BRAVO Arts & Cultural Festival

Steeped in history, mysteriously beautiful and uniquely inspirational, the Lowcountry has always attracted visual and performing artists, writers, photographers and others interested in creative pursuits.

Named one of The 100 Best Art Towns in America by author John Villani, celebrate the area’s vibrant arts community and diverse cultural heritage throughout May during the Bravo Arts & Cultural Festival.

Organized by the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce, this annual extravaganza includes staged productions, art exhibitions, family festivals and charity fundraisers showcasing local art and artists. Following are just a few of the events taking place this month.

A truly “boffo” hit, the regional premiere of The Producers: The Mel Brooks Musical takes center stage at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina through May 25. Winner of 12 Tony Awards, this Broadway comedy has set the standard for modern, outrageous humor.
In the Walter Greer Gallery, the prestigious Art League of Hilton Head’s National Juried Show will hang from May 3-25. For those who prefer a hands-on approach, the Arts Center offers various workshops for all ages, from preschoolers to adults. (843) 842-2787 or artshhi.com.

Watch as more than 40 artists paint “en plein air” at Honey Horn, Shelter Cove Community Park and in Old Town Bluffton on May 16 and 17 when the Art League hosts Art in the Park. On Saturday evening, the artwork will be sold at Shelter Cove starting at 5:30 p.m. (843) 681-5060 or hhal.org.

At historic Honey Horn, view Life on the May River, a juried exhibition on display in the Coastal Discovery Museum’s Discovery House, through May 5. In conjunction with the exhibit, Dr. Chris Marsh discusses What Makes the May River Unique? on May 1 at 2 p.m. Starting May 8, Apple Pie Painters: Inspired by Honey Horn will be featured in the gallery through September 2 with tours, painting demonstrations and other events held throughout the show. (843) 689-3033 ext. 225 or coastaldiscovery.org.

On May 17, Honey Horn is also the site of the 12th Annual Rib Burnoff and Barbecue Fest from 12-4 p.m. Hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Hilton Head Island, professional and amateur chefs compete for trophies and bragging rights with proceeds benefiting various local youth programs. (843) 671-5982, 683-8351 or hiltonheadkiwanis.org.

At the museum’s original location on Highway 278, Low Country and Other Views featuring work by the Sun City Photography Club, is on display in the Jarvis Room through July 12. Club members will lead a series of free Gallery Talks on May 3, 17 and 31 at 11 a.m. (843) 689-6767.

Join the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra on May 5 at First Presbyterian Church for its emotional season finale concert, The Dream of America. On May 13, the Orchestra’s Jazz Connection presents The Songs of World War II: A Sentimental Journey at Hilton Head Beach & Tennis Resort with renowned pianist Bob Alberti joined by singers Ray Charles and Lynn Roberts. (843) 842-2055 or hhso.org.

The Ascensions, a gospel quartet, perform at Providence Presbyterian Church on Cordillo Parkway on May 10 at 7 p.m. Admission is free, donations for The Deep Well Project will be accepted. (843) 842-5673.

Promising Picassos, an exhibit of artwork created by local students and presented by the Island School Council for the Arts, is featured at The Mall at Shelter Cove through May 4. In the corridor near Saks Fifth Avenue/Off 5th, check out Flowers, a showcase of photos by members of the Camera Club of Hilton Head Island. (843) 686-3090 or mallatsheltercove.com.

A benefit for Literacy Volunteers of the Lowcountry, Cooks & Books includes “The Heat is On” cooking competition, food tastings and book signings by local writers from 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m. on May 18 at The Mall at Shelter Cove. (843) 686-6655 or lowcountryliteracy.org.

In other literary news, register now for The 2nd Annual G.O.L.F. (Grow Our Library Foundation) Tournament taking place on Monday, May 19, at Hampton Hall Golf Club in Bluffton to benefit the Public Library Foundation of Beaufort County. (843) 342-5300 or  beaufortcountylibrary.org.

Honoring those who have served in our Armed Forces, the Hilton Head Choral Society presents America Sings! on May 25 at First Presbyterian Church followed by a second concert at Holy Family Catholic Church on May 26. (843) 341-3818 or hiltonheadchoralsociety.org.
The Choral Society is also scheduled to perform during the US Navy League’s 14th Annual Memorial Day Observance at Veteran’s Memorial Park in Shelter Cove on May 26. Beginning at 10 a.m., the hour-long ceremony includes a proclamation by Mayor Tom Peeples, a ceremonial laying of the memorial wreath, a flyover of F/A-18s and special guest speaker Commander Geoffrey S. Gage of the United States Navy. (843) 686-5029 or hiltonheadnavyleague.com.

Just over the bridge, the May River Theatre’s seventh season kicks off on May 2 with the mysterious and mystical musical, Jekyll and Hyde. Performances take place in the Ulmer Auditorium at Bluffton Town Hall. (843) 815-5581, 837-7798 or mayrivertheatre.com.

In Beaufort, sample at least 60 different dishes from local restaurants with a side of live music when A Taste of Beaufort returns to Waterfront Park on May 3 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. (843) 525-6644 or atasteofbeaufort.com.

Explore historic Old Town and pick up a Mother’s Day present during the 30th Annual Bluffton Village Festival on May 10 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. An array of fine art, crafts, clothing, food, plants and more are for sale with boat tours of the May River, live entertainment and the ever-popular Ugly Dog Contest. (843) 757-3855 or thestoresc.com.

Art Weekend in Old Town Bluffton, May 16-17, includes a Gallery Walk featuring the work of over 200 artists on Friday night, plus Art in the Park near the Society of Bluffton Artists Gallery and Authors on the Porch at the Heyward House on Saturday. (843) 757-6586 or sobagalleries.com.

For a complete schedule of Bravo events, call (843) 785-3673 or visit hiltonheadisland.org./bravo.