May 1-31: A Sense of History Art Exhibit: Louanne LaRoche, Martha Worthy, Brucie Holler and Lynn Parrott will exhibit artwork that is inspired visually, musically, by written word, time and experiences while living in the surrounding Lowcountry. Coastal Discovery Museum; Mon-Sat, 9am-5pm, Sun 10am-2pm; Donations welcome; 843-689-6767; Coastal Discovery Museum; www.coastaldiscovery.org

May 1-31: Pink House Gallery Exhibition: Featuring the works of Douglas Grier who has captured the true spirit of the Lowcountry through his paintings. Pink House Gallery; Mon-Fri, 10am-6pm, Sat,10am-4pm; 843-681-5169; www.pinkhousegallery.com

May 1-31: Aqua Grille & Lounge Art Exhibit: Aqua Grille & Lounge will open a non-profit art gallery in May. Local artist Candace Whittemore Lovely will showcase her “Romancing the Shore” exhibit. Aqua Grille & Lounge; 6-9pm; 843-341-3331; www.aquagrilleandlounge.com

May 1-6: Benjamin Franklin, Printer, Etc.: Written and performed by Burdette Parks, this engrossing original production is dramatized from the writings of Benjamin Franklin to celebrate his 300th birthday. South Carolina Repertory Company; May 1-5, 8 pm, May 6, 3pm; $20-$24; 843-681-5194; www.hiltonheadtheater.com

May 2, 9, 16, 23: Gallery Talks: Gallery talks will be presented by one or more of the artists exhibiting in “A Sense of History.” Louanne LaRoche, Martha Worthy, Brucie Holler and Lynn Parrott will share their stories and their inspirations. Coastal Discovery Museum; 11am-5pm; Donations welcome; 843-689-6767; www.coastaldiscovery.org

May 2: “Prep Opus #1”: A classical evening of music with performances from students of HH Prep. Hilton Head Preparatory School; 7pm; 843-671-2286; Hilton Head Preparatory Performing Arts; www.hhprep.org

May 4-31: Celebrate Folk Art!: Don’t miss this 17th annual exhibit of emerging folk artists throughout the month. America, Oh Yes! Gallery; 11am-4pm; 843-757-0088; www.americaohyes.com

May 4-6, 11-13, 18-20: Cabaret: A Broadway musical presented by The May River Theatre Company. Ulmer Auditorium-Bluffton Town Hall; Fri-Sat, 8pm, Sun, 3pm; $20; 843-837-7798; The May River Theatre Company

May 4-5: Slice of American Pie: A musical ride through the 1980s with the music/art department of HH High School. Hilton Head High School Visual & Performing Arts Center; 7pm; $10 ($5 for students); 843-689-4800

May 5-27: Art League of Hilton Head National Exhibition: An exhibition featuring over 100 paintings from across the country. All artwork is for sale. Walter Greer Gallery at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina; Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm, Sat-Sun, 12-4pm; 843-689-5060; Art League of HH; ww.hhal.org

May 4-5: Hotlanta Dixieland Band: Hotlanta sets your feet firmly on Bourbon Street in Old New Orleans. The Jazz Corner; 7:30pm; $12.50; 843-842-8620; www.thejazzcorner.com

May 5 & 19: Sing, Sing, Sing, Sing!: Calling all singers! These intense vocal theatre day camps will provide your child with small group coaching with music specialist Beth Green, the Music lady. Level 1 class is on May5 from 10am-2:30pm, and Level 2 class is on May 19 from 9am-5:30pm. Level 2 class will be producing a CD for each camper to take home. Arts Center of Coastal Carolina Disney Studio; Level 1-$60, Level 2-$115; 843-842-ARTS; www.artscenter-hhi.org

May 6: Family Fiesta Latina: Whether you like salsa or the samba, fajitas or frijoles, you don’t want to miss this outdoor Latin American festival showcasing the art, music, dance, games and cuisine of our neighbors to the south. Arts Center of Coastal Carolina; 1-5pm; 843-842-ARTS; www.artscenter-hhi.org

May 7: A Night of the Arts: Enjoy entertainment from the music, dance and drama students of Heritage Academy during their spring concert. Artwork by Academy students will also be on display. Christ Lutheran Church; 7-9pm; $5; 843-842-8600; Heritage Academy; www.heritagehhi.com

May 8-June 9: Colored Pencil & Ceramic Exhibits: Enjoy colored pencil drawings by D.J. Murray and unique ceramics by Susan Ellzey. An artist reception will be held on May 8 from 5-7pm. Exhibits are Mon-Sat, 10am-6pm; HH Art League Gallery in Pineland Station; 843-681-5060; www.hhal.org

May 8-12: Seahawk Stage Productions Presents The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged): This was London’s longest-running comedy - 10 years at the Criterion Theatre. Held at HH High School’s Blackbox Theater at 8 p.m.

May 9-30: Introduction to Pottery: During this four week course, learn basic handbuilding techniques and use these skills to create a variety of projects. Cost includes all supplies and materials. Experienced potters welcome! Arts Center of Coastal Carolina Disney Studio; Wed & Fri, 10am-12pm; $130; 843-842-ARTS; www.artscenter-hhi.org

May 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24, 30, 31: ArtStart Program: The Arts Center proudly presents this new series of classes for children ages 2-5. These classes are designed to develop fine motor skills and encourage creativity through the visual arts. Students will learn color and shape recognition, how to use art tools and a variety of other concepts while expressing themselves using an array of media and methods. Arts Center of Coastal Carolina Disney Studio; Weds, 3:30-4:30pm, Thurs, 10-11am; $10 per class; 843-842-ARTS; www.artscenter-hhi.org

May 10: Prizm: A presentation of all aspects of instrumental music from jazz and concert presentation to brass theater. HHHigh School Visual & Performing Arts Center; 7pm; $5; 843-689-4891

May 11-12: The Kevin Bales Quartet: Kevin Bales is an internationally known pianist and winner of the 2nd Biennial American Jazz Piano Competition. The Jazz Corner; 7:30pm; $10; 843-842-8620; www.thejazzcorner.com

May 9: Nature Journaling: Spend a full day learning about the art of capturing nature’s beauty on paper, led by artist Pam Johnson-Brickell. Reservations must be made in advance. All materials will be provided. Coastal Discovery Museum; 10am-4pm; $110; 843-689-6767; www.coastaldiscovery.org

May 12: Wiggle Worm and Wonderful Wings: Children 5-12 will make rod puppet characters of a caterpillar and a beautiful butterfly that can wing its way into your musical stories. Materials included in cost. Arts Center of Coastal Carolina Disney Studio; 1-2:30pm; $10; 843-842-ARTS; www.artscenter-hhi.org

May 12: 29th Annual Bluffton May Fest: Arts, crafts, music and food in Old Town Bluffton. Fun for the whole family. Calhoun Street in Historic Bluffton; 1-5pm; May 13 Rain Date; 843-757-3855

May 12: HISTORY! DRAMA! ACTION!: The SC 11th Volunteer Infantry reenactors bring the past to life at Heyward House Historic Center in Bluffton. 9am-3pm; Donations welcome; Bluffton Historical Preservation Society; 843-757-6293. www.heywardhouse.org

May 17-18: Marlene Ver Planck With The Bob Alberti Group: Ver Planck is an accomplished interpreter of popular vocal material. The Jazz Corner; 7:30pm; $20; 843-842-8620; www.thejazzcorner.com

May 18: “Summer’s on the Way”: Visit Old Town Bluffton shops and art galleries while enjoying a street party with dancing, street performers, great food and wine. Boundary and Calhoun Streets in Old Town Bluffton; 5-8pm; 843-757-7212; Old Town Bluffton Merchants Society; www.oldtownbluffton.com

May 18: HH School for the Creative Arts Spring Festival: Students grades 1-5 at the Island School Council for the Arts will present a “Spring Sing” chorus program, a science and arts exposition, a book fair and a sidewalk chalk art show. Also enjoy dancing, food, puppets and more.6-9pm. HH School for the Creative Arts. 843-342-4167

May 19: Art in the Park: Watch artists at work while listening to classical music, jazz and savoring gourmet delights in the Old Town Bluffton park area (Boundary and Lawton streets). Don’t miss the Classic Car show along Calhoun Street. Old Town Bluffton; 10am-4pm; 843-681-8041; Old Town Bluffton Merchants Society; www.oldtownbluffton.com

May 20: Red, White & Blues: Enjoy a three course meal along with entertainment and education. Blues virtuoso J. Howard Duff will lead a presentation, discussion and demonstration on the history of blues music in the USA. Myrtle’s Bar & Grill; 6-9pm; $30 in advance, $35 at the door (dinner included); 843-757-6300; www.lowcountryarts.org

May 20: Les DeMerle Trio: Enjoy the Les DeMerle Trio with vocalist Bonnie Eisele. This dynamic group is always a treat for HH audiences. Main Street Theatre; 7pm; $5 for Jazz Lovers of the Lowcountry members, $20 for non-members; 843-689-9495; Jazz Lovers of the Lowcountry; www.jazzloversclub.com

May 21: Tom Paxton Concert: A master songwriter from the golden age of folk music, Paxton emerged from the Greenwich Village folk scene in the early ‘60s.Arts Center of Coastal Carolina; 8pm; $27 (adults), $18 (children under 16); 843-842-ARTS; www.artscenter-hhi.org

May 25-26: B-3 Hammond Organ Tribute to Jimmy Smith With The Scott Giddens Quartet: Experience an exciting, soulful and hard-swinging evening with The Scott Giddens Quartet. The Jazz Corner; 7:30pm; $10; 843-842-8620; www.thejazzcorner.com

May 27: The Dixieland Jazz Society Open Jam: Experience an evening of local jazz talent during this open jam session. The Jazz Corner; 3-6pm; $7.50 minimum order per person; 843-842-8620; www.thejazzcorner.com

May 27 - 28: America Sings!: Celebrate Memorial Day with an all-American musical extravaganza featuring traditional choral works, patriotic songs and a special tribute to the Armed Forces presented at two locations on the Island. Sunday at First Presbyterian Church and Monday at Holy Family Catholic Church; 7pm; $5 donation; 843-341-3818; Hilton Head Choral Society; www.hiltonheadchoralsociety.org