Redux Art Center is teamed up with B’zar Clothing creating their own inspiration this weekend. Friday the 22^nd of August, they are hosting The Munny Show 2.0. The event was created to feature and support the diverse underground local art scene as well as give back to the local community through youth-focused art programs.

The viewing will be held at the Redux Art Center in downtown Charleston from 6 to 8 pm, followed by the auction from 8 to 9:30, then ending with a party from 9:30 to 11 pm. All proceeds will go to support the free and local education and outreach initiatives of Redux Art Center.

So, what is a Munny? Create your own! The artists involved range from graphic designers, painters, illustrators, graffiti artists, clothing and jewelry designers, as well as many other artistic voices.

Not sure how to “be green” like everyone’s telling you to be? Coming up September 28^th, the Charleston Green Fair will be held in Marion Square.

Reputable green festival planning company, Seven Star Events, has been hired to ensure the fair is truly sustainable and has zero-impact. Enjoy a variety of entertainment: speakers, musicians, demonstrations, as well as plenty of food and “green” exhibitors for family, home and office, food, health and wellness.

Still not convinced? Charleston’s finest Mayor Joe Riley is on board supporting the green effort! The Lowcountry has so many amazing programs and services to offer, so come check them out. You’ll be surprised how easy it is being green.

Photo courtesy of CharlestonGreenFair.org

Canadian rocker Bryan Adams continues his special acoustic solo tour across the United States with this visit to Charleston Music Hall on July 21st. Originally conceived to debut songs from his latest disc, 11, the acoustic tour works, Adams says, because that’s how the songs began. “The album started out as an acoustic record, and halfway through I sort of switched gears and decided to make sort of an acoustic rock record,” says Adams.

11 was released in Canada and throughout the world, in the fall of 2007, and released in the spring of 2008 in the United States, where it is available exclusively at Wal-mart stores. 11 debuted atop three international charts, including Canada, India and Switzerland, and was Top 10 in Austria, Denmark, Germany, Portugal, the UK and Holland. The appropriately titled disc, produced by Adams, is his 11th album of all-original music and features 11 songs.

The show starts at 8:00 p.m., doors open at 7:00 and tickets are $40. To purchase, visit any Etix outlet, Cat’s Music, call (800) 514-3849 or visit Etix.com

To request a review copy of 11 and an interview with Bryan Adams, contact: Marlene Palmer, marlenepalmer@shaw.ca, 604.763.2284

Photo courtesy of charlestonmusichall.com

Just a quick note to say how inspiring it was Monday to watch community leaders meet under one roof to help establish a framework for the region’s future. I’m talking elected officials, developers, conservationists and business executives… more than 150 participated in Charleston’s Reality Check, which was put on by the Urban Land Institute.

The goal of the game was to use legos to plot growth in the tri-county area, focusing on infrastructure, population/household growth, commute times and affordable housing. So many of the participants with their own formulated opinions, yet by the end of the day all were committed to core values:

“the desire to maintain green space; the need for sustainable communities where people can work, live and play without long commutes; the demand for a public transportation system like a light rail to connect outlying areas to Charleston; and the high-priority need to redevelop blighted urban areas and establish affordable housing.”

Charleston is in good hands… and if these leaders hold up to even a small portion of their commitment to the cause, Charleston will only continue to thrive and prosper.

Alright, I didn’t get to make the first Kulture Klash, but I heard it was a rock’n good time. Here’s some pics to get you excited about the next one (scheduled for Spring ‘08):

Warm up those vocal chords, drink lots of fluids and pop in your most inspiring tune… ’cause American Idol is coming to town!

This weekend is sure to be entertaining — at least for Paula, Randy and Simon, who are in town for American Idol auditions. I think it’s pretty cool that Charleston was one of seven cities chosen around the country for this popular singing competition. So, tell your friends, coworkers and neighbors to audition this Saturday. Who knows… perhaps Charleston will produce the nation’s next top singer.

For more information on the audition process, visit the American Idol/Charleston.

ULI South Carolina and the Lowcountry Housing Trust are holding a half-day program called Housing for All: Developing Housing for the Workforce. The event will bring together regional developers, realtors, engineers, planners, government entities and housing providers to discuss the issues related to workforce housing, including local barriers, solutions and implementation strategies. Hear from local and national developers, planners and experts about the latest trends in developing housing for the workforce!

The $25 registration fee includes hot breakfast and resource materials. Visit the ULI website to register online and to get more information. The deadline for online registration is Friday, May 18.

Date: Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Time: 7:30 am- 11:00 am
Location: 10 Storehouse Row (2120 Noisette Blvd) North Charleston

Cool event at Redux this Saturday (4/21) …and one you should attend to support the gallery/studio….

REDUX ART FACTORY FUNDRAISER
12pm- 9pm ALL DAY EVENT!!!
Admission Free- All works $5-$75

Live artists create original work for immediate purchase. Audience participation is encouraged. You’ll take home: Drawings, Paintings, Original Prints, Sculptures, Jewelry, Digital Photos, Music Compositions + Much More…

For those of you not familiar (both of you)…..Redux Contemporary Art Center is a non-profit gallery and studio center created to encourage and promote all contemporary visual art media. They assist emerging and under represented visual artists through providing affordable 24 hour access to professional studio facilities, financial and technical assistance to artists, innovative educational programs, public lectures, and original exhibitions.

It’s spring in Charleston…the weather is awesome..and it’s time to get up and out. In case you didn’t notice, this weekend there’s a smorgasborg of outdoor adventure for you to dive into. Or at least watch. Here’s a run down:

17th Annual East Coast Canoe & Kayak Festival - You’ll find all things paddling related at James Island County Park this weekend. The festival runs Friday through Sunday and features classes, demonstrations, kids stuff, bbq/lowcountry boil and more.

East Cooper Coastal Triathlon - This is the 3rd inagural racing of this IOP-based triathlon. Swim in the ocean (.6 miles), ride along IOP and Sullivan’s Island (16 miles) and then run over the IOP Connector to Mt. Pleasant (5 miles) to make it official.

Sixth Low Country Volkswagon Race Weekend - Held in I’On Village, this bicycle race will bring out the big guns as they compete in the I’On Village Smackdown on Saturday and in Hampton Park on Sunday. Apparently there’s a heated rivalry brewing between the VW team and the Charleston Bicycle Company team…so that should keep things interesting. Slip on your short tights and come out to cheer.

And for you nature lovers…this weekend is Earth Day and there’s a Forest Trails Day event in Awendaw on Saturday, a Wine & Warblers event at Audubon’s Francis Beidler Forest in Harleyville on Saturday, and Congaree National Park’s NatureFest off of 26 near Columbia on Saturday and Sunday.

So there it is…..get out and enjoy.

What’s better than a fine bowl of grits? The World Grits Festival..that’s what. From tomorrow (4/13) through Sunday at the World Grits Festival you can eat more ground corn than you care to imagine, learn how to make/cook them, enjoy live music, and even roll in them. It all takes place in charming St. George…just an hour away from downtown Charleston. See you there.