Locals first

On Monday night, I had the pleasure of performing poetry for the first of (hopefully) many singer-songwriter nights at The Pour House on James Island. The monthly series brings local musicians, poets and painters together for a night of community, music and camaraderie.

The first night of the series was beautiful. The lineup featured out-of-this-world local talent. I shared the stage with Mac Leaphart, Lindsay Holler, Graham Whorley, Skye Paige, James Justin Burke, Danielle Howle, Gregory Scott, Steven Hurst, Vikki Matsis, Brit Washburn, Angela Chvarak and Joey Tucker.

Monday's show was yet another example of why I decided to make Charleston my home. We have so many talented and welcoming artists in the Lowcountry, it's hard not to be inspired every time you see a show. I am honored to be part of this scene.

Please support local artists and watch us grow. Darius Rucker's success is a perfect example of what can happen when a local talent is supported and nurtured. My hope is that kind of success reaches us all.

"Ginger: A Hansel & Gretel Tale."

Through Aug. 20 // Upper Lance Hall

Beginning today and running through Aug. 20, Pure Theatre is presenting Rodney Lee Rogers and Spencer Deering's "Ginger: A Hansel & Gretel Tale." Directed by Pure co-Founder Rogers, the play features Sullivan Graci Hamilton, Addiston Dent and Brian DeCosta and introduces Carri Schwab. The show will mark the first time Rodgers and Deering have written a play together.

Tickets are $20-$35 and are available at puretheatre.org or by calling 866-811-4111. Tickets also can be purchased the night of the show at the theater's box office. All shows will be in Upper Lance Hall at 150 Meeting Street in downtown Charleston. Seating is limited, and advance ticket purchases are encouraged. For a more detailed schedule, visit puretheatre.org or call 723-4444. Student rush tickets are available for $15 with a valid student ID at curtain time. For mature audiences only.

Lowcountry Living Picnic

6-9 p.m. Wednesday // Folly River Park

Yoga Benefits Kids, a nonprofit organization based in Charleston, will host the first Lowcountry Living Picnic, an event designed to bring companies together to celebrate the start of a new school year in a comfortable environment with food, drinks, entertainment and giveaways provided by local businesses. All proceeds from the picnic will benefit children in the Lowcountry by supporting health and wellness programs offered by Yoga Benefits Kids.

Primarily sponsored by Surf Bar, the Lowcountry Living Picnic will be held 6-9 p.m. Wednesday at the Folly River Park. Tickets are $40 per person or $70 per couple and include beer and food, door prizes and live entertainment. Kids 12 and under get in free. An after-party will be held at Surf Bar immediately following the event.

Tickets are limited and must be sold prior to the event. Tickets cannot be purchased at the door. To purchase tickets, visit Surf Bar at 103 W. Cooper Ave. on Folly Beach, call 588-2009 or contact Yoga Benefits Kids Executive Director Caryn Antos at caryn@yogabenefitskids.org.