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CHARLESTON-The Charleston Academy of Music (CAM) is excited to start a new semester on January 10, 2011. CAM believes giving young students an instrument is like giving them a tool to open their inner voices. Many young students do not know about this tool which can help them to recognize who they are, allowing them to reach their highest potential in life. CAM offers the highest quality of music instruction for all skill levels in piano, violin, viola, cello, classical guitar, and voice. Included in the private instruction are Strings Workshops, Guitar Ensembles, Performance Classes, Theory Classes, and Master Classes. CAM also hosts a variety of programs such as the Honors Program and Outreach Program, which includes the Satellite Program at Charleston Day School and Meeting Street Academy, home of the Kidzymphony Orchestra Program. CAM accepts students of all ages, regardless of financial status. CAM is equipped to offer a complete music education to prepare serious students for professional careers as musicians and music educators, and to create lifelong promoters of classical music.

CAM’s various programs are possible thanks to kind supporters, including: National Endowment for the Arts, SC Arts Commission, Coastal Community Foundation, Jerry & Anita Zucker Foundation, Henry & Sylvia Yaschik Foundation, Hertzman-Fishman Foundation, Joanna Foundation, Bakker Family Fund, Harriet & Linda Ripinsky Foundation, Post & Courier Foundation, and private donors. CAM students continue to excel musically and academically, winning major competitions, participating in recognized music festivals and concerts, and being accepted as scholarship recipients into the major universities. To be a part of CAM, register now! Registration forms are available on the CAM website at www.charlestonmusic.org and at the CAM office located at 189 Rutledge Avenue. For more information regarding spring semester and CAM, contact the office at 843-805-7794 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

It was a beautiful sunny day in the Historic District of Charleston. We were sitting at a table outside of the Southend Brewery and Smokehouse absorbing the festive atmosphere and the happy people parading past us along the busy sidewalk. A gentleman sporting a very unusual bushy mustache walked past. My daughter couldn't pass up the opportunity to take a picture of this individual who politely obliged.

The waitress brought out the menus and asked us what we would like to drink. My daughters suggested I should try the brewery's sampler of the eight different microbrews it offers, to which I agreed. They each ordered a Bloody Mary. We took our turns posing for some quick family pictures and a few moments later the waitress returned with our drinks. While we waited for our orders we sipped our drinks and shared some laughs. My nineteen year old son snuck a few of my samplers. A good start to a delightful lunch.

The Southend Brewery and smokehouse is located in the historic Wagener Building downtown on East Bay Street close to the famous Rainbow Row and Waterfront Park. The first thing you notice upon entering the brewery is a distintive three story atrium housing large copper and stainless steel brew tanks. The presense of the tanks and open atmoshere heightens your dining experience. There is not just one, but three floors of dining space accessed by Charleston's only indoor glass elevator.

The indoor glass elevator will wisk you up to the third floor Southend Harborview Bar where you can have a brew, play pool, shoot darts, or watch sports. If Charleston's nightlife is your thing, Southend Brewery is the place for after-hours entertainment. All attire is appropriate and perfect for bringing the family or a date. Southend offers a diverse menu of regional American lowcountry cuisine. A full description of the menu offering oak-smoked and grilled dishes can be viewed by clicking on this link. Oh, just one more thing. While sitting at your table you might be surprised to find a stranger has joined your dining party. The building has a long fascinating history and is now featured on local ghosts tours. Enough said, come and see for yourself.