Join us to write encouraging notes for kids going back to school and bring school supplies to help STUFF THE BUS! Get the kiddos involved in giving back and come out for a good time. We will have all the supplies for making the notes, but be sure to bring some extra school supplies for kids in need. Supplies will be given to all seven Spartanburg County School Districts who will distribute to their students.

If you can't make it to this event, you can still participate by bringing school supplies to Blue Moon now through August 2nd. And July 29 - August 2, receive a 10% discount when you bring in school supplies!

At United Way of the Piedmont, we are more than fundraisers. We also educate community members about local issues and advocate for the education, financial stability, and health of every person in our community. And we want to hear about the issues that matter most to you!

So we invite you to join us for Coffee & Conversations, a series of sessions to educate about the current work of United Way and engage in collaborative discussion about how we can transform our community.

Session Topic: Education
Savannah Ray, a dually appointed staff member from SAM and United Way of the Piedmont will be sharing updates about this new partnership and the work happening to improve educational outcomes in our community.

Ann B. Ross, author of the New York Times bestselling Miss Julia Novels, will speak at Spartanburg’s Cyrill-Westside Library. We will hear all about Miss Julia Takes the Wheel, the latest in her series. There will be a signing after the talk and books will be available for purchase.

Join Hub City Bookshop and Shared Worlds Tuesday, July 23, at 6:30 p.m. for a reading and signing with faculty authors Gwenda Bond, Maurice Broaddus, Julia Elliott, Christopher Rowe, Ekaterina Sedia, and Kali Wallace.

Please stop by for a meet-and-greet with Dr Paul Grady, Dr Andrew Myers, Dr Rob McCormick and other contributors to Recovering the Piedmont Past, Volume 2: Bridging the Centuries in the South Carolina Upcountry, 1877-1941. Books will be on hand for purchase and signing.

Flashback to September 1989. Westerberg High is terrorized by a shoulder-padded, scrunchie-wearing trio: Heather, Heather and Heather, the hottest and cruelest girls in all of Ohio. But misfit Veronica Sawyer rejects their evil regime for a new boyfriend, the mysterious and quirky stranger JD, who plans to put the Heathers in their place – six feet under. Deliciously, darkly funny, romantic and moving, Heathers: The Musical is a truthful, uplifting parable for anyone who’s ever been in love, in trouble, or in high school. One of our most requested shows, Heathers is hilarious, heartfelt, and homicidal, offering an unflinching look at the joys and anguish of high school.

Each summer, the 24 Hour Musical brings together a diverse group of theatre artists and volunteers from around the Upstate with the goal of producing a full-scale, Broadway-style musical production... in only 24 hours! We believe that theatre can (and should!) be used to make a difference in our world and in our community. Admission to the show is free, with all donations going directly to a local charity partner.

Past productions have raised nearly $15,000 for charities such as the Anderson Free Clinic, Cancer Association of Anderson, Meals on Wheels, the Developmental Center for Exceptional Children, and the Anderson County Foster Parents Association.

Founded in 2014 by Noah and Carlie Taylor, before The Market even existed, we are excited to finally bring 24 Hour Musical and The Market under one roof. Instead of operating as a distinct non-profit organization, the 24 Hour Musical (along with Shakespeare in the Park) will now be produced annually by The Market.

with Illiterate Light

Rainbow Kitten Surprise and all five of its members hail from the mountains of Boone, North Carolina. With chilling harmonies, dynamic instrumentation, and introspective lyrics, their genre-defying sound takes influence from artists like Modest Mouse and Kings of Leon as much as Frank Ocean and Schoolboy Q.

Independently, they have over 75 million streams across digital platforms and notched more than 45 sold out shows on their first U.S. headline tour. Their engaging and distinct live performances have led to stand out sets at festivals such as Bonnaroo, Firefly, Shaky Knees, Hangout, Sasquatch, and Austin City Limits. The band worked with Grammy^® Award-winning producer Jay Joyce (Cage The Elephant, Sleeper Agent) on their Elektra debut, How to: Friend, Love, Freefall, available everywhere now.

Roald Dahl’s amazing tale is now Greenville’s golden ticket!

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is the perfect recipe for a delectable treat: songs from the original film, including “Pure Imagination,” “The Candy Man,” and “I’ve Got a Golden Ticket,” alongside a toe-tapping and ear-tickling new score from the songwriters of Hairspray.

Willy Wonka is opening his marvelous and mysterious chocolate factory...to a lucky few. That includes Charlie Bucket, whose bland life is about to burst with color and confection beyond his wildest dreams. He and four other golden ticket winners will embark on a mesmerizing joyride through a world of pure imagination. Now’s your chance to experience the wonders of Wonka like never before – get ready for Oompa-Loompas, incredible inventions, the great glass elevator, and more, more, more at this everlasting showstopper!

DIAVOLO | Architecture in Motion^® shatters boundaries and soars beyond the grasps of gravity. Following their success as one of the top 10 finalists in Season 12 of NBC’s hit series America’s Got Talent, DIAVOLO continues pushing a new edge of performance with Artistic Director Jacques Heim’s inventive genius and his fearless, athletic daredevils. With a unique style that encompasses dance, acrobatics, and gymnastics, DIAVOLO explores the relationship between the human body and its surrounding architectural environment.

Heim steers DIAVOLO’s diverse team of dancers, designers, choreographers, and engineers to create visceral and awe-inspiring works that reveal how we are affected emotionally, physically, and socially by the spaces we inhabit. Meticulously designed custom-made architectural structures serve as the central inspiration for each work, activated by the stylistically varied and intensely physical choreography which has become the hallmark of this truly original company throughout its rich 25-year history.

Unwind, meet up, and connect with your musical community! Interludes are FREE music appreciation gatherings lead by Peace Center Artist-in-Residence Igor Begelman. Each interlude pairs a musical facet of an upcoming Peace Center performance with a featured beverage for a multi-sensory sip, listen, and learn experience. Featured drinks are available for purchase.

Chanticleer will not be present at the Peace Interlude.

Did you know?
While the origin of the martini is not universally agreed upon, one theory suggests it was invented in San Francisco. With over 3,500 restaurants open at any given time, you will never run out of places to partake of this classic cocktail in its home city. In addition to martinis and Chanticleer, other things that originate from San Francisco include the first jeans, the Irish coffee, and the first Chinese fortune cookies.

Featured Beverage: Martinis
Featured Performance: Chanticleer

With special guests, Brianna Thomas, Michela Marino Lerman, and Vuyo Sotashe

The Harlem Renaissance was an unrivaled period of brilliance in both profound intelligent expression and preeminent entertainment. Created in collaboration with the National Jazz Museum in Harlem, Harlem 100 captures the sights and sounds of Harlem when legendary artists such as Fats Waller, Duke Ellington, Langston Hughes, and Billie Holiday made the neighborhood the nexus of African American culture. This multimedia performance presents musicians and dancers in a modern variety show hosted by Michael Mwenso, and pays homage to the acts made famous in the Apollo Theater, the Cotton Club, and other celebrated venues of the Harlem Renaissance. Harlem 100 celebrates one of the most influential artistic movements of our country and gives insight into Harlem then and now.

FEATURING

Mwenso & the Shakes 
Immigrating from Sierra Leone, London, South Africa, Greenwich Village, Madagascar, France, Jamaica, and Hawaii, Mwenso & the Shakes command jazz and blues expression through African and Afro American music for an electrifying show The New York Times calls “intense, prowling, and ebullient.”

Brianna Thomas 
“Brianna Thomas is the complete package… she exhibits emotional depth, to-die-for scat skills, incredible pitch control and shading, soulful bearing, and great range” (All About Jazz). With a healthy serving of sass, coyness, and soul, Thomas "may be the best young straight-ahead jazz singer of her generation" (The Wall Street Journal).

Michela Marino Lerman 
Michela Marino Lerman is a globally sought-after tap dance artist. The Huffington Post has called her a “hurricane of rhythm,” and The New York Times has described her dancing as “flashes of brilliance.”

Vuyo Sotashe 
Young South African jazz vocalist Vuyo Sotashe is making his mark in the New York jazz scene. He won the very first Mid-Atlantic Jazz Festival Vocal Competition, the Audience Prize Award at the Shure Montreux Jazz Voice Competition, and was the very first male vocalist ever to place in the prestigious Thelonious Monk Institute International Jazz Vocal competition's finals.

Best-selling author Bill Bryson has established himself as one of the world’s most beloved and prolific commentators by finding delight in the minutiae of travel and the subtleties of culture.

Bryson shot to prominence in the United Kingdom with Notes from a Small Island, a humorous travel book that takes readers on an exploration of Great Britain, which was also adapted for television. He has chronicled everything from hiking the Appalachian Trail in the immensely popular A Walk in the Woods – named one of TIME magazine's "All-TIME 100 Best Nonfiction Books" – to capturing the zeitgeist of the roaring twenties in One Summer: America 1927.

He received further widespread recognition from A Short History of Nearly Everything, a book widely acclaimed for its approachable communication of science. As a successor to A Short History of Nearly Everything, Bryson will release THE BODY: A Guide for Occupants this October. This new book will be an extraordinary exploration of the human body which will leave readers marveling at the form they occupy. For those who’ve ever wondered what really goes on inside your head, heart, and beyond, Bryson will help you understand the miracle of our physical and neurological make up at this book reading.

The Chicago Sun-Times says “Bryson could write an essay about dryer lint or fever reducers and still make us laugh out loud." The New York Times has declared Bryson “the most literate guide you’ve ever had.”

Reading will be followed by a Q&A.

Two of the most widely performed works from the Baroque and Classic periods are the “Mozart Requiem” and J.S. Bach’s “Magnificat.” Mozart left his “Requiem” unfinished at his death, and mystery and intrigue has surrounded the work ever since. The great Baroque master, J.S. Bach composed the “Magnificat in D” for performance in the Christmas season, but features glorious music perfect for any time of year.

Called “the world’s reigning male chorus” by The New Yorker, the San Francisco based Grammy^® Award-winning ensemble Chanticleer embarks on its 42^nd season in 2019-2020. Praised by the San Francisco Chronicle for its “tonal luxuriance and crisply etched clarity,” Chanticleer is known for its seamless blend of 12 male voices ranging from soprano to bass, and its original interpretations of vocal literature, from Renaissance to jazz and popular genres, as well as contemporary composition.

Since Chanticleer began releasing recordings in 1981, this orchestra of voices has sold over a million albums and won two Grammy Awards. The group’s most recent studio recording, Then and There, Here and Now, was released for its 40^th anniversary in 2018.

Named for the “clear-singing” rooster in Geoffrey Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, Chanticleer first became known for its interpretations of Renaissance music, and was later a pioneer in the revival of the South American baroque, recording several award-winning titles in that repertoire. Chanticleer was named Ensemble of the Year by Musical America in 2008, and was inducted into the American Classical Music Hall of Fame the same year.

Program
Celebrating ocean voyaging and exotic climates, Trade Winds will include the premiere of composer Zhou Tian’s new work based on John Masefield’s poem “Trade Winds.” It will also feature Portuguese music new to the ensemble, songs from the Asia-Pacific region, and early music by Monteverdi, Gesualdo, and Penalosa.

Official Website

PEACE INTERLUDE – A MUSICAL HAPPY HOUR

Unwind, meet up, and connect with your musical community in our FREE Peace Interlude Musical Happy Hour on October 10.

ENJOY DRINKS & LIGHT BITES

Hold a table at Genevieve's Theater Lounge at the Peace Center. Click here to see a sample menu and make a reservation.

“What a delight it is to enter the world of Once on This Island” raves The New York Times.

Winner of the 2018 Tony Award^® for Best Revival Of A Musical, Once on This Island is the sweeping, universal tale of Ti Moune, a fearless peasant girl in search of her place in the world, and ready to risk it all for love. Guided by the mighty island gods, Ti Moune sets out on a remarkable journey to reunite with the man who has captured her heart.

The groundbreaking vision of two-time Tony Award nominated director Michael Arden (Spring Awakening revival) and acclaimed choreographer Camille A. Brown (NBC’s Jesus Christ Superstar Live) conjures up “a place where magic is possible and beauty is apparent for all to see!” (The Huffington Post). With a score that bursts with life from Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, the Tony Award-winning songwriters of Anastasia and Ragtime, Once on This Island is a timeless testament to theater’s unlimited possibilities.

Step right up, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, to the Cirque Mechanics world of gears, canvas, pulleys, and sawdust – within 42FT.

At the center of every circus rests a 42-foot ring full of thrills, laughs, and excitement. 42FT – A Menagerie of Mechanical Marvels is the latest invention from the creative minds of Cirque Mechanics. The company dares us to leap into the circus ring and experience the timelessness of this evolving art form. The show’s story full of the lore of the historic one-ring circus, plus its unique mechanical interpretation of the traditional, create a welcoming place, like a big top, where we can be amazed. The action in 42FT is full of theatricality and a modern sensibility, showcasing a galloping mechanical metal horse and a rotating tent frame for strongmen, acrobats, and aerialists.

Cirque Mechanics, inspired by modern circus, finds its roots in the mechanical and its heart in the stories of American industrial ingenuity. The company’s show, embedded in realism, displays a raw quality rarely found in modern circus. Cirque Mechanics’ signature style is wrapped in acrobatics, mechanical marvels, and a bit of clowning around. The company returns to the Peace Center stage following the popularity and success of Pedal Punk.

Founded by cellist Yo-Yo Ma, the Silkroad Ensemble has been called “vibrant and virtuosic” by The Wall Street Journal, “one of the 21^st century’s great ensembles” by The Vancouver Sun, and a “joyously rollicking cross-cultural collaboration” by NPR’s All Songs Considered.

Silkroad musicians and composers hail from more than 20 countries, drawing on a rich tapestry of traditions to create a new musical language — a uniquely engaging and accessible encounter between the foreign and the familiar that reflects our many-layered contemporary identities. The Los Angeles Times said Silkroad’s "vision of international cooperation is not what we read in our daily news reports. Theirs is the better world available if we, like these extraordinary musicians, agree to make it one.”

Appearing in many configurations and settings, the Silkroad Ensemble has performed in more than 100 cities in over 30 countries and recorded seven albums. Its 2016 release, Sing Me Home, won the Grammy^® Award for Best World Music Album. The Music of Strangers, a documentary about the ensemble directed by Academy Award^®-winning filmmaker Morgan Neville, premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2015 and was released worldwide in 2016.

Official Website

PEACE INTERLUDE – A MUSICAL HAPPY HOUR

Embark on a musical journey through the ancient mystical regions of the Silk Road trade route in our FREE Peace Interlude Musical Happy Hour on October 31.

ENJOY DRINKS & LIGHT BITES

Hold a table at Genevieve's Theater Lounge at the Peace Center. Click here to see a sample menu and make a reservation.

The Arts Center is excited to host a 5th Annual Farm-to-Fork fundraiser on Saturday, August 24th from 7:00 - 10:00 pm with an international twist and flavor! Designed to celebrate our regional farm fresh produce and outdoor heritage, local guest chefs will offer tastings and dishes from around the world. This event is sure to appeal to any lover of travel and fine food. We will offer a delicious array of locally-grown and locally-raised produce, meat, game, and seafood. The event will include live entertainment, themed decor and a cash bar with a craft beer selection!

Cash Bar: Howard's on Main
Attire: Dressy Casual with "International Flare"

Members
Single - $50.00 | Couple - $95.00

Non-Members
Single - $60.00 | Couple - $115.00

Call: 864.388.7800 | 864.993.6303
Email: artscentergreenwood@gmail.com or niki.artscentergreenwood@gmail.com

Join us for an evening of jazz featuring local favorites, Jazzy Trinity! This is a fourth annual summer concert celebrating the jazzy blend of Greenwood natives - Antonio Edwards, Carlton Jamison and Desmond Harris. The event will take place in the main gallery with a cash bar available for purchase of beer/wine.

General Admission: $20 single | $30 couple
Sponsor Tables: $120 (includes 8 tickets)
NOTE - limited seating; advance tickets sales only

Join us for live music starting at 4:00 p.m., Sierra Nevada craft brews, food trucks, and more!

Stand Up Comedy open mic / open mic competition alternating weeks all summer long!

Sign up to perform at 7:30 pm Thursdays at The Comedy Zone.

Arnez J's charisma and physical agility are unforgettable. With the physicality of Jim Carrey, his brand of comedy has dubbed him "the black Jerry Lewis".

Oh his own at age 14, comedian Arnez J lied about his age to get a job at a gas station to work his way through school. Later while working as a flight attendant that Arnez J discovered his comedic talent when he realized that he had the ability to keep the passengers and crew laughing. With some encouragement from friends, Arnez J made his first attempt at stand-up comedy. After that first night on stage, Arnez J knew what he wanted to do; he left his job with the airlines and made the decision to devote all of his time to a career in comedy.

An Atlanta native, Arnez J began working the comedy circuit in Georgia and quickly became one of "Hotlanta's" funniest newcomers. A finalist in the 1992 "Bay Area Black Comedy Competition," he was immediately noticed by the entertainment industry and was asked to make his first television appearance on Showtime's "Comedy Club Network." Numerous television appearances soon followed including appearances on "The Keenan Ivory Wayans Show," "Louie Anderson's Comedy Showcase," Comedy Central's "Make Me Laugh," NBC's "Friday Night Videos," Russell Simmons' "Def Comedy Jam," his own BET "Comic View Grandstand ½ Hour Special" and many others.

These days, Arnez J keeps up a dizzying pace performing for sold out crowds in clubs, colleges and concert halls across the country.

Carlos Mencia is undoubtedly one of today’s most popular entertainers and comics. Whether it is man-on-the-street interviews, studio comedy, commercial parodies, nationwide sold-out tours, or films, Mencia demonstrates an extraordinary ability to connect with a wide and diverse audience.

The biggest comedy show to hit the upstate. Darren "Big Baby" Brand with special guest, Tyler Chronicles.

Damon Sumner has been bringing laughter to people’s lives even before he held a mic on a stage. He has continued to hone his craft and every time he touches the stage, he delivers hilarious stories about his upbringing, and witty, high-energy observations of everyday life. Since starting standup in Atlanta, Damon has shared the stage with numerous headliners, like Iliza, Brent Morin, Todd Glass, Sarah Tiana, George Wallace, and so many more. He can be seen on EPIX’s “Unprotected Sets, Prime Video’s “Indie Life” and heard on Sirius XM’s “RAWDOG”. He co-hosts the hilarious podcast, “Forth and Ten” and runs shows all-around the ATL.

In 2012, Damon toured China for a year and was a part of the team that opened the first full-time mainland comedy club in China, Kungfu Comedy Club. Damon has also performed in illustrious comedy festivals around the U.S. including the Dallas Comedy Festival, Laugh Your Asheville Off Comedy Festival, Out Of Bounds Comedy Festival, Hell Yes Comedy Festival and was a semi-finalist for the American Black Film Festival's Comedy Wings Competition, sponsored by HBO. If you didn’t know, he’s about to become your new, favorite comic.

This show will also feature comics Nathan Owens, Allie Johns, and Jas Gill.