Long Bay Jazz Quartet – Enjoy the mellow, easy listening sounds of jazz with this wonderful quartet from Myrtle Beach at Northwoods Mall 7:00-8:00 pm.  Free

The Loafers – An old-fashioned sock hop concert performed by original members of the favorite local group.  They will recreate the Park Circle Teen Club of the 50’s & 60’s with their popular sounds.  Fun for all ages at the Felix Davis Community Center at Park Circle, 7:00-9:00 pm, Free. 

Contemporary Gospel Music Concert - An elegant night filled with praise and worship will feature a nationally acclaimed gospel recording artist.  Join publishers, Tia Brewer-Footman and Gerald Footman, as they unveil the new Grace Magazine and host the 1^st Annual Grace Icon Awards.  Sponsors include Construction Dynamics Inc., Tanger Outlet Mall, and WJNI. 
  w North Charleston Performing Arts Center (PAC) Auditorium, Doors open 7:00PM.
  w Ticket inf www.mygracemag.com or Footman-Brewer Enterprises 764-2622.

FESTIVAL MAIN EVENT

North Charleston Arts Festival Gala

North Charleston Arts Festival Gala & Concert by “Chicago” The Festival Gala is a ticketed evening event on Saturday, May 5th, with the nationally acclaimed band CHICAGO in concert at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center.  The Gala begins at 6:00 PM in the Charleston Area Convention Center Ballroom with heavy hors d’oeuvres and entertainment by “Lynda J and Nite Train.”  Guests will leave the Ballroom by 7:30 pm to attend the concert by Chicago in the adjacent Performing Arts Center Auditorium.  Immediately following the concert, the Arts Festival Gala celebration returns to the Ballroom with desserts, cordials, and dancing to the music of the “Lynda Johnson and the Nite Train Band” until midnight! Gala package includes free parking pass, pre-concert reception with entertainment, Chicago concert ticket (orchestra level seating), after-concert party with dance band, desserts, and cordials.  Call early – limited tickets available!

wTickets $90 (individual); $85 (4 or more); $80 (10 or more). wCall North Charleston Cultural Arts Dept. at 745-1087 for Gala Packages (deadline April 27)

 

 FESTIVAL MAIN EVENT:

Main Event performances may be seen throughout the day on four separate stage areas.  Attractions and exhibitions include Judged Fine Art, Photography, Youth Art, SC Palmetto Hands Fine Crafts, Lowcountry Gem & Mineral Show, creative and interactive children’s activities such as Creation Stations and Box City, Arts & Craft vendors, an outdoor Food Court and much more!
 wNorth Charleston Performing Arts & Convention Center Complex, 2:00-5:00PM.
 wParking and admission to all performances and exhibitions are Free.

Gospel Showcase: Local gospel choirs will have the opportunity to share their music and praise with the Lowcountry, presented by Footman-Brewer Enterprises.
 w Tanger Outlet Mall, Tanger Blvd., North Charleston, outdoor performance area (Mall suite will serve as rain site),  5:00-7:00PM, Free.  

CELTIC MUSIC CONCERT: Performance by ‘Highland Fling’ The talented duo of Donna Germano and Susan Kidney delight audiences of all ages with Celtic melodies on the harp, hammered dulcimer and the fiddle.    wSt. Thomas Episcopal Church, 1150 East Montague Ave., 7:00-8:00PM, Free.

Chocolate Thunder is a powerful diva that performs the best of Koko Taylor, Etta James, Aretha Franklin.  This senior concert will be performed for the Red Hat Ladies and area seniors at Felix Davis Community Center at Park Circle from 1:30 – 2:30 pm, Free.

Art Talk for Kids by the Gibbes Museum of Art on the Impressionists - This event coincides with a mosaic mural started last week and continues this week in the After School program.   “The Bathers” is one of the paintings from the Impressionist Exhibit currently at the Gibbes that is the inspiration for the mosaic.  Karoline Shaffer Burgett is the Arts Festival’s Artist-in-Residence working with the children to create the mosaic.  The public is welcome to hear the Art Talk and view the mosaic in progress at the Northwoods Recreation Center, 8348 Greenridge Rd., 4:00 PM,  Free. Del Rae - jazz and blues vocal stylist sings with piano accompaniment at the Cooper River Library 3503 Rivers Ave. (744-2489) 6:00 PM, Free. Michael Lythgoe – A poet and a retired Air Force officer reads poems on faith, love, art, and war at Barnes and Noble Bookstore, 7620 Rivers Ave., North Charleston - 6:00 PM. Free. Joe Cea –  relax in a beautiful setting after work and enjoy the acclaimed jazz piano performance for the Hotel After Hours Concert at Embassy Suites Hotel Atrium, 5055 International Blvd., North Charleston from 6:00 - 7:00 PM. Free.

David Novak Storyteller –  A Master Storyteller who gathers the family with the storyteller’s fire for wonderfully inventive tales. Books a Million,  Northwoods Mall, 10:30 am. Free.  The Poetry Society –  Several of the Poetry Society’s published authors will be reading from their own works and other memorable selections. Otranto Road Regional Library, (572-4094) 2261 Otranto Rd., 6:30PM. Free. Quilt Lecture - Fabric Artist, Jacquelyn Mooney, Artist-in-Residence at Bennett College in Greensboro, NC will relate her personal experiences regarding the creation of "Changed Waters-Katrina Community Quilt Project".  The public is invited to 10 Storehouse Row, The Navy Yard at Noisette, 6:30PM. Free. Family show & Library Event- The Fettucini Brothers will delight the audience with a wonderful variety show that includes comedy and professional juggling acts.  This event also celebrates the 15th Anniversary of gthe Dorchester Road Regional Library's Grand Opening on May 8, 1992. Dorchester Rd. Library (552-6466), 6325 Dorchester Rd., 6:30PM. Free. Congdon & Co. – One of Charleston’s best beach and variety music bands at the Hotel After Hours Concert at Embassy Suites Hotel Atrium, 5055 International Blvd., North Charleston, 6;00 -7:00 PM. Free.

That Puppet Guy – Your second chance to see a one-man performance that combines live vocal characterizations and songs with innovative puppet design for wholesome family entertainment at Dorchester Road Regional Branch Library, 6325 Dorchester Rd. (552-6466),  10: 30 am. Free. Columbia Marionettes – A Marionette show ranging from classical fairy tales to musical variety to circus acts at Barnes and Noble Bookstore, 7620 Rivers Ave., North Charleston. 11:00 AM. Free. Art:21 Community Public Art Project – The finished piece will be on display at The Meeting Place, located at 1077 East Montague Avenue in the Olde North Charleston Business District.  Participants in the project and the general public are invited to attend the reception Wednesday, May 9, 2007 from 5:00 PM-7:00 PM at The Meeting Place. The American College of the Building Arts is assisting in the completion of the project by creating the wood panels and frame to display the brass plates.  Their generous and skilled assistance is greatly appreciated!  Visit www.northcharleston.org/departments/culturalarts_generalpublicprograms.aspx for details about the Art:21 project and partnership.  Free.

Drink Small – This 74 years young South Carolina R &B legend performs guitar, piano, and vocals at Dorchester Library, 6325 Dorchester Rd., (552-6466), 6:00 – 7:00 PM. Free.

Art Walk: sponsored by the Olde North Charleston Merchants Association Stroll down East Montague and through local businesses, pubs, small cafes, and salons to see works by local artists, art from private collections, and samples from maters’ collections.  Enjoy music by Kimba Burning Tree. Olde North Charleston Business District from 6:00 PM-8:00 PM. Free. Independent Film Screening –  The Carolina Film Alliance will celebrate with a showcase of films and trailers produced by South Carolina filmmakers. Drop in and watch a few short films, find out more about the CFA by visiting their website www.carolinafilm.com.Tanger Outlet Mall, Suite site to be determined, Tanger Blvd, North Charleston (Check Tanger directory for CFA site) Starting at 7:00PM, running continuously. Free.

 

Lowcountry Tellers – Two South Carolina storytellers, Hawk Hurst and Claire Willet will delight the audience with enchanting tales from all around the world at the Cooper River Library, 3503 Rivers Ave. (744-2489). 10:30 PM. Free. Bonnie Earl – Jazzy jazz renditions will be performed by multi-talented singer and musician Bonnie Earl for residents and guests of Driftwood Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, 2375 Baker Hospital Blvd. North Charleston, 3:00 – 4:00 PM. Free.

City of North Charleston’s Artist-in-Residence, Arianne King Comer -  will lead a workshop for kids in the after school program creating paint-stamped quilt pieces that will be joined with pieces from other festival participants.  Jeanine Batten Community Center, 3742 Dorchester Rd. 4:00 – 5:00 PM.  Kids are invited to participate. Call 745-1087 to pre-register one day prior. Free.

 

De Gullah Singers – Dressed in traditional plantation clothing and the Singers perform songs of the Gullah People of the Lowcountry as sung for centuries in South Carolina.  Otranto Road Library, 2261 Otranto Rd., (572-4094), 6:00 – 7:00 PM. Free The Arts Festival Dinner Theater -  an interactive, murder mystery titled “CAT GOT YOUR TONGUE: A Detective Chief Inspector Kemper Mystery”. This Egyptian Curse themed mystery includes spooky magic, a gold mummy case, a murder, and audience participation.  Dwight Kemper, Master of Mystery and published mystery novelist will host the show.  Charleston Area Convention Center Ballroom, Embassy Ballroom, 7:00 – 10:00 PM.  Seating is limited!  Tickets $25 (Individual); $22 (4 or more); $20 (10 or more) and includes dinner, performance, gratuity and parking pass.

 

Caroline Calouche & Company – contemporary dance performance called “Risk” that explores aspects of choices and their consequences in the pursuit of dreams for students at Charleston County School of the Arts, 1:00 PM. Free. Mosaic Mural Unveiling – Festival Artist-in-Resident, Karoline Shaffer Burgett, spent the week with children in the Northwoods Pard and Recreation Center’s After School Program to create a mosaic mural inspired by “On the Beach” a painting from the Gibbes Museum of Art’s Impressionist Exhibit.  The finished work will be unveiled today; parents and the public are invited to view their project and meet the artists.  Northwoods Park and Recreation Center, 8348 Greenridge Rd., 4:00 – 5:00 PM.  Free. “The Shane Clark Band – This outdoor music concert brings the sound of great Country music straight to you while you shop.  Better yet, make this your evening destination for fun at the Festival Centre Shopping Complex, at the corner of Dorchester Rd. & Ashley Phosphate Rd, North Charleston.  6:00- 9:00 PM. Free. Cristobal – An original, fresh sound that delights and entertains audiences with Latin roots music for the Latin Block Concert.  Bring the family, dance, and enjoy at Mead Westvaco Park (corner of North Rhett Ave, & Remount Rd.), 7:00 - 8:00 PM. Free. Harmony Squares with Merrill Ridgway – Guests are welcome to drop in for the evening and join in the fun.  Modern Western square dances and round dancing with calls and cues by leaders at the Felix Davis Community Center at Park Circle, E. Montague Ave. 7:00 - 9:00 PM. Free. The Original Tams – enjoy the Olde Village Block Party listening and shagging to beach music with the Islander’s Shag Club.  Remember the group’s hit song, “What Kind of Fool Do You Think I am?”  Sing and shag along to Olde North Charleston Business District, E. Montague Ave. near Virginia Ave. 6:30 – 8:00 PM. Free.  Da’ Gullah Rootz Reggae Band – Seamlessly intermingles Ska, Rub-a-dub, Rockers and Dancehall flavors into the most original reggae “riddems” in music today at the Street Dance in Olde North Charleston Business District from 8:00 – 10:00 PM

Sidewalk Chalk Competition will be presented by The Navy Yard at Noisette Community Association from 11:00am-4:00pm.  This event features a chalk drawing competition on the sidewalks of Storehouse Row.  Competition entries will be judged and awarded prizes in student and non-student categories.   A box of chalk will be provided with entry fee.  See details below.    The Navy Yard at Noisette Community Association’s First Sidewalk Chalk Competition Saturday, May 12th, Storehouse Row, The Navy Yard at Noisette, 11:00 am – 4:00 pm An event of the North Charleston Arts Festival  Join us as a competitor or spectator for the first Navy Yard Sidewalk Chalk Competition! This event features a chalk drawing competition on the sidewalks of Storehouse Row at the Navy Yard at Noisette. Storehouse Row will be turned into a colorful gallery of sidewalk chalk art from artists of all age. Competition entries will be judged and awarded prizes in student and non-student categories, and finished works will be preserved on the sidewalks as long as weather permits! In case of rain, event will take place Saturday May 18th. Individual artists of all ages may enter the competition prior to May 9th for an entrance fee of $20, and students for a fee of $10, which guarantees a square of sidewalk and a box of chalk (10 sticks; various colors). Students age 10 and under may form a team of up to 3 participants for the $20 entrance fee. Registration is necessary to be eligible for prizes. More than 60 squares are available for competitors. Please see contest rules below.   Chalk Contest begins at 11:00am Saturday, May 12th and drawing must conclude at 3:00. Judging by local “celebrity artists” will take place from 3:00 to 4:00 and winners will be announced at 4:00 pm. Spectators are invited to enjoy refreshments from local vendors and entertainment throughout the day. Prizes will be awarded in the following categories: Adult: Grand Prize and Honorable Mention Student: College “Top Chalk” High School “Top Chalk” Middle School “Top Chalk” Elementary School “Top Chalk” All ages: Peoples Choice* *This award is given for the drawing that receives the most votes. Audience members will be invited to vote for their favorite chalk drawing; the one with the most votes at the end of the day wins, so encourage your family and friends to come out & support you or your school.  Rules: All work must be free of advertising and logos, and suitable for family viewing; event organizers may use their discretion to determine what is appropriate Reproduction of copyrighted material is prohibited Artwork must remain in the boundaries of your square Chalk must be applied in dry form; other materials not permitted  You may wish to bring the following additional supplies: Water spray bottles Rags Hairspray to fix drawings Paper towels Extra chalk    Please contact Jenny Wiedower at jwiedower@navyyardsc.com or 843.529.3698 with any questions. Volunteers are needed to help with the competition on May 12th, 2007. ............................................................................ CLICK LINK BELOW TO DOWNLOAD  AND FILL IN Navy Yard Sidewalk Chalk Competition Individual Entry Form .............................................................................. During the Sidewalk Chalk Competition, the American College of the Building Arts will open their workshop doors for tours and demonstration viewing from 11:00 AM-4:00 PM.  Demonstrations will include Introduction to Pointing and Paving and Intermediate Blacksmithing at 10 Storehouse Row.  Contact Emily Pruden, Continuing Education Coordinator, at pruden@buildingartscollege.us or 843-266-7830.    Sounds of Grass – Bluegrass music fans can enjoy the sounds of this great local group while spending an afternoon at one of Charleston County’s most beautiful outdoor settings.  Wannamaker Park (Cabana Area)., 8888 University Blvd., N. Charleston, 12:00-2:00 PM.  Call (843) 795-4FUN.  Concert FREE with $1.00 park admission. Jonathan Sanchez – This Prose & Poetry Reading will include Jonathan’s works as well as student works collected from North Charleston school students through the City’s School Outreach Program during Jonathan’s school visits this year.  2:00 pm, Otranto Rd. Library (572-4094), 2261 Otranto Rd., N. Charleston, 2:00-3:00PM. Free.  Music Concert- Guitarist & Vocalist Mark Schuller will provide an hour of easy-listening tunes and ballads.  Books A Million, Northwoods Mall, 5:00-6:00PM. Free. 2nd Annual National Outdoor Sculpture Competition & Exhibition Opening Reception is 5:00PM-7:00PM in the beautiful Riverfront Park on the former Charleston Naval Base.  Awards selected by the Juror, Mary Catherine Johnson, will be announced at 6:00 pm.  Music will be provided by New Music Collective from 5:00 PM-6:00 PM. Free. Festival Grand Finale-  Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and bug spray for a family picnic atmosphere and enjoy the finale festivities.  wTri-County School Showcase: Brentwood Middle School Band & STEP Team from Charleston County will perform at 6 pm; Rollins School of the Arts from Dorchester District II will perform a portion of Act II of Oscar Wilde’s “The Importance of Being Earnest” at 6:30 pm; Goose Creek High School’s Saxophone Quartet from Berkeley county will perform at 7:00 PM. wLeah Maria Suarez will be featured in an exciting Latin music concert at 7:30 PM. wAn Outdoor Movie Feature follows the concerts.  In case of rain, the event will move to Sterett Hall   Auditorium.     ADDITIONAL VISUAL ART EXHIBITIONS  May 4-12, 2007  FINE CRAFT/ FINE ART/ PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITS All entries in the South Carolina Palmetto Hands Juried Fine Craft Exhibition, the Fine Art and Photography Competitions & Exhibitions will remain on display during the Main Event Weekend and throughout the Festival Week.  Purchase information will be available on site.  Charleston Area Convention Center Complex, (Enter from International Blvd.) Sat. May 5 (10:00AM-4:00PM)  Sun. May 6 (2:00-5:00PM) Mon.–Fri. May 7-11,  9:00AM-5:00PM daily.   Admission and parking Free. ART EXHIBITION: Presented by Redux Contemporary Art Center Studio artists and local artists utilizing facilities at Redux Contemporary Art Center in downtown Charleston will be exhibiting original contemporary artworks. 10 Storehouse Row on Noisette Blvd., The Navy Yard at Noisette May 4–12, Weekdays 8:00AM-8:00PM/ Saturdays 10:00AM-7:00PM.  Free.  QUILTERS/ FIBER ARTISTS COLLABORATIVE EXHIBITION “The Sewing Roots of Our Heritage: African American Quilters and Fiber Artists”  Each piece of this exhibit is uniquely designed and crafted, showcasing the vision and talent of seven African American quilters and fiber artists.  The public is invited to attend a lecture by guest lecturere, Jacquelyn Mooney, Artist-in-Residence at Bennett College in Greensboro, North Carolina on Tues., May 8 at 6:30PM.  She will speak about her personal experiences with the "Changed Waters-Katrina Community Quilt Project". 10 Storehouse Row on Noisette Blvd., The Navy Yard at Noisette   May 4 –12, Weekdays 8:00AM-8:00PM/ Saturdays 10:00AM-7:00PM.  Free. NATIONAL OUTDOOR SCULPTURE COMPETITION AND EXHIBITION Sculptors from across the United States entered the second annual competition and selected pieces were chosen for installation on the grounds of the beautiful Riverfront Park, along the banks of the Cooper River.  The public is invited to view the sculptures during the Festival Week and recognize artists by attending the Opening Reception on Sat., May 12.  The pieces will remain on display in the park until March 2008. N.C. Riverfront Park, 1001 Everglades Dr. (former Charleston Naval Base) May 4, 2007-March 2008 Public viewing daily, dawn till dusk. Free.   Volunteer Individuals, groups, and organizations are much needed as Volunteers for the 2007 North Charleston Arts Festival.  A diverse and wide array of events and activities require assistance, so please give of your time and support the arts!  Sponsorship The North Charleston Cultural Arts Department provides an array of opportunities for a business or an individual to sponsor the Arts Festival.  Contact the North Charleston Cultural Arts Department for more information at 843-745-1087 or culturalarts@northcharleston.org. Full color brochures, detailing the nine-day 2007 North Charleston Arts Festival, will be made available in early April at all Charleston County Libraries, the Charleston Area Visitor Centers, and the lobby of North Charleston City Hall.   Contact the North Charleston Cultural Arts Department at (843) 745-1087 or culturalarts@northcharleston.org for additional information.  Check this webpage regularly for Arts Festival updates and start making plans now!

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