The coordinators of the Southern Literary Festival make a splash with a big line-up of events for writers and the readers who love them. Cowboy poets, local authors, and amateur filmmakers fill in the rest of the film and literary arts offerings, with several free movie screenings, including Potemkin in Marion Square and the American Film Series at the downtown public library. The Piccolo Fiction Open returns and showcases the winning short stories with readings at Marion Square.
The True Art of the Cowboy Poet
What is it? Real-deal cowboys Joel Nelson and Michael Stevens bring scenes from the frontier to eager audiences through riveting poetry and rousing song. Why see it? Come on, Brokeback Mountain is so 2005; it’s time to expand your repertoire when it comes to cowboy culture. Plus, Nelson is Grammy-nominated, so you know the work will be top-notch. Who should go? Fans of real deal, down-home, toe-tapping entertainment. Plus, anyone who’s been looking for an excuse to wear that cowboy hat they bought two summers ago. Buzz: Looks like tickets to this hot potato are going to sell out fast — get yours while you can, because the word on the street is you won’t regret it. (Isabella Eliot)
PICCOLO SPOLETO • $20 • 1 hour • June 5 and 7 at 8 p.m. • City Gallery at Waterfront Park, 34 Prioleau St. • 554-6060
S.C. Humor in Prose, Poetry, and Song
What is it? Three funny literary men — poet/songwriter Paul Allen and novelists George Singleton and Charlie Geer — explore what makes Southerners laugh and how we make others laugh. Why see it? Charlie Geer’s acclaimed novel Outbound is a study in dry hilarity and sardonic satire while George Singleton has made a career writing about Southern eccentricity. And then there’s Paul Allen and his chapbook, “His Longing; The Small Penis Oratorio”:
Ah, Small Penis: Who does not curse
the curses they’ve been given,
their obvious ineptitudes?
You can rest assured that this performance will be rip-roaringly funny and more than a little self-deprecating. Who should go? Aspiring comedians, novelists, poets, or singers; writers currently suffering writer’s block; anyone who’s just been dumped and is in need of a few pick-me-up chuckles. Buzz: Get ready to be amused; South Carolina’s representing, and those smart boys sure can make you giggle. (Isabella Eliot)
PICCOLO SPOLETO • $15 • 1 hour • June 2 at 10 a.m. • Charleston Library Society, 160 King St. Annex • 554-6060
Potemkin
What is it? Well, it was supposed to be a screening of Battleship Potemkin, Sergei Eisenstein’s 1925 masterpiece, with the Charleston Symphony Orchestra simultaneously playing the Shostakovich score. Unfortunately, they were unable to secure the rights for the music, so the CSO will screen and accompany two movies from its avant-garde Out of the Box series, which features films created by local artists. Then, they’ll play some Shostakovich, followed by a screening of the film in its entirety. Why see it? Sure, you could probably Netflix it, but wouldn’t it be so much more fun to watch a great Russian naval mutiny outdoors with tons of people in the park? Plus, this may well be the only time you’re able to hear the CSO in Marion Square for free. Who should go? Film buffs, war buffs, anyone who’s trying to impress a date with something a little more original than a standard romantic comedy at the Palmetto Grande. Buzz: You’re getting your dose of culture, and all you have to do is show up for a movie — there you go, art made easy! (Isabella Eliot)
PICCOLO SPOLETO • FREE • 1 hour 30 min. • May 28 at 9 p.m. (Rain Date: May 30, 9 p.m.) • Marion Square • 554-6060
Charleston’s Literary Soirée
What is it? The finale to the Southern Literary Festival, this swanky garden party gives you a chance to schmooze with artsy guests while quaffing champagne and asking all those intelligent questions you’ve been practicing in front of the mirror. Why see it? It’s culture by osmosis! When you’re mingling with bigwigs from the world of politics, science, the arts, and humanities, you can’t help but learn something new. Who should go? Those who regret that they were born too late to attend a real literary salon with the likes of Gertrude Stein and Ezra Pound. Or, you know, folks who just want to drink a little bubbly and people-watch from the sidelines. Buzz: All right, so it won’t have fireworks like the Spoleto finale, but we literary types don’t need fireworks, do we? We’re much happier with a plateful of canapés and a good discussion about Faulkner’s major themes. (Isabella Eliot)
PICCOLO SPOLETO • $15 (or free with a ticket stub from any May 31-June 3 Southern Literary programs) • 1 hour 30 min. • June 3 at 4:30 p.m. • Trott’s Cottage, 83 Cumberland St. • 554-6060
Folly Felder Film Festival
What is it? Sponsored by the Actors Theatre of South Carolina, this cinematic smorgasbord showcases the works of national and local filmmakers, as judged by three movie industry veterans of the Lowcountry. Why see it? Oscars, schmoscars — there’s real talent right in our back garden. Get a peek at the new crop of avant-garde short films, and see who battles it out for the coveted Golden Palmetto. Who should go? Those bored with the usual unpalatable summer box office blockbusters; come on, expand your horizons a little! Buzz: The festival is in its third year now, and only getting stronger — make the trek out to Folly and you won’t be disappointed by the local talent. (Isabella Eliot)
PICCOLO SPOLETO • FREE • 2 hours • June 4, 5 at 7 p.m. • Charleston On The Beach Holiday Inn, 1 Center St., Folly Beach • 588-6464
Piccolo Fiction Open
What is it? An annual writing competition that gets writers across the state to submit short stories. This year’s theme tackles “Sight, Seeing, Hallucinations, and Premonitions.” Why see it? Because you don’t have to go anywhere. You can read the winning story right here in next week’s City Paper. But, the winners will be reading their work at the Petite Performance Pavilion if you’re the type who likes to be read to. Who should go? Literary lovers and supporters. Buzz: The City Paper loves this contest, and not just because some of our writers have won it. We just like knowing that there are people out there who love writing as much as we do. (Stephanie Barna)
PICCOLO SPOLETO • FREE • June 2, 2-2:30 p.m.; June 3, 1:30-2 p.m. • Marion Square, corner of King and Calhoun Sts. • 724-7305
The End of Suburbia
What is it? A free screening, sponsored by the Sierra Club, of an indie documentary that portends the future of America — and it doesn’t look so good. Why see it? Because you’re paying 3 bucks for a gallon of gas and prices are only going to increase. Who should go? Liberals, conservatives, oilmen, and Halliburton employees. Buzz: An ironic and honest look at a looming crisis, this film has been compared to Michael Moore’s Fahrenheit 9/11. (Stephanie Barna)
PICCOLO SPOLETO • FREE • June 1, 7 p.m. • Baruch Auditorium, 284 Calhoun St. • 724-7305
Help keep the City Paper free.
No paywalls.
No subscription cost.
Free delivery at 800 locations.
Help support independent journalism by donating today.
