Memorial Day Ceremony to be held on May 26
Keynote speaker is a sergeant in SC State Guard
Simpsonville, S.C. —
The City of Simpsonville will host the annual Simpsonville Memorial Day Ceremony on May 26 at 11 a.m. at the Simpsonville Arts Center. Mayor Paul Shewmaker will lead the program, which will feature keynote speaker Sgt. John Salinas of the S.C. State Guard and operations manager for OneBlood, a nonprofit organization that hosts blood drives. Sgt. Salinas will talk about the recent lifting of restrictions on blood donations that prevented many veterans from donating blood for decades. Also featured at the ceremony will be Simpsonville Police Department Chaplain Bishop John C. Smith, the National Anthem, Armed Forces Salute and taps.
Christmas concert on Thanksgiving Day weekend
“Christmas with Neel Patrick & Friends” kicks holiday season off at Arts Center
Step into the warmth of the season with an unforgettable evening of Christmas music at the Simpsonville Arts Center on Thanksgiving Day weekend through “Christmas with Neel Patrick & Friends.” Following the success in 2023 of the critically-acclaimed “Melodies Under the Mistletoe,” Greenville theatre performer Neel Patrick Edwards and Hartworks Theatrics will return to the Arts Center stage with a brand-new concert to kick off the 2024 holiday season.
Joined by accompanist Lance Bastian and surprise guest soloists, this intimate cabaret-style concert creates a cozy, homey atmosphere—perfect for continuing a cherished tradition or starting a new one. With two acts blending the magic of beloved classics and contemporary holiday tunes, this show is sure to make you feel right at home for the holidays.
Vocal performances | Cabaret | 2 acts | 1 intermission)
ACADEMY HALL OPENS
Gymnasium built in 1939 open as city event space for public use
Simpsonville, S.C. —
Simpsonville officials and community leaders gathered on Oct. 10 to celebrate the official opening of Academy Hall with a ribbon cutting.
Built as a gymnasium in 1939 for Simpsonville high and elementary schools, Academy Hall was renovated in 2024 with hotel and accommodations taxes. Renovations include new HVAC, lighting and electrical systems, refinishing of preserved original hardwood floors, original bleachers, locker rooms converted into a catering kitchen and ADA accessible bathroom and new doors and paint.
Academy Hall is open for public use for various occasions, including weddings and receptions, family reunions, galas, parties and more. For information about renting Academy Hall, please call the Simpsonville Arts Center at 864-399-6635.
Councilwoman of Ward IV and Mayor pro tem Sherry Roche gave brief remarks at the event on Thursday.
“In a time where it is often the practice of tearing down historic buildings to make way for modern uses, our City made this concerted and successful effort to repurpose this historic property and, in the process, created something truly special for our community,” Roche said. “While it took some time and great efforts by many, the City remained steadfast in its commitment to bringing this 1939 building back to life and back to our citizens.”
A Letter from the Cultural Arts & Events Director
Former Special Events Coordinator Lisa Everidge to manage, oversee Arts Center
Hi, I’m Lisa Everidge, and I’m the Cultural Arts & Events Director for the City of Simpsonville, which gives me the distinct honor of overseeing the Simpsonville Arts Center. First and foremost, I could not be more excited for the bright future of our Arts Center! After two successful years of becoming the place to be for the visual and performing arts in the Upstate, the Arts Center will continue to grow and realize its potential.
My family and I moved to Simpsonville in 1999 and immediately fell in love with the area. As an example of life coming full circle, my daughter joined the Children’s Theatre not long after we moved. Now I will have the pleasure of working with amazing theatre companies, for whom I have much respect because as the parent of a child involved in theater, you see firsthand how much time, effort and money go into a production.My time with the City of Simpsonville began when I joined the Parks & Recreation Department in 2009.
In 2013 I became the City’s Special Events Coordinator, which plans, manages and oversees the City’s special events as well as oversees events by members and organizations of the public. Events planned and managed by the Special Events Coordinator include the Daddy Daughter Dance, Memorial Day Ceremony, The Great EggVenture, Halloween at Heritage Park and Breakfast with Santa, to name a few. The Special Events Coordinator position has prepared me for my new one by understanding the logistics of event planning but more importantly working with people, which is what I love most about working for the City of Simpsonville. I love the free events that we host, and I love to see the joy in families. The adage, “If you do something you love, then you’ll never work a day in your life” is certainly true.
After starting the position of Cultural Arts & Events Director in March, I am even more confident than before that the Simpsonville Arts Center will thrive as a place for the public to enjoy visual and performing arts, fantastic programming by artists and the City and spaces for public use, including the historic gymnasium for which renovation work is happening now! Whether a musical, art exhibition or private event by a family or business, the Simpsonville Arts Center has much to offer members of the public.
When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with family. I have three sweet grandchildren whom I love spoiling! I love to read, travel and of course shopping!
Thank you for your support of the Simpsonville Arts Center and Parks & Recreation programming. We could not do it without you.
Lisa Everidge
Picasso at the Arts Center
Check out scenes from Picasso’s visit to the Arts Center
Pablo Picasso (portrayed by Doug Mishler) visited the Simpsonville Arts Center in February as part of the Greenville Chautauqua’s “History Comes Alive!” tour. See scenes from Picasso’s visit below!
Pablo Picasso comes to the Arts Center
Doug Mishler portrays Pablo Picasso in Greenville Chautauqua’s History Comes Alive!
With
free
admission on Feb. 9, you can hear Pablo Picasso speak at the Simpsonville Arts Center as part of the Greenville Chautauqua “History Comes Alive” series! Doors at the Arts Center open at 1 p.m. with Pablo making an appearance on the auditorium stage at 2 p.m. Seating is limited and on a first-come first-served basis. On-street parking is available on Academy, Church and College streets, and more public parking can be found on North Main, South Main, Trade and West Curtis streets and at Simpsonville City Hall on Hedge Street. Attendees are encouraged to carpool.
Soft pastels collection exhibit opens Jan. 11
Emily Wilson’s ‘HOW DID I GET HERE?’ art exhibition runs Jan. 11 – Feb. 12
“HOW DID I GET HERE?” will be the first art exhibition at the Simpsonville Arts Center in 2024. Featuring a collection of soft pastels by soft pastel artist Emily Wilson, the art exhibit will run Jan. 11 – Feb. 12 with an opening reception on Jan. 11 at 6-8 p.m.
Emily Wilson is a soft pastel artist who focuses on realism while occasionally crossing the line into surrealism. Intrigued by the emotional expressions of those around her, Wilson explores varied states of mind through the work in her show,
Stare Awhile
. Through color, proportion, balance and movement, Wilson invites the viewer to navigate moments portrayed on paper while pausing and finding those moments in their own perception.
Emily
received her BFA in 2018 from the Savannah College of Art and Design, where she discovered her love for charcoal and soft pastels. While heavily influenced by figurative realism,
Emily
’s style is unique with its focus on contrast. Studying light’s intimate relationship with shadow brings her joy as an artist, a feeling that shines through in her work.
Emily is forever learning about her artistic style and expression. From the time she could hold a pencil, it was apparent Emily had an inclination toward the arts. As a child she would take the tops of tissue boxes with an oval opening to “frame” her work and hang them around her home. While the materials have changed and the frames have become a bit sturdier, she still has that same child-like excitement when seeing her work completed.
REVIEWS ARE IN!
It’s official: “The Nutcracker” by Cornerstone Ballet was a smashing success
The reviews for “The Nutcracker” production by Cornerstone Ballet are in, and the critics love it! That is to say, the most important critics—Simpsonville residents and community members, adored the productions of the classic Christmas ballet. One Simpsonville resident compared the performance they witnessed to Kennedy Center performances:
“Our family attended The Nutcracker last evening. What a delight! We attended last year at the Peace Center, and have twice attended in Washington DC at the Kennedy Center. Your production was so intoxicating. Our grandchildren loved it, as did we. The costumes were sublime. The minimal set highlighted the exquisite dancing. This show rivaled the Kennedy center production! So glad this venue, with this type of talent, is in our community, a mere 5 minutes from our home.”
Cornerstone Ballet performed “The Nutcracker” three times in December with all three shows nearly if not by showtime sold out. City of Simpsonville Mayor Paul Shewmaker said the Cornerstone Ballet performance of “The Nutcracker” was “utterly captivating” to witness:
“The phenomenal production of ‘The Nutcracker’ at the Simpsonville Arts Center was utterly captivating, showcasing incredible talent and dedication that exceeded even our highest expectations,” Mayor Shewmaker said.
In congratulating Cornerstone Director Amy DeShong, Simpsonville Arts Center Manager Melissa Sturgis said “The Nutcracker” production was “amazing” and all “accolades are so well deserved.”
Praise for “The Nutcracker” continues on social media. One attendee said the performance was “excellent!”
“A Raisin in the Sun” tickets now available
Secure your seats for a timeless classic – Clark Nesbitt’s No Dreams Deferred brings Lorraine Hansberry’s masterpiece to life
The anticipation is building as tickets for the upcoming production of “A Raisin in the Sun” at the Simpsonville Arts Center are now on sale! Seize the opportunity to witness this iconic play, produced by Clark Nesbitt’s No Dreams Deferred, by securing your tickets at
tinyurl.com/RaisinInSVL
. Performances are scheduled for Jan. 26, Jan. 27, Jan. 28, Feb. 2, Feb. 3, and Feb. 4.
About “A Raisin in the Sun:”
Lorraine Hansberry’s “A Raisin in the Sun” is a timeless American classic that delves into the struggles and aspirations of the Younger family, an African American family living in 1950s Chicago. Faced with racial tensions and economic challenges, the Youngers grapple with their divergent dreams for a better future as they navigate societal expectations and personal ambitions. This powerful drama explores themes of identity, generational conflicts and the pursuit of the American Dream, making it a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant experience for audiences.
Don’t miss the chance to witness the compelling narrative unfold on stage at the Simpsonville Arts Center. Secure your tickets early at
tinyurl.com/RaisinInSVL
and immerse yourself in the captivating world of “A Raisin in the Sun.” This production promises to be a poignant and unforgettable theatrical experience brought to life by the talented team at No Dreams Deferred. Mark your calendars for the dates, and join us for an evening of exceptional storytelling and thought-provoking performances!
‘A touch of musical merriment’
‘Melodies Under the Mistletoe’ is a cabaret-style fundraising concert for Hartworks Theatrics
Add a touch of musical merriment to your holiday season with “Melodies Under the Mistletoe: A Simple Christmas!” Join Hartworks Theatrics on Dec. 19 at 7:30 p.m. at the stunning Simpsonville Arts Center for an evening immersed in heartwarmingly joyful melodies and the sounds of the season. Led by Upstate theatre veteran Neel Patrick Edwards and accompanied by the talented Lance Bastian with delightful surprises from special guests, this cabaret-style fundraising concert for Hartworks Theatrics promises an intimate and cozy setting. The concert will seamlessly blend beloved classics with new carols, evoking the warm and fuzzy feeling of Christmas. Don’t miss this unforgettable evening that captures the essence of a classic cabaret, making your “Christmas time in the City” a little merrier.
Tickets can be purchased at
hartworkstheatrics.org
.