Boston would connect to Greenville, South Carolina, following the Civil War, when Sampson and Hall came from Beantown to build the first textile industry at Overlook Falls. Two years later, the Campendon Mill was built, and thanks to Boston architect, Miguel Rosales, the old bridge that covered the beautiful waterfalls was rebuilt to show them off to pedestrians who opt for a stroll.
Twenty years ago, Greenville, South Carolina wasn't a destination -- or a place to retire, for that matter. But, thanks to the vision of Carl Sobocinski, a Northeastern native who in 1997 turned an old cotton exchange building into Soby's New South Cuisine -- Greenville has become quite a destination for foodies, music and art lovers. Within a one-mile radius in the downtown area, you can expect to find a diverse cultural offering of food in about 100 restaurants to choose from. Utopia? With waterfalls at every turn, restaurants for every craving and culture that abounds -- you betcha.
And then, five years ago, a dinner conversation between Edwin McCain (amazing songwriter-performer of "I'll Be" wedding song) and Carl Sobocinski turned into a plan to bring Euphoria to Greenville. Run entirely by volunteers, Euphoria is a celebration of food, wine and music in a three-day celebration that began on a Thursday evening with Songwriter's Recipe, held in one of the largest children's museum's in the country. Following a wine tasting (Perception Pinot Noir is pretty good stuff!) and some appetizers, we head to the acoustic room to listen to four musicians: Edwin McCain, of Greenville; Chuck Cannon, of Nashville, Tennessee (but a native of Greenville); Maia Sharp of L.A.; and last-minute Larry, a.k.a. Larry Chaney, who sat on stage "in the round" or "in the line," a method borrowed from the Blue Cafe in Nashville where an informal circle is formed and an interactive performance ensues. Amazing doesn't even describe the talent that abounds when this group gets together. Before each song, each performer would discuss why and/or how the song was written. For example, the birth of Edwin McCain's son -- and the love for his family (including mother-in-law!) inspired lyrical romance -- his songs touch deep within and bring many a tear to the audience.
Maia Sharp sang lyrics of which many women would yearn to articulate -- in a voice that sounded recording-ready. Chuck Cannon was filled with depth and humor in a fun mix of talent --- and he enjoyed the next morning's BMW Performance Center ride on five tracks. This is the only performance track in the country that offers a school for parents to send their teens to so that they can learn how to drive in all elements ($500 for the course). Of course, having the auto hill traction button on a BMW helps tremendously while careening down a cliff of rocks. And circling at high speeds on a wet pavement was actually fun. It was about gaining control of the vehicle --- and building a yearning for purchasing a BMW, which I and everyone else on the track learned. This is a part of the Euphoria experience for VIPs.
Over 3,500 guests: local, and from all over the U.S., Canada, Central America and Europe attended Euphoria events this year, where they enjoyed the southern charm and hospitality of Greenville --- and gave to nonprofit groups such as the Generations Group Boys Home, Loaves and Fishes, and The Meyer Center/Child's Haven. Euphoria proceeds provide funding to these groups through a grant process; Euphoria has distributed $100,000 in its first four years.
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