April 11: Arts International

Arts International features Blue Dogs, Celtic rock and more

Pee Dee’s spring tradition takes place April 11 in its new downtown home

FLORENCE – Preparations for Francis Marion University’s Arts International festival in downtown Florence are underway.

The longstanding festival, one of the Pee Dee’s great spring traditions, will bring its regular mix of art, music and food to its new location on April 11. The 38-year-old festival has been held in previous year on FMU’s campus.

Activities will now center on FMU’s Performing Arts Center.

The festival runs from noon to 6 p.m. There is no admission charge and all the entertainment is free and open to the public. There is a charge for food and craft items that are on sale.

The premier event at this year’s festival will be a 2 p.m. performance by the Blue Dogs in the PAC’s amphitheatre. The “Dogs” are an earthy, Southern rock band from South Carolina, and a well-known favorite of Pee Dee music fans. FMU’s Music Industry Ensemble and the Celtic rock band Stirling Bridge are also slated to perform in the PAC amphitheatre.

The FMU String Ensemble, Vocal Edition, pianist Paolo Gualdi, violinist Terris Roberts and pianist Sumire Worman are all scheduled to perform in the PAC Black Box.

Other scheduled acts include the Jabali African Acrobats, the Chief Kamu Fire and Hula Show and the Chinese Acrobats. They will offer festivalgoers a unique perspective on arts from around the world on the festival’s International Stage. A variety of strolling musicians and performers will patrol the festival area, providing impromptu entertainment throughout the day.

Other events will include Florence-Darlington Technical College’s famous welding sculpture competition. The competition will feature teams of experienced craftsmen who will create breathtaking pieces of art on the fly, using a pile of scrap material brought in for the occasion.

Also on tap: an arts and crafts fair featuring the work of local and regional artisans, children’s activities, art displays in the Florence County Museum and Waters Building Annex, and an international food court.

The City of Florence is joining FMU as a major festival participant for this year’s events. Other sponsors include FDTC; St. John’s Episcopal Church, which is providing space for festival parking and events; Honda of SC; Nan Ya Plastics; Florence County; Pepsi Cola of Florence; and the Florence Convention and Visitors Bureau.

The festival is the union of two former festivals, Art’s Alive and the Pee Dee International Festival. Its roots date back to 1977.

For more information on this year’s Arts International festival, go tohttp://www.fmarion.edu/news/artsinternational.

First Fridays: Free Concerts in the James Allen Plaza in Downtown Florence

On the first Friday of each month the Florence Downtown Development Corp and Victors Bistro will host a free concert in the James Allen Plaza. 

The James Allen Plaza is located at 109 S. Dargan St. For more information, please call 843.665.2047 or visit www.florencedowntown.com.

Poetry Night Tonight at the Clay Pot 7-8:30p.m.

Poetry Night

Poetry Night at the Clay Pot Coffee Shop

Join Resha & Stephon as they lead us on one of the newest additions to Clay Pot events! Theme for this month..."The Night is Write." We invite you to bring a poem of your own or one from someone who inspires you to share!!

Date: Wednesday, June 25th

Time: 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The Clap Pot Coffee Shop is at 166 South Dargan

Thursday, June 19 Vino's Palette

Thursday night in Florence.  Reserve your canvas!

Through July 3rd: Don't miss the great exhibit at the Art Trail Gallery in downtown Florence

August 30th: Lyle Lovett and his Large Band at the FMU PAC

August 30, 2014 - 7:30pm 
Lyle Lovett and his Large Band

$69/$89/$99
Single tickets on sale now!
Click here for ticket purchasing information!

Lovett’s many-hued, multi-faceted career extends far beyond the musical stage. He’s appeared in a half dozen feature movies, including Robert Altman’s The Player and Short Cuts; has made guest appearances on several TV shows (he currently has a regular role in FX’s The Bridge); has written for TV and composed movie scores. Lovett met his former wife, Julia Roberts, during a movie shoot.

But it’s music, and especially live performances, where Lovett is most at home.  The Texas native’s music is an eclectic mix of swing, bluegrass, folk, country, rock and soul, that defies convention and breaks down barriers. His shows are a fascinating journey of song, storytelling and pure entertainment that leave crowds gasping for more.

The Las Vegas Journal-Review recently wrote of a Lovett concert, “When it comes to investing the concert dollar, you can’t argue with Lyle Lovett giving you straight up what you came for. … It’s not like you hear his songs anywhere else and they stand outside of time.”

A singer, composer and actor, Lyle Lovett has broadened the definition of American music in a career that spans 14 albums.  Coupled with his gift for storytelling, the Texas-based musician fuses elements of country, swing, jazz, folk, gospel and blues in a convention-defying manner that breaks down barriers.  Lovett has appeared in 13 feature films, and on stage and television.  Among his many accolades, besides the four Grammy Awards, he was given the Americana Music Association’s inaugural Trailblazer Award, and was recently named the Texas State Musician.

Lovett has been touring in support of Release Me since its release in February, 2012. The album was #1 for several weeks on the Americana charts. Produced by Nathaniel Kunkel and Lovett, Release Merepresents the end of an era as it was his last record for Curb/Universal Music Group after being on the label for his entire career. Release Me is quintessential Lyle, mixing a smart collection of originals and songs written by some of his favorite songwriters that show not only the breadth of this Texas legend’s deep talents, but also the diversity of his influences, making him one of the most infectious and fascinating musicians in popular music.

Since his self-titled debut in 1986, Lyle Lovett has evolved into one of music’s most vibrant and iconic performers. His oeuvre, rich and eclectic, is one of the most beloved of any living artist working today.

June 7th: Vicky McLain to lead Oil Painting Class at the ATG

June 20th: The Indigo Girls at the FMU PAC!

The Grammy Award-winning Indigo Girls, one of folk rock’s most popular duos, will join with the Florence Symphony Orchestra for a very special concert at 7:30 p.m. June 20 at the Francis Marion University Performing Arts Center in downtown Florence.

Tickets for the 7:30 p.m. show start at $69 and will go on sale at noon on Monday, April 28^th. Tickets are available in person at the PAC box office (201 S. Dargan St.), online at www.fmupac.org or by phone at 843-661-4444.

Twenty years after they began releasing records as the Indigo Girls, Amy Ray and Emily Saliers have politely declined the opportunity to slow down with age. With a legacy of releases and countless U.S. and international tours behind them, the Indigo Girls have forged their own way in the music business.

Selling over 14 million records, they are still going strong. Amy & Emily are the only duo with top 40 titles on the Billboard 200 in the '80s, '90s, '00s and '10s.

“Along with Simon & Garfunkel and The Everly Brothers, Amy Ray and Emily Saliers rank at the very top of all-time great duos. The sublime music-making-machine-skewering “Making Promises” is one of their finest rockers.” – The Boston Herald

After signing to Epic Records in 1988, the Indigo Girls released their critically acclaimed eponymous album to thunderous praise; it remained on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart for 35 weeks, earned double platinum status, received a Grammy nomination for “Best New Artist” and won “Best Contemporary Folk Recording.”

They were overnight folk icons who continued to live up to the high standards they’d set for themselves: they’ve since released 14 albums (3 platinum and 3 gold), received six Grammy nominations and have won one. Indigo Girls have toured with innumerable star acts including Neil Young, Emmylou Harris, Joan Baez, R.E.M., Sarah MacLachlan, Natalie Merchant, Jewel and Mary Chapin Carpenter.

The duo has balanced their long, successful musical career by supporting numerous social causes – the Indigo Girls don’t just talk the talk; they walk the walk. Having established an intensely dedicated fan base, the duo continues to remain relevant and attract new fans. With their latest release, Beauty Queen Sister, released on Vanguard Recordings, Emily Saliers and Amy Ray have secured their spot as one of the most legendary musical acts of this generation.

“Their 14th studio album finds the Indigo Girls operating as powerfully as at any time in their career, on a set of uncommonly strong songs performed with the kind of typically understated Nashville polish that affords their signature harmonies the full spotlight.” ____– The Independent (UK)

April 25th: "Paint the 5 After 5" in downtown Florence

April 25th - May 3rd: 'The Wizard of Oz' at FLT

FLORENCE LITTLE THEATRE TO PRESENT

Wizard of Oz

April 25-May 3, 2014

By L. Frank Baum, Adapted by Frank Gabrielson, with music and lyrics of the MGM motion pictures score by Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg, Background Music by Herbert Stothart

Directed by Scarlett Knight

 

 

The Florence Little Theatre will present the ACS Technologies, Habitat 2000 and Knight Software production of Wizard of Ozon April 25-Mary 3, 2014.  This production is being directed by Scarlett Knight.

This family classic  returns to close our season with the timeless story of little Dorothy Gale of Kansas, who like so many girls of her age, dreams of what lies over the rainbow.  One day a twister hits her farm and carries her away over the rainbow to anotherworld.  Come join Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tinman, the Cowardly Lion and Toto as they travel the universe of Dorothy’s imagination.

This project is made possible through funding from the Florence Regional Arts Alliance's Quarterly Grants Program, which is funded in part by a generous award from Honda of South Carolina, the South Carolina Arts Commission and the John and Susan Bennett Memorial Arts Fund of the  Coastal Community Foundation of SC.

The Florence Little Theatre is located at 417 S. Dargan Street.    Tickets go on sale Underwriters, Benefactors, Patrons and Sponsors on Monday, April 21, General Membership on Tuesday, April 22 and to the general public on Wednesday, April 23.   For more information, please call 662-3731 or visit our website at www.florencelittletheatre.org.

 

Wizard of Oz

Production Dates:

Friday, April 25 at 7:30pm

Saturday, April 26 at 11:00am

Saturday, April 26 at 7:30pm

Sunday, April 27 at 3:00pm

Tuesday, April 29 at 7:30pm

Wednesday, April 30 at 7:30pm

Thursday, May 1 at 7:30pm

Friday, May 2 at 7:30pm

Saturday, May 3 at 7:30pm

 

Tickets: $25Adults/$18Students

For more information call:

662-3731

April 9th: Dr. Phillip Powell to present a piano concert for 'Live @ Central'

On Wednesday, April 9th, 'Live @ Central' is fortunate to have Dr. Philip Powell from Coastal Carolina University to present a recital of classical music.  Dr. Powell has been on the faculty at Coastal since 1988 and presently is Chairman of the Department of Music.  His program will include music by Schubert, van Beethoven, Chopin, Debussy, Fowler and Liszt.  He has performed with the South Carolina Symphony Orchestra and also performed with the Jupiter Symphony. 

Dr. Powell maintains an active performing schedule with concerts frequently heard on South Carolina Radio.  He has served as President of the Coastal Carolina Concert Association.

 

The program will begin at 6:30.  There is a dinner at 5:30 PM. Cost is $5 for adults and $2 for children. Make dinner reservations by calling 843-662-3218.  

April 4th: Don't miss the opening of Animals at the ATG!

For more information, call the Art Trail Gallery at 843.667.0428.

March 6th - 8th: Florence to host Poskito (South Carolina Photography & Video Conference)

Historians, History Buffs, News Fiends, Photographers, Videographers, Adults, Children - there's something for all of you!

And it's all happening March 6th - 8th in Florence!

It is the first of its kind in Florence - POSKITO - 

The South Carolina Photography and Video Conference!!

     International and nationally known presenters are coming to Florence. Photography exhibits are all across the City in multiple venues! 

Click here for more info on the Poskito Festival.

Children's activities are scheduled for the Art Walk on Saturday, March 8th!

March 14th: Pot o' Gold Fun at the ATG

March 14th: Lucky Shamrock Festival in downtown Florence

March 2nd: The Masterworks Choir to perform at Central United Methodist Church

The Masterworks Choir Presents

Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs

A program of Sacred Choral Works

Sunday, March 2,  2014

4:00 & 7:00 PM  Admission Free

Central United Methodist Church

Reception after 4 PM Concert

Call to Artists: FDDC is looking for artists for the 2014 Pecan Festival

Downtown Florence's South Carolina Pecan Festival is looking for artists to participate in Art Trail on Evans during this year's festival. Participating artists will set up in and around the Art Trail Gallery on West Evans. This Call-to-Artists is for booth space and demonstrations. While sales are encouraged, artists looking to demonstrate are definitely welcomed.

Click here to access the application. Print it and send it to Allene Tellis at atellis@cityofflorence.com. The application can also be mailed to Allene's attention at the address below:

FDDC

PO Box 467

Florence, SC  29503

Vendors will be expected to exhibit from 10am to 5:30pm on November 1st.

February 23rd: Chamber Music Charleston at the ATG

FDDC Chamber Music at the Gallery Presents:

“Chamber Music Charleston” to present an intimate afternoon of chamber music, Sunday February 23, 2014 at the Art Trail Gallery with a meet the artist reception to follow. Performance begins at 5 PM. The Gallery is located at 185 W. Evans in downtown Florence.

The Program will include:

                                PIAZZOLLA The Grand Tango for Cello and Piano
                                VIEUXTEMPS Elegie for Viola and Piano
                                BRAHMS Trio for Viola, Cello and Piano in a minor, Op. 114

The musicians featured are Irina Pevzner, pianist, was born in Ukraine and raised in Latvia. After graduating with honors from the Riga National Music Conservatory, she moved to the United States with her family. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Piano Performance and Music Education from Mansfield University of PA and a Master’s Degree in Piano Performance from Carnegie Mellon University. In 2005 she received the Artist Certificate from the College of Charleston. Her principal teachers include Larisa Zakke, Marina Smirnova, Nancy Boston and Enrique Graf. Irina has performed throughout Latvia, Ukraine, Spain and the east coast of the United States. She is a frequent participant at the Piccolo Spoleto Festival in Charleston, SC. Currently she is on the faculty of Charleston Academy of Music and the College of Charleston.

Timothy O’Malley, cello, was first introduced to the cello at the age of nine when he participated in a strings program in Tucson, Arizona. Since then, his studies have brought him across the United States and to Europe. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Cello Performance from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music and his Master’s Degree in Orchestral Performance from the Manhattan School of Music. He is a core member of Chamber Music Charleston and plays frequently with the Charleston and Hilton Head Orchestras.

A native of Indiana, violist Ben Weiss attended the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. During his eight years of study there Mr. Weiss completed his Bachelor of Music degree and Performer Diploma in violin as well as a Performer Diploma in viola. While at Indiana University he was a member of the Richmond Symphony Orchestra, Terre Haute Symphony, Carmel Symphony and the Columbus Indiana Philharmonic. Ben and his wife Jenny enjoy performing together as the Weiss Duo and he has made Charleston his home to teach violin and viola at the Ashley Hall School. In addition to Chamber Music Charleston, he also performs regularly with the Charleston Symphony Orchestra and teaches at the College of Charleston. Mr. Weiss is a regular member of Chamber Music Charleston.

The series will continue Sunday March 23 with Daria Rabotkina, Russian pianist and April 27 with Aurora Mucicalis Chamber Players. Mark Your calendars now for these exciting afternoons of great chamber music.

February 23rd: Chamber Music Charleston at the Art Trail Gallery in downtown Florence

February 28th - March 8th: 'Dearly Beloved' at FLT

The Florence Little Theatre will present

Dearly Beloved

 February 28-March 8

Written by Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope, Jamie Wooten
Directed by Frankie Sullivan
Underwritten by A Friend of FLT

 

From the creators of Dearly Departed  comes another tale of the sisters, Frankie, Honey Raye, and Twink, are throwing a wedding in Fayro, Texas with the help of the cantankerous wedding coordinator, Miss Geneva, who runs the local floral shop/bus depot. But on the day of the nuptials, Frankie’s hope begins to dim when she discovers Twink’s alternative solution to an expensive catered wedding diner is a potluck supper sponsored by Clovis Sanford’s House of Meat. The sisters ultimately pull together to find ways to keep the unsuspecting guests in the pews while a highway patrolman races of to track down the runaway bride and groom.

 

Tickets will go on sale on Monday, February 24th for Underwriters, Benefactors, Patrons and Sponsors, on Tuesday, February 25th for Season Subscribers and on Wednesday, February 26th to the General Public.  Tickets are $20 for Adults/$15 for Students with a $3 discount on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings.  To  make reservations call 662-3731.

 

Dearly Beloved

Friday, February 28 at 7:30pm

Saturday, March 1 at 7:30pm

Sunday, March 2 at 3:00pm

Tuesday, March 4 at 7:30pm

Wednesday, March 5 at 7:30pm

Thursday, March 6 at 7:30pm

Friday, March 7 at 7:30pm

Saturday, March 8 at 7:30on

 

Tickets $20 Adults/$15 Students

$3 discount   Tuesday/Wednesday evenings

For  Reservations call: 662-3731.