1. Dylan Perez performs Mozart on the cello at the 2019 Crescendo Kick-Off Party
Town of Hilton Head Island
To celebrate National Arts and Humanities month, over 100 arts and cultural events in the visual, performing and literary arts are happening on Hilton Head Island through October and into November. The unique opportunities associated with Crescendo offer a variety of entertainment and gastronomic delights.
Kre’Shen,do: The highest point reached in a progressive increase of intensity.
Crescendo: A peak or a summit.
The word speaks to the depth and breadth of arts events the town has scheduled in the next month. The last Crescendo Celebration of Arts and Culture was held two years ago. Days and nights were filled with countless arts and cultural programs: concerts, theatrical productions, museum and gallery exhibits, lectures, poetry readings, dance performances, historical tours, hands-on-arts experiences and educational opportunities.
This year, the events are expected to attract more than 10,000 people from the United States, Canada and beyond.
Organizers have come together to spotlight visual artists, performers, writers, lecturers, historians, poets and authors living and working in the greater Hilton Head community.
“We are so thrilled to have the opportunity to showcase the artistic expertise and cultural heritage of this community at this year’s Crescendo events,” said Natalie Hefter, chair and vice president of Collections and Interpretation at the Coastal Discovery Museum. “Our local arts and cultural community is truly spectacular, and we look forward to celebrating its diversity with our residents and visitors again this year.”
Featured events for this year’s Crescendo Celebration:
Tuesday: The Annual Crescendo Community Celebration featuring the arts and culture organizations at Shelter Cove Community Park.
Oct. 21: “Volumes of Light: The Lanterns of Chantelle Rytter Exhibit” at Coastal Discovery Museum.
Oct. 22: Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra playing ”Symphonic Pops in the Park” at Lowcountry Celebration Park.
Oct. 27-28: Jazz for All Ages Jazz Festival featuring Arturo Sandoval at Hilton Head Beach and Tennis.
Nov. 5-6: Cliquot: A Revolutionary Musical Concert at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina.
Nov. 13: Hilton Head Island Lantern Parade at South Forest Beach.
“There is something for everyone in this year’s lineup,” said Hefter. “Join us at the opening celebration on October 12th to get a small glimpse of what to expect!” Visit the town’s Office of Cultural Affairs website to learn more.
More events
Following is an additional listing of events and locations scheduled for all the days of Crescendo.
Oct. 1-31
“Kinky Boots”: high spirits and high heels! 7:30 p.m., Arts Center of Coastal Carolina.
Oct. 12
- Zion Cemetery and Baynard Mausoleum Costumed Tour, 10:30 a.m., The Heritage Library.
- Crescendo Kick-off Party: Join everyone at the Shelter Cove Community Park for performances by local musicians, dancers and storytellers., 5 p.m., Shelter Cove Community Park
Oct. 16: Tiny Art Workshop, create your own piece of tiny art with local artist Stella Lee Anderson, 10 a.m. Coastal Discovery Museum.
Oct. 21-31: The Thanksgiving Play. Wickedly funny! 7:30 and 2:30 p.m. Lean Ensemble HHPrep’s Main Street Theatre.
Oct. 27-28: Jazz For All Ages Jazz Fest featuring Arturo Sandoval, 7 p.m. Hilton Head Beach and Tennis.
Nov. 5: Flights and Fancy Airport Gala. Guests will dine on the finest food Hilton Head Island has to offer as the legacies of automotive and aviation come together for an unforgettable evening. 7 p.m. Hilton Head Airport General Aviation.
Nov. 5-6: Clicquot: A revolutionary musical concert, the first public concert performance of this new musical. 7:30 p.m. Arts Center of Coastal Carolina.
Nov. 12-13: Hilton Head Oyster Festival, Lowcountry Celebration Park.
Nov. 12:
- Lantern Parade Eve Drive-Thru Safari. Drive through and see glowing lanterns from the comfort of your car. 6 p.m., Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park.
- The Music of Aretha Franklin Tribute by Candice Glover. American Idol winner Candice Glover brings Aretha Franklin to life. 7:30 p.m. Arts Center of Coastal Carolina.
- The Nutcracker Ballet: Join the Hilton Head Dance Theatre for the holiday tradition the entire family will enjoy. 7:30 p.m., Seahawk Cultural Center.
Nov. 13: Hilton Head Lantern Parade. Create a lantern that represents what Hilton Head means to you, then join the parade and move along with the assembled celebrants along South Forest Beach. 5 p.m. South Forest Beach.
For a complete list of arts events on the island, visit culturehhi.org/events.