Kryzstof “Kris” Baczmaga was a passionate soccer player, coach, and parent who passed away suddenly and unexpectedly while playing the game he loved. He left behind his wife and two young children. Friends have set up a silent auction before this Friday’s (May 9) Battery Game, to benefit two funds to help Baczmaga’s family. The auction will include signed soccer balls and jerseys from the MLS team.
When strings are pulled to divert traffic from a couple of blocks of King Street, you expect excitement. The chilly, overcast weather was a harbinger of last Monday’s third annual Lacoste Fashion Show which kicked off the Family Circle Cup in style … until one frantic socialite wannabe broke free from the loosely packed crowd. She full-on tackled the winner of the Ultimate Fashion Getaway contest, Will Bailey. Scratching and screaming as she clawed him to the ground, beating him with her clutch, it was evident someone else really wanted to attend Fashion Week in Bryant Park, courtesy of Lacoste. It was her golden ticket, not his. Stunned, Bob Siegel dropped his microphone, Mayor Riley looked on with dropped jaw, and the frozen crowd gasped behind their oversized sunglasses. I WISH! Instead predictable tennis fashions draped local College of Charleston student models, as they also showcased adorable doggies up for adoption through Pet Helpers. People clapped, music was played, spray-on tan was evident, and dreams of hanging out in crowded tents at Bryant Park were crushed. —Svetlana Minx
FILM | Excellent entertainment at Marion Square
The school year is coming to a end. Finals, papers, and presentations are breathing down the necks of quite a few Charlestonians (i.e. all those Cougars and Cadets). For these guys, grades will be determined in the next couple of weeks and the pressure is on (big time). Thinking about this crisis being faced by so many students, it’s impossible not be reminded of one of the most ground-breaking and life-changing films of our time — Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure. This cinematic masterpiece chronicles the epic quest of two high school students (played by Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter) for a passing grade in history class. Watching this movie would be a great way to show solidarity with all the stressed-out college kids sleep-walking around the city these days. Plus, it would be totally fun. Fortunately, there is no need to hit blockbuster or adjust your NetFlick line-up to get this done. Simply stroll on down to Marion Square Friday evening for the second showing of City Paper’s month-long Movies in Marion Square series. The flick won’t start ’til dark, but get there early for music (provided by Justin Burke and Zach Hood) and snacks (provided by Mellow Mushroom, T&T Kettle Korn, and Häagan Dazs). It’s gonna be a bodacious park party, but don’t forget — it’s all for the (college) kids. —Meaghan Strickland Fri. April 25. Music starts at 6 p.m., movie starts at dark. Free. Marion Square. Corner of Calhoun and King streets. (843) 577-5304 ext. 140. www.charlestoncitypaper.com
THEATER | Journey through the underworld
Take a fresh look at a timeless love story with Sarah Ruhl’s award-winning play, Eurydice, presented by PURE Theatre. Ruhl blends her contemporary voice into a lyrically redesigned take on the classic myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, told through the eyes of its heroine. After dying abruptly on her wedding day, Eurydice must journey through the underworld, reunite with her father, and struggle to retain her memories of her lost love. An accomplished playwright from New York City, Sarah Ruhl won the MacArthur Fellowship in 2006 and was described at the ceremony as “a playwright creating vivid and adventurous theatrical works that poignantly juxtapose the mundane aspects of daily life with mythic themes of love and war.” Eurydice promises to be no exception, written with Duhl’s unique comic voice and directed by PURE Theatre’s co-founder and Artistic Director Sharon Graci. The play features a stellar seven-person cast, including Amanda Franklin Johnson, Brian Smith, Rodney Lee Rogers, Chad Layman, with New Music Collective Musicians Nathan Koci, Bill Carson, and Ron Wiltrout, and Nick Jenkins in the role of the Stones. For a special preview (on a college-student budget), attend one of the two special Pay What You Can nights on Thurs. April 24 and Wed. May 14, or for a closer look at this play and its actors, stay for the Talkback sessions every Thursday after the show. —Gervase Caycedo April 25-26, May 1-4, May 8-10 and May 14-17. PURE Theatre, 701 E. Bay St. (843) 723-4444. www.puretheatre.org.
EVENT | Plane to see
Planes are one of those things that when you sit and ponder them for awhile, they start to seem a little mind-blowing. I for one will never understand how these giant, heavy contraptions manage to fly so effortlessly through the air. But you know what’s even crazier? Watching those same planes perform acrobatic stunts. The heroes over at the Charleston Air Force Base are putting on a free, huge air expo all day Saturday, and the main attraction is the USAF Thunderbirds. The Army’s Golden Knight’s parachute team will perform daring freefall jumps throughout the day, and Patty Wagstaff will perform “one of the most thrilling, low-level aerobatic routines in the world,” according to the website. You’ll also get a chance to check out aircraft from the past to the present, including the Boeing 747 Dreamlifter, one of only two in the world. You’re sure to have a fly time. —Erica Jackson Sat., April 26, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (843) 963-EXPO, www.charlestonairexpo.com. Charleston Air Force Base, (North Charleston). (843) 963-1110.
FESTIVAL | Friends don’t let friends eat imported seafood You’ve seen the bumper stickers, and you’ve no doubt heard people talking. Folks are passionate about local food, particularly the local shrimping industry. The Blessing of the Fleet and Seafood Festival, now in its 21st year, celebrates our local shrimp fleet and blesses them for the upcoming season. But this isn’t a church service — it’s a party! The festival generally attracts over 10,000 people from across the Southeast with seafood from area restaurants (like Noisy Oyster, Gullah Cuisine, Seel’s Fish Camp, and Locklear’s), an arts and crafts show, children’s activities, music from the East Coast Party Band, and more. Show your support for the local seafood industry by joining the throng for this fun springtime event. No alcohol, pets, bikes, skateboards, or glass bottles allowed. —EJ Sun., April 27, 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Free, (843) 849-2061, www.townofmountpleasant.com. Alhambra Hall, 131 Middle St., (Mt. Pleasant)
EVENT | For your secret garden
Every April, hundreds of people line up outside Gaillard Auditorium in the early morning light. As the opening hour draws near, the crowd grows restless, until they join in a countdown the last few seconds. At 8 a.m., the crowd is set loose, and they rush toward a 40 by 60-foot tent containing … plants. Thousands and thousands of plants. It’s the seventh year for the Charleston Horticultural Society’s Plantasia, featuring tropicals, annuals, perennials, shrubs, and more from local growers and Society members. Along with everyone’s favorite varieties, you’ll find some new, rare selections, like the Lespedeza “Little Volcano,” a bush clover from a town in Japan that’s covered with bright red-purple throughout the fall. Also look out for the Bulbine fruticosa “Hallmark,” whose yellow-orange flowers bloom from April until November. Nearly 100 horticulturally trained docents will be on hand to help you make your selections. Check out the “Real Yard Sale” for donated (some new, some used) garden accessories like statues, fountains, and pots. Proceeds from this rain or shine event benefit the educational programs and projects of the Horticultural Society. Cash, checks, and credit cards accepted. —Erica Jackson Sat., April 26, 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Free, (843) 579-9922, . Gaillard Municipal Auditorium, 77 Calhoun St. (843) 577-7400, www.charlestonhorticulturalsociety.org.
FILM | Hail to the hobo
The invention of the train was a huge turning point in the history of America — lots of stuff went down when they burst onto the scene. Some good (dining cars), some bad (exploitation of labor), some ugly (striped conductor hats). Most interestingly perhaps, trains allowed for the development of the now fastly fading hobo and tramp subculture. Trains were used by these dudes (and dudettes) to seek work and tour the world (er…country). Unsurprisingly, their story has captured the imagination of contemporary filmmakers, John Bennett and Shawn Lukitsch in particular. These guys and their independent film company, Agency Films, are on a mission to preserve the history of the American train tramp with their traveling Hobo Film Festival. The festival includes not only their work, but that of dozens of other filmmakers and it will be touring all along the Eastern seaboard, starting in Miami. Fortunately for us, the fest will make a stop in Charleston. For a nice big slice of American life, head over to the Map Room next Wednesday. —Meaghan Strickland Wed., April 30, 9 p.m. The Map Room, 1650 Sam Rittenberg Blvd., (West Ashley), (843) 769-6336, www.themaproom.net.
Coming up next week: Charleston International Film Fest, Cinco de Mayo, Kentucky Derby Party, North Charleston Arts Festival, and more!
Thursday night’s Great Gatsby Gala grew a crowd of 1920s, ’50s, and ’00s-attired guests (apparently some people didn’t do their research) to 28 Bridgeside, a swanky venue overlooking the Ravenel Bridge. The evening kicked off with a stupendous sunset, then continued on with plentiful hors d’oeuvres (lobster dip and perfectly-fried green tomatoes were highlights) and an open bar. The live and silent auctions wound up taking up the main chunk of the evening, with one of the more popular items being an adorable little Spaniel pup that seemed a little overwhelmed by all the commotion but brought in about $800. Expecting a night of drinking and dancing, the length of the auctions was slightly disappointing, but how can you complain when all the money benefitted the Boys and Girls Club? When the bidding finally ended around 10:30 p.m. (the event was set to end at 11 p.m.), the Black Tie Swing Band played a few songs to a diminishing crowd. Dancing was a dangerous prospect, as the few people on the dance floor seemed under the impression that kicking their legs wildly was some kind of ’20s dance. Bruised knees and historical inaccuracies aside, it was fun to see a crowd put so much effort into an event, and the children of the BGC certainly benefitted from their enthusiasm.
On Monday, Maria Sharapova told me that her game gets stronger and her confidence grows as tournaments progress. If that holds true this week, the rest of the field at the Family Circle Cup is in big trouble. Sharapova decimated second round opponent Bethanie Mattek, 6-0 6-0, en route to an easy victory in her first match of the tournament. Sharapova, coming off a win at the Bausch and Lomb Championship on Sunday, showed no signs of fatigue from a short rest as she improved her clay court record to 5-0 for the season. Not even 60 points were played overall, and if not for double faults and a few unforced errors by Sharapova, there would have been less. Her dominance bodes well for a potential quarterfinals face-off between Sharapova and world-number-eight Serena Williams; a prospect Cup organizers are surely salivating over.
But for them to meet on the Stadium Court Friday evening, each woman must win her next match. Williams, who is coming off of a recent victory in Miami, took her own second round match against Gisela Dulko in straight sets. She has her hands full early this afternoon with 12 seed Katarina Srebotnik, who has twice reached the quarterfinals of the Family Circle Cup.
Sharapova’s easy victory, and her ability to play with minimal rest, may prove significant because she also plays today, less than 24 hours after besting Mattek. Her opponent, Tatiana Perebiynis, already surprised some fans by ousting Anabel Medina Garrigues, saving Sharapova a potential repeat of the grueling three-hour, 27 minute slugfest between her and Garrigues in the third round at Amelia Island last week.
Williams has fallen behind 3-5 to Srebotnik in her first set, and I’ll be keeping a close eye on her match as well as Sharapova’s. If both of them prevail today, you can bet I’ll be part of a huge crowd tomorrow night; watching eagerly as a reigning member of women’s tennis royalty takes on what is fast becoming the face of its future.
Yesterday, I went toe to toe with two of the biggest names in women’s tennis: Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova. Alas, I wasn’t the only reporter in the room, but the small crowd made for a great opportunity to ask the superstars a few personal questions.
When Sharapova entered the media tent, her celebrity status was immediately apparent. Those present seemed hesitant, almost deferential at first, unsure how to approach someone they were more used to seeing in commercials and on billboards. Once everyone got settled in around her table though, the standard softball questions began to fly. Somebody asked how she would like to spend her 21st birthday, which is this Saturday. Sharapova looked slightly amused, “What’s Saturday?” She asked. “It’s the semi-finals right? That’s where I’d like to be.”
I took advantage of a pause to ask Sharapova about how she handles the fact that, especially among young people, she has transcended the sport of tennis, and become someone just as likely to be found on the cover of Us Weekly as Sports Illustrated. She paused for a moment. “Tennis always comes first,” she said. “I am so thankful for the other opportunities that have come to me and my family because of tennis. I learn more about business every day than I did in two years of economics in school. But the thrill of competing in front of thousands of people and winning; that’s why I’m here. Everything else is just an added bonus.”
Williams, older and more experienced than Sharapova, actually seemed less at ease with reporters, but she did give us a few minutes. When I asked whether she was disappointed about the unexpected absence of number-one-ranked Justine Henin from the Family Circle Cup, Serena began to laugh. “Well I didn’t even know she wasn’t here until you told me, so no, I guess not,” she said. “Honestly, I don’t get concerned about who I’m going to play. I’ll go up against anybody. Except Federer or Nadal. Or Santoro. Anybody but them. Especially Santoro.”
After such a candid response I felt emboldened to ask the question on everybody’s mind about her sister Venus’ recent hiatus. “I have a rule that I don’t talk about Venus,” she said. Then she smiled conspiratorially, “But I don’t expect it to last very long. She’ll be back. She’s gonna be around Charleston this week, so you can ask her yourself.” Let’s hope I have the chance.
All in all, media day was an educational, even heady, experience for this intern. Many thanks to the Family Circle Cup organizers and the players themselves for making it possible.
Qualifying round action at the Family Circle Cup women’s tennis tournament on Daniel Island began Saturday, and delivered the enthusiastic crowd an exciting preview of the coming week. Late in the afternoon, American Angela Haynes faced a tough challenge from Cara Black, the Zimbabwean half of the number one women’s doubles team in the world. Using her experience, savvy court sense, and a precision backhand, Black took the first set 6-4, then led briefly in the second. But after a half-hour rain delay was called with the score knotted at three all, the six year age difference between the two women began to take its toll. Haynes came back and used her superior leg and ball speed to ultimately overpower Black, taking the second set 5-7, then the third 4-6.
The weather started perfectly and a good crowd filled the grounds of Family Circle Cup Stadium. Under a beating sun, the scattered hospitality tents and strawberry lemonade stands recalled memories of ChazzFest. Fortunately for organizers though, the crowd wasn’t nearly that size, because there are still a few logistical kinks to be worked out. Parking at the stadium was confusing and the appropriate directional signage was not well displayed. This reporter almost got himself arrested by a clearly hot and bored CPD officer while trying to find the media lot. Hopefully that will be addressed before the hordes descend on Daniel Island later in the week.
Want to be one of the poor saps whose lives are videotaped then selectively edited to make them look as horrible as possible for the scrutiny of all the American people? Carry on Charleston’s tradition of churning out quality reality TV stars this Friday at Mad River down on the Market. Big Brother casting call is from 4-8 p.m. April 11. Go to www.cbs.com to fill out your application beforehand.
Too lazy to get up for the Bridge Run on Saturday? Want to see if you got captured by our paparazzi (aka me)? Check out the full Cooper River Bridge Run photo gallery right here, kids.
THEATER | Move over, Geraldo
In April, The Footlight Players present the final performance of their second LateNight Series season. An original play, This War Is Live was written by Jeff Messer and is directed by J.C. Conway. Live tells the story of a group of embedded war correspondents in Iraq during 2003, as a devastatingly violent insurgency grows on the ground, while back home the official White House message remains: “Mission Accomplished.” Documentary filmmaker Grant Blake struggles to define and uncover the true status of the war and the purpose of America’s mission. The production addresses issues of journalistic integrity and the ethical obligations of a military at war. Messer and Conway also touch on other hot-button topics like gays in the armed forces and the manipulation of media to influence public opinion. —Josh Eboch Fri., April 4, 5-9 p.m., Sat., April 5, 5-9 p.m., Thu., April 10, 5-9 p.m., Fri., April 11, 5-9 p.m. and Sat., April 12, 5-9 p.m. $10/Thursdays, $15/Fridays and Saturdays. Footlight Players Theatre, 20 Queen St. (843) 722-4487, www.footlightplayers.net.
RUN | Bridge Run, here we come!
The Cooper River Bridge Run is poised to take over Charleston this weekend and, despite mass road closings, it promises to generate rather than discourage activity. The Bridge Run has been held in Charleston since the ’70s and, although now a 31-year-old, it remains one of the most happening races in the Southeast. In fact, according to CRBR’s website, it’s the “best organized and best conducted 10K race in the world.” (No mid-life crisis on the horizon!) While the race itself is quite a production — last year’s involved almost 40,000 participants, many of whom dressed in outrageous costumes — the 10K trek isn’t all that’s included. The CRBR is three-day extravaganza filled with a pre- and post-race expo at the Galliard Auditorium (lots of giveaways), a kids’ run, a wheelchair race, the Finish Festival, and loads of sister sideshows. Locals luck out this year at the Finish Festival Award Ceremony with the new Chick Fil-A “Top 100” award, which goes to the top 50 local men and women finishers. (Unfortunately, it’s still only the top 15 that get that cash.) Jonathan Sanchez’s Tenth Annual Bridge Run Show is one event that helps kick off the jam-packed weekend. Sanchez, the owner of Blue Bicycle Books, has written a short story celebrating the Run every year for the last 10 years, and he plans to read his most recent run-related tale on Thursday. But, no worries. Sanchez’s show isn’t some sedate, finger-snapping affair; it’s going to be a celebration al fresco complete with beer, wine, and conversation. If you are looking for post-race, cool-down events, the popular local band The Blue Dogs plan to play at the I’On Westlake Amphitheater on Saturday. All things considered, snarled traffic seems a minor sacrifice for such a fun few days. Plus, there’s a chance to get another one of those groovy Cooper River Bridge Run tees. Start stretching, Charleston! —Meaghan Strickland Sat., April 5. (843) 937-4183, www.bridgerun.com.
FESTIVAL | Flower power
Hang on to your hot glue guns and sweetgrass baskets, the Flowertown Festival is back. Summerville’s annual arts and crafts festival is now the largest in the state and ranked as one of the top 20 events in the southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society. This year, over 200 artists and vendors will have their crafts on display, along with food, live music, a tennis match, a children’s carnival, and a tour of historic homes and gardens. It’s going to be a busy three days in Azalea Park. So bring the kids, bring the parents, but leave the dog; unfortunately pets are not welcome. And remember, this is a family event, so fill your flask before you leave the house because alcohol will not be available for sale. —Josh Eboch April 4-7. Free. (843) 871-9622. Azalea Park, Corner of S. Magnolia and E. 4th streets, Summerville.
FILM | Refreshingly jetstreamy
Back in the ’60s, Bruce Brown and friends revolutionized surfing with the cult classic The Endless Summer, in which they traveled the world in search of the perfect wave. They went to Australia, Tahiti, Africa, Hawaii, and a few other places, transforming them into hot spots for traveling surf bums the world over. But over time, the places lost their magic, with everyone and their brother headed there on their own surf odysseys. Surfers seemed to be growing too complacent, thus forgetting the idea of exploration and adventure that was the basis of The Endless Summer. Photographer Dustin Humphrey and filmmaker Taylor Steele decided to bring the adventure back to surfing, and they’ve started a movement with their articles, books, and a film exploring truly exotic locales called Sipping Jetstreams. With big-name surfer buddies in tow (like Timmy Curran, Dane Reynolds, and Dan Malloy), they headed to Greece, Italy, Morocco, Cuba, Japan, and Egypt, documenting everything with the underlying idea that travel keeps you young and alive. As part of the Charleston International Arts Festival, El Bohio is hosting a Cuban fiesta, where Sipping Jetstreams will be shown. You’ll get a chance to see this beautiful film and enjoy live entertainment, food, beer, wine, and an awful case of wanderlust. —Erica Jackson Sun., April 6. $30/advance, $35/door, (843) 697-5471. El Bohio, 1977 Maybank Hwy. James Island. (843) 571-4343.
FESTIVAL | Who’s your crawdaddy?
Anyone looking for an excuse to stuff themselves full of delicious creole cuisine while jamming out to some serious Zydeco tunes won’t want to miss the 17th annual Lowcountry Cajun Festival at James Island County Park. The local and regional chefs at this festival will be cooking up mouth-watering authentic Cajun and Creole fare including jambalaya, etouffe, ’gator, andouille sausage, seafood, and barbecue. Oh did we mention tons of fresh, steaming crawfish? If you love to eat crawfish, you’ll want to at least check out and possibly enter the crawfish eating contest. But make sure you know how to properly eat one before you dig in; start by taking the head in one hand and the tail in the other, twist the little bugger apart, and use your thumb to push the meat up the tail and pull the meat from the top with your teeth. Those who aren’t into sampling the featured cuisine will be happy to know there are also standard festival foods like hotdogs and burgers. Texas band Big Red and The Zydeco Playmakers and the more edgy sound of Curley Taylor and Zydeco Trouble will be performing. Other festivities include a rock wall, local crafts market, carnival rides, inflatables, and games. This event promises to be fun for everyone in a ragin’ Cajun environment.— Tim Hoyt Sun. April 6, 12-6 p.m. $8/advance, $10/gate, free/kids. James Island County Park. 871 Riverland Drive. James Island. (843) 795-4386. www.ccprc.com/cajun
SPORTS | Who let the ‘Dogs out?
After a long, cold winter, baseball fans can finally rejoice: the RiverDogs are back! Charleston’s favorite baseball boys return next week, opening their 15th season with a game against the Savannah Sand Gnats (swat!). The first 5,000 fans will get a free magnet schedule, and everyone can check out the new menu items and post-game fireworks. As always, the ’Dogs have some fun promotions lined up for the season. Tuesday’s game will feature two-for-one ticket specials, Wednesday’s game (11:05 a.m.) is “Education Day,” and Thursday sees the long-awaited return of Thirsty Thursdays, with $1 food and drink specials and reggae music from Da Gullah Rootz. They’ll be in town through the 14th, so get out there and howl for your ’Dogs. —Erica Jackson Ongoing. $5-$10, (843) 577-3647. Joseph P. Riley Jr. Stadium, 360 Fishburne St.
