Image by Flickr user NYCAuthor Not all Piccolo fun costs cash.
You don't have to pay anything to enjoy many of the festivities that come with the Piccolo season. Piccolo Spoleto offers up dozens of events that have no admission fee.
Be sure to scroll all the way down as the Piccolo Spoleto Finale is not to be missed.
Charleston Farmers "Festival" Market
May 22-24, 29-31 and June 5-6; Friday and Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; SAT. 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Marion Square, King and Calhoun streets
Piccolo Spoleto Outdoor Juried Art Exhibition
May 22-June 6; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Daily
Marion Square, King and Calhoun streets
Award-winning artists display their works and offer free demonstrations each day.
★ Trombones!
Friday, May 22: 6-7 p.m.
U.S. Custom House, East Bay Plaza
Palmetto Posaunen, a trombone choir of approximately 40 trombone players, presents a free concert, including selections from Baroque and Classical literature as well as Broadway tunes, jazz, and yes, of course, "76 Trombones" from The Music Man.
Sunset Serenade
Friday, May 22: 8-9:30 p.m.
U.S. Custom House, Concord and Market streets
A free outdoor pops concert featuring the Charleston Symphony Orchestra playing Big Band hits with internationally acclaimed guest artist, the Wycliffe Gordon Quartet. Come early to hear The Palmetto Posaunen, 40 trombone players with percussion, perform at 6pm on the East Bay Plaza of the U.S. Custom House. Note: Walk down the street to McCrady's Restaurant with the musicians.
★ Sandsculpting Competition
Saturday, May 23: 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
Front Beach, Isle of Palms
Children's Festival: "Sing, Sing a Song"
Saturday, May 23: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Marion Square, King and Calhoun streets
Music, storytelling, ballet, arts and crafts and lots of fun for children of all ages. Live entertainment includes Dance Carolina performing Alice in Wonderland; Robert Ivey Ballet performing The Velveteen Rabbit; The Electric Company's fabulous breakdancing; Very Special Arts: Drumming Group; Very Special Arts: Chorus Group; Panjamdrum Steel Band; Carolina Studios; Susan Conant and Hungry Monks; and The Lowcountry Flute Circle of South Carolina. Jump castles, pony rides, and even gymnastics fun on the Fun Bus. The zany Seed and Feed Marching Abominable Band from Atlanta, Georgia, dressed in their kooky outfits will also be there. Finally, the Children's Museum of the Lowcountry will be on hand to guide children in the construction of colorful kites, wind socks, and other kinds of magic that will make their imaginations soar.
★ Seed and Feed Marching Abominable Band
Saturday, May 23: 11:30 a.m.-Noon
Children's Festival at Marion Square
11 p.m.-1 a.m.
Pajama March at U.S. Custom House
Sunday, May 24:
11:45 a.m.-1 p.m.
Patriotic Red, White and Blue Concert at U.S. Custom House
The Seed and Feed Marching Abominable from Atlanta, Georgia is now in its 35th year as an all volunteer organization, with membership ranging from serious professional musicians to not-soserious musicians who just love to play along with dancers, and baton twirlers. With colorful costumes, zany antics and music ranging from rock and roll, pop, swing and standard Sousa marching tunes, this band is not to be missed. For more information visit www.SeedandFeed.org
All That Jazz: A Battle of the Best High School Jazz Bands in the Lowcountry
Saturday, May 23: 7-10 p.m.
U.S. Custom House, Concord and Market streets
A Big Band showcase that opens with the internationally renowned Wycliffe Gordon Quartet followed by five of the tri-county's best high school jazz bands each performing individually, segueing to the Piccolo Spoleto All-Star High School Jazz Band who will show off their considerable talent. All of this leading up to the fabulous grand finale with the entire assemblage of jazz professionals and the accomplished high school musicians performing The Charleston and When the Saints Go Marching In.
★ Bluegrass Cookout at The Ponds with Tammerlin and Sugar Hill
Sunday, May 24: 5-7 p.m.
Farmhouse Pavilion at The Ponds, 326 Hundred Oaks Parkway, Summerville
Bring your picnics and lawn chairs and enjoy the Lowcountry's favorite folk and bluegrass groups Tammerlin and Sugar Hill for a family-friendly night of guitar strumming and upbeat harmonies in a beautiful, rustic setting. Tammerlin fuses traditional folk with innovative sounds that will create a new, varied folk art. Sugar Hill's performance is inspired by and will honor those who fought in the Civil War, along with a salute to the veterans of World War II and the Vietnam conflict. Folk singer/ banjo player Kathie Livingston will emcee this special event. Food and soft drinks available for purchase thanks to Swamp Fox District Boy Scout Troop 759. Arts and crafts activities coordinated by Flowertown Elementary School.
Memorial Day Concert in Marion Square
Monday, May 25: 3-4:30 p.m.
Marion Square
Charleston and Columbia Community Bands present a concert to honor veterans and members of the armed forces.
Daniel Island's Piccolo Spoleto Memorial Day Concert
Monday, May 25: 6-7:15 p.m.
Etiwan Park, Daniel Island
The 208th Army Band of Concord, NC honor our nation's history with a program of marches, popular music, show tunes and jazz. The primary mission of the band is to promote the espirit de corps for our fighting forces, and to serve as a goodwill ambassador throughout North and South Carolina. Please note: food vendors will not be present; we welcome you to bring a picnic dinner, blankets and chairs as seating will not be provided. Off street parking will be available in the Bishop England High School parking lots located directly across the street from the venue. Daniel Island residents are encouraged to walk or bike to the event.
Drum Circle
Saturday, May 30: 6-7 p.m.
U.S. Custom House, East Bay Plaza
Adande, African drummers and dancers, performs Triba, a time-honored dance celebrating the social gathering of all people.
★ Break It Down Now! "A Through the Decades Block Party"
Saturday, May 30: 7-11 p.m.
U.S. Custom House, Concord and Market streets
Entertainment ranges from an 80's cover band and break dancers to local performers playing today's music and includes performances by Quiana Parler and Friends, Bueller, and Spaced Invaders. This event also takes you through the 80's to today while highlighting how far we have come through the last few years environmentally. Step out on our "green carpet" dressed in your favorite 80's or 90's attire or get creative and make an outfit out of recycled materials.
Bluegrass on The Green
Sunday, May 31: Noon-4 p.m.
Marion Square, King and Calhoun streets
Other Brother Entertainment and The Charleston City Paper present the first annual "Bluegrass on the Green," a free music concert set in beautiful Marion Square. Bring your blankets and bask in the sun while listening to the rootsy Bluegrass sounds of this year's headliner and local favorite, Common Ground.
Jazzin' The Spirit
Thursday, June 4: 5-7:30 p.m.
Robert Mills Manor Courtyard, 20 Franklin St.
Come join us for the 5th annual jazz picnic sponsored by the Housing Authority of the City of Charleston. Enjoy the soothing sounds of jazz underneath beautiful magnolia trees in the Robert Mills Manor Courtyard, behind 20 Franklin Street. People of all ages are invited to come lift their spirits with an evening of music, fun, food and family.
Bluegrass Cookout at The Ponds with Yeehaw Junction
Friday, June 5: 7-9 p.m.
Farmhouse Pavilion at The Ponds, 326 Hundred Oaks Parkway, Summerville
The Lowcountry's premier bluegrass group, Yeehaw Junction, is keeping the spirit of traditional bluegrass music alive with a picnic-style, family-friendly night of uplifting bluegrass sounds. The harmonious blend of guitar, bass, banjo, mandolin and fiddle will bring you to your feet. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs since you will be surrounded by a refreshingly natural atmosphere. Folk singer/banjo player Kathie Livingston will emcee this special event. Food and soft drinks available for purchase thanks to Swamp Fox District Boy Scout Troop 759. Arts and crafts activities coordinated by Flowertown Elementary School.
★ Piccolo Spoleto Finale: "A Global Village of World Music"
Saturday, June 6: 4-9 p.m.
Hampton Park, 30 Mary Murray Blvd.
This high energy finale wraps-up the festival with a fabulous line-up of groups whose music spans the globe. Groups include The Daniel Island School Taiko Drum Group, Carolina Studios, Carolina Klezmer and Sababah. Please note coolers containing alcoholic beverages are not permitted in Hampton Park. There will be no fireworks show.
