I Heart Charleston Jazz

I've loved jazz as long as I can remember. I gained a closer connection with it when I realized in scholarly research (for teaching my American Studies 1920s class) that Charleston was just as much a hotbed of jazz as New Orleans.

And I live here. Woo hoo.

The "hotbed" really centers around the Jenkins Home for Children, and a concert this weekend centers around a benefit for that Charleston institution. Still in existence more than 100 years later, its legacy is much more than just music.

The great trumpet prowess of Joey Morant and the elegant saxophone of Lonnie Hamilton, III are just two legends that are part of that Jenkins legacy, and two names that have worked for years in their respective fields. Their thoughts on jazz are just as important as their music, and I was thrilled to get to talk to them one-on-one.

Ghost Lady indeed

Well. It's official. Based on the article this month in Today's Charlotte Woman (check out pages 44-45), I'm officially the "ghost lady" of Charlotte. And although you'll see me photographed in a jaunty top with a smile on my face, I know it's true. I do write about ghosts, I have spoken about ghosts, think I've encountered ghosts, and yes, even worn black pointy toe boots to multiple book signings.

It's the 7-year anniversary of Ghost Stories of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County, and it's wonderful that people are still interested in the book and my writing of it. 

So there it is -- I happily embrace my ghost lady persona in October of each year. No matter how sunny the streets of Charlotte are, ghosts be afoot. Happy haunting!

My beach

In Charleston, everyone has a beach. Think of it as your default beach setting, and each one in the area has its own distinct vibe. There's (the main spots) Sullivans Island, IOP, and Folly within 20 minutes, but further afield you'll find Kiawah's private slip of sand, Edisto, and Beachwalker Park.

My beach is Folly. I can take the back roads and be looking at the water in close to 12 minutes (depending on the stop light at Center Street) and it's the place we go on a Friday night when we want to hang out and be casual.

Wanna know more? Check out my Folly Beach profile in this month's AAA Go Carolinas Magazine. But don't spread the good word too much -- we still would love to be able to get our favorite spot at Taco Boy!

Falling into fashion

Although my fashion is too often centered around my favorite sandals (read flip-flops), I do love a good heel, a good dress, and a good glass of bubbly.

I got all three of those this past Saturday lunch at Jasmine Porch's Fall Fashion with a Flair event. After writing about it in Charleston Scene, I was really looking forward to a great event, especially since my girlfriend Holly was riding shotgun.

What a way to spend a random Saturday afternoon. Models paraded around diners in between courses, and we all got to check out the beautiful styling, fit and details of some of the region's best designers. See how close we were to the "runway"?

Eden Boheme's show was (as always) a highlight, but the standout for me was Julie Wheat and Cavortress. As a vintage girl myself, I was in love with her pairing of new and old and her great eye for culling greatness out of something that can too often be an excuse for thrift store.

All in all, the looks, the women, and the mix of styles and accessories inspired me to go home and dig in my closet. Watch out, I may wear that vintage cowboy hat yet ...

A Night in Harlem

Looks like it is going to be a rainy week in Charleston, so why not decide to spend an evening inside the gorgeous Dock Street Theatre? You'll be transported to late 1920s Harlem with "Blues for an Alabama Sky." In my preview from last week, you'll get a little history about the period, a little background about the troupe who is performing, and a little conversation with the lead actress.

Limin'

http://www.charlestonscene.com/news/2010/sep/09/dos-santos-prepares-for-first-underground-lime/

Say it with me: "cuuuteee boooteee"

Cutey Booty is just fun to say. Admit it. Now that you've seen the term yourself, you are going to search for a way to work it into your daily life.

Fortunately, I don't have to work that hard. Lately, it seems like I've used any excuse (including, yes, Eric Bana, that handsome devil) to drop the term in conversation. And although I am silly and it is Friday, I have a real reason for talking about it.

In this month's Lowcountry Parent, I profiled Whitney Koval, co-founder of Cutey Booty, a children's clothing company from Mount Pleasant, S.C. that is creating bloomers for the fashion-forward toddler. Koval, along with her business partner Angie Medlock, are hoping to expand their company to include a larger variety and age range of clothing.

For now, these moms-on-the-go are doing business right, putting family first and making smart choices, from testing various snaps for high quality to choosing local design geniuses Stitch Design Co. to create their logo and web site.

And it's such a cute logo ...