Week brings music, literature, comedy and military leadership talks across Charleston
Charleston-area residents have a range of cultural offerings this week, from the 15th annual City Paper Music Awards at the Music Farm to a local author book launch at the Charleston Library Society. Events span the peninsula, James Island, North Charleston and Mount Pleasant, offering multiple opportunities for live music, comedy, local history and veteran networking.
Organizers and venues are staging events for a variety of interests. Many are ticketed but reasonably priced, while others are free for members or donation-based. Below are several highlights scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 13, drawn from the week's calendar of offerings.
Highlights for Thursday, Aug. 13
- "Obstinate Daughters" book launch — Denise Kiernan discusses her new history of women in the American Revolution, joined by author Wiley Cash. When: 6-7 p.m. Where: Charleston Library Society, 164 King St. Price: $10 members, $15 nonmembers.
- Stono River Project single release — The Charleston band blends folk, rock, Americana, country and blues, celebrating the release of the single "Make It Home Tonight." When: 6 p.m. Where: The Pour House, 1977 Maybank Highway, James Island. Price: $5.
- Zoltan Kaszas comedy — Award-winning comedian Zoltan Kaszas performs at Wit's End Comedy Lounge. When: 7 p.m. Where: Wit's End Comedy Lounge, 3320 Rivers Ave., North Charleston. Price: $38.
- City Paper Music Awards — The 15th annual awards showcase local performers across genres including Americana, rock, reggae, hip-hop, country and jazz. The winners are selected by Charleston City Paper readers and web visitors. When: 7:30 p.m. Where: Music Farm, 32 Ann St., Charleston. Price: $20 advance, $25 day-of, $100 VIP.
- Maj. Gen. James E. Livingston talk — Medal of Honor recipient and retired Marine Corps major general discusses leadership and perseverance; the event provides a networking opportunity for veterans and veteran professionals. When: 8:30 a.m. Where: Cooper River Room, Mount Pleasant Visitor Center, Memorial Waterfront Park, 99 Harry M. Hallman Jr. Blvd. Price: Free for members, $15 for guests.
Practical details for attendees
Most venues listed maintain separate websites or ticketing pages for up-to-date availability and entry requirements. Advance purchase is advised for shows with limited capacity, such as the Music Farm awards and the comedy performance. Admission prices vary from donation or membership-based entry to reserved seating and VIP options.
| Event | Time | Location | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| "Obstinate Daughters" book launch | 6-7 p.m. | Charleston Library Society, 164 King St. | $10 members, $15 nonmembers |
| Stono River Project | 6 p.m. | The Pour House, 1977 Maybank Hwy., James Island | $5 |
| Zoltan Kaszas | 7 p.m. | Wit's End Comedy Lounge, 3320 Rivers Ave., North Charleston | $38 |
| City Paper Music Awards | 7:30 p.m. | Music Farm, 32 Ann St., Charleston | $20 adv., $25 day-of, $100 VIP |
| Maj. Gen. James E. Livingston talk | 8:30 a.m. | Cooper River Room, Mount Pleasant Visitor Center | Free for members, $15 guests |
Community angle and how to submit events
These listings reflect a mix of longstanding local gatherings and one-off appearances that help sustain Charleston's cultural calendar. Recurring music showcases and award nights are important touchpoints for area musicians and venues, while author talks and veteran-focused events draw different neighborhoods and interest groups into public programming.
Community members and organizations who want to submit events for future calendars can do so through the publisher's event submission portal. Venues, artists and speakers planning appearances are encouraged to confirm details with hosts prior to attending.
For residents looking to plan their week, the Thursday slate alone offers options for literary engagement, new local music, stand-up comedy and a high-profile local music celebration — all within the Charleston area.
