Getting Jazzy

Jazz music is intelligent. Therefore, when I was younger, I didn't understand it. My dad is one of the biggest jazz fans I've ever met, and he exposed me to Miles Davis' work during a time when I couldn't see past pop and folk music. It was good background noise. It was too ... out there.

Also, as a Joni Mitchell fan, I skipped over her jazz period of the '70s, which I now believe is her greatest work -- "The Hissing of Summer Lawns," "Hejira" and "Mingus."

With age comes wisdom, if you choose to take that path, and I gave jazz music another try in college. The album that changed me was Davis' "Sketches of Spain." It's truly brilliant, and I'd love for all of you to give it a spin, as well.

Locally, the jazz scene has taken off. The musicians are rock stars. Don't believe me? Catch a show at Mercato or Charleston Grill. There's nothing like it.

Greater Park Circle Play Fest

7:30 p.m. Saturdays in September // South of Broadway Theatre Company

Catch plays by Charleston favorite Nick Smith and NYC Playwrights Renee Flemings, Neal Lerner, Paul Dooley and Winnie Holzman at the South of Broadway Theatre Company's "Greater Park Circle Play Fest," happening every Saturday in September. Eight plays will be performed in staged readings over four Saturdays.

Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for students. All plays will be at 7:30 p.m. at the South of Broadway Theatre Company studios, 1080 E. Montague Ave. in the historic Park Circle district. For tickets and information, visit www.Southofbroadway.com.

Momma and the Redemption Band

4-8 p.m. Sunday // Bowen's Island

Momma and the Redemption Band will rock Bowen's Island from 4-8 p.m. Sunday. Opening will be Susie Summers and Al Pugliese backed by a full band. It's the last big party of the summer at Bowen's Island. Check out the new restaurant, which is built over and incorporates the remains of the old oyster room. Admission is $10; food and beverages are available. There also will be a full bar. E-mail smokyw@yahoo.com.

"August: Osage County"

Weekend // The Village Playhouse

This is the last weekend to see The Village Playhouse and Repertory Co.'s "August: Osage County," the 2008 Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning play that tells the tale of the Weston family of Pawhuska, Okla. "August: Osage County" is for mature audiences only due to adult language and content. Remaining shows are at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 5 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $27 for adults, $25 for seniors and $20 for students with $12 student rush tickets sold at the door (subject to availability). Purchase tickets at www.villageplayhouse.com or call the box office at 856-1579. The Village Playhouse is at 730 Coleman Blvd., Mount Pleasant, in the Brookgreen Towncenter behind Starbucks.