Emeline, a boutique hotel in downtown Charleston, today announced a lineup of special programming and workshops beginning June 30th through July 2nd in celebration of the opening of the International African American Museum (IAAM). Highlights of the weekend include a variety of poetry events hosted by Marcus Amaker (above), Charleston's first Poet Laureate, and current Poet Laureate, A$iahMae. Gullah vocalist, Ann Caldwell, will also give a performance, titled “Journey of Return,” featuring music and storytelling of her own family's history for guests to further commemorate the opening.
“We are thrilled to welcome the International African American Museum to the Charleston community and celebrate its arrival with a curated lineup of performances and events from such a talented group of local artists,” said Whitney Dang, Emeline's director of sales and marketing. “Emeline has always prioritized shining a light on its surrounding community and the voices that make it so diverse. We could not be happier to have Marcus Amaker return alongside A$iahMae and Ann Caldwell for this momentous occasion.”
See a full list of programming below. All events are free and open to the public.
Marcus Amaker + A$iahMae Poetry Reading at Clerks Coffee Co.
Friday, June 30, 2023, 7 – 9 pm
The weekend will kick off with a special poetry reading from two of Charleston's poet laureates, Marcus Amaker and A$iahMae (right), in Clerks Coffee Co. The evening will include readings from both renowned poets, as well as live acoustic music throughout. The Clerks Off the Clock signature menu will be on hand for guests to enjoy cocktails and bites and cash donations will also be collected for Amaker's poetry group, Free Verse Poets. With a mission to support the arts, Free Verse Poets brings poetry readings and events to the Charleston area.
Marcus Amaker Book Signing in Emeline's Lobby
Saturday, July 1, 2023, 11 am – 12 pm
On July 1, attendees are invited into Emeline's lobby for the celebration of Marcus Amaker's newly released book, “Hold What Makes You Whole.” At the highly anticipated book signing event, guests can purchase a copy, or bring theirs from home, and collect a signature in the pocket-sized piece filled with over 70 poems from the amazing author.
Marcus Amaker Poetry Workshop in the Archives
Saturday, July 1, 2023, 5 pm – 6 pm
Additionally on July 1, Marcus Amaker will lead an interactive poetry workshop where attendees will have the opportunity to explore and understand his writing process and examine his poetry. The event will include complimentary champagne, passed hors d'oeuvres and the chance to learn from the local poet himself.
“Journey of Return” by Ann Caldwell in Frannie & The Fox's Courtyard
Sunday, July 2, 2023, 5 – 6 pm
For the final event of opening weekend, the lead member of the Charleston-based Magnolia Singers, Ann Caldwell (right), will perform “A Journey of Return” in the Frannie & the Fox courtyard. The performance tells the story of the migration of Caldwell's family from Denmark, SC to Charleston, SC during the Jim Crow South and segregation, as well as the civil rights movement. The Frannie & The Fox Pizza Sunday menu will also be available. Reservations for the performance can be made via RESY. Guests can begin seating at 4:30 pm.
For more information on the programming, visit: https://hotelemeline.com/
For more information about Emeline, visit hotelemeline.com. For images of Marcus Amaker and more information, visit www.marcusamaker.com.
