The Off-Road Duathlon—open to all skill levels—returns to the scenic trails of Laurel Hill County Park. Participants 16 and up begin with a two-mile run followed by a seven-mile bike ride and finish with two more miles on foot. The top three male and female finishers receive awards, but all participants get finisher medals. Laurel Hill County Park, 1400 Hwy. 41, Mount Pleasant. Saturday, 8:30am. $54-$45. (843)795-4386, www.charlestoncountyparks.com
Charleston Stage presents a stage adaptation of Lois Lowry’s Newbery Award-winning book Number the Stars. When German troops start “relocating” the Jews of Denmark, 10-year-old Annemarie Johansen’s family takes in her best friend, Ellen Rosen. Through Annemarie’s eyes, watch the Danish resistance assist nearly the entire Jewish population of Denmark to escape across the sea to Sweden. Dock Street Theatre, 135 Church St. Saturday & Sunday, 3pm. $30.75. (843)577-7183, www.charlestonstage.com
Center Street shuts down for the annual Taste of Folly, complete with a chili cook-off, hot dog-eating contest, and mechanical shark rides. Local restaurants and other Folly-based vendors serve up delicious eats. Whether you’re there for the food or not, enjoy live music, carnival games, local art, auctions, and the “server Olympics.” Bring your family and your appetite for this popular Lowcountry event. Center St., Folly Beach. Sunday, 10am-4pm. Free. www.follybeach.com
Raise your glasses in celebration of Park Circle wine bar Stems & Skims' three year anniversary. Enjoy a special food menu featuring meatballs, lamb burgers, and more - not to mention a croquembouche from Mirabelle Bakery - along with wine pairings from Matt Tunstall. Stems & Skims' friends Corrie and Shuai Wang of Short Grain will also be in attendance and delivering some exciting news: their new restaurant venture, Jackrabbit Filly, is set to open in Park Circle later this year. Stems & Skins, 1070 Montague Ave. Sunday, 6-10pm. Free. (843) 805-4809, stemsandskins.com
Don’t miss this chance to see the New York City-based Martha Graham Dance Company. Until 2020, their EVE Project celebrates the 1920 ratification of the 19th Amendment—which granted women the ability to vote—with works centered around female power. Charleston Gaillard Center, 95 Calhoun St. Tuesday, 7:30pm. $102-$27. (843)724-5212, www.gaillardcenter.org
Catch tunes from bluegrass-rock group Greensky Bluegrass’ latest album, All for the Money, just released on January 18. The title is tongue in cheek, explains Paul Hoffman, mandolin player for the 18-year-old band: ”Clearly, we aren’t a band all for money. We did it for romantic reasons such as love, catharsis, and because it mattered to us and the listeners. We wanted to have fun with the paradox of the title though.” Grab a ticket to find out just what he means. Charleston Music Hall, 37 John St. Wednesday, 8pm. $29.50. (843)853-2252, www.charlestonmusichall.com
The fifth annual Charleston Jazz Festival shakes up the Holy City this month. Nestor Torres and his Miami band perform his Latin Grammy-winning tunes on January 24, with Bobby McFerrin and Ranky Tanky (shown above) sharing headliner status at the Gaillard on January 26. Also on the docket: an all-star lineup of locals at Dockery’s and Family Jazz Day at the Sottile. Locations, times, & prices vary. (843)242-3099, www.charlestonjazz.com
See history in the making at this 65th annual celebration granting Carolopolis Awards for historic buildings in categories such as exterior rehabilitation, total restoration of historic structures, and new construction in the Holy City. After the ceremony, enjoy a reception featuring live music and a silent auction benefitting The Preservation Society of Charleston. The Riviera Theatre, 225 King St. Thursday, 6-9pm. $100-$75. (843)722-4630, www.preservationsociety.org
Join the Charleston Symphony for an evening of c hamber music at the picturesque City Gallery at Joe Riley Waterfront Park. This performance, which features musicians from every section of the Charleston Symphony, explores the vast colors and styles of some of the greatest chamber music from the past 250 years. City Gallery at Joe Riley Waterfront Park, 34 Prioleau St. Friday, 7pm. $40-$10. (843)723-7528, charlestonsymphony.org
The Charleston Running Club holds its signature event for the 35th year. Dashing through the beautiful streets of Sullivan’s Island, the race honors the memory of Dr. Charlie Post, a Holy City triathlete and family physician, and funds an annual scholarship in his memory through the College of Charleston’s athletic department. Join in on the fundraising fun. Corner of Middle St. & Station 15 St., Sullivan’s Island. Saturday, 8:30am. $30 15K; $25 5K. (843)224-1386, www.charlestonrunningclub.com
The Great Amazing Race, based on popular TV show The Amazing Race, comes to town with a 1.5-mile course full of physical challenges involving teamwork. This race series has promoted health, wellness, and teamwork since 2012, holding more than 60 races a year across the country. The events benefit the Max Cure Foundation, a childhood cancer foundation that funds pediatric cancer research, provides support to families with children in treatment, and advocates for legislative and regulatory changes. Look for a pair of sneakers to donate to kids with cancer and find a partner for this fun-filled race, which promises to be “way more exciting than a 5K race!” James Island County Park, 871 Riverland Dr. Saturday, 2pm. $80-$50. (513)518-0528, www.greatamazingrace.com
Journey through the musical life of George Gershwin in this North Charleston POPS! concert. Award-winning pianist Richard Glazier entertains the audience with “Embraceable You,” “Can’t Take That Away,” Piano Concerto in F, and more, while the orchestra grooves to “Fascinating Rhythm,” “Strike Up the Band,” and selections from Porgy and Bess and American in Paris. The audience can learn about one of America's most popular jazz composers not only through his music but with vintage photos and videos. North Charleston Performing Arts Center, 5001 Coliseum Dr., North Charleston. Saturday, 7:30pm. $37-$17. (843)529-5000, www.northcharlestoncoliseumpac.com
Pack up your chairs, picnic blankets, and—of course—oyster knives for a Lowcountry tradition inviting folks to shuck boatloads of bivalves while hanging out on the scenic grounds of Boone Hall Plantation. A food court is filled with fare from area restaurants, party band The Distinguished Gentlemen is among the performers taking the stage, and a children’s area keeps the kids busy. Boone Hall Plantation, 1235 Long Point Rd., Mount Pleasant. Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $25-$17.50; $125 VIP; free for child under 10. (843) 853-8000, www.charlestonrestaurantassociation.com
Hosted by the Empress of Charleston Pride, Carmella Monet Monroe, the Divas of Drag Brunch features the largest line-up of drag performers at one event in Charleston. This all-ages show benefits We Are Family, an organization providing support for youth who have been marginalized based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. Listen to music by DJ PiO and watch one-of-a-kind drag performances while sipping vodka, bourbon or rum punch – all for a good cause. The Royal American, 970 Morrison Dr. Sunday, 12-4pm. Free. (843) 817-6925
The New York Times bestselling authors Lisa Wingate (The Sea Keeper’s Daughter), Patti Callahan Henry (Becoming Mrs. Lewis), and Mary Alice Monroe (A Lowcountry Wedding) visit Isle of Palms for the annual Wild Dunes Author Series. Enjoy refreshments as Monroe leads an intimate conversation with the three nationally recognized authors. Tickets include a cocktail, light refreshments, and $5 towards a book purchase. Sweetgrass Pavilion, 5803 Palmetto Dr., Isle of Palms. Sunday, 2-4pm. $40. (866)359-5593, www.destinationhotels.com/wild-dunes/
As part of its “Southbound” exhibition, the Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art commissioned Dr. Rick Bunch—a professor in UNC Greensboro’s Department of Geography, Environment, and Sustainability—to design an interactive map of the South. During this free lecture, hear him speak about the map, which is on view at the Halsey and available at southboundproject.org. College of Charleston Simons Center for the Arts, 161 Calhoun St., Room 309. Tuesday, 6pm. Free. (843)953-4422, www.halsey.cofc.edu
Acclaimed singer-songwriter Neko Case is touring to promote her first solo project in five years. She began thinking of this endeavor in 2016 while at a Woman Producer summit, after which she wrote songs with collaborator Paul Rigby to tell new stories and use new sounds. While recording the album, Hell-On, in Stockholm in 2017, she learned that her home in Vermont was burning to the ground. Emotions brought on by that personal tragedy imbue the collection and will surely make for a passionate performance. Charleston Music Hall, 37 John St. Wednesday, 8pm. $46-$26. (843)853-2252, www.charlestonmusichall.com
Your New Year’s resolution to do good this year trumps the one regarding your food and alcohol consumption, right? This decadent fundraiser at The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort highlights award-winning chefs and wineries while benefitting cancer research and patient support at Hollings Cancer Center. Full weekend packages are available, but guests may also purchase tickets for individual events, such as the opening night Gourmet & Grain, combining barbecue and Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon, and Saturday’s Wine Odyssey Gala. The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, 1 Sanctuary Beach Dr., Kiawah Island. Thursday-Saturday, times & prices vary. (843) 792-1669, www.musc.ejoinme.org
Figurative artist Matt Story displays his collection of work capturing underwater movements of a central figure surrounded by bright, uplifting colors. “Breaking the Surface” celebrates the artist’s emotional connection to the colors and symbolism of the underwater world. Don‘t miss the opening reception from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, February 1, where the artist will be present for questions. Robert Lange Studios, 2 Queen St. Daily, 11am-5pm. Free. (843)805-8052, www.robertlangestudios.com
Concertmaster Yuriy Bekker is both conductor and soloist for this Charleston Symphony Orchestra concert featuring Handel’s Royal Fireworks. Bekker plays two roles for Handel’s famous orchestral suite, which was written in 1749 to celebrate the end of the War of Austrian Succession. It was performed for the first time during an outdoor festival in England and was followed by a massive fireworks display that caused a three-hour traffic jam on London Bridge. Charleston Gaillard Center, 95 Calhoun St. Friday & Saturday, 7:30pm. $108-$20. (843)724-5212, www.gaillardcenter.org
Back in 2000, a grassroots organization called Save The Light formed, dedicated to ensuring that the 1876 Morris Island Lighthouse wouldn’t be swallowed up by the sea. But preserving such a landmark isn’t easy—or cheap. Help raise funds for needed repairs during this half marathon and 5K that finishes at the Tides Hotel with post-race snacks and awards. Folly Beach Pier, 101 E Arctic Ave., Folly Beach. Saturday, 8:30 a.m. $50 Half Marathon; $30 5K. (843) 795-4386, www.ccprc.com
Join fellow pet-lovers for the 19th annual oyster roast supporting Dorchester Paws, a nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of animals in Dorchester County. Find endless oysters, beer, and wine with live music from Saluda Shoals and prize-packed silent auctions. Summerville Country Club, 400 Country Club Blvd., Summerville; Saturday, 6pm. $60. (843)871-3820, www.dorchesterpaws.org
Established in 1956 when the Shanghai Opera House was completed, the renowned Shanghai Opera Symphony Orchestra is known best for its interpretation of classical symphony repertoire. It plays pieces by Chinese composers, such as Xian Xinghai, He Zhanhao, and Chen Gang, as well as works by the likes of Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, Dvorak, Brahms, and Mozart. Come and enjoy the international array of sounds. Charleston Gaillard Center, 95 Calhoun St. Tuesday, 7:30pm. $87-$27. (843)724-5212, www.gaillardcenter.org
The Magpie Salute, a reincarnation of sorts of The Black Crowes, is a blissful blend of blues and rock established in 2016 by former Black Crowes guitarist Rich Robinson, alongside other Crowes members and Robinson’s solo band musicians. While their repertoire originally included mainly covers, their forthcoming two-part album, High Water I and High Water II, is comprised of original works. As per the United Kingdom superstition, greet the next magpie you see, and some good just might come your way. Charleston Music Hall, 37 John St. Tuesday, 8pm. $35. (843)853-2252,www.charlestonmusichall.com
The brilliant, shy, and extraordinarily introverted Christopher Boone—a 15-year-old living in a small English town—decides that he must investigate the murder of his neighbor’s poodle, Wellington. His mission draws him on an expedition across England, all the way to bustling London. Discovering the wonders of the outside world ultimately helps him learn new and wonderful things about himself. Watch it all unfold in Charleston Stage’s performance of the Tony and Olivier Award-winning play based on Mark Haddon’s novel of the same name. Dock Street Theatre, 135 Church St. Days & times vary. $66.75-$33.75. (843) 577-5967, www.charlestonstage.com
The Pod Save America political podcast was launched in January of 2017 by four former Obama staffers including speech writers Jon Favreau and Jon Lovett. Since then, the podcast has reached more than 1.5 million listeners per episode, and the hosts are joined by journalists, politicians, and comedians for a freewheeling discussion about the current political climate. The live conversations mimic podcast topics and are sure to be witty, hilarious, and thought-provoking all at once. North Charleston Performing Arts Center, 5001 Coliseum Dr., North Charleston. Thursday, 7pm. $195-$38. (843)529-5000, www.northcharlestoncoliseumpac.com
The American College of the Building Arts (ACBA) recognizes the Hon. Joseph P. Riley at this annual gala celebrating citizens’ service in preservation and the building arts. Being among the nation’s longest-serving mayors, Riley helped Charleston grow rapidly during his term and was a major figure in founding ACBA. The full-day event honoring him includes everything from lunch to dinner receptions. Proceeds raised will go toward establishing the Joseph P. Riley Jr. Community Room & Lecture Hall, which acknowledges his impact on ACBA and greater Charleston community. The Old Exchange, 122 E. Bay St. Thursday, 12:30pm lunch; 7pm general reception. Prices vary. (843)266-7845, www.acba.edu
There were no rules for artists Olivia Bonilla, Elise Thompson, Mar Hester, and Angela Chrusciaki Blehm’s works in “Alternate Dimensions.” Between Bonilla’s extraordinary cupcakes stacked like a skyscraper, Chrusciaki Blehm’s wood assemblages, Thompson’s abstract paintings portraying evolutionary shifts, and Hester’s sculptural photographs, this intriguing display shows that art can take any form. Join the artists at the opening reception on February 8 from 6 to 8 p.m. and catch Artist Talks on February 9 from 11 a.m. to noon. Miller Gallery, 149½ East Bay St. Monday-Wednesday, 10am-5pm; Thursday-Saturday, 10am-8pm; Sunday, 11am-5pm. Free. (843)764-9281, www.millergallerychs.com
“The kid in all of us wants to mound their ice cream to the sky,” notes Olivia Bonilla, who used gypsum cement to sculpt the whimsical Cupcake Tower #1, shown at left. She’s one of four artists featured in this Miller Gallery exhibit devoted to unconventional fine art. Elise Thompson displays paintings created on translucent materials like chiffon and clear vinyl. Mar Hester’s photographs of extreme environments are mounted to sheets of aluminum and folded into origami-like sculptures. And Angela Chrusciaki Blehm creates graphic wooden assemblages. Meet them at the opening reception on February 8 from 6 to 8 p.m. Miller Gallery, 149½ East Bay St. Monday-Wednesday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thursday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (843) 764-9281, www.millergallerychs.com
White House garden historian Linda Holden and Flower magazine editor Margot Shaw visit for Historic Charleston Foundation’s Spring Luncheon. Ahead of the Festival of Houses & Gardens in March, Holden and Shaw discuss the legacy of Rachel “Bunny” Mellon, the famed horticulturist and garden designer who worked alongside her husband, Paul Mellon. In addition to the gardens of friends living throughout the Northeast, Bunny designed the White House’s Rose Garden and East Garden at the request of President Kennedy, as well as gardens at multiple homes belonging to Hubert de Givenchy. Captain James Missroon House, 40 East Bay St. Friday, 11:30am-2pm. $150. (843)723-1623, www.historiccharleston.org
