We’ve made it through the events wasteland that is the first two weeks of January. Hallelujah! We just hope you picked up your dayplanner when they went on 80 percent off after New Year’s. You’re going to need it.
Monday. For tonight’s free fun, head to Upper King. You can start at Art and Music at Tivoli, where there will be artwork by Tivoli’s 13 resident artists, live music from Reckoning members Rusty Cole and Bobby Hogg, and food by Butcher and Bee. If photography’s more your speed, then head next door for the Second Monday Lecture Series by The Charleston Center for Photography.
Tuesday. Unwind after your long workday at Bocci’s Italian Restaurant, where you can taste their featured red and white wines. And the Charleston County Public Library is hosting an Introduction to Maharishi’s Transcendental Meditation class. Finish off the evening with Brad Taylor’s Enemy of Mine book signing at Blind Tiger on Broad Street.
Wednesday. MLK Day is Monday, Jan. 21, and you can kick start the celebrations tonight at the MLK Picture Awards. Mayor Riley and Anita Zucker will be speaking and the Charleston Development Academy Charter School Choir will perform a tribute to Dr. King. The Charleston County Public Library is presenting an Osteoarthritis Workshop, where you can learn about this common joint disorder and some ways to manage pain. Celebrate hump day with a wine and chocolate paring at Charleston Sweet Gourmet in West Ashley.
Thursday. Take advantage of this beautiful weather at the History of Botany Bay talk given by Tom Tindell at Edisto Beach State Park. For some more history and culture attend the Alliance for Full Acceptance meeting where NFL player Wade Davis will discuss what it means to be gay in the NFL and coming out as an African American man. Or check out the Eternal Vigilantes art showing at the Avery Research Center. You could also start your weekend early at the Beer Tasting at Total Wine or Tap Takeover Thursday at Bottles.
Friday. There’s not much free stuff going on tonight, but you can always fork out a little money and enjoy some laughs at any of the 15 Charleston Comedy Festival shows tonight. The All-Star JAM at Theatre 99’s just $5.
Saturday. Check out the opening reception of Defining Focus: Views of the Coast: Photography by David Batchelder and Yve Assad. And in North Charleston, the Charleston Symphony Orchestra Gospel Choir and the CSO Spiritual Ensemble will host the MLK celebration concert This Little Light of Mine.
Sunday. Wrap up the week with a screening of the Soul Food Junkies documentary in North Charleston. Then learn about DNA and genetics testing and how it can help you find your ancestors with CofC professor Chris Korey.
Stay cool. Support City Paper.
City Paper has been bringing the best news, food, arts, music and event coverage to the Holy City since 1997. Support our continued efforts to highlight the best of Charleston with a one-time donation or become a member of the City Paper Club.