also included are two homes on Cherokee Road and a home on Madison Avenue. The homes range in size from 1,600 square feet to more than 6,000 square feet, providing the tour visitor with a variety of decorating ideas for various size homes.

Each home has a unique style. There are life-sized wooden soldiers, antique nativity sets, an 18-foot Christmas tree, 20-plus years of White House ornaments, elves galore, and whimsicality along with using natural items to decorate for the holidays.

Several homes will host a number of merchants that have offered their Christmas decorating expertise. They include Wukela House of Clocks, Taylor's Garden Shop, Forest Lakes Greenhouse, National Hardware, David Stark Flowers, Carol Huffman from the Harris Teeter Floral Department, Darlington Florist, and AKreation.

The cost of a ticket is $10 presale with limited tickets available the day of the tour for $15 at 2535 W. Edgefield Road.

Tickets can be purchased by emailing request to florencesymphony@gmail.com, calling (843) 307-7116, or purchased at First Reliance Bank or the Florence Symphony Office at the Francis Marion University Performing Arts Center located at 201 S. Dargan St. in Florence.

To have your event, program or project promoted by Pee Dee Arts, send complete info to peedeearts@gmail.com. 

Holiday Show, Bluegrass & More at the Art Trail Gallery in Florence

 

Florence's Art Trail Gallery (135 S. Dargan Street) is hosting its Holiday Show through December 9th.  The normal operating hours are:

Tuesday & Wednesday - 11:30 - 2:30pm
Thursday & Friday - 4pm - 8pm
Saturday - 3pm - 8pm

The first weekend in December will see a musical insurgence at the Art Trail.  There will definitely be more than the Holiday Show going on at 135 South Dargan!

From the Art Trail Gallery's Facebook Page:

The first weekend in December is going to be quite musical at the Art Trail Gallery. We've got another FREE Bluegrass concert on Thursday, Dec. 1 featuring Carolina Roads; Friday, Dec. 2, we've got Jeremy Tolin taking the stage from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m., and Saturday, Dec. 3rd - Becki Poston will be playing the piano for afternoon shoppers!

 

Fore more information, contact Jane Madden at 843.673.0719 or janemadden@bellsouth.net.

Upcoming Events in Lake City: Concert Series, Celebrity Roast & Holiday Market Highlight Upcoming Events

The Lake City Concert Series has been bringing quality performances to the Pee Dee since 1984 and December 1, 2011 will be no different.  The Claflin University Choir will perform at the Lake City Presbyterian Church at 7:30pm on Thursday, December 1st. 

There's more going on in Lake City on December 1st.  Don't miss the Celebrity Roast and Holiday Market Preview at the Bean Market Museum from 6-10pm. There's something for everything at this three-day market filled with crafts, music and food. A great time to do Christmas shopping and enjoy the spirit of Christmas! 

Additional shopping hours:

Friday, December 2nd - 6pm to 9pm

Saturday, December 3rd - 9am to 6pm

Sunday, December 4th - 1pm to 5pm.

Please call 843.374.1500 for ticket info (for the Celebrity Roast & Market Preview).

To have your event, program or project promoted through Pee Dee Arts, email complete info to peedeearts@gmail.com. 

Pee Dee Artisan's Market set for December 3rd

The Pee Dee Artisan's Market will be held on Saturday, December 3rd from 9am to 4pm at 908A Cashua Drive in Florence. 

Vendors will be selling such items as original paintings, pottery, children's clothing, handmade toys, furniture, cards, stationary, handmade soap, handmade jewelry, quilts, purses and more.

For more information, contact Maria Butler at pdartisan@sc.rr.com.

Open Mic at the Midnight Rooster in Hartsville - December 5, 2011

The Midnight Rooster in Hartsville will host its monthly Open Mic Night on Monday, December 5th.  Sign ups start at 6:30pm.  The music gets underway at 7pm.

Click here for more information.

The Midnight Rooster is located at 136 E. Carolina Ave. in downtown Hartsville.

------

To have your event, program or project promoted by Pee Dee Arts, email complete info to peedeearts@gmail.com. 

Artsville House Concerts to present Sofia Talvik in January 2012

Artsville House Concerts is proud to present its first international artist: Sweden's Sofia Talvik.

In 2008, Sofia became the first Swedish female singer to play the Lollapalooza festival. Having released four full-length albums since 2005, Sofia is embarking on an extensive tour in the US, starting in December 2011. Leaving her backing band at home, she is performing instead with video art that brings her stories and the mystical world of Scandinavia to life.

Artsville House Concerts is grateful that Sofia is making Hartsville a part of her latest tour.

More details to come. Contact Artsville House Concerts (artsvilleinitiative@gmail.com) today for more information and don't miss this one-of-a-kind evening!

Sofia Talvik at Artsville House Concerts
Friday, January 6th at 7pm
Hartsville, SC
Click here to RSVP (location information will be provided after RSVP).
$15 donation

Digital Photography Class - Railroad Junction, Florence, SC

Learn to create more dynamic and engaging digital photographs. Participants will be given exercises to improve knowledge about photography with weekly critiques. A digital camera and a laptop computer will be required for this class. In addition, participants will need either Photoshop, Photoshop Elements programs or some other photo editing software. If you do not have either of these programs, information will be given on how to get them.

Please bring laptop, camera, and camera manual to each class.

All photographs will be taken outside of class. Class time will be dedicated to editing photos.
Class will be Wednesdays Nov 30th and Dec 7th 2011

Time: 6-8pm
Cost: $20 for 2 classes
Instructor: Mary Williams

Call/text Betsy @ 843-245-2100 or email Railroad JunctionArt@gmail.com to sign up or receive more information.

The Hartsville-Coker Concert Association to present Pianist Dr. Stephen Carlson

Stephen Carlson will perform on Sunday, January 8, 2012 at 2:30pm in the Watson Theater, in the Elizabeth Boatwright Coker Performing Arts Center on the campus of Coker College.

Dr. Carlson is a dynamic pianist and former Coker faculty member plays music by Liszt, Beethoven's Sonata Op. 111 and Stravinsky's sparkling piano version of his ballet Petrushka.

General admission to HCCA events is $25 for adults, $7 for students and children under 18, $5 for GSSM students, and free with Coker ID. General Admission Tickets are available at the door. The box office opens a half hour prior to the concert.

Hartsville Community Chorus, Children's Chorale to perform in early December

Children’s Chorale Christmas Concert
Friday, December 2, 2011 – 7 p.m.
St. Bartholomew’s Church
Beautiful Christmas Carols from the past and present sung by our growing and talented Children’s Chorale.
                                                                                                                                            
Hartsville Community Chorus
Handel’s “Messiah”
Tuesday, December 6, 2011 – 7:30 p.m.
West Hartsville Baptist Church
Join the Hartsville Community Chorus for Handel’s timeless masterpiece. No other music symbolizes the joy of Christmas as much as this beautiful work.

For more information, contact Alexa Bartel at bartel72@bellsouth.net.

22nd Annual Holiday Prelude & Community Christmas Tree Lighting in Marion

Farmer's Market, Christmas Tree Lighting bookend a weekend of holiday celebration in Marion

  

Marion will be hosting it's 22nd Annual Holiday Prelude & Community Christmas Tree Lighting on December 3rd & 4th.  The weekend is full of great events and activities that are fun for the whole family.

  

Saturday, December 3^rd

9am -Noon: Farmer’s Market & Specialty Vendors, Photos with Santa, Hay Rides (at the old Coke Bottling Plant on the Bobby Gerald Parkway)

2pm: Free Christmas Movie in Joyner Auditorium

4:30pm: Marion Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade on Main Street

Sunday, December 4^th

4 pm.: Latta Singers, Christmas Presentation in the Marion Opera House

5 pm: Christmas Concert at Marion Baptist Church: George Hiatt, Organist

5-7pm: Pilot Club Soup & Cornbread supper, bake sale, and silent auction in the Marion Baptist Church Fellowship Hall

5:30pm: Arrival of Santa Claus at the Courthouse

6pm.: Tree Lighting Celebration in the Courthouse Square

Fireworks immediately following Tree Lighting Celebration in Withlacoochee Park!

  

Contact Dianne Owens for additional details at dowens@marionsc.gov.

SC Dance Theatre presents Sugar Plum Fairy Tea Party

SOUTH CAROLINA DANCE THEATRE

presents

SUGAR PLUM FAIRY TEA PARTY

The South Carolina Dance Theatre will present the “Sugar Plum Fairy Tea Party” on Saturday, December 3, 2011, at All Saints’ Episcopal Day School, 1425 Cherokee Road, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.

Hosted by the “Sugar Plum Fairy” and other members of the cast of the Company’s upcoming production of The Nutcracker Ballet, the tea party will feature refreshments and special events such as making ornaments, coloring Nutcracker pictures, photograph opportunities with the characters and autographs by cast members. Every ticket holder will be registered for drawings for door prizes and free tickets for the Nutcracker performance to be held the weekend of December 9th, 10th and 11th.

The Sugar Plum Fairy and other characters from the ballet will be in costume to add authenticity and excitement to the event. As children enter the tea party and the Land of Sweets, they will delight in the staging of the event with Nutcracker decorations and memorabilia. The Company Store will offer items pertaining to the Nutcracker and the Holiday Season at very affordable prices. Cameras are welcome to record the event, capturing memories with characters in costume. Attendees are welcome to attend the tea party in “dress up” costumes.

Tickets for the Sugar Plum Fairy Tea Party are $5.00 per person (adult or student) in advance or $8.00 each at the door and may be obtained from any Company member or by calling the South Carolina Dance Theatre at 669-3991. You may also email a request for tickets to scdancetheatre@gmail.com. Tickets may also be purchased at The Toy Shop.

The Sugar Plum Tea Party is an outreach of the South Carolina Dance Theatre in honor of its upcoming performance of “The Nutcracker,” a wonderful holiday classic, to be presented at the Frances Marion University Performing Arts Center.

Make reservations by calling the PAC Box Office at 843-661-4444. For more information regarding The Sugar Plum Fairy’s Tea Party, call the SCDT at 843-669-3991, send an email to scdancetheatre@gmail.com, or visit our website at http://www.scdancetheatre.org/.

For more information about this press release, contact Becky Crawford at 843-665-7727 (work); 843-621-1424 (cell).

San Jose Taiko to perform at FMU Performing Arts Center

FLORENCE – San Jose Taiko, a group of young Japanese Americans that mesmerize audiences with the powerful sounds of Taiko, the Japanese drum, will appear Tuesday, Nov. 29 and Wednesday, Nov. 30 at the Francis Marion University Performing Arts Center.

Inspired by traditional Japanese drumming, company performers express the beauty and harmony of the human spirit through the voice of the Taiko as they strive to create new dimensions in music and movement.  The group, founded in 1973, was drawn to the empowering sounds of the Taiko, the Japanese drum, an instrument that embodies the spiritual essence and heartbeat of Japan.

The performance, which is suitable for all ages, is the second of four in the center’s 2011-2012 Family Series. Also being featured during the center’s inaugural season, are four others which include Broadway shows, concerts, a variety series and shows in the Black Box Theatre.

Information on the complete season is available at www.fmupac.org.

Tickets for the show  are $15 for adults and $5 for children and may be purchased at  www.fmupac.org, via telephone at (843) 661-4444, and at the FMU Performing Arts Center Box Office. Telephone and personal ticket sales are available Monday through Friday between 12-5 p.m. Subject to availability, tickets may be available for purchase at the door.

The PAC is located in downtown Florence at the intersection of Dargan and Evans Streets.

A Christmas Goat to Debut in Jefferson & Pageland

One Family. One Christmas. One Goat. A family comedy written by Kevin Smith. Howard is convinced this is his last Christmas, and if he must join his children at the dinner table one last time, he'd rather they eat Goat. That doesn't sit too well with Vernon, Betty, and Sudie...not to mention Goat. Goat doesn't like it at all.

November 19th & 20th in Jefferson at the Jefferson Elementary School Cafeteria

December 9th, 10th & 11th in Pageland (location to be announced soon)

All proceeds from the November 19th showing will be donated to the Jefferson Community Thanksgiving Fund for feeding those in need. 

All seats are $5. All ages welcome. Purchase tickets online at http://dramamamastudio.com/goat.

For more information, contact Charity Rollins at 843.253.1767 or charity@dramamamastudio.com.  

November 17th - Pee Dee Events

There are several events taking place in the Pee Dee tonight.  No matter which one (or two or three) you choose, you'll have a great time.

Holiday Open House in Downtown Hartsville

Hartsville's annual downtown shopping event will include specials and discounts at nearly all shopping locations.  The Open House is from 6pm to 9pm.  There will be plenty to see, buy, eat and drink in downtown Hartsville tonight.  Two arts-related portions of the Open House include: Burry Bookstore will be hosting author Karen White and there will be a Jam Session at Frets 'n Necks.   

Showcase of Historic Facades in Downtown Florence

There will be a showcase of the historic building facades in downtown Florence on November 17 from 6-8pm. Five architects will prepare architectural renderings of the front and rear of 2 historic buildings each. The renderings will be presented during a wine and cheese reception at the Art Trail Gallery at 6:30pm. For more information, please contact Angela Stukes at 843.230.2039.

Francis Marion University's Jazz Express

The FMU Jazz Express will perform tonight at the FMU Performing Arts Center in downtown Florence. 
The Jazz Express is a chamber jazz ensemble devoted to the development of individual improvisation skills through the preparation and performance of literature for small jazz groups representing a variety of jazz styles and periods. 

A little earlier in the day, the FMU History Lecture Series will present Codes & Ciphers 101 in the Cauthen Education Building on the FMU Campus.  This lecture is free and begins at 4pm.

A Showcase of Historic Florence Facades - November 17th

Don't miss Christmas at the Dillon House on December 3rd & 4th

The Dillon County Historical Society will sponsor Christmas at the Dillon House on December 3^rd from 10am to 5pm and December 4^th from 2pm to 5pm. 

The J.W. Dillon House Museum is located in Dillon, SC.  Built in 1910, it was the home of Mr. J.W. Dillon, the founder of Dillon.  The Dillon House is on the National Register of Historic Places and is a classic example of Victorian Architecture.  Many of the furnishings are original pieces dating back to the early 1900s. 

Each room of the house will be decorated for the holidays by local garden clubs and volunteers.  Tours of the home will be available.  There is no admission charge.  For more information, call 843.774.6122.

Coker Christmas Festival set for December 4th in Hartsville

Coker Christmas Festival
in Memory of
W. Reaves McCall

The Coker College Music Program will present a Coker Christmas Festival at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, December 4 at the First Baptist Church in Hartsville. The Festival will be performed in memory of long-time cultural arts supporter W. Reaves McCall, who passed away in January of this year.

"Reaves McCall was a wonderful supporter of the arts in the Pee Dee region.  There were so many organizations that benefitted from his generosity.  The Coker College music program was certainly one of those organizations,” Associate Professor of Music Dr. William Carswell said.  “His support for our students, the music faculty, and the program in general was unparalleled, resulting in choral and orchestral performances of major works locally as well as funding for student travel to sing in such prestigious venues as Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the U.S. Capitol, and in Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center.  Reaves established an endowed music scholarship in memory of his wife, Lavaughn Robinson McCall, so that Coker students would continue to learn and grow for years to come.”

The Festival, highlighting music for the season, will include lesser known holiday selections as well as such familiar Christmas carols as “O Come, All Ye Faithful,” “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” “Go, Tell It On the Mountain,” and “Silent Night.”

Participating ensembles include the College’s premier choral ensemble the Coker Singers, Coker Chamber Singers, Coker Gospel Choir, Coker Brass Quartet and piano majors from the Music program. Individual performers include Dr. Serena Hill, soprano; Professor Eric Kesler, baritone; Dr. Jun Matsuo, piano; Dr. Graham Wood, French horn.

For more information about the Coker Christmas Festival, contact Carswell at 843-383-8063 or wcarswell@coker.edu.

-----------

To have your event, program or project posted on Pee Dee Arts, send information to peedeearts@gmail.com. 

Benton Henry Awarded Grant to Assist in the Publication of a Book on Tobacco Culture

 Latta's Henry Receives Grant from the South Carolina Arts Commission

The South Carolina Arts Commission has awarded a grant to photographer Benton Henry to pursue the publication of a book uniting his photography of tobacco culture and the writings of Dr. Eldred “Wink” Prince.  This new endeavor arose from the highly successful traveling photography exhibit, Tobacco Barns of the Pee Dee.  The exhibit was featured in several cities throughout the Pee Dee in 2008-09.

The new project will explore in words and images the historical memory of the Pee Dee tobacco culture by those who lived it.  “Wink and I are extremely excited to be working together again,” said Henry.  “This is something that we have talked about for some time and it’s a great feeling to know that the Arts Commission supports our project.”

The images featured in the book will come from all over the Pee Dee and will showcase several aspects of tobacco culture.  Much of the text is derived from historical research and interviews conducted in the 1990s by Dr. Prince, Director of the Waccamaw Center for Cultural and Historical Studies at Coastal Carolina University in Conway, and Dr. Robert Simpson, former Chair of the History Department at Coker College in Hartsville. 

Henry, a resident of Latta and graduate of Francis Marion University, has been a professional photography for 25 years.  Prince, a native of Loris, is the author of Long Green: The Rise & Fall of Tobacco in South Carolina.  Joining Henry and Prince in the project will be Bruce Douglas of Pee Dee Arts as editor and Nate Gulledge, a native of Chesterfield, as designer.

About the 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 Pee Dee Arts:

Pee Dee Arts is dedicated to promoting the Arts and cultural activities in the Pee Dee Region of South Carolina.  Pee Dee Arts is made possible through a unique partnership between the Florence Regional Arts Alliance, the Florence Convention & Visitors Bureau and Pee Dee Tourism.