Local Fitness Instructor Prepares to Take Center Stage During Competitive Lip Sync Event at Charleston Music Hall

Susan Perkins, assistant manager at Gold’s Gym on James Island, is swapping dumbbells for dance moves as she preps to become a country rock sensation. On Thursday, February 27, she'll step into the spotlight at Charleston Music Hall, joining three other local “celebrities” to deliver show-stopping lip sync and dance routines in front of a roaring crowd. But Susan isn’t just in it for the applause—she’s gunning for the ultimate prize: the coveted title of Lip Sync Battle Champion. Let the showdown begin!

It’s all part of the American Lung Association in South Carolina’s one-of-a-kind fundraiser, Lip Sync For Lungs Live Battle IX: Rhinestones & Rockstars. In addition to bringing enthusiasm and star power to the stage, each celebrity performer has a fundraising goal of $15,000. The event, presented by Audi Charleston, raises awareness and critical funds for lifesaving research, health equity initiatives and local efforts.

“Lip Sync For Lungs brings the very best of Charleston together—we’re giving back to the community in style,” said Perkins. “I attended last year’s Live Battle with a few friends and was amazed by the performances. Bon Jovi...I mean C’mon. So good! I wanted to give it a shot and throw in my own twist. Get ready to rock while saving lives!”

We managed to snag an interview with Perkins amidst her preparation and busy fitness lifestyle to learn more about her inspiration to join Lip Sync For Lungs and why lung health is important to her.

Q. Hi, Susan! Let’s just dive right in. Tell us about your upcoming performance as “Susan and the Golden Girls” and the inspirations behind it. Are you excited?

A. My team and I are counting down the days until we can light up the stage. I’m performing with three incredible fitness instructors from Gold’s Gym: Rachael Bruno, Emily Oswald and Margaret Bradbury.

This year’s theme, Rhinestones & Rockstars, is amazing because you can take it in so many directions. It’s genre-blending at its best. While I don’t want to give too much of our performance away, I can share that we’re showcasing female artists only because we are a strong female team. Other than that, Susan and the Golden Girls’ goal is to go out and give a great performance like the Gold’s fitness instructors we are!

Q. What’s driving your participation in this year’s Lip Sync for Lungs?

A. I have a personal connection to lung disease. My maternal grandmother and uncle both had COPD, and asthma runs in my family. I want to make a difference any way I can.

I particularly appreciate the Lung Association’s work to educate our younger generation on the dangers of smoking, vaping and nicotine addiction. Their Backpacks for Bright Futures initiative provides hundreds of local kids with a free backpack, school supplies and vape-free resources. Connecting with kids early will steer them towards a tobacco-free life.

Q. We’ve heard you’re very active in the James Island community. Can you tell us a bit about that? What does the community mean to you?

A. Community means everything on James Island. It’s such a special place because of the people. We’re a close-knit group!

I’ve been overwhelmed by the level of support our team has received from individual donors on the island and local small businesses. I’d love to shoutout Petaloso (it’s owned by Lori DeNicola, the Lip Sync For Lungs event chair), Local Love CHS, The Edge Tattoo Studio, Daniel Island Real Estate, and Gold’s Gym (we are the Golden Girls, after all 😊 ). I’m so appreciative of all their support! It’s humbling.

As for Gold’s Gym, we open our doors every day for people to live a healthy lifestyle. We know and appreciate that daily exercise can improve and strengthen lung function, and we are always here to help! From sponsoring the Connector Run to pickleball tournaments to hosting blood drives and attending health and wellness fairs, Gold’s Gym is always giving back to the community.

Q. What would you say to someone who has never been to the event before?

A. Lip Sync For Lungs is an unforgettable experience. The performers become the artists, and the audience is so positive and engaged. And the best part? It’s all for an incredible cause. The tickets are only $45 each, and 90 cents on the dollar goes directly to the Lung Association’s work.

So, here’s my recommendation: come out and enjoy a great show that’s saving lives, and maybe follow it up with dinner downtown. It’s a perfect night out! You can’t beat it.

Q. Thank you, Susan, and good luck! You can support healthy lungs and clean air in the Lowcountry by purchasing a ticket or voting for Susan and the Golden Girls at LipSyncForLungs.org.

The Lip Sync For Lungs Live Battle IX: Rhinestones & Rockstars, presented by Audi Charleston, will be held on February 27 at Charleston Music Hall. To purchase tickets, or make a donation, visit LipSyncForLungs.org. For sponsorship opportunities, please email MargaretAnn.Youngs@Lung.org.