Dance, Music, Theatre...
It's hard to imagine a more culturally alive city than Charleston.

The city's love and passion for the arts dates back to 1731, when Charleston hosted the first concert series held in the New World. For the two and a half centuries since, the city has continued to embrace and nurture the arts, passing along this passion from generation to generation. Today, the tradition continues, with a full schedule of dance, music and theater offerings that tempt and enrich residents and visitors year round.

One glance at the area's overflowing arts calendar reveals a virtual feast of Broadway shows, symphony orchestra concerts, dance company performances and even Charleston's own internationally renowned arts festival.

Held every spring, the Spoleto Festival USA has been an integral part of the area's cultural fabric since 1977 when Pulitzer prize winning composer, Gian Carlo Menotti selected Charleston as the American counterpart to his Festival dei Due Mondi held annually in Spoleto, Italy. Spoleto features over 120 performances of opera, dance, music and theater in venues throughout historic Charleston. Piccolo Spoleto, Charleston's home grown counterpart to Spoleto Festival USA, draws attention to the many artists and artisans from throughout the Southeast. With over 500 Piccolo Spoleto performances and events happening simultaneously with Spoleto's rich schedule, the Charleston area literally explodes with arts and cultural activities for 17 glorious days each year.

In the fall, the City of Charleston sponsors the MOJA Arts Festival, a multi disciplinary event produced and directed by the City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs. MOJA, a Swahili word meaning "one," is the appropriate name for this celebration of harmony amongst all people in the community. The festival highlights the many African American and Caribbean contributions to Western and world cultures. Events include visual arts, classical music, dance, gospel concerts, jazz concerts, poetry, R&B concerts, storytelling, theater, children's activities, traditional crafts, ethnic food and much more.

Those seeking great music need to look no further than the Charleston Symphony Orchestra, the largest year round performing arts organization in South Carolina. With an annual operating budget of about $2 million and 45 full time musicians, the orchestra brings guest artists of the highest international distinction to Charleston every year. The orchestra's S Masterworks concert series, Sotille Chamber Orchestra Series, The Charleston Pops and Small Fry's offer extensive and varied programs for each music season.

The Charleston Concert Association also brings a thrilling schedule of extraordinary musical performances to Charleston each year. Last season included a splendid parade of international artists from Shanghai, London, Buenos Aires, Budapest, San Francisco and New York.

Heading the list of "must sees" for the theater lover is Charleston's beloved Dock Street Theatre. Located on the site of the first building in America designed for the sole purpose of theatrical performances, the Dock Street Theatre is home to the Charleston Stage Company, which offers world class entertainment for adults and young people alike. Now operated by the City of Charleston, the Dock Street Theatre is also used by many other of the area's fine cultural institutions.

Not to be outdone by its fellow arts organizations, the Charleston Ballet Theatre and Robert Ivey Ballet have also developed a loyal group of followers. With performances in various locations throughout the Lowcountry, the Charleston Ballet Theatre offers an ambitious program each season. And the Robert Ivey Ballet Company, an all volunteer troupe, appeals to all age groups with its classical ballet programs and shows designed for school aged children.

With so much to offer, the area is a veritable mecca of arts and cultural activities and performances. In the grand tradition of embracing the arts community, Charleston moves into the twenty first century posed to enrich future generations through dance, music and theater.

Please check the events calendar to find out what's happening during your trip to Charleston. You'll also find great restaurant and evening entertainment ideas in Dining & Cuisine.

Photo on right, third from top: The Westminster Choir will perform their immensely popular concerts at the Cathedral of St. Luke and St. Paul during the 2006 Spoleto Festival USA. Photo by William Struhs.

Fleet Landing Restaurant Meet at Fleet! Casual, come-as-you-are, waterfront seafood restaurant. A destination unto itself. Housed in a 1940s retired naval building on the east side of the Charleston peninsula, Fleet Landing features fusion of classic and contemporary Southern seafood fare in a setting that celebrates the area’s waterfront heritage. Featured in Food & Wine Magazine in their trend spotting “Where to Go Next” column. Blue Plate Lunch Specials. Open 7-days a week.

Circa 1886 Restaurant Nestled in the gardens behind the Wentworth Mansion is one of Charleston's hidden gems. Circa 1886, named for the year the Wentworth Mansion was built, is home to some of Charleston's finest fare. With an extensive wine list and contemporary cuisine, this five-star restaurant offers diners an intimate evening that won't soon be forgotten. AAA Four Diamond Award Charleston restaurant; “Top 100 New Restaurants” Conde’ Nast Magazine; Wine Spectator winner & Dirona Award Winner.

More flights to Charleston American Eagle now offers more flights between Miami, Florida (MIA) and Charleston, South Carolina (CHS). The additional daily flights will provide convenient connections to and from the Caribbean, Bahamas and Latin America. Flights depart CHS at 12:05pm - arrive Miami at 1:50pm Flights depart MIA at 2:25pm - arrive CHS at 4:00pm Learn more about American Eagle, routes and useful travel planning information at EagleLatitudes.com.