News Summary
The Lowcountry Jazz Band will hold a concert titled ‘A Tribute To The First Lady Of Song: Ella Fitzgerald’ at the Church of the Palms. This free event features an 18-piece band and vocal performances, showcasing Big Band classics loved by Fitzgerald. In addition, local author Larry Chewning will host a book signing for his new work, ‘Questionable Behavior,’ paralleling the concert. Community events reflect the vibrant Lowcountry culture, celebrating music, literature, and local traditions.
Okatie, SC – The Lowcountry Jazz Band is set to honor the legendary Ella Fitzgerald with a free concert titled “A Tribute To The First Lady Of Song: Ella Fitzgerald.” The event will take place at 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 25, at the Church of the Palms, located at 1425 Okatie Highway in Okatie. This musical tribute features an 18-piece band along with vocal performances by Mary Manges and Josh Hamilton.
The concert will showcase some of the Big Band classics that Fitzgerald loved and famously recorded. Attendees can look forward to renditions of popular tunes including “Cry Me a River,” “Dream a Little Dream of Me,” “Fly Me to the Moon,” “The Lady Is a Tramp,” “Sweet Georgia Brown,” and “What a Wonderful World.” Additionally, the concert will include a special duet of “America” performed by Ray Charles, further enhancing the tribute to Fitzgerald’s influence on jazz music.
In tandem with the jazz concert, local author Larry Chewning will host a book signing for his new work, “Questionable Behavior.” The signing will take place at the Beaufort Bookstore from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Friday, May 23. Chewning’s book is a collection of short stories centered around college life in the South during the 1970s. The tales blend humor with heartwarming accounts of the challenges faced by students in a rigorous “work hard and play hard” culture. Chewning asserts that his stories are sure to resonate with anyone who has experienced Southern college life or participated in Greek life.
In addition to these local events, the South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) is inviting public review and feedback regarding a project it is currently undertaking. This opportunity encourages community members to engage and contribute their perspectives on education-related initiatives in the state.
The Gullah Traveling Theater is also contributing to the cultural events in the area with a performance of “Decoration Day.” This production will be presented on Tuesday, May 13, from 6 to 7 p.m. at the USCB Center for the Arts, with Lady’s Island Middle School taking the lead in presenting this theatrical event. This performance aims to preserve and showcase the Gullah culture through storytelling and music.
Looking ahead, the Bluffton Boiled Peanut Festival is scheduled for September 21 at the Bluffton Oyster Factory Park, promising a day of fun, food, and community activities focusing on local favorites, particularly boiled peanuts. In October, the Historic Bluffton Arts & Seafood Festival will run from October 12 to October 20 at various venues throughout Bluffton, celebrating local arts, crafts, and seafood culinary delights.
These events reflect the vibrant community spirit and rich cultural heritage of the Lowcountry, providing opportunities for residents and visitors alike to celebrate music, literature, and local traditions.
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Additional Resources
- Island News: Art Briefs
- Wikipedia: Ella Fitzgerald
- Island Packet: Bluffton Community News
- Google Search: Lowcountry Jazz Band
- Island News: Local Events
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Jazz
- Island News: Larry Chewning Book Signing
- Google News: Gullah Theater
- Island News: Bluffton Boiled Peanut Festival
- Google Scholar: Southern College Life
