Oyster Season Begins...

Christine Bryant
November 6 2007

There is a lot going on this week and weekend, tis the time of the year for what seems like weekly endless oyster roasts in the lowcountry so if you like the slippery little suckers (as I do) you are in luck for the next several months. Below is a list of I'm sure just some of the ones going on this weekend. There also seems to be a lot of theater events/concerts etc. going on this week as well in the area – check it out. The Stingray's are in town for a game on Sunday and both the Citadel and Charleston Southern have home football games on Saturday. As this is also the start of the holiday season, even though it seems to be earlier and earlier that Christmas events start taking place (I haven't even eaten too much turkey yet!), you'll be able to check some of these out as well, some are ongoing events that will start this weekend and run through December. With Monday the 12 th being Veteran's Day there are also some Veteran's Day events that are going on this weekend as well….

Theater type events:

Cats : Nov. 6 - 7, 7:30 p.m. an award-winning musical composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber $25-$58, (843) 202-2787 , www.colliseumpac.com

Shackin' Up : Wed., Nov. 7 @ 8 p.m. and Thu., Nov. 8 @ 8 p.m. Elise Neal and Leon star in a romantic comedy by I'm Ready Productions. Attorney Chasity Moore seems to have it all but is missing what her parents want for her most: a husband. Her plan to take marriage with her wealthy beau for a six-month test spin backfires. $27.50-$34.50, Gaillard Auditorium, 77 Calhoun Street , Charleston (843) 577-7400.

The Ash Girl - Nov. 8-10, 12,13, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 11, 3 p.m. A new version of the Cinderella story, Ash Girl encounters the seven deadly sins as she journeys through the woods to the prince's ball. $15/general, $10/students and seniors, (843) 953-5604 . Emmett Robinson Theatre ( Simons Center for the Arts), 54 St. Philip St. , Charleston 843-953-5604 , www.cofc.edu/theatre/

Sweet Sue - Nov. 11, 3 p.m - A.R. Gurney's comedy, in which two actresses and two actors portray different aspects of the same two characters –a middle-aged, but still attractive divorcee, and her son's college roommate, to whom she is romantically drawn. $25/adults, $22/seniors, $15/students, Footlight Players Theatre, 20 Queen St. , (843) 722-4487 , www.footlightplayers.net.

Moscow International Circus - Nov. 9, 5 and 8 p.m. : An incredible show featuring daredevil motorcycle stunts, Las Vegas-style magic, comedy, &award-winning Russian acrobats. $22/adult, $8/child, Gaillard Auditorium, 77 Calhoun Street , Charleston (843) 577-7400. www.moscowinternationalcircus.com

Sketch Comedy Double Feature - Fri., Nov. 9, 8 p.m : Featuring the Banana Monologues and Maximum Brain Squad.. $10, (843) 853-6687, Theatre 99, 280 Meeting St. , (Downtown). www.thehavenots.com

The Bob & Tom Comedy All-Stars Tour - Sat., Nov. 10, 7 p.m.- The Bob and Tom Comedy All-Stars Tour is coming to Charleston again, and this time they are bringing:Tim Wilson, Drew Hastings, Larry Reeb, Greg Warren, and Donnie Baker. Should be a great show! Mature content. (843) 554-6060, North Charleston Performing Arts Center, 5001 Coliseum Dr. , www.ticketmaster.com.

Elton John Concert - Fri, Nov 9, 2007 - 8:00 PM @ the North Charleston Coliseum, tickets range from $48 - $88

Sports:

Stingrays Hockey – Sun. Nov. 11 th 7:00 p.m. The S.C. Stingrays started their 15th season last weekend. Their next home game is on Tuesday 10/30 and they play the Charlotte Checkers. It’s a family-friendly event, and the Stingrays welcome all young hockey fans to trick or treat at the rink after the game on Tuesday. For the grown-ups, they’ll be hosting a business networking event beforehand with $2 beer all night. $13-$18, North Charleston Coliseum, 5001 Coliseum Drive , ( North Charleston ), (843) 529-5050 www.stingrayshockey.com

Citadel Football – Sat. Nov. 10 th – at home against Elon at 1:00 pm . www.citadelsports.com

Charleston Southern Football – Sat. Nov. 10 th – at home against Presbyterian @ 1:30 PM www.csusports.athleticsite.com

Oyster Roasts and other fun events:

Oyster Roast: Thu., Nov. 8, 6-9 p.m - Oyster roast to benefit the Dee Norton Lowcountry Children's Center. Enjoy oysters, chili, and beverages. $25/advance, $30/door, (843) 723-3600, www.dnlcc.org.

' I Helped Build It' Dinner Party and Auction Benefit - Thu., Nov. 8, 6:30-9:30 p.m. - Charleston Habitat for Humanity hosts a dinner party and auction benefit, featuring food, drinks, live jazz, and a live and silent auction. Semi-formal. $100 (843) 532-8421. Hibernian Hall, 105 Meeting Street , Charleston

Sullivan's Island Fire and Rescue Oyster Roast - Sat., Nov. 10, 5-8 p.m - All you can eat singles. Bring your own knife. There will be hot dogs and fish stew as well, for any non-oyster eaters out there looking to still enjoy this annual event. Live music, T-shirts, and jump castle. Rain or shine.. $20/advance, $25/door, (843) 883-9944.

Skate and Bake - Sat., Nov. 10, 12-4 p.m. - Pour it Now hosts a family bake sale and festival with skate demonstrations, a raffle, and live bluegrass. Pour it Now is a nonprofit organization raising money to build a new, concrete skate park in Charleston . Ackerman Park , West Ashley. Free, www.pouritnow.com.

Kulture Klash – Sat. Nov. 10, 7 p.m.-12 a.m. - Klash of Kultures from all different art forms: DJ battles, break dancers, live art demonstrations with graffiti battles and live screen printing, wall art exhibit, photo booth, and more. Food from the Daily Dose, Soul Vegetarian South, and the Dollar Dog Guy and beer from Coast Brewery. Sat., $10, 10 Storehouse Row, 2120 Noisette Blvd. , ( North Charleston ) - (843) 579-2889.

Freedom Walk - Sat., Nov. 10, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Benefit walk for the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund and the American Red Cross Lowcountry Chapter, across the Ravenel Bridge . $3 donation, (843) 559-0843.

Blessing of the Vine 2007: Sat . Nov. 10, 2007 1 pm to 5 pm – Irvin~House Vineyards will host its third annual Blessing of the Vine Festival. Too many things going on to mention, so check out their web site for details. Blessing starts at 2pm Admission: $5 per car Irvin-House Vineyards Wadmalaw Island , SC (843) 559-6867 http://www.charlestonwine.com/

Spanning the Ages Oyster Roast - Sun., Nov. 11, 1-7 p.m. - Love Inc., a local nonprofit organization serving senior citizens in the Charleston area, is hosting a music festival and oyster roast. Live music from: Plane Jane, Danger Muffin, Red Emotion Riot, V-Tones, Wing Nuts, Southern Transfer Barbershop Quartet, and an Elvis Presley tribute performance. $15/advance, $20/gate, (843) 225-5121, www.loveincproject.org. Goldbug Island , Mt. Pleasant , on the way to Sullivan's Island , ( Mt. Pleasant ).

Community Sailing Oyster Roas t - Sun., Nov. 11, 4-8 p.m. - Oyster roast to benefit a local youth sailing organization, Charleston Community Sailing Inc. (CCS), is a non-profit group that sponsors sailing programs for area young people, ages 10 to 18, as well as adults. Enjoy oysters, beverages, and bluegrass music. $25, (843) 607-4890, Bowens Island , 1870 Bowens Island Road , ( James Island ), (843) 795-2757. www.charlestoncommunitysailing.org

Bluegrass on the Creek - Sun., Nov. 11, 3 p.m - Morgan Creek Grill is teaming up with East Cooper Habitat for Humanity to host Bluegrass on the Creek, to benefit East Cooper Habitat for Humanity. Live music from Blue Plantation and The Vintage Bluegrass Band with Carroll Brown, Bob Sachs, Roger Bellow, and Gary Hewitt. Tickets include a Lowcountry barbecue buffet. $15, free/kids 10 and under. Morgan Creek Grill, 80 41st Ave. , (Isle of Palms), (843) 886-8980, www.morgancreekgrill.com.

Veteran's Day events:

National Veteran's Day Celebration - Nov. 8 – 11: More than 20 events in four days to celebrate freedom during the National Veteran's Day Celebration. Some events free, like parade and performance by Grand Funk Railroad, while others are ticketed. Call or visit website for detailed schedule. (843) 559-0843 , North Charleston Riverfront Park , Riverfront Park www.nationalveteransdaycelebration.org

Veteran's Day Farmers Market - Sun., Nov. 11 - Special holiday market with music, food, arts, and crafts. In conjunction with the Veteran's Day celebration and the downtown parade. Marion Square , Calhoun and King, Charleston .

Current/ongoing Holiday events:

Charleston 's Holiday Market - Nov. 9 – 11: Experience the sounds, sights, smells & tastes of the upcoming holiday season, plus tons of holiday shopping. $6, $1/kids 6-12, Charleston Area Convention Center , 5001 Coliseum Drive , www.holidaymarket.com.

Holiday Festival of Lights - Nov. 9 - Jan. 1, with an opening night awards ceremony on Friday Nov. 9, 6:30-9 p.m. Over two million lights in a three-mile driving tour. During your visit, stop at Santa’s Village and Winter Wonderland. You can roast marshmallows, take a train or carousel ride, check out the 50-ton holiday sand sculpture and giant greeting cards, visit the gift shops, and see Santa!

Fri. and Sat.: times are 5:30-11 p.m. Sun.-Thurs.: times are 5:30-10 p.m. $10/vehicle, James Island County Park , 871 Riverland Dr. , www.holidayfestivaloflights.com.

Holiday Festival of Lights Gingerbread House Competition - Fri., Nov. 9, 6:30 p.m. - Youth and adults create gingerbread houses that are judged for appearance, creativity, and difficulty. Prizes are awarded Nov. 9 at 6:30 p.m. The top three entries in each division are displayed in Santa's Sweet Shoppe during the festival. Pre-registration required by Nov. 5. Free, (843) 795-4 FUN , James Island County Park , 871 Riverland Dr. , www.ccprc.com.

Holiday Shoe Drive – Now through Dec. 14: S.C. Federal Credit Union Holiday Shoe Drive . Donate gently used shoes to benefit disadvantaged S.C. residents. (843) 569-5168 , www.scfederal.org.