SPECIAL EVENTS BY DATE
This Calendar of Events lists many of Hilton Head Island's events and activities likely to be of interest to visitors. Most events are open to the public for free or at a modest charge....except where luncheons, dinners, fees for classes and/or special programs are involved. Because scheduling and location of events and activities may change without notice, please call the telephone numbers listed for confirmation, and for additional information.
DECEMBER ALL OR MUCH OF THE MONTH
“THE 1940’S RADIO HOUR,” presented by the May River Theatre. Evening performances take place Dec. 10, 11, 16, 17-18 and matinees Dec. 12 and 19. Fee for tickets. Tickets can be purchsed by calling 843-815-5581. General information about can be found by calling 843-837-7798 or going to www.mayrivertheatre. com.
“THE PAVILION,” presented by the South Carolina Repertory Company: 8 pm Dec. 2-4, 8-11, 14-18 and 2 pm. Dec. 5, 12 and 19 at the company’s theater, 136 Beach City Road, Hilton Head. There will be talkbacks after the Dec. 8 and 14 performances. Fee for tickets. For tickets and more information, please call 843- 342-2057. www.hiltonheadtheatre.com
7TH THROUGH 31ST...THE DROWSY CHAPERONE. The Drowsy Chaperone is the show Variety said “emits enough intoxicating charm for just about anyone to get drunk on.” Inventive, fast-paced and delirious, Chaperone is a hilarious show-within-a-show about a Broadway fanatic in love with a 1928 smash hit called The Drowsy Chaperone. As he plays the cast album, the show magically bursts to life, and audiences are instantly immersed in the hilarious tale of a celebrity bride and her uproarious wedding day. Nominated for 13 Tony Awards, and winner of six, Chaperone is a modern Broadway classic. Ring in the New Year at the Arts Center following a special 9:30 pm performance on New Year’s Eve! 843- 842-2787.For more information, please visit www.artshhi.com.
THROUGH 26TH...“HELLO, DOLLY!” presented by the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina: Dec. 1-26 at the Arts Center, Shelter Cove, Hilton Head Island. 843-842-2787.For more information, please visit www.artshhi.com.
10TH THROUGH 26TH...20TH ANNUAL DOVE STREET LIGHT SHOW TO BENEFIT DEEP WELL: in the Dove Street area of North Forest Beach on Hilton Head Island. Now in it’s 20th year, the community is invited to walk, drive or take a trolley ride through the spectacular light display of more than 50 beachside homes. Free and open to the public. The trolley departs from Rita’s Italian Ice in Coligny Plaza, adjacent to the Dove Street area, beginning at 5 p.m. nightly. Donations to Deep Well can be made by stopping by “The Well,” located in Coligny Plaza, from 5-9 p.m. Nonperishable food items and unwrapped holiday toys will be accepted. Financial donations may be made online at www.deepwellproject.org.
THOUGH DECEMBER 22ND...FARMERS MARKET OF BLUFFTON. Thursdays from 2:00 pm - 7:00 pm. Location: Carson Cottages on Calhoun St. in Historic Bluffton. Markets held every Thursday, 2 pm - 7 pm March 17th - December 22nd. Historic Bluffton One of the many special aspects of shopping at farmers’ markets is getting to know the farmers and vendors that work so hard to bring their beautiful offerings to market. Our farmers and producers are truly passionate about bringing you the best, freshest local food available and each has a unique story to tell. We have compiled some brief profi les to introduce you to some of our vendors. We will be adding to them as we and our farmers fi nd the time. Baby Cakes Bear Island Farm Unique, high-quality vegetables, herbs, fruits and fl owers. Bluffton Brittle Bluffton Brittle, fresh, soft peanut-brittle, is available in regular, jalapeno, white chocolate dipped, double chocolate dipped and a variety of sizes for gift giving, special occasions or just to keep for yourself. Give it a try today! Bluffton Oyster Company Brant Family Farm Brant Family Farm, owned and operated by Don & Susan Brant is located near Grays, South Carolina off of hwy 278. Cahill’s Market & Chicken Kitchen Cahill’s Market offers fresh local seasonal produce as well as eggs, honey, plants, cheese, and a variety of jams, jellies, dressings, sauces, marinades, soups, and SC dry goods in our old timey country store. Three Sisters Farm USDA Certifi ed Organic Flowers, Herbs and Vegetables Grown locally on our farm in Bluffton. Proud members of The Coastal Organic Growers, Carolina Farm Stewards and Georgia Organics. Please visit www.farmersmarketbluffton.org for more information.
THROUGH DECEMBER 30TH... FINE ART CRAFT GUILD EXHIBIT. Artists: Sheri Farbstein, Donna S Ireton, Mark Larkin, Angela Misthal, Judy Mooney and Caroll Williams. The Featured Artists Showcases highlight a different Art League of Hilton Head artist each month at the Walter Greer Gallery at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina. In addition, the gallery offers works of Art League artists for sale throughout the year. For more information, please call 843-681-5060 or visit www.hhal.org.
THROUGH DECEMBER 31ST... PUBLIC ART EXHIBITION ON HILTON HEAD ISLAND. 9:00 am - 10:00 am. Location: Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn on Hilton Head Island. Address: 70 Honey Horn Drive Hilton Head Island. 843-689-6767. Join the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry this fall for The Public Art Exhibition on Hilton Head Island, to be held on the beautiful grounds of the Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn. This public outdoor sculpture exhibition will run September 24 – December 31, 2011, showcasing 20 outdoor sculptures by regional, national and international artists. The Public Art Exhibition will share space with the Hilton Head Island Concours d’Elegance and Motoring Festival during November 4-6 weekend, so viewers can enjoy the sculptures alongside vintage cars. Hilton Head Island’s Growing Public Art Collection During the 2011 Public Art Exhibition, juried artists will compete for selection of one new piece to be added to the Town of Hilton Head Island’s growing public art collection. Sculptures will also be available for sale and a People’s Choice Award will be given. History of the Event The Community Foundation of the Lowcountry established the Public Art Fund in 2006 with a goal to bring art into the public realm and introduce it into the lives of the community, engage and uplift the viewer, add to civic pride, and enhance the unique place that is Hilton Head Island. Beginning with the Charles Fraser “Walking the Alligator” piece installed at Compass Rose Park, the Public Art Fund has laid the groundwork for a program that will benefi t the community and its many visitors for years to come. The Coastal Discovery Museum is open Monday through Saturday 9:00am - 4:30pm and Sunday 11:00am - 3:00pm. www.hhipublicart.org
MORE DECEMBER EVENTS, ACTIVITIES
1ST THROUGH 18TH...OH, COWARD! You’re invited to a marvelous party! Oh, Coward! celebrates one of the theatre’s greatest entertainers—Noël Coward. Best known for his comic masterpieces Blithe Spirit, Private Lives and Hay Fever, Coward was one of the most prolifi c songwriters of his day. Veteran SCRC director and performer, Jim Stark will bring Coward’s effervescent music, satirical quips, and witty repartee to life. South Carolina Repertory Company at their Beach City Road theater. For tickets and more information, please call 843- 342-2057.
3RD...“LET ME ENTERTAIN YOU,” PRESENTED BY THE FRED ASTAIRE DANCE STUDIO. A holiday dance performance showcase taking place at 7 p.m. Dec. 3 at the Bluffton High School Arts Center, 12 H.E. McCracken Circle, Bluffton. Features acts from movies and Broadway plays, including songs such as “Be Italian,” “Cabaret,” “All That Jazz,” “New York, New York,” “Grease” and many more. Dances will be performed by local dancers, as well as the Fred Astaire professional teaching staff. $25. 843-837-6161. www.fredastairehiltonhead. com
4TH...CHRISTMAS TOUR OF HOMES. Begin the holiday season with a festive Lowcountry tradition, the 27th Annual Christmas Tour of Homes. Spectacular homes located in the magnifi cent Belfair Plantation in Bluffton, will be decorated in their stunning holiday fi nery for your Christmas visions. The homes will be on display from noon – 5:00 PM. Fee for tickets. Available online on this website with credit card, or at HHCS Ticket outlets listed under “Buy A Ticket”, cash or check only. Each residence will feature free drawings for a Mark Roberts Christmas Fairy, donated by Pyramids, to compliment the magical afternoon tour. Sure to be a sell-out again, so plan early to attend this perennial holiday home festival. For more information, please visit www.hiltonheadchoralsociety.
5TH...THE HILTON HEAD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA presents “Celebrate the Season” featuring the Symphony Chorus. A salute to the holiday season. First Presbyterian church at 8:00 pm. For more information, please call 843-842-2032.
6TH...THE STORY QUILTS OF DOROTHY MONTGOMERY. Location: ARTworks in Beaufort Town Center. Address: 2127 Boundary Street Beaufort SC. Phone: 843-379-2787. Reception with the artist on Friday, November 4, 6 to 8pm. The gallery @ ARTworks is free to browse Tuesdays through Saturdays in November and December. In this gallery show, Dorothy Montgomery shares her collection of story quilts, her handiworkthat tells many important histories so well: The Fox and the Crow; How Ragtime Left the Delta; Allelujah and how she got her name; the Quilt begun with Found Objects; Gullah baptisms and “sperritual pillows”; and many more of the colorful figures in Montgomery’s life and knowledge. She is adept at pulling the threads of textile arts and symbolism through hearts and time. The South Carolinian and contemporary quilter has been inspired by legendary 19th Century American quilter Harriet Powers. This Story Quilts show accompanies a production of the play Quilting the Sun based on Powers’ life, also at ARTworks in November. Montgomery’s work is also inspired by her mother, grandmother, and her career as a music educator: “It is my desire that my works will spark or renew an interest in the history and creative artistry of African Americans and help others realize their own potential and possibilities.” www. beaufortcountyarts.com.
9TH...THE SOUNDS OF CHRISTMAS - A KALEIDOSCOPE OF CAROLS. Event will be at 8 pm, First Presbyterian Church on Hilton Head Island. Before you deck the halls and shop the malls, join the Hilton Head Choral Society chorus, Youth Chorale and orchestra for an evening of Christmas favorites. This spirit-lifting concert will feature traditional carols and holiday tunes from England, Europe and the USA, among them three Christmas waltzes and lots of fun audience sing-a-longs! Guest appearance by our Youth Chorale. As the Choral Society celebrates their 36th season, be sure to bring your family and friends to one of the most popular concerts of the season! Fee for tickets per person and tickets can be purchased online at www. hiltonheadchoralsociety.com.
10TH...BLUFFTON HISTORICAL PRESERVATION SOCIETY VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS PARTY/COMMUNITY OUTREACH EVENT: 6:30 - 10 pm at the Colcock-Teel Property, Bluffton. The house will be decorated for viewing. Dinner and dancing will be held in the live oak grove across the street (under a tent with outdoor heaters). Fee per person and include a 2011 BHPS membership. For more information, please call 843-757-6293.
10TH...WINTER WONDER FESTIVAL. Shelter Cove Park. 4:00-8:00 pm. Ages 2-18. Fee for admission includes activities. Parents & grandparents are free. Food sold separately. Golden Candy Cane Hunt, Local Holiday Entertainment, Roasting Marshmallows, Blowup Rides, Holiday Crafts and Much More! All proceeds benefit the Hilton Head Island Recreation Association Children’s Scholarship Fund.
11TH...BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF THE LOWCOUNTRY HOLIDAY GALA. 6 pm at the Beaufort Inn, 809 Port Republic St, Beaufort. Features food by Southern Graces Catering, silent and live auctions and music by Buddy Kosic and the Lowcountry Jazz Band. Fee per person and per couple. 843-575-5430. www.bgclowcountry.org.
11TH...PALMETTO DUNES ISLAND CHRISTMAS PARTY. 6-10 p.m. Designed for smaller companies on a budget, the party will feature cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, dinner, dancing and a cash bar. Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres will be served from 6-7 pm, with dinner from 7-8:30 pm and dancing at 10 pm. Attendees who bring an unwrapped toy to donate to Toys for Tots will receive a complimentary glass of wine.
12TH...HOLIDAY TOY RIDE. Begins at the Okatie Ale House, near Sun City. Registration begins at 11 am, ride begins at 1 pm. The group will ride in formation with BCSO escort to the Deep Well offi ces on Beach City Road to drop off toys and donations, then on to the Smokehouse on Palmetto Bay Road for lunch. Ride donation or entry is $10 with a toy, $20 without. For more information, please call 843-384-0946 or 843-816-4121.
16TH...FREE PICTURES WITH SANTA. 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm. Salty Dog at South Beach Marina in Sea Pines. 843-671-CAFE. FREE Pictures with Santa in the offi ce of The South Beach Inn. www.saltydog.com
16TH...HANDEL’S MESSIAH. 7:30 pm-9:30 pm. The community-wide Messiah concert is hosted by the Sanctuary Choir at First Presbyterian Church and is free. Come celebrate the season with us! www.fpchhi.org.
17TH...HILTON HEAD JINGLE JINGLE 5K RUN. 10:00 am - 11:30 am. Family 5K Run & Health Walk around Hilton Head Hospital Campus & Main Street to celebrate the holidays. For more information, please visit www.bearfootsports.com. 17TH...FREE PICTURES WITH SANTA. 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm. FREE Pictures with Santa in the offi ce of The South Beach Inn. 843-671-CAFE. For more information, please visit www. saltydog.com.
18TH...GINGERBREAD HOUSE DECORATING PARTY AT FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH:.10 am-noon in Fellowship Hall at First Presbyterian Church, 540 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head. Fee per house to cover the cost of the kits. For more information, please call 843-681-3696. www. fpchhi.org.
21ST...“TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS” BOOK READING BY SANTA CLAUS! 10:30 am - 11:30 am. Location: The Sandbox Children’s Museum. 843-842-7645. Santa Claus will be at The Sandbox to read “Twas the Night Before Christmas” on Dec 21st and Dec 22nd at 10:30 am. Get your picture taken with Santa! Book reading included in admission. For admission and other information, please visit www.thesandbox.org.
JANUARY
7TH...AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY WINTER BENEFIT 2012. 6:30 pm - 10:30 pm. Location: Champions Ballroom - Harbour Town Club. Join us for an evening to warm your heart to benefi t the lifesaving programs of the American Cancer Society. For more information, please contact the Chamber of Commerce at 800-523-3373.
14TH...PITTSBURGH BALLET THEATRE. Presenting works that inspires, entertains and achieves greater heights of artistic excellence year after year, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre is one of America’s fi nest. 8:00 pm. For tickets and more information, please call 843- 842-2787 or visit www.artshhi.com.
15TH...PITTSBURGH BALLET THEATRE. Presenting works that inspires, entertains and achieves greater heights of artistic excellence year after year, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre is one of America’s fi nest. 2:00 pm. For tickets and more information, please call 843-842-2787 or visit www.artshhi.com.
16TH...HILTON HEAD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA. 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm. Concert. John Morris Russell, Conductor Mozart fell in love with the new instrument, the clarinet, and wrote one of the greatest Classical concertos for it. Late in Mozart’s and Haydn’s lives the clarinet became a standard part of the orchestra in works like Haydn’s last symphony, No. 104, the “London Symphony”. Location: First Presbyterian Church 540 William Hilton Parkway. Purchase tickets online at www.hhso.org or call 843-842-2055.
17TH THROUGH 29TH... “THE BARISTAS” examines the relationship of two couples as they struggle to enjoy some time on the beach in a certain Lowcountry resort. Screamingly funny and thoughtful. South Carolina Repertory Company at their Beach City Road theater at 8:00 pm, Sunday matinees at 2:00 pm. 843-342-2057.
17TH...THE “LUNCH WITH AUTHOR” SERIES. Comprises seven events that includes lunch, an author’s talk, Q&A and book signing. Features Patricia Moore-Pastides, author of “Greek Revival: Cooking For Life” (Dec. 2, Moss Creek Clubhouse, Hilton Head); Steve Berry, author of “The Emperor’s Tomb” (Jan. 17, Holiday Inn, Beaufort); Batt Humphrey, author of “Dead Weight” (Feb. 17, Dockside Restaurant, Port Royal); and Michael Coker, Alice E. Sink and Rick Simmons (March 10, Sea Trawler restaurant, Bluffton). Berry will also host a Writer’s Workshop with his wife, Elizabeth, on Jan. 17 at the Holiday Inn, Beaufort. Fee for event. All lunches start at noon. Reservations are necessary and can be made by calling 843- 521-4147 or emailing kingsley@uscb.edu
22ND...AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION LOWCOUNTRY HEART BALL. Event at the Westin Hilton Head Island Resort and Spa. Fee per person or per tables of eight. Benefi ts the AHA. 681- 2355. E-mail judy.t.caramello@heart.org.
27TH THROUGH 29TH...”UNCORK” THE FESTIVAL. Price and location to be determined. Bring your own bottle and celebrate with us! This fun and festive party allows local and visiting wine enthusiasts to sample some outstanding wines and gourmet treats with International Wine Judges. For more information, please visit the Hilton Head Island Hospitality Association at www.hiltonheadhospitalityassociation. com or call 686-4169.
28TH AND 29TH...INTERNATIONAL WINE JUDGING AND COMPETITION. HHI Wine & Food Festival is among a limited few wine and food festivals throughout the country that incorporate an international judging an international judging component in its wine competition. For more information, please visit the Hilton Head Island Hospitality Association at www.hiltonheadhospitalityassociation. com or call 686-4169.
30TH...HILTON HEAD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA. 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm. Bohuslav Rattay, Guest Conductor 2001 HHIPC winner, Edisher Savitsky plays Shostakovich’s jaunty First Piano Concerto. The orchestra strings play Warlock’s charmingly 20th Century-tinged suite of Renaissance dances, Barber’s haunting Adagio and Suk’s beautiful and gently Romantic Serenade. Location: First Presbyterian Church 540 William Hilton Parkway. Purchase tickets online at www. hhso.org or call 843-842-2055.
31ST...“A NIGHT IN OLD VIENNA,” presented by the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra: Features Austin Williams, 2010 HHSO Youth Concerto Competition Winner and the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra Chorus. 8 pm. Jan. 31 at the First Presbyterian Church, 540 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head. 843-842- 2055. www.hhso.org
31ST...CHAMBER MUSIC HILTON HEAD. 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm. Concert. Location: Lowcountry Presbyterian Church. Simmonsville Rd & Hwy 278 Bluffton, Sc. 843.681.9969. For more information, please go to www.cmhh.org
FEBRUARY
7TH THROUGH 26TH...LEND ME A TENOR. It’s 1934, and Cleveland’s premiere opera producer is about to have a nervous breakdown. The opening night gala is about to become un disastro gigantesco, because the womanizing leading man (called “Il Stupendo” by his adoring fans) has gone missing. Divas. Flings. Impresarios. Zealous bellhops. Jealous wives. All in this fast-paced, hijinksfueled farce full of mishaps, miscues and mistaken identities. Winner of two Tony Awards, Time Out New York called Lend Me A Tenor “The most howlingly funny laugh machine to hit Broadway in years!”
9TH...HILTON HEAD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA. 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm. 30th Anniversary. Celebrate the 30th Anniversaries of Forsythe and the HHSO Sea Pines Center, Cocktails and Hors d’oeuvres: 5:00 - 8:00 pm . For more informations, please visit www.hhso.org.
11TH...A TASTE OF GULLAH. Native Island heritage and culture gets the star treatment at this celebration of all things Gullah. Feed your tummy with lip-smacking Lowcountry specialties, such as barbecue ribs, conch stew, shrimp and grits, rice & beans and okra gumbo. And feed your spirit with a full plate of storytelling, gospel music and crafts. For more information, please call 843-842- 2787 or visit www.artshhi.com.
11TH...AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY WINTER BENEFIT 2011. Event in the Champions Ballroom at the Harbour Town Club in Sea Pines Resort. Features gourmet dinner and music by the Headliners. To donate, purchase tickets or for more information, call the American Calendar of Events 28 HHI Vacation Guide & Calendar www.thehiltonheadguide.com Cancer Society at 843-842-5188 or go to www.cancer.org.
12TH...COOKS & BOOKS. 11:30 am - 3:00 pm. The palate-pleasing combination of signature food tastings from top local restaurants will be paired with well-known Lowcountry authors and topped with an exciting “The Heat Is On” chefs’ competition at Literacy Volunteers of the Lowcountry’s 6th Annual Winter Fundraiser, COOKS & BOOKS, on Sunday, February 12, 2012 from 11:30 am to 3:00 pm at The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa. The Westin is COOKS & BOOKS’ Presenting Sponsor. Coordinated by LVL’s Friends of Literacy fund-raising group, COOKS & BOOKS promises to be an afternoon of culinary delights and entertainment. Sonny Dixon of WTOC-TV Channel 11 in Savannah will serve as master of ceremonies. Admission to Cooks & Books is $15 in advance and $20 at the door. The ticket includes unlimited tastings, access to the Lowcountry authors, the chefs’ competition, “The Heat Is On” and the opportunity to vote for a favorite tasting in “The Peoples’ Choice.” For information please call (843) 815-6616 or check LVL’s website www.lowcountryliteracy.org.
12TH...9TH ANNUAL TIME WARNER CABLE HILTON HEAD ISLAND HALF MARATHON 10K AND 5K. The race begins at Jarvis Creek Park and takes participants through two parks and over the Cross Island Parkway. 843- 757-8520. www.bearfootsports.com.
13TH...HILTON HEAD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA. 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm .The Classics: Haydn and Beethoven. Beethoven’s buoyant 2nd Symphony begins to break the bounds of the classical symphony; Haydn’s Cello Concertos were among the fi rst to explore the capabilities of the cello as a solo instrument; and Walker’s Lyric has echoes of Barber’s Adagio. Location: First Presbyterian Church 540 William Hilton Parkway Hilton Head Island. Purchase tickets online at www.hhso.org or call 843-842-2055.
16TH THROUGH MARCH 4TH...“THE COCKTAIL HOUR” John returns to his family’s house, bringing with him a new play which he has written about them. Discussion fl ows during martini time. South Carolina Repertory Company at their Beach City Road theater at 8:00 pm, Sunday matinees at 2:00 pm. 843-342-2057.
26TH THROUGH 28TH...“FIDDLER ON THE ROOF” at the First Presbyterian Church: Feb. 26-28 at First Presbyterian Church, 540 William Hilton Parkway. 843-681-3969. www.fpchhi.org.
