Whew! Week one of my time in Charleston has flown by. Spoleto USA kicked into full swing Friday and I’ve done so much already. I could just list the things I’ve done so far, beginning with a Ketch & Critter and ending with popping into the board meeting this morning, but here are the highlights.
Ketch & Critter
Last Thursday was my friend Leah’s birthday. During the afternoon, we attended a rehearsal of Phillip Glass’ new opera “Kepler” (as a performing arts nerd, just being there made me tear up a bit). The early Spoleto concert this year was Ketch & Critter – you know, the front men from Old Crowe Medicine Show- and a group of us attended this outdoor concert. We had a few beers, sang along to “This Land is Your Land” and did a feverish square dance to “Wagon Wheel” and the subsequent encores.
Perfectly Normel People
My first review of the festivals was of the Piccolo Spoleto theatre series opener, an original comedy by the playwriting couple Judy and Thomas Burke Heath. One of my favorite films is “Moonstruck” – you know, the late 80′s Cher, Nic Cage flick where he takes her “to the bed.” Although the story was entirely different, the comedy was similar and I found the sweet story line about the importance of family to be very uplifting.
“Leo” After-Party
If you know me, you know I love to talk to artists about their work. I find their perspectives to be far more interesting and complex than my own. Having interviewed Tobias Wegner for an article, it was great to chat with him about his work and what he thinks about performing his show for different audiences. Although I will say that in general I’m not crazy about covering parties.
It’s been great to work alongside my arts journalism colleagues, as we work to generate content for the Post & Courier and chase stories down. There just isn’t a prouder moment for me right now than seeing my name in print. Until I have this master’s degree in my hands, I suppose….
