THE TIMELESS ALLURE OF “THE BOTANICAL FAINTING COUCH 

“Fainting couches” were in vogue during the Victorian era, when women laced their corsets so tightly that it restricted their breathing, leading to a lack of oxygen and fainting. These women needed to somewhere to sit down fast.

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN HAS DEEP ROOTS IN THE LOWCOUNTRY

First Presbyterian Church traces its origins to a small chapel on Honey Horn Plantation. Pastors were brought from the mainland by boat for Sunday services. It became a Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) congregation in 1957, never losing its character as a church for the community. The Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra and the Hilton Head Choral Society perform at the church, and the World Affairs Council holds its programs here.

JAN. 19

SOUNDBITES: 10 STRING SYMPHONY WITH MEMBERS OF THE HILTON HEAD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

This dynamic musical stew covers a wide spectrum of acoustic-based roots music, folk and bluegrass, all delivered with a dash of rock and roll. Tickets are $50. 9 p.m. At the Roasting Room. 1297 May River Road, Bluffton. Get tickets at www.roastingroomlounge.com.

De Arts Ob We People Annual Art Exhibition and Sale is one of the largest displays of original work by emerging and leading artists representing the life of Gullah people on Hilton Head Island and the surrounding community.

The Opening Party from 6-9 p.m. Jan. 31 is the first opportunity for patrons and friends to see the works.

GROUP’S MUSIC SHARES GULLAH HISTORY AND CULTURE

For nearly 30 years, Dr. Marlena Smalls and The Hallelujah Singers have preserved the Gullah culture through uniquely crafted entertainment and storytelling.

ST. ANDREW BY-THE-SEA’S FALL FESTIVAL IS PART OF A LONG TRADITION OF GIVING BACK.

It’s a good time to turn 50, it seems: From the RBC Heritage golf tournament to Palmetto Dunes, many island institutions are marking the milestone. But one is celebrating a little bit more quietly, marking its half of a century with the same selfless drive to help others and enrich the community as it has exhibited for the past 50 years.

The bond between drivers and their cars inspires the Vintage Auto Film Exhibition Nov. 1 at Coligny plaza.

The evening begins with a red-carpet reception with light appetizers and cocktails from 6-7 p.m., giving visitors opportunity to enjoy the rare and vintage automobiles on display. At 7 p.m., the curtain goes up on a short film directed by the festival’s founder, Guy Smith. “Running with Pop” showcases the 1967 Camaro which served as the unofficial “mascot” of the Hilton Head Island Motoring Festival & Concours d’Elegance during its early years.

Celebrate the start of the holiday season with the familiar characters from “The Nutcracker,” presented Nov. 9-18 by Hilton Head Dance Theatre.

The Tchaikovsky ballet follows a young girl who is given a magical nutcracker as a Christmas gift. She and the Nutcracker Prince battle the Mouse King before setting out to the Land of Sweets.

THROUGH NOV. 4

 “Seduced by the Light”: Lori Wilson will present “Seduced by the Light,” a collection of fine watercolors and photography in contemporary realism, at the Society of Bluffton Artists gallery. 6 Church St., Bluffton. 843-757-6586 or www.sobagallery.com.