Staff reports  | Hold onto your hats for what may be the most memorable Piccolo Spoleto season ever when the city’s annual arts tribute opens May 24 for 17 days.  

“The arts resound throughout Charleston year-round, but Piccolo Spoleto’s performances and exhibitions afford special license for the arts to be your guide as you discover landmark houses of worship, historic parks and celebrated public spaces, as well as lesser-known performance venues off the beaten path,” Mayor John Tecklenburg said in his annual welcome letter.

For the 2019 season, artists will be using two new venues — the Cannon Street Arts Center downtown and “The Pearl” at Charleston Stage’s new West Ashley Theater Center.   Several shows will take place at the Cannon Street venue, including “Big Mama’s House” (May 24-26); “Butcher Stories” (May 29-30, June 2); “The Why” (June 7-8); “Too Much Memory” (May 29-June 1); “Reality is Overrated” (May 31-June 1); and “Vincent John Doe” (June 6-9).  Other shows that caught our attention: …