Charleston scene highlights from Grammy-winning trumpeter Charlton Singleton

Charleston's arts and food scene is a kaleidoscope of sights, sounds, tastes and social experiences. We are asking movers and shakers in the Holy City to highlight some of the exceptional concerts, exhibits, meals and cocktails they've enjoyed recently.

I don't know about you, but we are always curious what the industry pros are up to in Charleston. Our city offers an endless array of concerts, exhibitions and culinary experiences, so it's nice to get tips on where to go and what to see from a Charlestonian in-the-know. For this column, we're taking a look at what locals have been up to lately — recent art exhibitions they've attended, movies they've seen, meals they've eaten, concerts they've loved and more entertainment-related experiences they've had.

Get the lowdown on the buzzing arts, entertainment and food scenes in Charleston with Locals Lately, a bi-weekly column that polls industry pros about where they've recently enjoyed the best performances, exhibits and food. This week we hear from jazz trumpeter Charlton Singleton of Grammy Award-winning Gullah jazz ensemble Ranky Tanky . The longtime musician and educator is the new creative director of the 11-day MOJA Arts Festival that celebrates African American and Caribbean arts each fall.

Charlton Singleton said one of the best meals he and his wife had lately was at Lowland. Here's what he's been enjoying lately. What is the best Charleston performance you’ve attended? The holiday concert at the Gaillard Center last December with Grammy winner and Greenville native Peabo Bryson, along with Ruben Studdard ("American Idol" Season 2 winner) and Hailey Reinhart ("American Idol" Season 10 third place).

Those voices were just everything. Great sound, energy, repertoire. What is the best album you've listened to? I've been listening a lot to a trumpet player named Etienne Charles.

He had an album released in 2024 called "Creole Orchestra" that has some ridiculously cool writing and playing. (Side note: He will be a part of the jazz program at Spoleto this year.) Where have you had the best meal or cocktail? One of the best meals that my wife and I have had lately was at Lowland on George Street.

We had oysters, shrimp cocktail, grouper and seafood ragù. But the butterscotch pot de crème was why we went back. It is the best.

What is the best exhibit you’ve attended? The last exhibit I went to was when Beyond Van Gogh came to North Charleston in 2022. That was pretty incredible..