Charleston magazine Society blog

“My most memorable Spoleto moment happened just the other day. Patrons are always incredibly grateful for the help I give them during the festival and show it in the nicest ways possible. This year a patron made a donation to the festival in my honor. I was blown away by how thoughtful this gesture was; it really showed me that they appreciate my efforts and know how much I love this festival.” Taylor Webb 

“My most memorable Spoleto experience to date was a chance encounter last week with one of the principle dancers of Ballet du Grand Theatre de Geneve. He was lost and late for a mid-afternoon workshop in downtown Charleston.We spent ten minutes together while I helped him find the “elusive locale” that ended up being the old College ofCharleston Library building off Calhoun Street. Conversation in broken French (mine) and broken English (his) kept me from understanding his name, but did allow us to discuss Charleston’s famous humidity, and the distinct smell of vegetation (which he compared to the air that one encounters in China). I also learned that the Swiss troupe- ofwhich he is a sixteen year veteran, is on to Paris from here and enjoys a hectic and far-flung schedule year round.Perhaps I was simply in need of artful diversion, but I felt quite charmed, as he left me with a smile and lightness of step that rivaled most of the southern men I know.”  Marcia L Atkinson 

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Last Saturday at Eye Level Art uptown warehouse gallery, I checked out the scene for the party in honor of The Beast of Taylor Mac performance. I was immediately greeted by two strappingly handsome models covered in body paint with the words Sexy and Beast written on their chest, ergo the theme to tonight’s party.   
 

The warehouse was not much to look at from the outside, but once inside, the simple surroundings were amplified with the strength of the artwork. My favorite DJ Authur Brothers was responsible for keeping guest entertained, while OM Cooking(holistic cuisine) offered foods that were vibrantly healthy and delicious. Who knew gRAWnola would be the new cocktail snack?
 

As I browsed the gallery I ran into a few familiar faces. Charleston magazine’s Ayoka Lucas showed up in style in a retro glam, tiered dress. The dress was so cute that another partygoer decided to wear the exact same one.  I immediately told Ayoka about this fashion travesty, and in less than three seconds she was out the door only to return moments later in a different outfit looking even more fierce. I bumped into Stacy and Sallie Smallwood, who are always bubbly and could not wait to see tonight’s performance. Stacey, who owns Hampden Clothing, was very interested in seeing the costumes.
 

Party host Jeffery Rhodes directed me to the Red Bull bar. The signature drink of the night was the “Sexy Beast.”  Two parts vodka, with a splash of Red Bull (I’m sure that is not the recipe, but it tasted like it as the bartenders were very generous.)  Jeffery introduced me to Eye Level Eye proprietor Mike Elder, who talked about the contemporary art movement among today’s artist and offered Spoleto SCENE members works at a reduced rate. I ended up purchasing a piece by artist Mandy Smart.

All in all, the party was very New York city loft, art deco chic.

Memorable Spoleto moments:

“For me, the most memorable thing about Spoleto was attending the Taylor Mac party. Being in a venue like Eye Level Art, I was excited because the space was capable of holding so much art. The diversity of the event, with so many types of people, was nice because everyone who attended felt a part of the event. It even made me contemplate buying a piece of art. Ultimately I did not, but seeing and talking with the people who shared a passion for art and local culture changed my eye. I plan on attending many more events in the future.” Foster Fox

“I’d have to say that I love the festival finale – spending a Sunday afternoon on the grounds of Middleton Place with a picnic dinner and the orchestra in the background is the perfect way to say goodbye to the Spoleto season.” Jackie Thomson

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 After the eight o’clock Monkey: Journey to the West performance Spoleto SCENE members flocked to Church Street for the annual white party.

You knew it was officially summertime when cocktails (the Ginger Monkey) were handed out as soon as you walked into the courtyard.  I immediately spotted Erin and Matt Watson, who I bumped into before the performance, and we dished about how we think this may have been the best Spoleto performance to date.  Amazed by the gravity-defying acrobats and martial arts performances, we got exhausted just talking about it.
 
As more and more people piled in, things got a little crowded as I made my way to the garden area to converse with the Monkey cast members.  Ok, not a lot of conversing went on since they spoke very little English. They seemed to be having a great time despite the language barrier. They were taking pictures of each other and laughing and that is when I made my move. I motioned a few of them over and held up my camera and they immediately struck a fierce pose. Their style was very wild and in your face (some even dressed in white). I loved it. The girls dressed in colorful, printed tanks (I saw a lot of polka dots) with the ballerina skirts, with the guys in sleeveless and chest bearing shirts.
 

The SCENE members were glammed up as well. There were all shades of white (although a few people even wore black) and styles. My favorite dress was worn by Tiffany Griffin, who wore a strapless, white sheath dress with an oversized white bow on the front. Very cute.  
 

Asian inspired hors d’oeuvres by James Burns Catering were passed around butler style. I am sure the server with the Sesame Seared Tuna on Crisp Wonton with Ginger Sauce was sick of me by the end of the night. I waved her over a few times (well, maybe more than a few times).
 
Before the end of the night, I was given a personal home tour by one of the party hostesses, Mary Ramsay.  Mary’s grandparents graciously offered their home for tonight’s festivities. The home was beautifully decorated in the old Charleston-style with a lot of their family furniture still in use. I went out onto the second story balcony and watched the crowd below. Everyone appeared to be having a wonderful time.

Memorable Spoleto moments:

“My memory is not as good as it use to be, but I really loved seeing Ella Fitzgerald when she was here.  I loved seeing Gregory Hines, The Alvin Ailey Dancers & of course, the Dance Theatre of Harlem. I loved many events, but those are still quite clear to me.” Gloria M. Bell 

“Going to last year’s Spoleto SCENE white party and meeting Charlie Chaplin’s granddaughter Aurélia Thierrée.” Sara Corbett

“This season of Spoleto has already produced two great memories, and there’s more to come! Meeting one of the gentlemen who play the Monkey King was definitely a highlight—following the Friday night, gravity-defying performance. And the Taylor Mac party brought out some of the best from Charleston’s young professional scene, not to mention the brightly-painted entertainment.” Erin Watson

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