Charleston Gears Up for City Paper Music Awards and Literary Festival This Fall

Charleston Celebrates Local Talent at City Paper Music Awards

As we roll into October, the lovely city of Charleston is buzzing with excitement for the annual City Paper Music Awards. This is a fabulous time of year when we get to celebrate our local music scene and all the creative minds contributing to it! What makes it even more special? You, the audience, get to decide who takes home the prestigious titles!

Vote for Your Favorites!

The voting for this year’s awards is open now through October 22. So, whether you’re a fan of rock, hip hop, jazz, or any genre in between, this is your time to make your voice heard! Remember, you can vote every day, so don’t forget to support your favorite Holy City performers by visiting vote.charlestoncitypaper.com.

This grassroots event not only showcases our city’s best musicians but also promotes the spirit of creativity and community that makes Charleston truly unique. Who will come out on top this year? Only time will tell, but we know there’s a lot of talent waiting to shine!

Support for Local Journalism

As you enjoy the event and celebrate local talent, keep in mind the importance of independent journalism. There are no paywalls or subscription costs associated with enjoying the City Paper. By signing up for the daily newsletter, you’ll receive the latest news and updates delivered directly to your inbox every morning. This helps keep the community informed and engaged.

And if you’re feeling generous, consider donating to support independent journalism. After all, it is the local stories that matter the most!

Charleston Literary Festival Highlights

On another exciting note, the Charleston Literary Festival is just around the corner, happening from November 1-10. Prepare for an astounding lineup of events, with over 30 celebrated authors participating, including Pulitzer Prize-winning author Ilyon Woo. If you’re a book lover, you won’t want to miss her presentation about her acclaimed work titled Master Slave Husband Wife.

Exciting Connections to Charleston’s Past

Woo’s book recounts the gripping escape of Ellen and William Craft from slavery in 1848. The prominent Dock Street Theatre, where Woo will speak, has deep ties to their story, making it a perfect venue for this historical discussion.

“I could feel the history in the walls,” Woo reflected on her first visit to the Dock Street Theatre. “To stand inside the lobby where they walked, to glimpse the very places they might have gazed out from, was nothing short of surreal.”

A Journey Worth Taking

The drama of the Crafts’ escape is incredibly thrilling. They played a high-stakes game of deception to flee from oppression, with Ellen disguising herself as a wealthy white gentleman while her husband masqueraded as her slave. Their journey took them from Georgia to Charleston, where they maneuvered through tight situations that could lead to freedom or capture.

“Even if you know how it ends, the suspense is palpable,” Woo noted. She spoke of the harrowing tests they faced, like registering at the Planter’s Hotel—a pivotal moment where Ellen had to convincingly sign her name, all while unable to read or write herself.

Roots That Run Deep

Her great-great-granddaughter, Gail deCosta, shared the emotional weight of bearing witness to this family legacy. “Just thinking about their bravery makes me feel chills,” she said, reflecting on the close calls they faced on their journey to freedom. It’s incredible to think that their courage paved the way for future generations.

As we look towards November and witness this literary celebration, let’s remember the power of both music and storytelling in shaping our community. There are plenty of stories yet to unfold, both past and present, waiting for us to recognize their significance.

With excitement in the air and a rich tapestry of history underpinning it all, Charleston’s local events this fall promise to offer a beautiful blend of passion, talent, and legacy.