Hot Tickets

Charleston Food + Wine Festival

One of Charleston's most anticipated events, The Charleston Food + Wine Festival, is happening this weekend. The festival, which kicks off tonight with a glamorous "Salute to Charleston Chefs," will end on Sunday afternoon with a "Blues and BBQ" finale.

Friday morning's events include the opening ceremonies, which do not require a ticket and are open to the public. Friday afternoon brings the "Picnic Lunch with the Stars," a rare opportunity to enjoy Southern cooking with Gourmet Magazine editor in chief Ruth Reichl, Watershed restaurant's chef Scott Peacock and top sommelier Bob Bath of the RLB Wine Group. Later, the "Upper King Street Sip and Stroll" invites ticket-holders to enjoy some of Charleston's finest shopping while sampling delicious wines. Other notable events on Friday include the "Brewmaster's Beer School," "The Many Faces of Pinot Noir" seminar and, of course, the Culinary Village's Grand Tasting Tent, which features food, wine and interactive events from more than 70 companies.

Saturday also features the Grand Tasting Tent, but tickets will be sold for a morning tour and an afternoon tour. Most of the festival's other Saturday events, such as several wine seminars and the "Bubbles and Sweets" tasting, are sold out.

Sunday marks the last day of the festival, but still offers tickets for the Grand Tasting Tent and the "BBQ and Blues" grand finale, which features top-notch barbecue and music by Chef Fatback and the Groove Band.

The Charleston Food + Wine Festival opening ceremonies begin in Marion Square at 11 a.m. on Friday, and events run throughout the weekend until the "BBQ and Blues" finale at 4 p.m. on Sunday.

For a complete listing of events, times and tickets prices, visit www.charlestonfoodandwine.com or call 722-5566.

'Fiddler on the Roof'

The Broadway musical "Fiddler on the Roof" comes to the Lowcountry for a seven-performance run this Friday at the Sottile Theatre, 44 George St.

Charleston Stage and the Charleston Symphony orchestra present the timeless musical, which tells the story of Tevye, a Jewish milkman, and his five daughters as they come of age and prepare to wed.

Charleston native and accomplished actor John O. Fennell stars in the leading role of Tevye.

The production begins at 7 p.m. Friday. Saturday through March 8, the show starts at 8 p.m., and only a matinee will be offered March 9 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $36.50 for adults, $34.50 for seniors 60 and up and $26.50 for students. There will be a student rush one hour before curtain, and students with valid identification will be able to buy tickets for $6.

To purchase tickets, call 577-7183 or visit www.charlestonstage.com.

'Giselle'

On Wednesday, the Charleston Concert Association presents the St. Petersburg Ballet Theatre and its production of "Giselle."

The production is one of the world's most romantic ballets and will appeal to those of all ages. Consisting of 70 classically trained dancers, the St. Petersburg Ballet Theatre promises to enchant the Charleston audience with lavish costumes and grand sets. "Giselle" begins at 8 p.m. in the Gaillard Auditorium.

Tickets range in price from $15 to $55 and can be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.com, by calling 554-6060, or at the Gaillard Auditorium, 77 Calhoun St.

'Found Object Musical Jam'

Check out the "Found Object Musical Jam" from 7 to 9 p.m. today at The Redux Contemporary Art Center.

Those who missed the opening of the Redux exhibition featuring artist Dane Nester can still check out his art during tonight's encore engagement.

Also participating with Nester is collaborator Ben Crawford. Together the artists have created an interactive installation that addresses issues of value and reuse in contemporary society.

Tonight's distinctive performance consists of dozens of people playing musical sculptures, simultaneously. Those who attend the show will get the chance to play "found objects," so be prepared to create a cacophony.

Nester is a recent graduate of the Yale University School of Art. In the past, the artist has ventured into the outside world to construct movable and contained gardens, collect discarded materials and reclaim land that has been lost to urban ruin.

The Redux Contemporary Art Center is located at 136 St. Philip St. For information, call 722-0697, e-mail info@reduxstudios.org, or go online to www.reduxstudios.org.