Hilton Head Monthly Voice Voice of the Lowcountry 
FEB. 2
BLUFFTON ROTARY ANNUAL OYSTER ROAST: All-you-caneat fresh roasted local oysters, homemade chili, bratwurst, hot dogs, and our famous hand-cut fresh fries, plus live music by The Chiggers. $35. 5-8 p.m., Bluffton Oyster Factory Park, Bluffton. www.townofbluffton.sc.gov.
Sea Pines Montessori will mark its 50 years as an island institution with an anniversary Golden Gala from 5:30-10:30 p.m. Feb. 23 at The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa. The school was the first Montessori program established in the state of South Carolina and was founded by Mary Fraser, wife of Sea Pines developer Charles Fraser.
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.
