When and What's Happening in March, 2017 on Hilton Head Island and the LowCountry

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WHEN & WHAT'S HAPPENING in March on Hilton Head Island and the LOWCOUNTRY​

March 1: The Coastal Discovery Museum will host David Harter on March 1, 2017 at 3 p.m. for this program about our local seafood. Harter, president of the Hilton Head Island Sportfishing Club and tour guide for SCDNR's Waddell Mariculture Center will give advice about what are the best seafoods to order for your palette, health and your wallet when dining in our local restaurants and buying at our seafood distributors. The program is presented by the Coastal Discovery Museum in conjunction with the Hilton Head Island Seafood Festival. Cost is $7 per person (for ages 12 and older). Reservations are required and may be made by calling 843-689-6767 ext 223 or online atcoastaldiscovery.org.

On Tuesdays and Thursdays, go on a May River Expedition aboard research vessel Spartina with by Marine Biologist, Captain Amber Kuehn, from 10 a.m.-noon in March, April and May 2017. This two-hour exploration of Bluffton's May River will allow participants to observe nature up close with a display of live organisms. Expeditions leave from the Calhoun Street Dock in Bluffton, adjacent to the Church of the Cross. $40 for adults and $30 for children (ages 12 years and under). Reservations are required, contact the Coastal Discovery Museum at (843) 689-6767 ext. 223 or visit coastaldiscovery.org.

March 3-5: Long Cove Club, in partnership with Darius Rucker and the University of South Carolina, is hosting the 6th Annual Darius Rucker Intercollegiate Golf Tournament March 3-5, 2017, at Long Cove Club. Top teams from around the country will travel to the island to compete for the title. Kicking off the event will be a Darius Rucker concert at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina. The concert will be a private event for players, coaches, sponsors and Long Cove Club residents. For more information about the 2017 Darius Rucker Intercollegiate, contact Lindsay Finger, Director of Marketing and Communication at (843) 686-1074 or lfinger@longcoveclub.org or go to longcoveclub.com

March 4: The Arts Center of Coastal Carolina will be hosting their annual Youth ArtsFest. The festival, which has free admission, will be held from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and will include crafts, performing arts workshops, food and more. While this event is free and open to the public, tickets to the talent show are $20 for adults and $10 for children. For more information about the Youth ArtsFest, call the Art Center of Coastal Carolina at (843) 686-3945 or go to artshhi.com.

March 4: The Hilton Head Shore Notes women's a cappella chorus will present "By Request"on Saturday, March 4, at 7 p.m. at the Seahawk Cultural Center, 70 Wilborn Road. Show host will be Monty Jett, and featured guest men's quartet is "A Mighty Wind," International Champions. Tickets are $20 and available online at hhsn2017show.brownpapertickets.com and local outlets - Burke's, Pretty Papers and Markel's Gifts. For more information about "By Request" email HHShorenotes@gmail.com.

March 5: The Outside Foundation will host a fundraiser for its Kids in Kayaks Scholarship Fund. An Afternoon on Page Island will run from 2-6 p.m. and include round-trip boat cruises from Harbour Town, through the backcountry marshes, to remote Page Island. Once on the island, guests can enjoy tours, games, live music, drinks, an oyster roast and Lowcountry boil, silent and live auctions and much more. An Afternoon on Page Island is a fundraiser specifically to support The Outside Foundations Kids in Kayaks Scholarship Fund. Kids in Kayaks is a local program with the stated goal of getting every middle school child in Beaufort County out kayaking. The programs curriculum is science-based and in addition to kayaking, it includes hands-on activities that explore watersheds, water quality, marine biology and fishery science. This Spring, all middle schools south of the Broad River will participate in the program. Students are responsible for covering the $25 cost of the program. The Scholarship Fund was established to cover these for those not able to afford it. A limited number of tickets are still available and can be purchased by visiting outsidefoundation.org.

March 6-12: The Hilton Head Wine & Food Festival returns March 6-12, 2017 with a week full of events sure to please many all across the Lowcountry! South Carolina's Premier Coastal Wine Competition & Culinary Event, the 31st annual Hilton Head Wine & Food Festival will not only feature spectacular celebrity chef showcases and intriguing wine education sessions, but also live entertainment and, of course, the famed Grand and Public Tastings. Ticket prices vary for each event and can be found and purchased by going to hiltonheadwineandfood.com or calling (843) 686-494

March 6 - 11: The 2017 Hilton Head International Young Artists Piano Competition, 20 of the world's best pianists, ages 13-17, will compete in four exciting rounds of competition for $21,500 in prizes plus concerts from March 6-11, 2017 for the 22nd annual competition. Each year the competition rotates, with a different age group competing; on the even numbered years, those ages 18-30 compete, and on the odd-numbered years, there is a young artist competition for pianists ages 13-17. Ticket prices vary from $10-$65, with All Access Passes available for $120

Schedule of Events:
Monday & Tuesday, March 6 & 7: Rounds I at 2-4:35 p.m. & 7-9:35 p.m.
Competitors have a total of 55 minutes of solo recital performance time. There is no elimination between Rounds I and II. Held at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, 14 Shelter Cove Ln.

Wednesday & Thursday, March 8 & 9: Round II at 2-5 p.m. & 7-10 p.m.
Competitors have a total of 55 minutes of solo recital performance time. There is no elimination between Rounds I and II. Held at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, 14 Shelter Cove Ln.

Friday, March 10: Classes from 9-11:30 a.m. Lecture/Recital with Janice Weber from 11:45-12:45 p.m. at All Saints Episcopal Church.

Saturday, March 11: Round III (finals) at 7 p.m.
Each of the three finalists will perform a complete concerto, chosen from the 2017 Approved Concerto List, with the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra. Held at the First Presbyterian Church, 540 William Hilton Pkwy. For more information, call the Hilton Head International Young Artists Piano Competition at (843) 842-5880 or go to hhipc.org.

March, April, May: The Coastal Discovery Museum will host Birding at Pinckney Island, a winter bird watching program led by experienced bird watchers from the museum at 8 a.m. The walk will include the combination of habitats at Pinckney Island Wildlife Refuge. These varying areas allow participants to see many different species of birds. Several species of shore birds can usually be seen in the mud flats in the salt marsh, while many species of wading birds could potentially be seen around the marsh and fresh water lagoons. Dates for walks include March 9, 15, 23, April 5, 14, 19, 27 and May 3, 11, 18, 24, 2017.
The outing is from 8-10 a.m. and space is limited to 15 (ages 12 and older). Participants are asked to bring their own binoculars and the program will be canceled in case of rain. The program is $12 per person and reservations are required by calling (843) 689-6767 ext. 223 or online at coastaldiscovery.org.

March 11: Don't miss out on all the fun that takes place at The Salty Dog's Annual Kid's Shamrock Hunt on March 11, 2017 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Kids under 12 can find four-leaf clovers redeemable for free Salty Dog T-shirts, prizes and treats along with children's entertainment, an Irish lunch and a special appearance by Jake the Salty Dog. For more information about the Salty Dog's Annual Kid's Shamrock Hunt, call (843) 671-2233, email or go to saltydog.com.

March 12: The 34th Annual Hilton Head Island St. Patrick's Day Parade begins at Coligny Circle at 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 12, 2017. Every year, the parade is held the Sunday prior to St. Patrick's Day, or on St. Patrick's Day if it falls on a Sunday, so as not to conflict with the Savannah parade. Clowns, marching bands, floats, Shiners, dignitaries and animal contingencies make their way down Pope Avenue to Office Park Road, and end at Park Plaza. Founded in 1983 by local business icon Tom Reilley and a few friends and family, the Hilton Head Island St. Patrick's Day Parade has grown to become one of Hilton Head Island's most beloved and popular annual events. Upwards of 25,000 spectators (in a town of approximately 40,000 permanent residents) line Pope Avenue each spring to enjoy floats and marching groups representing local businesses and charities, high school and university marching bands, the U.S. Marine Corps Band from Parris Island, pipe and drum bands, a procession of local dignitaries, and the always popular Shriners with their hilarious antics. Rain or Shine! For more information, call (855) 287-7287 or go to hiltonheadireland.org.

March 14: Mortgage Network's Tee Off Fore the Arts will take place on Tuesday, March 14, 2017 at Wexford Golf & Tennis Club. New for the 13th annual fundraising tournament is the addition of a mixed doubles round robin tennis tournament! This will be a perfect day on the links or the court in support of Arts Center programming! In addition, participants will enjoy a fabulous silent auction, a terrific Awards Reception and, of course, wonderful camaraderie. Register to be a hole sponsor, player, or to donate to this annual fundraising event! Cost is $1,400 for four, $350 for single players. For more information about the Tee Off Fore the Arts Golf Tournament, contact Lyn Kaplan at (843) 686-3945, ext. 210.

March 16: A new tradition for the Lowcountry was born in 2016 on St. Patrick's Day Eve: The Mary Green Men's Chorale Irish Music Concert! This year they will return to Holy Family Catholic Church on Thursday, March 16, 2017 to present, "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling." The group of auditioned singers and professional instrumentalists performed to an overflow audience and received a standing ovation. Continuing the success of last season's sold-out St Patrick's Day concert, this year's program will include Irish favorites through the centuries, including Lord of the Dance, Danny Boy, The Minstrel Boy and Irish Washerwoman, along with a special tribute to Irish composer Victor Herbert. Joining the Men's Chorale are soprano Laura Sutton Floyd, tenor Michael Schwartzkopf, flutist Lorraine Jones, David Kimbell on guitar, cello and bass and accompanist John Martin Marks.

March 17: Tickets for these Benefit Concerts are $25 (open seating) and may be purchased online at marygreenmenschorale.org or info@marygreenmenschorale.org. Tickets are available in Hilton Head at The Oilerie in Wexford Village, Burke's Main Street Pharmacy and the Holy Family Church Office. In Bluffton, purchase tickets at Markel's Car & Gift Shop, at Station 300 in Buckwalter or at the the Holy Family Church Office. Call (843) 295-9342 for more information about "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling." You're invited to the wedding of Hilton Head Choral Society's 2017 Spring Gala, A Very Tony Gala, on March 17, 2017 starring Leslie Odom, Jr. The Arts Center of Coastal Carolina is thrilled to bring Tony-Award winning star of Hamilton and Jazz Artist Leslie Odom, Jr. to the stage for their red-carpet gala event. The star of TV, film and stage will dazzle audiences with soulful new interpretations of beloved songs that have been his longtime favorites from his recently released self-titled CD, which debuted at #1 on iTunes. This magical night begins with a festive reception of heavy hors d'oeuvres and open bar followed by live auction and performance. It will most certainly be the event of the season. This event will be in high-demand, so book your tickets now. To be a part of this Very Tony Gala, call Julie Hahn, senior director of ticket services, at (843) 686-3945, ext. 100. Proceeds benefit programming for the Arts Center. For more information, go to artshhi.com.

March 17 & 18: at 8 p.m., The Black Jacket Symphony will perform Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon live in its entirety including "Breathe (In the Air)," "Time," "Brain Damage," "Money," "Eclipse," "Us and Them," and many more. Following the album and a brief intermission, the Black Jacket Symphony returns to the stage to perform a collection of greatest hits by the evening's artist. The performance will take place at Arts Center of Coastal Carolina. Tickets are $49 and can be purchased by calling the Box Office at (843) 842-ARTS or going to tickets.artshhi.com. For more information, go to artshhi.com.

March 18: Get your Irish On and bring out your inner Leprechaun! Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with Hilton Head Island's 22nd Annual Running of the Green. The Hilton Head Shamrock 5K Run & Health Walk will kick off at 8 a.m. on Saturday, March 18, 2017. Starting on Pope Avenue, in front of New York City Pizza at Heritage Plaza, the Shamrock Run will take runners down Pope Avenue, North Forest Beach Drive and then return on Lagoon Road to the finish inside Coligny Plaza. Prizes will be awarded to the top three overall male and female finishers plus the top three in each age category will receive unique awards. All finishers will also receive green finishers beads. Pre-registration is $30-$35. All participants will receive a colorful Shamrock Run Tech-shirt. For more information, call Bear Foot Sports at (843) 757-8520 or bearfootsports.com.

March 23-25: Head to The Beach House, March 23-25, 2017 for The 2017 Southeast Biking Symposium. Join tourism professionals, cycling advocates, planners, government officials and biking enthusiasts on Hilton Head Island this March as we celebrate successes, share lessons learned and exchange ideas on how to make the Southeast the best place to live, work and play for biking in the United States. Early Bird Registration (ends Feb. 15, 2017) is $90 and registration (after Feb. 15, 2017) is $120. Registration includes four keynote sessions and 12 breakouts, two cocktail receptions, two breakfasts, one lunch, three bike rides and one smores bonfire party. All registrants will also receive a free beach bike rental and helmet courtesy of Hilton Head Bicycling Company.

March 24-25: Before all the food competitions kick off at WingFest on Saturday, the WingFest Laser Light Show & Tailgate brings all the fun to Shelter Cove Community Park on Friday, March 24, 2017. Celebrate Wingfest and your favorite team with everyone's favorite tailgate foods! It will be an evening of music, kid-friendly events, restaurant rivalry and laser light show to conclude the night. Come and watch the games on our big screen television. Wear your team colors, or purchase one of our awesome Wingfest T-shirts. What better way to kick off Wingfest than with a tailgate and laser light show? Admission is $7. Free for kids 10 and under. Food/beverages will be available for purchase. For more information about the WingFest Laser Light Show & Tailgate, call the Island Rec. Center at (843) 681-7273 or go to hiltonheadwingfest.com.

March 24-26: The largest home and garden event in the Lowcountry takes place from March 24-26, 2017 at the Buckwalter Recreation Center in Bluffton. Come to the FREE Lowcountry Home and Garden Show to find inspiration from the hundreds of local home and garden experts to help decorate the interior of your home, or landscape your grounds with gorgeous new looks! For more information about the Lowcountry Home and Garden Show, call (843) 681-9240 or go to lowcountryhomeandgardenshow.com.

March 26, 27: On Sunday, March 26, 2017 at 4 p.m. and Monday, March 27, 2017 at 8 p.m., the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra presents "Mendelssohn Italian Symphony" at First Presbyterian Church. Principal HHSO clarinetist, Charles Messersmith, performs the dazzling Weber Clarinet Concerto No.1 conducted by the Music Director of the Charleston Symphony Orchestra.

As always, many thanks to friends Jane and Glenn Handley !