Hilton Head Monthly Voice Voice of the Lowcountry 
ANNUAL MONTHLONG EVENT PAYS TRIBUTE TO NATIVE ISLANDERS’ HERITAGE
The Hilton Head Island Gullah Celebration is woven into the fabric of the Lowcountry; this year’s 24th annual event is no exception: It’s a monthlong series of events capturing the spirit and significance of Gullah culture.
FOR PLAYERS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD, THE BEST WAY TO GET TO HILTON HEAD IS BY BRIDGE
For the uninitiated, it seems like playing bridge requires speaking a foreign language. Swiss teams. Holding a blank hand. Biffing the led suit. Death holding. Double dummy. Gold points. Black points. Red points. Knockouts.
But to those in the know, it’s the language of love — right up until you’re sat. Then silence rules, lest accusations of table talk begin to fly.
FEB. 1
Local restaurants will serve their favorite soups from noon to 4 p.m. Outside at Coligny Plaza during the Souperbowl of caring fundraiser to benefit nonprofit second helpings. Live music by pretty darn. $10. www.colignyplaza.com/events
JAN. 25
HILTON HEAD SNOW DAY: A family event hosted by the Island Rec Center, featuring inflatable rides, a snowfield and entertainment. Cost is $10 for children ages 2-17, free for adults. 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Shelter Cove Community Park, 39 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island. 843-681-7273 or www.islandreccenter.org.
Lean Ensemble Theater takes another giant step in its boldest season yet with a new production of the acclaimed “Every Brilliant Thing,“ written by Doug Macmillan with Jonny Donahoe.
Directed by Maegan Azar, the one-man show stars Lean Ensemble member Matt Mundy.
DEC. 7
BLUFFTON CHRISTMAS PARADE: Watch holiday floats roll through Old Town during the annual Bluffton Christmas Parade. Rain or shine. Free. 10 a.m.. Check website for parade route through historic Bluffton. www.townofbluffton.sc.gov.
CHORAL SOCIETY FOSTERS LOVE AND JOY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
On a recent weekend, with just a few rehearsals left to go before their big holiday concert, members of the Hilton Head Choral Society are hard at work.
As they practice in the sun-drenched dining room at the Country Club of Hilton Head, their attention seems to shift from Tim Reynolds, their longtime artistic director, to their sheet music. Paying close attention to the sheet music is critical: they’ve marked up every page in pencil to make sure they give Reynolds exactly what he wants from each alto, tenor, soprano, and bass when singing a particular bar of music.
ALAN JORDAN WILL LEAD THE HILTON HEAD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Northerners often move to Hilton Head Island seeking a slower pace and a step back from life in an urban center. Alan Jordan, who will leave the Delaware Symphony Orchestra at the end of the year to lead the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra, has a different perspective.
“This is a step up for me,” he said.
A good book makes a great holiday present, and a book by a local author is even better. Give someone you love the gift of learning about the Lowcountry this holiday season.
“Godspell” — the popular musical that debuted on Broadway in 1971 — takes the stage Nov. 13-24 at Hilton Head Preparatory School’s Main Street Theatre.
Presented by Main Street Youth Theatre, the musical is based on the Gospel according to St. Matthew, detailing the last days in the life of Jesus Christ and including dramatized versions of several well-known parables.
