The Main Event Weekend will be held at the Performing Arts Center & Charleston Area Convention Center Complex in North Charleston on Sat., May 5 (10AM-4PM) and Sun., May 6 (2PM-5PM). FREE PARKING and ADMISSION provided, so bring the whole family to enjoy over 40 stage performances – magicians, dance groups, bands, theater troupes, vocalists, storytellers and much more!
Performing Arts Center (PAC) Main Stage
The PAC Main Stage hosts a mesmerizing array of performances including theatre, classical and contemporary music, and dance.
* Saturday, May 5 PAC Main Stage will be in the Ballroom of the Charleston Area Convention Center Complex & Sunday, May 6 PAC Main Stage will be in the Performing Arts Center.
Opening Processional Parade of the Arts:This exciting feature kicks off the festivities in colorful, dramatic flare with many community groups participating. After the Parade of the Arts around the Convention Center, several groups will be featured in the Performance Spotlight to help set the tone for an exciting festival! Parade at 10am & Performance Spotlight at 10:30 am
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 Charleston Stage Co. (Theatre): “Kickball the Musical in 3-D” is a fast paced look at amazing facts told from a kid’s perspective.11:00 AM
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Robert Ivey Ballet:
An array of classical and contemporary ballet, jazz, and modern dance.11:30 AM
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Daniel & Amy Carwile (Bluegrass):
National champion fiddlers perform an eclectic blend of bluegrass, old-time, and Celtic music on fiddle, mandolin, guitar, and bouzouki.12:00 PM
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Gateway Performance Productions:
A MUMMERS TALE Taken from the customs and traditions of a 2,500 year old Irish folk theatre is a masked journey full of magic. A modern performance done in the old style, with traditional masks and costumes, Gateway's Irish Mummers have delighted audiences in the US, in Scotland and in Ireland.1:00 PM |
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Cowboy Envy:
Western music from the thirties and forties will help you yippi-yi your troubles away! 2:00 PM
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Storyteller Tim Lowry (American Revolution):
Join storyteller Tim Lowry and his wife for a lively show of stories, fiddle music, songs and dances from the American Revolution.3:00 PM
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Performing Arts Center (PAC) Lobby/Cultural Heritage Stage
National and local cultural performances will entertain each day of the Main Event on the PAC Lobby Stage. Russian, Indian, Scottish, Columbian, and African are just a few of the heritages represented on this energetic stage.
Moscow Nights:
Russian folk music performed on balalaikas, bayan (accordion) percussion, and vocals. Dazzling costumes and audience participation is sure to amuse! 12:00 PM | |
Hiyas-Min Philippine Cultural Society:This group promotes Philippine art and culture through folk dances.1:00 PM
Charleston Scottish Country Dancers:Reels, jigs, and strathspeys in sets of three and four couples will be performed.1:30 PM
Portico:Take an entertaining musical tour through some of the traditional songs from the Caribbean, Spain, and South America. 3:00 PM
Colombia Nuestra Patria (South American Dance) :
“Dances from Our Hearts to Yours’” incorporates the diverse range of Colombian music and the extraordinarily beautiful traditional dresses of Colombia’s many regions and cultures.3:30 PM |
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Palmetto Oasis:
This Middle Eastern Belly Dance group will present “A Thousand and One Nights”.2:00 PM
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Food Court/Band Stage
The Arts Festival Food Court, located in the outdoor area between the North Charleston Coliseum and the Charleston Area Convention Center, will offer a variety of snacks, beverages, specialty food items, or full menu selections. The Band Stage will be located in this area as well, so patrons can enjoy professional concerts while they relax!
Jan Spencer:
A mellow yet danceable mixture of smooth jazz originals, classic jazz and blues, and R&B played by this talented singer and musician who has played with well-known artists such as Aretha Franklin, the late Lou Rawls, Stevie Wonder, and Bonnie Raitt.1:00 PM
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RBM Music:
Playing a variety of instruments including guitar, sax, clarinet, flute, percussion and vocals, this jazz trio will keep it fresh with some Spanish music added for variety. 11:00 AM
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Josh Padgett Trio: This jazz combo will delight the audience with classic and original jazz pieces.
10:00 AM
Meanie Miney Moe: This solid rock trio plays covers and originals and describe their style as simple and stylistically versatile.
12:00 PM
Almost Brothers: Take a visit to Motown with this upbeat dance music that will have the audience on their feet.
2:00 PM
Lowcountry Power Brass: This group of musicians play brass instruments with power and performs everything from classical, big band, Dixieland, marches and more.
3:00 PM
Exhibit Hall/Children’s Stage
A variety of entertaining children’s performers will delight audiences young and old throughout the weekend. Look for magicians, children’s theatre and storytellers, puppets, music for kids, and variety acts like daring jugglers that will inspire, amuse, and amaze you.
Red Herring Puppets:
This puppet theatre will perform “Rowby’s Travels: Jack and the Beanstalk and Other Adventures,” a multicultural adventure hosted by Rowby, a loveable green alien. 11:00 AM | |
Adande:
This African American Drumming & Dance Company will energize the audience with the rhythms, colors, and folklore of Africa. 11:30 AM | |
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John English:
Enjoy this dynamic musician who performs children’s music with a variety of instruments including guitar, banjo, pop bottles, and others in a performance titled “1,2,3 Sing Along with Me.” 12:00 PM | |
Anna Mo o
Her performance of “Making MOOSIC” is a delight for the whole family with dynamic music from rock and roll to Cajun and jazz. Her music will MOOVE you!1:30 PM
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John Tudor:
His magic act will amaze audiences of all ages with magical tricks that defy the laws of nature and spark the imagination. 12:30 PM |
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Bright Star Children’s Theatre:
Delight in the age-old “Aesop’s Fables,” performed as an interactive, fast-paced family friendly romp through some of Aesop’s most famous works, including the “Tortoise and the Hare” and “The Boy Who Cried Wolf.” 3:00 PM
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Mark Lippard:
This talented and funny performer presents a highly entertaining, mesmerizing variety act of juggling and unicycle stunts that will daze and amaze all ages.2:00 PM
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uRoving Entertainers throughout the day: Mark Lippard, John Tudor, Will Shaw, Steven Lombardo
Performing Arts Center (PAC) Main Stage
The PAC Main Stage hosts a mesmerizing array of performances including theatre, classical and contemporary music, and dance.
*Sunday, May 6 PAC Main Stage will be in the Performing Arts Center
Metro North Dance:Interpretive movement,classical ballet, and Celtic inspired dances will comprise this performance.
3:00 PM Angela Blalock:This Soprano voice recital will present a wide variety of song genres including, “Sacred Songs”, “Opera is Here!”, and “Evening of Songs”.
3:30 PM
Performing Arts Center (PAC) Lobby/Cultural Heritage Stage
National and local cultural performances will entertain each day of the Main Event on the PAC Lobby Stage. Russian, Indian, Scottish, Columbian, and African are just a few of the heritages represented on this energetic stage.
Ancient Echoes: This Middle Eastern Belly Dance group will perform dances from around the world, including Morocco, Egypt, and Turkey with live drumming and a special shadow puppet dancing. 2:00 PM
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RBM African Dance and Drum:
Enjoy the dynamic rhythms and colorful dances of Africa with this talented group of musicians and dancers. 2:30 pm |
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Amigos De Espana: This exciting group will perform Spanish Flamenco folk dances.
3:00 PM
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The Plantation Singers:
Traditional songs honoring the music of the Gullah heritage and traditions of the Lowcountry. 3:30 | |
Walhalla Oktoberfest Dancers: Authentic Bavarian and Austrian folk dances will be demonstrated. 4:00 PM | |
India Association of Greater Charleston (IAGC): Indian folk dances, songs, and children’s program will be performed by this local organization. 4:30 PM
Food Court/Band Stage
The Arts Festival Food Court, located in the outdoor area between the North Charleston Coliseum and the Charleston Area Convention Center, will offer a variety of snacks, beverages, specialty food items, or full menu selections. The Band Stage will be located in this area as well, so patrons can enjoy professional concerts while they relax!
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The Robbie Ducey Band:
This is a contemporary rockin’-blues-boogie band that tours all over the southeastern U.S. You will hear award winning music from their latest cd, “Acey Ducey.” They cover the gamut with their music from Texas-style rockin’ blues to funk, roots rock, and good ole toe-tappin’ Georgia boogie.2:00 PM |
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The Lime Daddies:
This Caribbean steel drum band will perform vocals and instrumental Island tunes from reggae, Jimmy Buffett, “beach music” and pop favorites from the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. 3:00 PM
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Walkin’ Mike Wolk Quartet:
This will be a stimulating deliverance of great jazz and blues tunes that will rock your soul.4:00 PM
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Exhibit Hall/Children’s Stage
A variety of entertaining children’s performers will delight audiences young and old throughout the weekend. Look for magicians, children’s theatre and storytellers, puppets, music for kids, and variety acts like daring jugglers that will inspire, amuse, and amaze you.
The Tri-County Youth Art Exhibit Reception: The Main Event festivities end by announcing winners, presenting awards to students from area schools, and enjoying the crowd-pleasing goodies with students, families, and friends. Garrett Academy of Technology will be acknowledged for the final touches on a metal sculpture installation that was unveiled in last year's festival at the Excel building on the Old Navy Base. Photos of the installation will be on display. The public is invited. 4:30 PM
uRoving Entertainers: Carl Winters, The Fettucini Brothers, Yostie Ashley
Creation Stations
Many opportunities exist for children to BE artists and create at a variety of creation stations including fun projects with the City’s Artist-in-Residence, Arianne King Comer, and the Gibbes Museum’s Art-to-Go booth. The always new Box City facilitated by area city planners is a favorite for children to test out their architectural dreams. New this year will be a Drama Station with theatre games and a role play station. These activities are offered throughout the Main Event Weekend.
Art and Craft Vendors
Individual artists, fine craft artists, artisans, and art and craft guilds will have items available for sale during the Main Event Weekend. Save your Mother’s Day shopping for this weekend and find the perfect gift! What could be better than a handcrafted item or original art? The selection is vast and full of variety; costs vary depending on the item.
Lowcountry Gem and Mineral Show
The Lowcountry Gem & Mineral Society’s annual show and sale is an additional feature every year that draws hundreds of visitors and jewelry enthusiasts. The show will take place in the Exhibit Hall of the Charleston Area Convention Center Complex.
Visual Art Exhibits
South Carolina Palmetto Hands Fine Craft Competition and Exhibition
South Carolina fine craft artists are invited to participate in the 2007 South Carolina Palmetto Hands exhibition. As the state’s only fine craft competition and exhibition, objects juried into the exhibit may compete for cash prizes totaling $4000. Organized and presented by the North Charleston Cultural Arts Department and assisted by the South Carolina Artisans Center, this unique exhibition offers fine craft artists the opportunity to exhibit their inspiring objects in the media of clay, fiber, glass, metal, wood, and three-dimensional mixed media. The 2007 Juror, Tom Stanley, is an artist and director of award winning Winthrop University Galleries. The exhibition will be on display at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center and Charleston Area Convention Center May 4 – May 12, 2007. The opening reception is May 4, 2007, 6:00PM-7:00PM. An optional opportunity for works in the exhibit is the South Carolina State Museum’s 2007/2008 Traveling Exhibitions Program. The deadline for the Palmetto Hands application is March 23, 2007.
Judged Art Exhibition
Fine artists are invited to participate in the annual Judged Art Exhibition. This is an incredible opportunity and competition with cash awards in the five categories of Acrylic, Oil, Drawing/Pastels, Watercolor, and 2-D Mixed Media, totaling $3100. The exhibition will be on display at the Charleston Area Convention Center Complex May 4-12, 2007.
Photography Exhibition
Professional and amateur photographers are invited to participate in the annual Photography Exhibition. This incredible exhibition and competition has cash awards in two categories totaling $1165. Black and white and color photography will be on display at the Charleston Area Convention Center Complex May 4-12, 2007.
Youth Art Exhibition
Admire the talents of young artists representing schools, home schools and individuals in the Tri-county area. The Youth Art Exhibition & Competition opens with the Main Event at the Convention Center. The artwork is on display throughout the weekend and ends with a reception on Sunday afternoon where student winners will be announced and prizes awarded.
Outdoor Sculpture Competition and Exhibition
Sculpture artists are invited to participate in the second annual National Outdoor Sculpture Competition and Exhibition. Up to fifteen sculptures will be selected for this eleven month exhibition. Sculpture sites are located throughout the stunning, picturesque Riverfront Park in North Charleston, SC. Organized and presented by the City of North Charleston Cultural Arts Department, this unique exhibition offers established and emerging artists the opportunity to display their thought provoking, extraordinary sculptures throughout Riverfront Park as well as compete for up to $11,000 in exhibition honorariums and awards. The 2007 Juror is Mary Catherine Johnson. Currently she is the coordinator for the Visual Arts Program and Gallery at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Prior to her appointment at Emory she served as Associate Director and Acting Director of the International Sculpture Center (ISC), a non-profit membership and educational organization devoted to the advancement of sculpture and the publisher of Sculpture Magazine. The deadline for applications is March 2, 2007. The exhibition dates are May 12, 2007 – March 28, 2008 and the opening reception and announcement of awards is May 12, 2007, 5:00PM-7:00PM at Riverfront Park.
Redux Contemporary Art Center Exhibition
Redux Contemporary Art Center will have a special exhibition on display at 10 Storehouse Row in The Navy Yard by Noisette during the Arts Festival, May 4-12, 2007. Artists who have studio space and who use the facilities at Redux will be exhibiting original, contemporary artworks.
The Sewing Roots of Our Heritage African American Quilters & Fiber Artists Exhibit
View a variety of works by seven African American artists, locally and nationally known, on display at 10 Storehouse Row in The Navy Yard common areas by Noisette. The work can be viewed May 4-12, 2007. A lecture will be given by quilter Jacquelyn Mooney, Artist-in-Residence at Bennett College titled, "Freddie Mac's Katrina Community Quilt Project," at 10 Storehouse Row on Tuesday, May 8, 2007 at 6:30 PM.
Art:21 Community Public Art Project
The finished Art:21 Community Public Art Project will be on display in the windows of The Meeting Place, located at 1077 East Montague Avenue in the Olde North Charleston Business District, during the North Charleston Arts Festival May 4-12, 2007. Participants in the project and the general public are invited to attend the reception Wednesday, May 9, 2007 at The Meeting Place. Time to be announced soon. 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.