I've been all over Spoleto and its Piccolo fringe since it started. One of the most enjoyable experiences for me has been recording podcasts for Spoleto Today ("SpoTo Spocasts"), the Post & Courier's daily audio coverage of the festival.

You can hear an conversation between SpoTo honcho Janet Edens, myself and three enthusiastic ladies from the Charleston Academy of Music here.

Today we discussed the best of the fest so far.

With events going on all over town throughout the day, I find myself writing up my coverage late at night and into the wee hours of the morning.

Maybe I should skip the aftershow parties and get straight to work?

Nah. It's not going to happen.

No More Map Room

Although the movie theatre at Citadel Mall has won a reprieve - the ex-AMC concern has been taken over by a regional company - another West Ashley entertainment mecca is closing its doors today.

The Map Room on Sam Rittenburg Blvd blames low attendance numbers, high gas prices, Charleston's smoking ban and the economy on its dwindling profits. So it's pulled the plug. You can read the full story on the City Paper website.

The Map Room's a short walk from my house, and it's best known to me as an alternative art venue (hosting group shows of underground artists), a film and theatre space (for example, Theatre/verv performed there, and the Star Wars short Volition premiered there as well).

Most of all it was a music venue. A cap to my birthday party was a show by Southern Culture on the Skids at The Map Room. I didn't go - I was busy bursting out of a cake, or the other way round - but my pals did. A good time was had by all.

We'll miss you, Map Room.