It's starting to get warmer. The days are about to get longer. And just because we're not quite into "the season," there are still plenty of things to do on the Grand Strand. From concerts to storytelling events, theatrical productions, food festivals and more, the entertainment options abound - including the return of the long-running Can-Am Days and the biggest St. Patrick's Day party on the Grand Strand.
There's always something fun going on here. You just need to know where to look.
CELEBRATING ENGLAND'S ROSE
Conway's Theatre of the Republic has long been a mainstay of the performing arts community on the Grand Strand. According to its website, it's mission is to be a major cultural resource by "providing affordable, quality theatre which provides diversity in our offerings to the community."
One such offering is "Diana, the Musical," which runs from Feb. 20 - March 2. Originally staged in California and later Broadway and London, the show was also filmed for Netflix. It begins with 20-year-old Diana Spencer as the world clamors for a royal wedding. Is she prepared for "a distant husband, an unmovable monarchy and overwhelming media scrutiny?" It's a look at the life of a woman of remarkable compassion, even as it threatened public perception of royals.
Tickets are $35 plus a $2.50 handling fee. For showtimes and more information, visit www.theatreoftherepublic.com.
GULLAH/GEECHEE STORYTELLING TRADITIONS
Immerse yourself in Gullah/Geechee culture at Brookgreen Gardens on Feb. 20 as griot and master storyteller Lillian Grant-Baptiste employs the art of storytelling to bring history to life. An informed cultural artist and motivational speaker, Grant-Baptiste will demonstrate how storytelling was used during the most difficult and fiery times of Gullah/Geechee history and beyond as tools of resistance and resilience - even in the face of insurmountable and unimaginable circumstances.
"Gullah Storytelling with Lillian Grant-Baptiste" takes place at Brookgreen's Ron Daise Auditorium from 1-2 p.m. and is free with Gardens admission. To register and for more information, visit www.brookgreen.org.
SAVOR ALL THINGS MARSHWALK
No matter the time of the year, the MarshWalk in Murrells Inlet is a wonderful place to visit. Boasting eight restaurants and a vibrant live music scene in an idyllic setting along a natural saltwater estuary, it's no surprise that folks come back to visit time and time again.
But things are about to get ramped up at for the 11th annual Taste of the Marshwalk event. From Feb. 22-23, sample the chefs' favorite dishes from each award-winning restaurant and check out local artisans and crafters, jewelry designers and more. Enjoy an array of musicians and bands. The kids will love activities like the petting zoo, games and bounce house.
The event is free to attend. Small Dish Tastings are $5-$8 per sample. For complete details, go to www.facebook.com/MarshWalkMI.
CATCH THIS FIDDLER IN PAWLEYS
All-Ireland Fiddle finalist and recording artist Andrew Finn Magill spent years living and working in Ireland, Malawi, Ghana, Brazil and the southern United States. This experience led to his sixth album, The Polaris project, which includes 10 original pieces written for an electric jazz quartet.
Asheville native Magill has been featured on PBS, MTVU (yes, there is still an MTV channel that still plays music videos) and multiple times on NPR.
Catch the Andrew Finn Magill Quartet on Feb. 26 at The Village House at Litchfield - a component of the Pawleys Island Festival of Music and Art's Lee Minton Signature Series. The lineup also includes musicians Justin Stanton (Snarky Puppy), Ethan Jodziewicz (Sierra Hull, Molly Tuttle) and Justin Watt (Glenn Miller Orchestra). Don't miss special guests, Malawian musician/producer Peter Mawanga and Rising Appalachia's Leah Song.
Event time is 7 p.m. General admission tickets are $50. For ticket sand details, hit up www.pawleysmusic.com.
TIME FOR A COOL CHANGE?
Australian rock outfit Little River Band (or LRB) was the first band to have Top 10 hits for six consecutive years - giving us gems like "Lady," "Lonesome Loser," "Help Is on Its Way," "Cool Change" and more - including "Reminiscing," which has garnered more than five million air plays on American radio.
Founded in 1975, the band has undergone personnel changes but continues to say busy, 50 years on. See why Little River Band has enjoyed such longevity when they perform at the Alabama Theatre on March 1 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $49-$75. For complete details and to purchase tickets, visit www.alabama-theatre.com.
THE RETURN OF CAN-AM DAYS
Hosted by the city of Myrtle Beach and the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, Can-Am Days has long been a fun way for the city to welcome Canadian visitors to the area for a week-long "immersion" program for all the Grand Strand has to offer - celebrating friendship, community and scads of events and activities along the way.
On March 10, the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce kicks off the 64th Annual Can-Am Days with a welcome reception including refreshments, entertainment from the Burlington Teen Band and more. Local dignitaries will be on hand as they welcome the consul general of Canada to the southeast United States, Rosaline Kwan, to the Grand Strand.
The event takes place in the lobby of the Myrtle Beach Welcome Center, 1200 N. Oak Street from 1-3 p.m. For an event list with more information about Can-Am Days, go to www.visitmyrtlebeach.com.
TOP OF THE MORNING, Y'ALL
For more than 30 years, the North Myrtle Beach St. Patrick's Day Parade & Festival has been the go-to gathering spot for all things Irish on the Grand Strand. It's also the largest, with 100-plus parade entries this year and loads of fun in the works. WPDE personalities Ed Piotrowski, Connor Ingalls and Jennifer Abney will announce the parade from the Community Stage on Main Street - and judges will vote for the best parade entries.
The festival will include crafts, Irish treats and festival food from vendors and Main Street businesses, street entertainers, live music, leprechauns, contests and so much more.
It all happens on March 15 and admission and parking are free. Parade starts at 9 a.m. Festival runs from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. For everything you need to know and then some, visit www.nmb.us/411.