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Grit-worthy Charleston events 3/13–3/15. Trust us, you'll have a blast.

You many know Patti, but do you know Pat? In a town where his drag persona takes center stage, Pat Patterson talks about life growing up in a small, conservative enclave and the path paved by politicians that bred in him a desire to serve. In a unique and sometimes unconventional manner, using his stage name as well as his given moniker by birth, he goes above and beyond to give back to and enrich the communities that embrace them both. The resident drag queen of Dudley's on Ann steps aside for this one-on-one interview with the man behind by the makeup.

I speak for many when I say that the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak, Florida, is a home away from home. This time, I got to return to the epic Aura Arts and Music Festival.

Joined by Finnegan Bell and Marci Shore, Jim Avett's sold-out show at The Society of St. Thomas & St. Denis was a celebration of song and storytelling for the young and young at heart.

This year's 10th Annual Wine + Food Festival was a celebration of Charleston's rich culinary history, its international notoriety, and its progressive future. Saltwater Chef was there to get a finger on the pulse of the festivities.

Grit-worthy Charleston events 3/6–3/8. Trust us, you'll have a blast.

Libraries: They're for more than just checking out the latest novel for your wine...er, book club. Over the years, libraries have become progressive hubs where individuals can come together to learn about everything from self-publishing to cutting-edge technology, and they often offer free educational workshops, events, and seminars to encourage public participation. Enter the DIY Fest.

Already in its sixth year, Brewvival has quickly evolved into one of the premier craft beer events in the Lowcountry, if not the entire state. Organized by COAST Brewing Co.'s David Merritt and Jaime Tenny and entrepreneurs Scott Shor and Rich Carley (of the Charleston Beer Exchange, Edmund's Oast), the event on Feb. 28 boasted nearly 200 beers from 50 microbreweries on this year's official beer list.

The classic rock band Heart gave a superb performance Tuesday night at the PAC, spanning its own catalog and treating the sold-out crowd to some surprises.

Alan Bennett's "The History Boys," the inaugural production in Woolfe Street Playhouse's new SideStage black box, is a rockin' 80s play about the nature of knowledge and its acquisition and use.

Grit-worthy Charleston events 2/27–3/1. Trust us, you'll have a blast.

New Orleans, Louisiana funk and jam band Dumpstaphunk gave us not only a name to remember, but also a killer live experience at the Pour House last Saturday night.

Grit-worthy Charleston events 2/20–2/22. Trust us, you'll have a blast.

What If? Productions presents "Thrill Me: The Leopold and Loeb Story," opening February 19 at Threshold Rep on Society Street downtown.

If you know how it feels to lose an argument even though you knew you were right, then see 'Oleanna' at Flowertown Players in Summerville thru March 1. It might bring you some peace. Or not.

Grit-worthy Charleston events 2/13–2/14. Trust us, you'll have a blast.

Ingrid Michaelson played an intimate show at the Charleston Music Hall with guest Greg Holden.

Grit-worthy Charleston events 2/6–2/8. Trust us, you'll have a blast.

Woolfe Street Playhouse was recently awarded the Carolopolis Medal by the Preservation Society of Charleston, and their new production of "London Wall" runs through Valentine's Day.

Irish-born musician Glen Hansard is expected to wow the crowd at the Charleston Music Hall.