Charleston’s known for its vibrant cultural scene. Spoleto and Piccolo Spoleto are shining examples of that, when artists and performers from around the world descend on the Holy City for a couple weeks each May and June.
But world-class performances aren’t limited to festival time. Thankfully, they happen all year round.
One of the primary venues for such events is the Gaillard Center, a shining gem on downtown Charleston’s historic peninsula.
The Gaillard has been around for quite a while, but it underwent a massive renovation a few years back. Really more of a major reconstruction than a reno, the end result is light years ahead of its predecessor. What emerged is a state-of-the-art arts and events center and professional performance space.
A Stellar Space
The Gaillard’s design is extraordinary and just right for Charleston. Like good art, it bridges different eras. It’s filled with classical
elements that hark back a couple centuries, while at the same time striking a balance with modern convenience and technology. The acoustics in the Gaillard are truly spectacular. The Martha and John M. Rivers Performance Hall is a real stunner, with its rings of box seats, luscious pink décor and soaring blue oculus ceiling.
The Gaillard had its grand reopening in October 2015, and it’s been hosting countless performances, shows, world premieres, festivals, seminars, conferences, classes, and more ever since. The new-and-improved Gaillard kicked off its first Spoleto by hosting a revival of Porgy and Bess, Gershwin’s masterpiece which was written in the Lowcountry and takes place in Charleston.
Doing Good in the Community
Interestingly, the Gaillard Center is a nonprofit that’s dedicated to the cultural enrichment of the Lowcountry. In that spirit, it hosts around 30,000 area schoolchildren each year to see and experience live theater. During the pandemic, they pivoted to provide some truly creative virtual learning in the areas of music, dance, theater, art, poetry, journaling, guidance, social studies, and English language arts.
A Smashing New Season
The Gaillard Center just announced their upcoming performance schedule for the 2022-23 season, and it’s an amazing array of great options.
As Gaillard Center President & CEO Lissa Frenkel puts it: "Combining new commissions and adventurous work that pushes the boundaries of creativity, with beloved, time-tested programming that Charleston audiences look forward to, this season the Gaillard Center will continue to present excellent performances and events that enrich the lives of our community through the transformational nature of the arts."
Here’s what’s in store this year…
DANCE
- Dance Theatre of Harlem - October 20 & 21, 2022
- Complexions Contemporary Ballet “Star Dust: From Bach to Bowie” -January 27, 2023
- Circa: “Humans 2.0” - February 25, 2023
- American Ballet Theatre: “Giselle” - April 21-22, 2023
BROADWAY
- “ON YOUR FEET! THE STORY OF EMILIO & GLORIA ESTEFAN,” A new musical - December 2, 2022
- “R.E.S.P.E.C.T. - A Celebration of the Legendary Queen of Soul” – The Aretha Experience Like No Other - March 26, 2023
- Alanis Morissette’s “JAGGED LITTLE PILL: The Musical” - April 6-8, 2023
FAMILY
- National Geographic Live: “Adaptation” with Alizé Carrère - November 29, 2022
- The Lightning Thief: TYA Edition - January 28, 2023
- National Geographic Live: “Secrets of the Whales” with Brian Skerry - January 31, 2023
- Acoustic Rooster's Barnyard Boogie: Starring Indigo Blume (The Kennedy Center Theater for Young Audiences on Tour) - February 12, 2023
COMEDY
- "Weird Al" Yankovic - August 14, 2022
- An Evening with David Sedaris - October 25, 2022
HOLIDAY
- Tim Burton's “The Nightmare Before Christmas” Live-to-Film Concert with the Charleston Symphony - October 23, 2022
- Dueling Nutcrackers Featuring the Charleston Symphony and Charlton Singleton & The Beehive Jazz Orchestra - December 9, 2022
- Celtic Woman: “A Christmas Symphony” - December 18, 2022
CAMPUS ACTIVATIONS
- Denmark Vesey Bicentenary Weekend - July 14-16, 2022
- Spiegeltent - December 2022
OTHER GREAT PERFORMANCES
- Mummenschanz 50th Anniversary - November 5, 2022
CLASSICAL AND OPERA
- Academy of St Martin in the Fields - February 23, 2023
- LA Master Chorale: Lagrime di San Petro - April 29, 2023
JAZZ, BLUEGRASS & MORE
- Lowcountry Jazz Festival - September 2-4, 2022
- Preservation Hall Jazz Band - November 20, 2022
- Squirrel Nut Zippers & The Dirty Dozen Brass Band - February 7, 2023
- Béla Fleck, Zakir Hussain, Edgar Meyer with Rakesh Chaurasia - April 25, 2023
POP & ROCK MUSIC
- Lady A - August 25, 2022
- Straight No Chaser - November 13, 2022
Check out the official Gaillard website for details on all upcoming events and for online ticket purchasing. You can also reach the box office directly at (843) 242-3099.
Please note that some events are part of series’ subscriptions, which save you up to 25% off single ticket prices. If you’d like to become a member and support the work of the Gaillard, you’ll also get presale access to tickets.
The Gaillard Center is located at 95 Calhoun Street downtown.
There’s a lot to choose from during the coming season, whatever your taste or interests might be. Be sure to lock down your tickets ASAP - and while you’re at it, book a beach house to go along with it.
All best,
Lowcountry Lisa
your Isle of Palms vacation