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April Issue 2005

The 2005 North Charleston Arts Festival Takes Place in North Charleston, SC, from Apr. 29 - May 7, 2005

The 2005 North Charleston Arts Festival takes place at various locations in North Charleston, SC, from Apr. 29 - May 7, 2005. The Festival Main Event takes place from Apr. 30, from 10am-4pm, through May 1, from 2pm-5pm, at the North Charleston Performing Arts & Convention Center Complex. Parking and admission to the Main Event is free.

Saturday, Apr. 30, 2005

Festival Main Event - North Charleston Performing Arts & Convention Center Complex, Apr. 30, 2005, 10am-4pm.

Scheduled Festival events include: Parade of the Arts & Opening Processional; Four Stages featuring over 40 Professional, Cultural and Community Entertainment Groups; Arts, Fine Craft Artisans and Crafts Booths; Juried Art and Photography Exhibitions; Youth Art Exhibition; Fun & Creative Children's Activities; Lowcountry Sculptors Guild Exhibition; South Carolina Palmetto Hands Statewide Juried Fine Craft Exhibition; Fine Craft Workshops and Demonstrations; Lowcountry Gem and Mineral Show & Sale; Food Court; and much more!

Highlights of the Festival Main Event week-end will include: Palmetto Oasis Middle Eastern Dancers; Mystic Vibrations (Reggae); Drake School of Irish Dance; Charleston Barbershop Chorus; Colombia Nuestra Patria (South American Folk Dances); Hokus Pokus Magic Show; Common Ground (Bluegrass); Storyteller Tim Lowry; Georgia Sea Island Singers; RBM African Drum & Dance; and much more!

Other activities taking place on Apr. 29, at other locations and times include:

Children's Festival - Felix Davis Community Center at Park Circle, 9am-noon. Fun pre-school activities will include storytelling by Brian McCrieght and Michael 'Badhair' Williams. A performance at 11am by the amazing Fettucini Brothers - juggling acts and more! (limited seating). Groups must pre-register, call 843/745-1028. This event is free.

Outdoor Art Installation - Outdoor Amphitheater, Felix Davis Center at Park Circle, at noon. Artist Tripp Storm will install giant interactive puppets for the public to enjoy during the Arts Festival. Volunteers are welcome to join the fun and help with the installation. This event is free.

School Outreach - Ron McNair Elementary, 3795 Spruill Ave., 1:30-2:30pm. Students and faculty of North Charleston Elementary School (located at Ron McNair) will be entertained by storyteller Michael 'Badhair' Williams in a lively performance of mountain tales. Family and friends are invited to join their students. This event is free.

Community Outreach - Jeanene Batten Community Center, 3742-B Dorchester Road, 3:30-4:30pm. Michael 'Badhair' Williams makes one more stop to share his tall tales and stories with children from several of our community after-school programs. This event is free.

Film and Actors' Showcase - Felix Davis Community Center at Park Circle, 4:30-6pm (Youth) 7-9pm (Adults). The Actors Theater of South Carolina will present for the public, a Showcase of Talent from its Acting Conservatory. Actors from beginning, intermediate and advanced classes will be featured. The performance will be a combo of video "screening" and live monologues and scenes. This event is free.

Northwoods Mall Kid's Show - Food Court, Northwoods Mall, Rivers Ave., 6-7pm. Kids and adults will be fascinated by the antics of professional mime artist, Jef. Don't miss this! This event is free.

Pop and Jazz - Dillard's Wing Courtyard, Northwoods Mall, 7-8pm. Singer and guitarist, Bonnie Earl, delights audiences with her versatile stylings and rich vocals, take a break and enjoy! This event is free.

Theatre Performance - The Chapel, Old Charleston Naval Base (off Hobson Ave.), 7pm. Owt-A-Town Productions of Washington, DC presents The Meeting, a thought-provoking play based on a fictional meeting between Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X. Set prior to Malcolm X's assassination in 1965, it explores their different philosophies and approaches to the Civil Rights Movement. Tickets $10 at door.

Sock Hop with The Loafers - Felix Davis Auditorium at Park Circle, 7-8:30pm. - Original members of the favorite local group The Loafers will recreate the Park Circle Teen Club of the 50's & 60's with their popular sounds. Kick off your shoes and dance! This event is free.

J. Moss in Concert - North Charleston Performing Arts Center (PAC) Auditorium, 7:30pm. National Gospel recording artist, J. Moss, will help kick-off the Arts Festival and the unveiling of Grace: "Your Lowcountry Christian Magazine" with a star-studded contemporary concert, along with local gospel greats. Hosted by Gerald Footman and Tia Brewer-Footman. Tickets: $15 through Ticketmaster 843/554-6060.

The Plantation Singers - Dillard's Wing Courtyard, Northwoods Mall, 8:15-8:45pm. Traditional songs honoring the Gullah heritage of the Lowcountry, performed by the famous Plantation Singers. This event is free.

Sunday, May 1, 2005

Festival Main Event - North Charleston Performing Arts & Convention Center Complex, May 1, 2005, 2-5pm.

Other activities taking place on May 1, at other locations and times include:

Traditional Music Concert - St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 1150 East Montague Ave., 7-8pm. A delightful evening of Celtic and World music performed with hammered dulcimer, Celtic harp and vocals, by Donna Germano. This event is free.

Monday, May 2, 2005

Senior Concert - Felix Davis Community Center at Park Circle, 1:30-2:30pm. An easy-listening afternoon concert by vocalist and musician Del Rae. Open to all Red Hat Ladies and to the general public. This event is free.

After-Hours Concert Series - Embassy Suites Charleston Convention Center (Atrium), 5055 International Blvd., 6-7pm. This will be the first of a three-night series featuring a different musical artist each evening. Tonight the talented Linny Kenney will perform original, pop and cover tunes. This event is free.

Americana/Folk Music Concert - Cooper River Memorial Library (843/744-2489), 3503 Rivers Avenue, 6-7pm. The duo known as Tammerlin provides a unique combination of vocals and exceptional guitar work (fingerstyle and slide). Original and traditional songs pulled from the roots of American music such as bluegrass, folk, country, blues ­ with some world music flavoring. Open to patrons and library guests. This event is free.

A Gullah Experience - The Chapel, Old Charleston Naval Base (off Hobson Ave.), 7-9pm. Sharon Murray and DeGullah Singers present a program of songs and stories honoring the Gullah traditions that educate the mind and uplift the spirit. A sampling of Gullah cuisine will be available. Tickets $10, call 843/745-1087 for advance tickets.

Art to Go - Northwoods Park Recreational Center, 8348 Greenridge Road, 3-4pm. The Gibbes Museum of Art Studio, as part of their community outreach program, will assist children with art projects to take home. Teens, parents, and seniors are invited to join the children in these creative activities. This event is free.

Tuesday, May 3, 2005

School Outreach Program - Ft. Dorchester Elementary School, 5201 Old Glory Ln., 8:30-10am. Students and faculty of the new Ft. Dorchester Elementary School will be challenged by a fascinating literary program Poetry Alive! brought to their site as a morning residency. Interested parties should call the school about attendance at (843/832-5550). This event is free.

After-Hours Concert Series - Embassy Suites Charleston Convention Center (Atrium), 5055 International Blvd., 6-7pm. The second of a three-night series features acoustic guitarist Geoff Achison. Geoff is a native of Australia and has won international awards and recognition for his Blues music. This event is free.

R&B/Jazz Concert - Cooper River Memorial Library (843/744-2489), 3503 Rivers Ave., 6-7pm. Popular performer Quiana Parler sings her way through an evening of Rhythm and Blues, with a touch of Jazz. Library patrons and the public are invited to enjoy her exceptional vocal style. This event is free.

Poetry Presentation - Otranto Road Regional Library Auditorium (843/572-4094), 2261 Otranto Road, 6-7pm. Patrons and guests are invited take a fascinating journey through the spoken word with poet Indigo Lee. This event is free.

Wednesday, May 4, 2005

Art to Go - Northwoods Park Recreational Center, 8348 Greenridge Road, 3-4pm. The Gibbes Museum of Art Studio, as part of their community outreach program, will assist children with art projects to take home. Teens, parents, and seniors are invited to join the children in these creative activities. This event is free.

Community Outreach - Felix Pinckney Community Center in Liberty Hill, 4790 Hassell, 4-5pm. Several of our community after-school programs will combine to enjoy the entertaining P. O'Connor Puppets perform. Families are invited to attend. This event is free.

After-Hours Concert Series - Embassy Suites Charleston Convention Center (Atrium), 5055 International Blvd., 6-7pm. The last of a three-night series has Leah Maria Suarez performing a unique combo of Brazilian tunes and American Jazz. Relax and enjoy an entertaining evening concert. This event is free.

Chamber Music - Westcott Plantation Club House, 5000 Westcott Club Drive (turn off Dorchester Road onto Westcott Drive), 7-8pm. The Chamber Music Society of Charleston presents music for oboe, bassoon and piano by Previn, Saint-Saens and Lalliet. The public is cordially invited to this relaxing evening concert in the beautiful setting of the Westcott Plantation Club House. This event is free and light refreshments will be available.

Mountain Music Concert - Dorchester Road Regional Library (843/552-6466), 6325 Dorchester Road, 7-8pm. Traditional Appalachian songs performed by musician and vocalist Laura Boosinger. For patrons and guests at the library. This event is free.

Thursday, May 5, 2005

Puppet Theatre - Dorchester Road Regional Library (843/552-6466), 6325 Dorchester Road, 11am-noon. Children and parents will enjoy the tales told by the delightful children's favorite, Curious Moon Puppets. For patrons and guests at the library. This event is free.

Community Outreach - Northwoods Park Recreational Center, 8348 Greenridge Road, 3:30-4:30pm. The Grey Seal Puppets plan an entertaining adventure for children in the after-school Recreation Program, families and the public are invited. This event is free.

Dinner Theatre - North Charleston Performing Arts & Convention Center Complex (Ballroom), 7-10pm. Enjoy dinner followed by a theater presentation of Songs and Letters from World War II as performed by EbZb Productions. Experience the tenderness and devotion relived through the music and words of Americans during a special time in history. Tickets: $23-$28 (includes dinner, play, gratuity, and parking pass). Limited Seating. Ticket Deadline: 5pm, Monday, May 2.

Friday, May 6, 2005

Island Rock & Reggae Park Party - Felix Davis Community Center Outdoor Amphitheater at Park Circle, 6-9pm. For the soft rock fans, Barnacle Bob and the Lost Buoys will start off the evening and the sounds of Equal Rights Reggae Band will bring it all together. Add some artists and crafters, plus a little light refreshments, and you've got a great way to end your work week. Both performances are free.

Beach Music Concert - Festival Centre Shopping Complex, parking area, corner of Ashley Phosphate Rd. and Dorchester Rd., 6-9pm. If you love to listen to or dance to great beach music, bring a lawn chair and enjoy the sounds of The Sneakers. This event is free.

Gospel Extravaganza - The Chapel, Old Charleston Naval Base, (off Hobson Ave.), 7pm. Traditional gospel music performed by local groups such as The Ashley Gospel Singers, Gospel Stars, Royal Baptist Male Choir, The Gospel Tides, with Eartha Breshers as the MC. This is event is free.

Theatre Presentation - North Charleston Cultural & Civic Ctr., Old Charleston Naval Base, 8pm. The Actors Theater of South Carolina presents Pirates! The Revenge of Colonel Rhett. This one-act play with music was co-authored by Broadway veteran Clarence Felder and Michael Easler. It's fast paced and funny while offering an adventurous, historical, swash-buckling romp for all ages. The famous exploits of Col. William Rhett and his fight to end the Golden Age of Piracy along the Carolina Coast make for a fascinating evening. Tickets are $10 Adults/$5 Children.

Latin Night - Paradise Café, 8484 Dorchester Rd., starts at 9pm. Dance to the captivating salsa beat of Latin Impact (Impacto Latino) from Jacksonville, FL. The 12-member band uses a variety of Latin inspired instruments to create an explosive rhythmic experience, blending tropical music from the US, Caribbean, and South America. Luigi Bravo DJ (Latin Groove) will keep the night moving. Admission: $10 (Includes finger food / beverages available for purchase).

Saturday, May 7, 2005

Park Concert - Wannamaker Park (Cabana Area), 8888 University Blvd., noon-2pm. The island sounds of Pantasia Steel Band, with fun musical games for kids, in this beautiful park setting. Call 843/795-4FUN. Park Admission $1.

Gospel Music - Dorchester Road Regional Library (843/552-6466), 6325 Dorchester Road, noon-1pm. Gospel musician, Jermaine Singletary, will present an inspirational concert. Library patrons and the public are invited. This event is free.

Musical Revue - A Sea Island Celebration: Voices of the Lowcountry - Otranto Road Regional Library (843/572-4094), 2261 Otranto Road, 2-3pm. Local performers include a variety of songs, creative dance, and comedic monologues for this unique presentation that is open to the public. This event is free.

Festival Gala & Grand Finale - North Charleston Performing Arts Center & Convention Center Complex, 6-11pm. International touring company Lazer Vaudeville will perform for our Festival Grand Finale-combining high tech laser magic, superlative juggling, black light illusion, acrobatics, and zany comedy. "Light Up the Night" is the theme of the evening, which begins with a light reception in the Embassy Ballroom with pianist Josh Padgett and concludes with a night of dancing to the popular Charleston band St. Julian and Company. Black-tie or Creative Cocktail attire. Gala Package Tickets: $40.00 Individual, $35 Parties of 4 or more, $30 for tables of 10 or more (includes pre-theater reception, preferred seating for the performance, post-function event and parking pass.) Deadline for Gala Package: 5pm, Tues., May 2. NOTE: Tickets for the Lazer Vaudeville performance ONLY are available through TicketMaster (843/554-6060).

Visual Delights - April 29 - May 7

The following exhibits will remain on public display throughout the Festival week: The fourth annual South Carolina Palmetto Hands - a statewide juried fine craft exhibition, the Adult Fine Art & Photography Competition and Show, and the Lowcountry Sculptors Guild Exhibit. Many items available for purchase. Charleston Area Convention Center Complex, 9am-5pm daily. Free admission and parking.

Ticket Info

Cash or Check (no credit cards). All tickets, except where noted, may be purchased at the event door. Purchase Advance tickets: Cultural Arts Department (843/745-1087) or Park Circle (843/745-1028), M-F, 9am-5pm. Main Event Information Booth, Sat., 10am-4pm & Sun., 2-5pm. Purchase tickets by mail: City of North Charleston Cultural Arts Program, P.O. Box 190016, North Charleston, SC 29419-9016 (843) 745-1087.

For further information call the City of North Charleston Cultural Arts Department at 843/745-1087 or on the web at (www.northcharleston.org).


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