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Lip Sync for Lungs

The Party: Lip Sync for Lungs returned to the Lowcountry this year for its third annual battle, and the performances were more extravagant than ever. The live show, held at the Music Hall, featured five local celebrities, each of their lives affected in some way by lung disease, who took to the stage to perform over-the-top lip sync numbers of their choice. This year’s contestants included Lauren Fox (president of Fox Events), Heather Holmquest (president of the Maritime Association of South Carolina), Mike Lata (James Beard Award-winning chef/owner of FIG and The Ordinary), Buffie Bell Lilly (owner of Charleston Wine Pairings-Exclusive Matchmaking) and Susan Pearlstine (owner of The Bend and founder of the Susan Pearlstine Sarcoidosis Center of Excellence). The celebs each recruited a troupe of backup dancers and “guest stars” to join them on stage as they performed medleys of hit songs by artists such as Taylor Swift and Duran Duran. In the end, it was Susan Pearlstine’s show-stopping rendition of “All that Jazz” that took home the first-prize trophy. The Highlight: The announcement that, in total, the event had raised more than $85,000 for lung disease research and support. Overheard: “I hope Bruno Mars sees a video of this performance someday, because I think you did him proud!” The Beneficiary: American Lung Association

Photography Sarah AlsatiPhotos 41
Kimi Hrivnak and Dani Mushinsky get ready for their appearance in Lauren Fox’s Britney Spears number,Buffie Bell Lilly’s daughter Belle (second from right) and friendsAndrea Serrano helps a fellow Spice Girl prep for the show.The Bruno Mars crew, including Ahmed Laguetar, Anna Thies, contestant Heather Holmquest, Angela Dyer, and Sarah MacDonald.Nick Rhodes and John Taylor as members of Duran DuranScott and Kris Higman, Jessica Sage, and Melanie and Jon ArcherIan Palacios and Michael StettnerGuests file into the Music Hall before the show.The first place trophy, dramatically displayed as audience members arrivedJudges Michael Seekings, Angel Roberts, Lance Oliver, and Terri HenningEvent director Michele Seekings welcomes the crowdHosts Ryan Becknell and Geoff Richardson, perform a kung-fu-themed opening act entitled “Lips of Fury”Breakdancers Kyle K'Otic Johnson and Lamar Hunter steal the showHost Geoff RichardsonAlumni contestants from previous Lip Sync battles made a special appearance as the Spice Girls.The Spice Girls perform the group’s classics, including “Wannabe.”Judge and Charleston City Council member Michael SeekingsJudge and founder of Charleston Shop Curator Angela SerranoJudge and owner of Peace Love Hip Hop Angel RobertsBuffie Bell Lilly takes the stage as Taylor Swift and performs her daughter’s favorite song, “Shake It Off.”Buffie Bell Lilly is joined on stage by friends, cheerleaders from Flip Gym Cheer, and a group of tiny ballerinas, including her daughter.Buffie Bell Lilly and daughter Belle post-performanceThe whole Shake It Off crew awaits their score.Susan Pearlstine kicks off her performance of “All That Jazz.”Naquan Villega of Dance Lab gives Susan Pearlstine a lift.Susan Pearlstine and dancers from Dance Lab bring the house down.Susan Pearlstine and her crewThe judges give it up for Susan Pearlstine’s performanceMike Lata, wig and all, during his Duran Duran medleyMike Lata and friends performed a Duran Duran medley, including sing-a-longs like “Rio” and “Girls on Film.”Mike Lata and Geoff RichardsonLauren Fox looks the part for her Britney Spears medley.Lauren Fox and co. perform a mash up of Britney hits, including “Toxic,” “Baby One More Time,” and “Oops I Did It Again.”Heather Holmquest and her backup dancers from Peace Love Hip Hop deliver a Bruno Mars medley.The crowd goes wild for the Bruno Mars gang.Contestants gather on stage for the awards portion of the show.Heather Holmquest as Bruno MarsIn a powerful moment, the majority of audience members raise their hands, affirming that nearly everyone has been affected by lung disease.The judges await the results.Lauren Fox receievs her award for “Bravest Routine”Susan Pearstine is announced as winner of Lip Sync For Lungs Battle III.

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