MUSIC

Apr. 26: College of Charleston Department of Music presents its Monday Night Concert Series: Charleston Pro Musica and Madrigal Singers. Recital Hall, Simons Center for the Arts, 54 St. Philip St. Apr. 26 at 8 p.m. Admission is $10/at the door; Free/CofC Students with valid ID. For more info, call (843) 953-5927, and visit www.cofc.edu.

Apr. 27: College of Charleston Department of Music presents its International Piano Series: Bach Extravaganza. Sottile Theatre, 44 George St. Apr. 27 at 8 p.m. Admission is $20/at the door; Free/CofC Students with valid ID. For more info, call (843) 953-6575, and visit www.cofc.edu.

Apr. 28: Family Circle Magazine Stadium presents My Morning Jacket in concert. My Morning Jacket is ready to bring their electrifying live show back on the road. MMJ is also excited to both try something new with their choice for an opening act, and bring some of the spirit of NOLA to Charleston. Special guests: Preservation Hall Jazz Band. Family Circle Magazine Stadium, Daniel Island 8p.m. Admission is $30-$40. For more info, call (800) 745-3000.

Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art / Book Drive

Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art presents Book Drive for Better World Books. Better World Books collects and sells books online to fund literacy initiatives worldwide. They support book drives and collect used books and textbooks through a network of over 1,800 college campuses and partnerships with over 2,000 libraries nationwide. So far, the company has converted more than 25 million donated books into $7.3 million in funding for literacy and education. In the process, we've also diverted more than 13,000 tons of books from landfills. There are four drop-off locations: The Halsey Institute, The Addlestone Library on Calhoun St., The Education Center, and The Bellsouth Building, both on St. Philip Street. Just look for the green box! They believe that every book has lasting value and the potential to help change the world. They see their job as helping to find new homes for unwanted books. So far, they've donated 1.5 million books to partner programs around the world. Their five primary literacy partners are Books for Africa, Room to Read, Worldfund, The National Center for Family Literacy, and Invisible Children. Every new book purchased from Better World Books online and every used book donated contributes to individual literacy throughout the world and the promise of a better life. 161 Calhoun Street, Gallery hours during exhibition: 11-4p.m., Mon.-Sat. and by appointment. For more info, call (843)953-5680, email silbermanr@cofc.edu or LizzBiswellmail@cofc.edu, and visit halsey.cofc.edu.

Kiawah:: 2nd Annual Gourmet & Grapes Weekend at The Sanctuary

Apr. 30 - May 2: 2nd Annual Gourmet & Grapes Weekend at The Sanctuary. A dazzling weekend that combines the culinary talents of the country's leading chefs with an assortment of wines from some of the most respected winemakers in the world. The Second Annual Gourmet & Grapes event features a black-tie dinner, an interactive wine symposium, a cooking demonstration luncheon, and grand wine odyssey. The Grand finale features live entertainment plus live and silent auctions. This five-star event benefits the MUSC Hollings Cancer Center. The goal of the event is to raise funds and awareness that will benefit the Medical University of South Carolina, (MUSC), Hollings Cancer Center. The mission is to create an unparalleled event by combining local and national culinary talent coupled with award winning wineries. The staff of local volunteers, MUSC Hollings Cancer Center & The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort will provide an unforgettable experience through genuine southern hospitality in a unique and natural setting. The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, Sanctuary Beach Dr., events at various times throughout the weekend. For more info, call (843) 792-7994, and visit www.gourmetandgrapes.com.

April ART events

Apr. 29: The Gibbes Museum of Art presents Take it to the Street Party. The Gibbes will take art to the streets of Charleston with this party celebrating the preview opening of Modern Masters from the Ferguson Collection. Guests will enjoy live entertainment, an open bar, and creative "street food" crafted by Charleston's most celebrated chefs. Meeting St. in front of the Gibbes, 135 Meeting St. 7:30-10:30p.m. Admission is $75 for museum members and $100 for non-members. For more info, call (843) 722-2706 x21, and visit www.gibbesmuseum.org.

Apr. 30 – May 8: City of North Charleston Cultural Arts Department presents 2010 North Charleston Arts Festival. The fabulous nine-day celebration of the arts is one of the most comprehensive arts festivals in the Lowcountry, providing over 30,000 residents & visitors with a fabulous array of performances, exhibitions, and activities. The Main Event, held May 1 & 2 at the Charleston Area Convention Center Complex, offers free admission and parking to over 40 performances on four stages featuring national, regional, and local professional performers, ethnic & cultural groups, and community groups. Other Main Event activities include judged art, photography, youth art, and fine craft exhibitions, a gem & mineral show, children's activities, Art & Craft booths, and an Outdoor Food Court. The Arts Festival continues with over 50 free or moderately priced ticketed events throughout the week at various locations around North Charleston. Festival Week offerings include concerts, theater and dance performances, children's programs, literary events,block parties, an Art Walk, and much more. The festivities conclude on Saturday, May 8, with the Grand Finale at Riverfront Park, featuring a variety of concerts and activities, as well as a fantastic fireworks display over the Cooper River. There's truly something for everyone, so be sure to take advantage of the arts and cultural opportunities available at the 2010 North Charleston Arts Festival! For more info, call (843) 554-5700, and visit www.Northcharleston.org.

Lowcountry LOCAL Farmers Markets

Apr. 3-Dec. 19: City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs presents the 2010 Charleston Farmers Market. Each weekend, market goers can discover an abundance of the Lowcountry's finest locally grown produce, plants, herbs and seedlings for sale in Marion Square in the Historic District of Downtown Charleston. Take home fresh baked bread and pastries or enjoy a variety of foods and beverages at the sidewalk café. The Charleston Farmers Market also offers an amazing assortment of juried arts and crafts, providing the best selections from talented local artisans. Each week the Charleston Farmers Market provides family entertainment from local musicians. Marion Square, King & Calhoun Sts. Apr. 3-Dec. 19: Sat. from 8a.m.-2p.m. Admission is Free. For more info, call (843) 724-7305, email farmersmarket@ci.charleston.sc.us, and visit www.charlestonarts.sc.

Apr. 13-Oct. 19: Town of Mount Pleasant presents the 2010 Mount Pleasant Farmers Market. The Mount Pleasant Farmers Market offers vegetables, fruits, seafood, flowers, plants, baked goods, canned goods, fresh cooked meals and snacks. Mt. Pleasant Farmers Market Pavilion, Coleman Blvd. (Moultrie Middle School grounds) Apr. 13-Oct. 19: Tues. from 3p.m. to dusk. Admission is Free; Parking is Free. For more info, call (843) 884-8517 ext. 3497.

Apr. 22- Oct. 28: City of North Charleston presents North Charleston Farmers Market. The market offers an abundance of fresh, locally grown produce, and features art & craft booths, food vendors, and entertainment. Grounds of the Felix C. Davis Community Center at Park Circle, 4800 Park Circle., Thur. Apr. 22-Oct. 28 from 12-7p.m. Admission is Free. For more info, call (843) 745-1028, email culturalarts@northcharleston.org, and visit www.northcharleston.org.

May 6-Sep. 30: Family Circle Tennis Center and the Daniel Island Business Association present The Daniel Island Farmers Market. The Daniel Island Farmers Market was created with a goal of encouraging a sense of community, sharing and fun, while supporting Lowcountry farmers, growers and artists. Growers from throughout the region will offer an abundance of fresh local produce, herbs and cut flowers. Local artisans will display their crafts, and hometown talent will perform on stage. While enjoying the Farmers Market, shoppers will also find delicious snacks and beverages available for purchase. Family Circle Tennis Center, 161 Seven Farms Dr., Thur. May 6-Sep. 30 from 3-7 p.m. Admission is Free. For more info, visit www.myislandtown.com, or www.danielisland.com.