6 Women in the Charleston Arts Scene with Inspiring Stories

When reflecting on feature stories we’ve written this year on arts and culture for The Post and Courier, what stands out is all the voices who have inspired us along the way. Among those stories there are hopefully many who have also inspired you, and many not included who deserve a spotlight . . .

Zandrina Dunning

Another woman running her own business is Zandrina Dunning, executive director of the ZD Experience production company. For Dunning, it’s about allowing her visions to come to life through collaborations, conversations and music that nourishes the mind, body and soul.

Dunning has been singing in the Charleston music scene for more than a decade, producing shows since the late 2010s and running her P.U.R.E. Concert Series since 2020, which centers on peace, unity and revival through entertainment.

Over the years she directed tribute shows at various Charleston venues honoring Gladys Knight, Luther Vandross, Tina Turner, Aretha Franklin, Janet Jackson, Chaka Khan and Jill Scott.

Her newest venture is a talk show called “The ZD Live Experience,” hosted at The Peacock restaurant and bar downtown. The first episode featured Michelle Van Jura, owner of The Peacock, and actor, producer and entrepreneur Edie Allen. The second episode featured Dr. Tonya Matthews, poet and CEO of the International African American Museum.

“I’ve never felt competition, ever, because I know that what I bring to the table is not what someone else brings,” Dunning said. “Confidence is a mindset. There are eight billion people in this world, so there are enough people to be my audience.”

“The point of my platform is to inspire — and competition stems from a glass half-empty or scarcity mindset,” she continued. “There is abundance, and you just have to walk into it.”

Dunning also hosts a show on community station Ohm Radio 96.3, at noon on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Source: 6 women in the Charleston arts scene with inspiring stories