Tecklenburg, Moryl, Friends Warm Up Rotarians for Piccolo Spoleto
MAY 10, 2011 – Rotarian John Tecklenburg’s fingers tickled the keyboard Tuesday as he and a talented group of local jazz musicians tantalized club members with a preview of this year’s Piccolo Spoleto Festival.
Tecklenburg, who is coordinating Piccolo Spoleto’s jazz series this year, also introduced former member Ellen Dressler Moryl, head of the city’s Office of Cultural Affairs and longtime Piccolo Spoleto organizer.
“Piccolo is so important because it gives the opportunity to our local artists to be showcased against the backdrop of Spoleto Festival USA,” said Moryl, who launched the series for the city in 1979. “These two festivals provide a stunning economic impact which benefits the entire state of South Carolina.”
A 2007 study showed that both festivals generated $85 million in business for the Charleston area, she said.
“Cultural tourism is very important to the state of South Carolina and we can also take pleasure in knowing that supporting the arts even makes good business sense.”
This year’s Piccolo Spoleto Festival, which runs in conjunction with the May 27 to June 12 Spoleto Festival USA, will offer 700 events throughout the community. Not only will there be outstanding and affordable opera, theater and visual arts, but the festival will have a wide array of musical shows including classical, contemporary, jazz and the blues. Other highlights include a Sunset Serenade at the Customhouse (5 p.m. to 7 p.m., May 27), the Children’s Festival (daytime, May 28 at Marion Square), a Block Party (7 p.m. to 11 p.m., June 4, Marion Square) and a finale devoted to “Motown Madness” (6 p.m. to 10 p.m., June 11, Hampton Park).
“There’s something at this year’s program for every one of you,” Moryl said.
She picked names from a hat to give door prizes. Winners included Leslie Fellabom, Edward Jackson, Jeff Perez, Andy Brack and John Bleecker.
Tecklenburg encouraged members to take Piccolo Spoleto harbor cruises during the festival for what he called “the best deal in town” — $16 for jazz, a cruise around the harbor and the opportunity to enjoy adult beverages via a cash bar.
He and four locals – Brian Reid on bass, Lonnie Hamilton on alto saxophone, George Kenny on tenor saxophone and Steve Berry on trumpet – entertained members before, during and after the meeting with the kind of jazz they’ll here at 17 different offerings during the festival.
More: www.PiccoloSpoleto.com
Submitted by Andy Brack, Keyway Committee