Live Music Rocks Daniel Island!

Coming Soon to the Family Circle Stadium!
Darius Rucker, lead singer of the popular band Hootie & The Blowfish, will join some of his favorite friends onstage this summer as he returns to host the “Homegrown Concert” series at the Family Circle Tennis Center on Daniel Island. Now in its sixth year, the “Homegrown Tour” was originally conceived by Hootie & The Blowfish to help provide school supplies and other needed materials to disadvantaged children in the lowcountry. Since the band is currently on break, Rucker has decided to perform the show solo but joined onstage with some friends, including country music sensation Deirks Bentley.

Also returning to the Family Circle Stadium is fan favorite O.A.R. (of a revolution) for their fourth consecutive summer show on Daniel Island. With a very loyal fan base, O.A.R. attracts an amazing crowd and a well deserved reputation as a must-see band when they come to town.

Tickets for both Darius Rucker and O.A.R. can be purchased through www.ticketmaster.com.

In Other News
The Family Circle Tennis Center has already hosted some of the music industry’s top performers this summer, like country music’s super duo team Sugarland, who were fresh off 5 nominations at the 2009 Country Music Television Awards. More than 6,000 island residents, Charleston locals and others filled the Family Circle Magazine Stadium on Thursday, May 21 for the Sugarland show. Opening was newcomer to the country music scene, Billy Currington, who had fans screaming and singing along.

Reggae greats, The Wailers, performed on the Veranda stage at the Family Circle Tennis Center the following night. Since 1967, The Wailers, then with Bob Marley, have been touring the world, performing such reggae classics as “Three Little Birds”, “Get Up, Stand Up”, “No Woman, No Cry” and many, many more. And, on Saturday night, newcomer Corey Smith made his Charleston debut on the Veranda stage, bringing his well-crafted lyrics and soulful Southern voice to life in front of the crowd.

Ending the musical weekend, the 208th Army Band of Concord, NC performed a free concert at Etiwan Park as part of the Piccolo Spoleto festival. Island residents and others brought out their picnic blankets, snacks and drinks, and listened to the patriotic tunes of the band while also remembering and honoring our armed forces - near and far.

“Tickets FORE Charity” at the Nationwide Tour Championship

From Monday, October 19 through Sunday, October 25, the Daniel Island Club will play host to the Nationwide Tour Championship at Daniel Island, welcoming the tour’s top players to the Ralston Creek course for the final event of the season-long quest to earn one of 25 coveted PGA TOUR cards.

New this year to the Nationwide Tour Championship is the “Tickets FORE Charity” ticket sales fundraising initiative, which allows local non-profit organizations the opportunity to sell tickets to this major event and keep 100% of the proceeds!

This initiative is closely modeled after the extremely successful Albertson’s Boise Open “Tickets FORE Charity” program that originated in 2001 and, to date, has raised more than $2.4 million for Boise area charities.

Now, spectators who purchase Nationwide Tour Championship at Daniel Island tickets through the “Tickets FORE Charity” program will not only get to witness some of golf’s rising stars compete, but they will also have a direct impact on the lives of those in need in Charleston and the Lowcountry. “The success of this premier golf tournament is built on community support. We feel that the best way to give back to the Charleston area is through the direct charitable donation of ticket proceeds,” said Kevin Canning, Tournament Director of the Nationwide Tour Championship at Daniel Island.

Daily tickets ($10/per day), week passes ($30/per person) and a weekly group rate (10 people/$200) will all be available for purchase beginning June 1, 2009. Tickets will be available through charities participating in the “Tickets FORE Charity” program, on www.NationwideTourChampionship.com, and at the Family Circle Tennis Center ticket office, located at 161 Seven Farms Drive, Daniel Island, SC 29492, from 9:00am – 5:00pm, Monday through Friday.

Local non-profits interested in participating in the “Tickets FORE Charity” program must be a 501c3 organization and should contact Margaret.Shaw@familycirclecup.com.

Quack, Quack, Splash!

At precisely 11:00 am on June 6, 2009, 15,000 ducks will be dropped from the highest point of the James B. Edwards Bridge, plunging more than 200 feet down to the waters of the Wando River. The ducks will then make their way to the river and shoreline, racing to be the first to reach the Daniel Island Waterfront Park.

How will they survive? Well, these are rubber ducks, of course!

For the past three years, the Rotary Club of Daniel Island, along with the East Cooper, Mt. Pleasant and Summerville Rotary Clubs, has hosted this annual charity duck race, raising money for local non-profit organizations, scholarships and programs sponsored through the Rotary.

The first 25 ducks to cross the finish line with be awarded cash prizes ranging from $15,000 to $100 with the chance for the first ten ducks to win $1,000,000! But who gets the money?

YOU!

Ducks can be adopted for $10/ per duck (suggested amount) either by visiting www.charlestonduckrace.com or by contacting a Rotary Club member. Even if you don’t win, there’s tons of fun taking place at Daniel Island’s Waterfront Park. Lunch, snacks and drinks will be available for purchase from Ali Baba, Chick-fil-A, Moona Lisa, Sonic Drive-in, and The Pretzel Twister. And, while everyone waits for the race results, the kids can participate in the jump castles, clowns, face painting and other fun activities. Prize winners will be announced around noon!

With one week to go, ducks are being adopted left and right. Don’t miss your chance to win $50, $100, $5,000 or even $1 million – get your ducks now!! Visit www.charlestonduckrace.com today.

Piccolo Spoleto Comes to Daniel Island!

For seventeen days each year during late May and early June, Charleston transforms itself into a complete cultural Mecca as Spoleto Festival USA comes to town!

Now in its 32nd year, this celebration of the arts brings world-class dance, music, opera, theater and more to the theaters, churches and streets of historic Charleston. And each year, its sister festival, Piccolo Spoleto, highlights local and regional talent with an offering of hundreds of events and performances for all ages taking place throughout the greater community.

This year, Daniel Island is getting involved with a free outdoor Memorial Day concert at Etiwan Park. As a celebration of this important national holiday, Piccolo Spoleto is bringing the 208th Army Band of Concord, NC to Daniel Island to perform a program of national songs and marches, popular music, show tunes, jazz and more. There will be a little something for everyone! The band’s primary mission is to promote support for our troops throughout the Carolina’s, and also to encourage camaraderie among our fighting forces.

The concert is free and open to the public. Everyone is invited to bring a blanket and picnic, and ring in Piccolo Spoleto’s 2009 festival season!

Visit Spoleto Festival USA and Piccolo Spoleto for a complete schedule of the amazing performances and events taking place throughout Charleston, May 22 – June 7, 2009.

Island Community Joins Forces to Help a Teacher in Need

An upcoming fundraising event at Pierce Park will help a beloved island teacher who is battling cancer. In typical Daniel Island fashion, the students, parents and faculty at the Daniel Island Academy are joining forces to help a friend in need. Ms. Valarie, as she is known by her students, was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and has maintained an amazing and positive attitude despite regular chemotherapy and radiation treatments and a recent surgery. The out-of-pocket costs associated with these treatments is astounding.

To help, a special dinner and silent auction will be held on Friday, May 22 at the pavilion at Pierce Park from 6:30-8:30 pm. The admission donation of at least $25 includes food, beverages and live music in the pavilion’s beautiful marsh front setting. All proceeds will go towards setting off Ms. Valerie’s expenses. Children are free, and the playground at the park will provide a diversion while parents participate in the other festivities, including a silent auction.

Spread the word and be sure to join the community for this festive and supportive event – all are welcome! Donations may be made in advance at the Daniel Island Academy (300 Seven Farms Drive). You may also donate at the event. For further information contact atkgeneral@gmail.com.

THE PRACTICE RANGE: Every Possible Putt

By Daniel Island Club Head Teaching Professional, Ron Cerrudo

Recently, I had the privilege of playing with my old tour roommate, Tom Watson. Yes, that Tom Watson! The first thing I noticed was how pure his putting stroke was from short distances. As you probably know, in recent years Tom has had trouble with short putts ranging from three to five feet. I finally couldn’t contain myself so I asked him what he did to smooth out his stroke on the most crucial putts. His answer really surprised me. Tom starts by feeling the ball (what I mean is concentrating intensely on the ball) then looks at his hands as he takes the putter back. By doing this, he focuses on making a smooth stroke instead of worrying if he is going to make the putt.

If you are having trouble with short distance putts, try Tom’s approach – but make sure you practice before taking it out on the course. Tom practices these types of putts by placing the balls around the hole like a clock, three feet away from each other, making sure the area has some slope. He does this so he faces every possible putt: uphill, downhill, right to left and left to right. When you try this, make sure you give each putt your full attention. It was great playing with Tom again. He made eight birdies and two bogies – not bad for a 58 year old!

P.s. He beat me!

“Concert in the Park” returns to Smythe Lake this Saturday!

This Saturday, May 16, the Charleston Symphony Orchestra will return for its annual free concert in Smythe Park, and island residents are getting ready! Some eager residents will stake out their spots as early as Friday night, and the picnic set-up will continue throughougt the day on Saturday. Prizes will be awarded for the most elaborate and creative picnic spreads, with judging beginning at 6:30 pm. This year’s winner will receive $500 to give to their charity of choice.

For those who aren’t interested in bringing a picnic, Ted’s Butcherblock will be on hand again this year with a special menu of “gourmet-to-go” options. Items like grilled Keilbasa, Shrimp Salad, Grilled Chicken Sandwiches and more will be available for purchase, along with bottled water, cold draft beer and white and red wine by the glass and bottle. Ted’s is also offering custom picnics, featuring items from their regular menu, that can be picked up at Smythe Park on the day of the event. (Orders must be placed by noon on Friday by calling 843-577-0094).

Also available during the event will be frozen treats from Mr. Koolie, an old-fashioned ice cream truck.

This weekend’s event marks the fifth consecutive year that Daniel Island residents have enjoyed this annual free event. For most residents, the concert has become an annual tradition – an evening where they can get together with friends, enjoy great food and beverages on the banks of Smythe Lake, and take in the cool breezes and classic music of the Charleston Symphony Orchestra.

The concert, which is presented by the Daniel Island Community Fund, will begin at 7:30 pm. Admission is free and parking will be available at the Daniel Island School parking lot on Daniel Island Drive. And, just in case it rains, the concert will be postponed until Sunday, May 17.

Visit the gallery below to view pictures from previous years!

New Amenities Have Daniel Island Club Members Talking

The Daniel Island Club has been abuzz with excitement these days. With summer just around the corner, and warm temperatures here to stay, members of all ages are out enjoying everything from golf, swimming, tennis and croquet to tournaments and special events galore. But it’s the brand new additions to the clubhouse that everyone seems to be talking about the most.

The new wing of the clubhouse opened to members early this month. The showcase of this latest addition is a second story Grill Room with indoor and outdoor seating and stunning views of the marsh, Beresford Creek and hole 18 of the Ralston Creek course, along with a casual menu of salads, sandwiches, pizzas and entrees and a full-service bar. This will be the prime spot for viewing the action on the 18th hole during the upcoming Nationwide Tour Championship on Daniel Island this October.

The new clubhouse wing also houses the Club’s new golf shop, which has more than doubled in size to better accommodate golfers and an expanded selection of merchandise. A spacious first-story men’s lounge is accompanied by a locker room, barber shop and billiards room. All of the new spaces are enhanced by gorgeous cypress paneling and rich, Lowcountry décor.

With this latest phase now complete, plans are now underway for a beautiful new lounge and locker room for the ladies.

See the images below for more pictures of the new spaces at the clubhouse!

TASTE OF THE TOWN: Tips for Summer Entertaining

Summertime is here and that means it’s time to heat up the grill, cool down the drinks and get ready to relax and spend time with your family and friends! And, just in time for the annual free Charleston Symphony Orchestra Concert in Smythe Park, the Events staff at the Daniel Island Club has offered up some ideas to guarantee that you and your guests have a delicious, festive and relaxing time.

1. Serve a signature cocktail! Since it will be warm outside, try a refreshing melon cooler. Fill a pitcher 1/3 full with vodka and add 3 cups honeydew puree, 2 cups Midori and 3 cups Sprite. Have guests sip out of mason jars to add a down home feel. Mojitos are also a refreshing favorite at any gathering!

2. Instead of using a cooler, try putting your beverages on ice in a brightly colored wheelbarrow. It will hold tons of drinks and add to the outdoor décor.

3. Everyone loves burgers and kabobs – try a twist on an old favorite. Mix it up by serving tuna burgers with wasabi mayo and skewer fruits and veggies to make for easy dipping in your sauce of choice.

4. Outdoor gatherings can be lovely, but pesky insects can ruin the mood quickly. Be prepared with a “buffet” of several different bug sprays and lotions to ward off any pests.

5. Create a custom play list on your iPod to keep your guests groovin’! Keep it related to the season with songs like “Summer Breeze,” by the Isley Brothers, Bob Dylan’s “Summer Daze,” and Don Henley’s “The Boys of Summer.”

6. Don’t stress about seating. Create a lawn-lounge by putting picnic blankets and large pillows on the grass.

7. If your party is kid-friendly, encourage them to play some outdoor games. Classics like Capture the Flag, T-Ball, Kick the Can and Hide-n-Seek can provide hours of entertainment for your younger guests!

A Young Leader Makes His Mark on Daniel Island

If you live on Daniel Island, chances are you know Jimmy Bailey. As head of the Property Owners’ Association and Administrator of the Daniel Island Community Fund, Jimmy plays a major role in helping to ensure that Daniel Island is a great place to live. His accomplishments recently earned him recognition as one of the Charleston Regional Business Journal’s “40 Under 40” recipients for 2009.  This annual awards program recognizes the brightest young entrepreneurs and community activists in the greater Charleston region. Click HERE to see Jimmy’s full profile in the Business Journal.

At just 33 years old, Jimmy’s accomplishments are impressive. But it is his work with the Daniel Island Community Fund that has had the greatest impact on our community. This private 501(c)4 organization helps provide resources for civic and cultural programs on Daniel Island and in neighboring communities that are in need. More than $1.5 million has been distributed to date to non-profit organizations in the targeted service areas, and the Community Fund has initiated several successful projects on Daniel Island, including 52 Weeks of Thanks, that have helped foster the sense of community here.

As head of the Daniel Island POA, Jimmy is in charge of overseeing community parks, amenities and all commonly-owned property on Daniel Island as well as serving as a conduit between residents and the island’s developer. He also serves as the Vice Chairman of the S.C. Educational Lottery and on the board of directors for YesCarolina, a non-profit organization that helps young people from communities statewide build skills and unlock their entrepreneurial creativity.

When not on Daniel Island, working and participating in the island’s numerous clubs and groups, Jimmy can be found doting on his three-year old daughter, Betsy, and spending time on the water in Rockville, SC. A devoted family man, Jimmy and his wife Beth are also expecting a new addition to the family this summer!

Congratulations, Jimmy, on your accomplishments –

Daniel Island is lucky to have you!

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