Marking their ninth anniversary of the Homegrown benefit concert on Daniel Island, world-renowned Hootie & The Blowfish will come together for their only public appearances in 2011 during a two-night musical engagement at the Family Circle Tennis Center beginning Friday, August 12.  This year, it’s a weekend-long event, with evening concerts on Friday and Saturday and a daytime festival on Saturday, August 13 featuring live music from national and regional acts and activities for the entire family. The “Homegrown Weekend” is a benefit for Charleston area public schools.

As in past years, Hootie & The Blowfish ask audience members to bring a donation of school supplies with them to the events. All supplies collected will be donated to the local schools with the most need.

With the rich, bluesy vocals of Darius Rucker and gleeful harmonies of guitarist Mark Bryan, Hootie & The Blowfish has sold over 25 million records worldwide with hits such as “Hold My Hand,” “Let Her Cry” and “Only Wanna Be With You.”

Weekend festival packages start at $47.50 and are available through www.ticketmaster.com and www.familycirclecup.com/concerts or by calling the Family Circle Tennis Center Box Office at (843) 856-7900.

The Family Circle Stadium will host the popular band, O.A.R., on Saturday night. The band’s music, a rock/reggae fusion, has sold over 1.2 million albums and is known to attract fans from across the country. Their latest album, “All Sides”, is expected out this week and critics say it is certain to be yet another milestone in O.A.R’s career.

The Family Circle Stadium Gates open at 6:00 pm and the concert will begin at 7:00 pm. Tickets are $34 and can be purchased at www.livenation.com. For more information click on www.familycirclecup.com

With springtime in full-swing, residents on Daniel Island are facing some tough choices these days when it comes to recreation and entertainment: The pools are open, it’s perfect golf and tennis weather, and our Lowcountry beaches and waterways are hard to resist at this time of year. And if that all weren’t enough, a dizzying array of special events of all kinds are filling up the calendars of area residents and visitors.

If you’re looking to get out and enjoy Charleston and Daniel Island this month, here are our picks for the top three May events you won’t want to miss:

Concert in the Park
Saturday, May 14 | Daniel Island
A favorite Daniel Island tradition, the Concert in the Park takes place each May on the banks of the lake at Smythe Park. Pack a picnic and grab a spot early: Daniel Island residents take their picnics very seriously (click here for pictures of some of last year’s spreads), and the best spots will go quickly. The highlight of the evening is a performance by Jeremy Davis and The Equinox Jazz Orchestra, who are sure to have the crowd dancing under the stars once again this year. A picnic contest will be judged starting at 6 pm (prizes, including a donation to the grand prize winners’ charity of choice, will be awarded for the best spreads). The concert starts at 7 pm. The event is free and open to the public.

Charleston Harbor Fest
May 12-15 | Charleston Harbor
Visit Charleston’s magnificent and historic working waterfront and experience the sights and sounds of ships and tugs, rowboats and tall ships, sea birds and dolphins. Among the highlights of this year’s festival will be numerous tall ships from around the world open for public tours, including the Spirit of South Carolina pilot schooner. And for the first time, Harbor Fest will coincide with the restart of the VELUX 5 OCEANS, one of the most exciting and challenging around-the-world-solo sailing races. Tour the ultra-fast ECO 60 fleet and cheer on the current first place skipper, Charleston’s own Brad van Liew, as he gets ready to begin the final leg of the race. This family-friendly event will also include a Kids’ Zone and plenty of land- and water-based activities for all ages. Visit charlestonmaritimefestival.com for further details.

Spoleto Festival USA & Piccolo Spoleto
May 27 – June 12 | Various Charleston Locations
Considered one of the best arts festivals in the country, Spoleto Festival USA takes place over 17 days, featuring world-class opera, dance, classical music, jazz and theater performances – plus visual arts exhibitions – at indoor and outdoor venues throughout Charleston. Its companion festival, Piccolo Spoleto, takes place simultaneously, showcasing hundreds of performances and exhibits by the  best local and regional talent. Combined, the festivals showcase an outstanding variety of cultural offerings morning, noon and night. For schedules and more information, visit the festival websites at spoletousa.org and piccolospoleto.com.

Many of the herbs in Chef Tyler's Festival menus will come from his garden at the clubhouse.

The BB&T Charleston Wine and Food Festival comes to town this weekend, showcasing the talents of the nation’s most celebrated chefs, culinary professionals and winemakers. Among them will be the Daniel Island Club‘s very own Chef Tyler Dudley, who will be featured in two festival favorites: “Wine Around the Garden” and the “Lowcountry Gospel Brunch.” Both events highlight local chefs using local ingredients. Chef Tyler is the only chef from a local private club participating in this prestigious, nationally-acclaimed festival.

“It’s a true honor to be asked to participate in the Charleston Wine and Food Festival,” said Chef Tyler.  “This is my third year as a guest chef and I really enjoy creating menus inspired by fresh, local ingredients.”

At “Wine Around the Garden” guests will visit the national landmark, Middleton Place Plantation, where they will be joined by four featured chefs who will each prepare a lunch menu paired with a specific winery.

Chef Tyler’s menu will feature smoked salmon rillettes with local green onion and a Charleston favorite – roulade of BBQ pulled pork complimented by spicy southern slaw and Carolina BBQ jus.

“The menu is definitely French, but inspired by southern ingredients, creating an interesting pairing for the wine provided by Chapel Down,” explains Chef Tyler.

A table from the Gospel Brunch at the 2010 Festival

Next up is the Lowcountry Gospel Brunch where guests will be served a three-course Lowcountry–style brunch while listening to the traditional sounds of a live gospel ensemble. Ten chefs will be participating and serving their Sunday best, including local favorites such as John Ondo from Lana Bar & Restaurant and Andrew Chadwick from the Woodlands Inn.

Chef Tyler will offer a lump crab and house smoked salmon cake with aged white cheddar grits as a first course, and a braised veal short rib hash with fingerling potatoes and tasso hollandaise for the second course.  The meal will finish with a buttermilk tart served with local berry compote and a mint anglaise.

“It’s all about using local ingredients that are popular in Lowcountry that will also appeal to guests that are not from this area,” said Chef Tyler. “I like to invent a menu that provides a creative sampling of the unique cuisine that Charleston has to offer.”

For more information about the BBT Charleston Wine and Food Festival, go to charlestonwineandfood.com

The crowd had a great time at the Sugarland concert last summer.

Take a look below at the amazing line-up below and purchase your tickets today!

Train | August 26 | www.trainline.com

Grammy Award-winning rock band Train will make their Family Circle Stadium debut on Thursday, August 26th.

Train has made its mark on music history for more than 15 years. With wildly popular singles like “Drops of Jupiter”, “Meet Virginia” and “Calling All Angels”, they have earned legions of fans around the globe.

In 2009, Train released its most successful chart-topping single “Hey, Soul Sister” which reached #1 on the U.S. Billboard Digital Hot 100, their highest position on the chart to date, #3 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, and #1 in the U.S. iTunes music store.

Local South Carolina band NeedToBreathe will open the show.

The Black Crowes | September 10 | www.blackcrowes.com

The Black Crowes will appear in Charleston as part of their “Say Goodnight to the Bad Guys” 2010 Tour this summer. The shows are being billed as “Acoustic Hor D’oeuvres followed by an Electric Reception With The Black Crowes,” and will consist of a full hour and a half acoustic set followed by a full hour and a half electric set.

A favorite island tradition for six years and counting, Daniel Island’s festive “Concert in the Park” drew thousands of residents and visitors to Smythe Park on Saturday, May 15. Complete with warm breezes and a “palmetto moon” overhead, it was a magical evening with good friends, good food and spectacular entertainment. Jeremy Davis & The Equinox Jazz Orchestra had the crowd dancing to their “Great American Big Band” sound in a performance that lasted more than two hours under the stars.

"Southern Chic" won second prize at the Picnic Contest, sponsored by the Daniel Island Community Fund.

Following tradition, the Daniel Island Community Fund’s annual Picnic Contest drew some elaborate spreads, with participants trying to outdo one another for the title of “best picnic” and the grand prize – a $500 donation to the charity of their choice. Many residents came out to Smythe Park the day before the event this year to stake out the perfect spot for their soiree.

This year’s winners truly stood out. Second prize went to “Southern Chic,” a picture-perfect setup under a canopy of live oaks, complete with paper lanterns swinging from the trees and a cozy lounging area. The group effort was led by resident and wedding planner Melissa Barton, owner of A Charleston Bride.

"The United States of Daniel Island" won the title of "Best Picnic" and a $500 contribution to Trident Literacy Association.

The grand prize went to “The United States of Daniel Island,” a diverse group of residents from 28 different states who chose a patriotic theme and invited those walking by to place a star on their home city on a map of the United States. Their effort was dedicated to Trident Literacy Association, who will receive the $500 grand prize donation. To read more about their festive spread, click here.

“This annual event just keeps getting better and better,” said Jimmy Bailey, Vice President of Community Services for the Daniel Island Property Owners Association. “I can’t think of a better way to spend a beautiful springtime evening in Charleston.”

Check out more pictures of this truly special evening below, and make plans to join us for next year’s event!

The event will feature, for the first time, Jeremy Davis & The Equinox Jazz Orchestra, a high-energy stage show and music ensemble sure to get the crowd on their feet!

Performing in the “Great-American-Big-Band” tradition, Jeremy Davis and his 16-piece orchestra will entertain with music from the likes of Frank Sinatra, Michael Buble, Harry Connick Jr. and much, much more.

In his own words, Jeremy describes the band as, “The Rat Pack meets The Dean Martin Variety Show with a touch of A Prairie Home Companion. It’s plain to see that we love what we do, and we love our fans. We’re not your grandfather’s big band.”

As in previous years, the Daniel Island Community Fund will again host a picnic competition for concertgoers. The best overall picnic spread will win $500 to contribute to their charity of choice.

It’s a great way to be creative and have fun but also compete to win a chance to help others! Guests are invited to come grab a spot and set up their picnic spreads throughout the day on Saturday.

For those who’d rather not pack a picnic, there will be food vendors’ onsite including Orlando’s Italian Eatery, Et Cetera Gourmet and T&T’s Kettle Korn.

Picnic judging will be at 6:00 pm on Saturday evening with the concert beginning at 7:00 pm.

Don’t miss this fun and FREE chance to visit with neighbors and friends, enjoy a beautiful Lowcountry spring night and listen to great music!

Check out these picnic spreads from previous years at the Concert in the Park:

Meanwhile, mark your calendars for the following upcoming island events:

Daniel Island Farmers Market
Thursdays from May 6 through September 30 | 3-7 pm
Family Circle Tennis Center
Vendors offering everything from local produce and fresh seafood to crafts, jewelry, specialty foods and much more are gearing up for the second season of the Daniel Island Farmers Market. This weekly event also features offerings from local restaurants, beverages, frozen treats and live entertainment.

Concert in the Park
Saturday, May 15 | Concert begins at 7 pm
Smythe Park
Jeremy Davis and The Equinox Jazz Orchestra will perform at this popular annual picnic extravaganza overlooking the lake at Smythe Park. This 17-piece ensemble features some of the south’s greatest musicians performing the music of the “Great American Songbook” with a sprinkling of Motown and Funky New Orleans thrown in for good measure. Each year, thousands of residents and visitors try to outdo one another with impressive picnic spreads, which are judged prior to the concert. Prizes are awarded for the most elaborate and creative spreads.  Picnic judging takes place at 6 p.m.; Rain date is May 16th. Event is free.

Zac Brown Band
Saturday, June 5 | 7 pm
Family Circle Stadium
Grammy award-winning country group Zac Brown Band, making their second appearance at Family Circle Stadium, will be joined by supporting acts Nic Cowan, Levi Lowrey and Sonia Leigh at this summer concert event. Click here for ticket information.

Funk Fest
Saturday, June 19
Family Circle Stadium
Returning to Daniel Island for its second year, this “Old School Music Festival” features sounds ranging from old school R&B, funk and hip-hop to blues, jazz and comedy. This year’s event will feature Charlie Wilson, Kieth Sweat, Bell Biv Devoe, Heavy D and many more to be announced. For further details, click here.

My Morning Jacket | Wednesday, April 28, 2010
My Morning Jacket is ready to bring their electrifying live show back to Charleston! The guys will make their way around the Southeastern United States this Spring and stop at Family Circle Stadium on April 28. My Morning Jacket is also excited to both try something new with their choice for an opening act, the historic Preservation Hall jazz Band, and bring some of the spirit of New Orleans to Charleston. www.mymorningjacket.com

Zac Brown Band | Saturday, June 5, 2010
Since their last visit to the Charleston and Family Circle Stadium in 2009, the Zac Brown Band has toured the country and won a Grammy!
The band’s namesake, Zac Brown, was raised in Dahlonega, GA, where he was a chef, restaurant owner, husband and father, as well as lead singer of the band. Musically, his jaw-dropping, flat-picking skills help to create music that can’t be pigeonholed and easily fits into several genres of music ranging from country to folk to southern rock to jam band. www.zacbrownband.com

Funk Fest | Saturday, June 19, 2010
Funk Fest is designed to expose and entertain a diverse audience with a variety of Old-School music. The categories of music range from Old School R&B, Funk, Old School Hip-Hop, Blues, Jazz and Comedy.This year’s event will feature Charlie Wilson, Keith Sweat, Bell Biv Devoe, Heavy D, and more to be announced! www.funkfestconcerts.com

More concerts are anticipated to be announced soon, including O.A.R. and the annual “Homegrown Concert” featuring Darius Rucker!

Visit www.ticketmaster.com for ticket information.

Festival of Houses & Gardens
March 18 – April 17
Explore the rarely seen interiors and gardens of historic private homes in downtown Charleston during the peak of the city’s blooming season. Festival proceeds go to support preservation and restoration efforts in Charleston and the South Carolina Lowcountry. www.historiccharleston.org

Summerville Flowertown Festival
March 26 – 28
Smell the flowers as they burst into bloom while artists and craftsmen from throughout the country display their work on the beautiful grounds of Azalea Park and on Main Street in Summerville. www.summervilleymca.org/flowertown

Cooper River Bridge Run
March 27
Hit the pavement with thousands of runners and walkers at this annual 10K, one of Charleston’s most popular events. You’ll enjoy spectacular scenery from the top of the Ravenel Bidge as you make your way from Mt. Pleasant to downtown Charleston. Don’t forget to look to your right for a great view of the tip of Daniel Island! www.bridgerun.com

Family Circle Cup
April 10-18
Grab your sunscreen and come watch as the top-ranked professional female tennis players from around the world take to the courts to compete at the Family Circle Cup! More than just a tennis tournament, it’s a week-long line-up of special events at Daniel Island’s award winning Family Circle Tennis Center. The tournament is celebrating its tenth year on Daniel Island with some very special celebrity appearances and events. www.familycirclecup.com

Blessing of the Fleet and Seafood Festival
April 25
Enjoy fresh, delicious South Carolina shrimp and seafood at this annual festival that marks the beginning of the local shrimping season. There will be a lively parade, activities for children, tons and tons of fresh seafood and live music at a new venue for this annual event – the brand new Waterfront Memorial Park in Mt. Pleasant. www.mtpleasantrec.com

Charleston Symphony Orchestra’s Concert in the Park on Daniel Island
May 15
Get outside and enjoy the spring breezes coming off the Wando River and Smythe Lake at this popular annual Daniel Island event. Pack a picnic and grab a spot under the oaks in Smythe Park, where you’ll enjoy the sounds of the Charleston Symphony Orchestra in a festive setting with friends and neighbors. The best part? It’s free! www.dicommunity.org

Spoleto Festival USA
May 28 – June 13
One of the world’s leading arts festivals, this 17-day celebration of the arts offers an international lineup of opera, dance, classical music, jazz, theatre and visual arts, staged in

Charleston’s historic theaters, churches and outdoor venues.

www.spoletousa.org

Piccolo Spoleto

May 28 – June 13
Taking place in conjunction with Spoleto Festival USA, Piccolo Spoleto highlights the local and regional talents of artists of all kinds with more than 700 performances. Classical music, jazz, dance, theatre, poetry, choral music, ethnic presentations, crafts, film and children’s activities are all part of the lineup during this 17-day festival. www.piccolospoleto.com