The Charleston Symphony Orchestra takes its audience on a musical trip around the world with help from special guests such as local Latin percussionist Gino Castillo and the Charleston Taiko Drummers. Join in the journey that includes symphonic blockbusters like Gershwin’s “American in Paris,” Brahms’s “Hungarian Dance,” and Ravel’s “Bolero.” Charleston Gaillard Center, 95 Calhoun St. Thursday, 7:30pm. $108-$20. (843)729-5212, www.gaillardcenter.org
Black Jacket Symphony is back to recreate Queen’s A Night at the Opera with vocalist Marc Martel. In this new two-set performance, Black Jacket Symphony translates the rock album into a symphonic piece, then performs additional Queen hits. Charleston Music Hall, 37 John St. Thursday, 8pm. $40-$35. (843)853-2252, www.charlestonmusichall.com
Charleston artists Rachael Nerney and Julia Deckman make their debuts in a one-night-only joint show at the Miller Gallery. While Deckman utilizes vivid color and bold imagery and Nerney paints nuanced forms and textures, the two share similar inspirations from the kitchen table. Their work pays tribute to Charleston’s culinary community and the art of food as a universal language. Join them at the Miller Gallery for the opening reception on January 18. The Miller Gallery, 149 ½ East Bay St. Monday-Wednesday, 10am-5pm; Thursday & Saturday, 10am-8pm; Sunday, 11am-5pm. Free. (843)764-9281, www.millergallerychs.com
Described as a Friends-meets-Seinfeld romantic comedy, 34 West Theatre Company’s She Drives Me Crazy returns after a sold-out three-month run last summer. Go back to the ’90s for the story taking place in a fifth-floor walk-up full of love, angst, and the search for better coffee. Choose from a menu of champagne cocktails, wine, craft beers, sodas, and savory snacks while you enjoy the show. 34 West Theatre Company, 200 Meeting St. Days & times vary. $35. www.34west.org
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
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
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
Treat yourself to fare from award-winning chefs and wine from top makers during a dazzling weekend at The Sanctuary supporting research at the MUSC Hollings Cancer Center. The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, 1 Sanctuary Beach Dr., Kiawah Island. Thursday-Saturday, times vary. Prices vary. (843)792-1669, www.musc.ejoinme.org
