2010 North Charleston Arts Festival is here

The 2010 North Charleston Arts Festival starts Friday, April 30, and runs until Saturday, May 8.

The nine-day celebration is one of the most comprehensive arts festivals in the Lowcountry, providing over 30,000 residents & visitors with a fabulous array of performances, exhibitions, and activities.

The Main Event, held May 1 & 2 (Saturday and Sunday) at the Charleston Area Convention Center Complex, offers free admission and parking to over 40 performances on four stages featuring national, regional, and local professional performers, ethnic & cultural groups, and community groups.

Other Main Event activities include judged art, photography, youth art, and fine craft exhibitions, a gem & mineral show, children's activities, Art & Craft booths, and an Outdoor Food Court. The Arts Festival continues with over 50 free or moderately priced ticketed events throughout the week at various locations around North Charleston. Festival Week offerings include concerts, theater and dance performances, children’s programs, literary events, block parties, an Art Walk, and much more.

The festivities conclude on Saturday, May 8, with the Grand Finale at Riverfront Park, featuring a variety of concerts and activities, as well as a fantastic fireworks display over the Cooper River.

You can learn more about the festival on its Web site, event list, and venue map.

Charleston Scene also has a nice preview.

Here's the full list of events:

Arts Festival Individual Events

The North Charleston Arts Festival truly offers something for everyone – child, teen, or adult. Details on all events and activities are listed below.

Free parking at all locations, except where noted.
Venue Info & Directions can be found here.
Scheduled events are subject to change; confirm prior to event.

PRE-FESTIVAL EVENT - FRIDAY, APRIL 23

GALA & PERFORMANCE by The Fabulous Chinese Acrobats
Chinese ArobatsChas. Area Convention Ctr. Ballroom - 5001 Coliseum Dr.
6:30-11:00PM · Ticket Packages: $75 ea., $70 ea. for 4-9, $65 ea. for 10+
Call (843)740-5847 by Mon., April 19 to purchase tickets · Join in the anticipation and celebration of the 2010 North Charleston Arts Festival! The Gala begins with heavy hors d’oeuvres and entertainment by the Leonard School of Music Jazz Ensemble, followed by an intimate “theater in the round” performance by The Fabulous Chinese Acrobats. Enjoy magnificent displays of gymnastics, balancing, juggling, dance, comedy, and magic by these talented performers from Beijing, China. Guests will remain in the Ballroom following the performance for desserts and dancing to Heart & Soul. Ticket packages include parking, reception, performance, and post-performance party.

FRIDAY, APRIL 30

Red Herring PuppetsCHILDREN’S FESTIVAL Preschool activities/puppet show
Felix C. Davis Community Ctr. - 4800 Park Circle
9:00AM-NOON · FREE · Call 843-745-1028 to pre-register · Fun outdoor games and activities are planned for young children, followed by a performance of Aesop’s Fables by Red Herring Puppets at 11:00AM. Individuals & groups are welcome.

ART RECEPTION & AWARD ANNOUNCEMENTS
Chas. Area Convention Ctr. Exhibit Hall Lobby - 5001 Coliseum Dr.
6:00-7:30PM · FREE · Join the talented artists participating in the Arts Festival’s many art competitions and exhibitions at this evening reception. Winners and awards will be announced at 6:30PM. Enjoy musical entertainment by the Youth Orchestra of the Lowcountry from 6:00-6:30PM and La Junta (Sax & Bass Jazz Duo) from 6:45-7:30PM.

COMEDY CIRCUS SHOW Fritzy Bros. One Man Circus
Food Court at Northwoods Mall - 2150 Northwoods Blvd.
6:00-7:00PM · FREE · Laugh out loud as Steve Lombardo, a.k.a. Fritz, entertains through juggling, unicycling, balloon sculpting, fire-eating, and other fun circus activities.

FILM SHOWCASE
4820 Jenkins Ave. (corner of E. Montague Ave. & Jenkins Ave.)
7:00-9:00PM · FREE · Enjoy a screening of short films produced by students of the Trident Technical College Film School, followed by a Q&A session with the young filmmakers.The Loafers

CONCERT AND OLD FASHION SOCK-HOP The Loafers
Felix C. Davis Community Ctr. - 4800 Park Circle
7:00-9:00PM · FREE · Original members of one of Charleston’s oldest Rock & Roll and Doo Wop groups, The Loafers, will recreate the Park Circle Teen Club of the 50’s & 60’s with their popular sounds.

THEATRE PRESENTATION Small Fishes, in a Big Pond
Pumkin Hill Entertainmentpresented by Pumpkin Hill Entertainment
Sterett Hall Auditorium - 1530 7th St. (on the former Chas. Naval Base)
7:30PM · $15 Gen, $10 Student/Sr. in Advance; $20/$15 at Door · Call 843-882-7434 for ticket info · This stage play features two comedy sketches in one! Watch the hilarity ensue as Wong’s Dry Cleaners owner, Akee Wong, and her young employee, Jordan Willis, deal with a multitude of business issues in New Year, New Start. Then, join Mr. Frank L. Robinson as he tackles life’s challenges in a family vs. family comedy sketch titled Yes I Can. (Additional presentations on May 1, 2 & 7)

SATURDAY, MAY 1

FESTIVAL MAIN EVENT See Performance Schedule
North Charleston Performing Arts & Convention Center Complex
5001 Coliseum Dr.
10:00AM-4:00PM · FREE ADMISSION & FREE PARKING · See performances throughout the day on four separate stages. View exhibitions of Judged Fine Art, Photography, Tri-County Youth Art, and SC Palmetto Hands Fine Crafts. Other attractions include the Lowcountry Gem & Mineral Show, children’s activities at Creation Stations & Box City, Arts & Craft Vendors, an outdoor Food Court, and much more!

GOSPEL MUSIC SHOWCASE
Charity Baptist Church – 1544 E. Montague Ave.
5:00-7:00PM · FREE · Join hosts Tony & Creola Washington for an evening of music and praise featuring local and regional performing artists, gospel groups, and choirs, including F.O.C.U.S., Anointed Voices, Tony & Co., F.A.I.T.H., and many more.

HISTORY OF GOSPEL CONCERT A Journey through Gospel
Christ Temple Church – 1309 Sumner Ave.
6:00PM · FREE · Call 843-442-4369 for more info · Nathan Nelson, director of the acclaimed CSO Spiritual Ensemble, will lead listeners on an uplifting journey through the history of Gospel music in this evening concert featuring Perpetual Praise.

IRISH MUSIC CONCERT The Buddy O’Reilly Band
N. Chas. United Methodist Church - 1125 E. Montague Ave.
7:00-8:00PM · FREE · The Buddy O’Reilly Band has been captivating audiences for over two decades with their intoxicating brew of Irish music and spirited stage presentation. The group delights in performing a myriad of Irish music; from haunting sean-nós songs to turn of the century Irish-American music hall sing-a-longs, and from vibrant old-style jigs & reels to contemporary arrangements of today’s “hot” Celtic tunes.

THEATRE PRESENTATION Small Fishes, in a Big Pond
presented by Pumpkin Hill Entertainment
Sterett Hall Auditorium - 1530 7th St. (on the former Chas. Naval Base)
7:30PM · $15 Gen, $10 Student/Sr. in Advance; $20/$15 at Door · Call 843-882-7434 for ticket info · See description under April 30. (Additional presentations on May 2 & 7)

SUNDAY, MAY 2

FESTIVAL MAIN EVENT See Performance Schedule
North Charleston Performing Arts & Convention Center Complex
5001 Coliseum Drive
2:00-5:00PM · FREE ADMISSION & FREE PARKING · See performances throughout the day on four separate stages. View exhibitions of Judged Fine Art, Photography, Tri-County Youth Art, and SC Palmetto Hands Fine Crafts. Other attractions include the Lowcountry Gem & Mineral Show, children’s activities at Creation Stations & Box City, Arts & Craft Vendors, an outdoor Food Court, and much more!Ann Cadwell

SPIRITUALS CONCERT Ann Caldwell & the Magnolia Singers
South of Broadway Theater - 1080 E. Montague Ave.
4:00-6:00PM · Tickets $10 · Box office opens at 3:30PM · In this beautifully moving and unforgettable performance, titled A Journey of Return, Ann Caldwell & the Magnolia Singers will transport the audience to a culture long ago forgotten.

HANDBELL CONCERT Palmetto Bronze
St. Thomas Episcopal Church - 1150 E. Montague Ave.
7:00-8:00PM · FREE · Palmetto Bronze, an auditioned community handbell group, will present an enchanting evening concert featuring a wide variety of music, including transcriptions, hymn arrangements, patriotic music, folk songs, Broadway show tunes, and original compositions.

CONTEMPORARY GOSPEL CONCERT
N. Chas. Performing Arts Ctr. - 5001 Coliseum Dr.
7:30PM · Tickets $10 + service fee · Call 843-764-2622 for ticket info · This televised event features national gospel recording artist Dr. Marvin Sapp. A Grammy and Dove nominated artist with multiple Gospel Stellar Awards, Sapp is considered one of Gospel music’s most recognizable voices. The concert will also include the official debut of the 9 finalists of the McDonalds Choir Showcase. More info at choirshowcase.com.

THEATRE PRESENTATION Small Fishes, in a Big Pond
presented by Pumpkin Hill Entertainment
Sterett Hall Auditorium - 1530 7th St. (on the former Chas. Naval Base)
7:30PM · $15 Gen, $10 Student/Sr. in Advance; $20/$15 at Door · Call 843-882-7434 for ticket info · See description under April 30. (Additional presentation on May 7)

MONDAY, MAY 3Fouché Sheppard

MULTICULTURAL STORYTELLING Windsor Hill Arts Infused Elem. – 8600 William Moultrie Dr.
9:15-9:45AM & 10:00-10:30AM · FREE · The public is invited to join Windsor Hill Elementary students for a presentation of multicultural tales told by award-winning storyteller, Fouché Sheppard, a.k.a. A Charleston Charm. (First show for 2nd graders, second show for 5th graders)

AUSTRALIAN MUSIC & STORIES Didgeridoo Down Under
Didgeridoo DownunderEagle Nest Elem. – 8640 River Oaks Dr.
11:45AM · FREE · This unique presentation combines music, art, social studies, storytelling, environmental education, and audience participation with empowering messages about literacy, and respect for all cultures and creatures.

MIDDAY FILM SCREENING & FIBER ART DISCUSSION
N. Chas. City Hall, Montague Conf. Rm. (2nd Fl.) - 2500 City Hall Ln.
NOON-1:30PM · FREE · Quilt and fiber art enthusiasts are invited to bring a lunch to this screening of “The Wayshowers,” a documentary on Lowcountry African-American quilters re-inventing the story quilt tradition. The film will be followed by a panel discussion led by local quilt & fiber artist, Cookie Washington.

R&B and JAZZ CONCERT The Abe White Affair
Felix C. Davis Community Center - 4800 Park Circle
1:30-2:30PM · FREE · All seniors, Red Hat Ladies, and the general public are invited to attend this soulful afternoon concert featuring old school Jazz and R&B.

KIDS MIXED MEDIA CLASS Arianne King Comer
Jerry Zucker Middle School of Science – 6401 Dorchester Rd.
3:00-4:00PM · FREE · Space is limited, to register call 843-740-5854 · Through this artist residency class, titled The Art of Science, batik artist, Arianne King Comer, and participating middle school students will explore 7 areas of science. A variety of mixed media techniques will be employed to create a wall hanging for the school that will reflect the science lessons learned. (This is a week-long class, meeting daily through May 7.)

AFTER-HOURS CONCERT Motherless Chillin’
Embassy Suites Hotel Atrium Lobby - 5055 International Blvd.
6:00-7:00PM · FREE · Wind down with the sounds of roots-rock, traditional acoustic blues, and R&B classics, played by Jeff Liberty (guitar/vocals) and Mike “Naz” Nazarenko (harmonica). Each of these talented musicians has opened for world-renowned artists, including Van Morrison, The Eagles, and Aerosmith.

TUESDAY, MAY 4

QUILT & FIBER ART WORKSHOP Cookie Washington
10 Storehouse Row – 2120 Noisette Blvd. (at the Navy Yard at Noisette)
9:00AM-NOON · FREE · Join local quilt and fiber artist, Cookie Washington, as she explores how words influence art. Presented as a supplement to the exhibit Honoring Zora: Stitching Wise Words, Art Quotes and Art Quilts. (See Visual Art Exhibitions listing for exhibit details.)

SENIOR OUTREACH CONCERT Del Rae
The Bridge at Charleston Assisted Living Comm. – 2590 Elms Plantation Blvd.
10:00-11:00AM · FREE · Grammy nominated singer, Del Rae, entertains audiences with her vocal stylings, piano virtuosity, and charming wit. Guests are welcome to enjoy her interpretations of Porter, Gershwin, Ellington, Basie and others.

CHILDREN’S PUPPET SHOW The Princess & the Frog
presented by Curious Moon Puppets
Cooper River Memorial Library - 3503 Rivers Ave.
10:30-11:30AM · FREE · A princess, a frog, a magic wishing well, a prince, and a whole lot of sneezing - all the ingredients for a hilarious take on The Frog Prince are here in this original puppet show. When Princess Jenny’s sneezes turn a prince into a giant frog, it’s up to the audience to help turn him back.

MIDDAY PAINTING DEMONSTRATION
N. Chas. City Hall, Montague Conf. Rm. (2nd Fl.) - 2500 City Hall Ln.
NOON-1:30PM · FREE · Artists and art lovers are invited to bring their lunch and enjoy this painting demonstration and exhibition by the City’s 09/10 Artist-in-Residence, Robert Maniscalco. Rob’s commissioned portraits and fine art can be found in over 850 distinguished private and public collections throughout North America. For more info about Rob or to view his work, visit maniscalcogallery.com. (See Visual Art Exhibitions listing for exhibit details.)

KIDS VISUAL ART WORKSHOP Robert Maniscalco
Murray Hill Community Ctr. – 2674 Bonds Ave.
4:00-5:00PM · FREE · Elementary and middle school age students are invited to participate in a hands-on visual art workshop led by the City’s 09/10 Artist-in-Residence, Robert Maniscalco. Materials provided.

VIOLIN PERFORMANCE Julia & Sarah Quick
Dorchester Rd. Regional Library - 6325 Dorchester Rd.
6:00-7:00PM · FREE · Join Dr. Julia Quick and her daughter, Sarah Quick, for a high-strung “Dueling Duo” performance featuring a variety of classical, ethnic, and fiddle tunes.

AFTER-HOURS CONCERT Nikolai Svishev Duo
Aloft Hotel Lounge - 4875 Tanger Outlet Blvd.
6:00-7:00PM · FREE · Enjoy an evening of gypsy-jazz, Brazilian Sambas and Bossa Novas, New-Flamenco, and evergreen melodies from the 30's to today, played by this talented guitar and bass duo.Veronika Jackson

FOLK & BLUES CONCERT Veronika Jackson
Otranto Rd. Regional Library - 2261 Otranto Rd.
6:30-7:30PM · FREE · Dynamic, powerful, entertaining, and captivating – just a few words music critics use to describe international touring artist Veronika Jackson. Join this dedicated guitarist and soul-stirring vocalist for an evening of original Folk and Blues music played in her own rare style.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 5

MULTICULTURAL STORYTELLING Fouché Sheppard
Oakbrook Elementary – 306 Old Fort Dr.
9:00-10:00AM · FREE · The public is invited to join Oakbrook Elementary students for a presentation of multicultural tales told by award-winning storyteller, Fouché Sheppard, a.k.a. A Charleston Charm.

FAMILY CHAMBER MUSIC CONCERT Peter & the Wolf
presented by Chamber Music Charleston
Felix C. Davis Community Ctr. - 4800 Park Circle
10:00-11:00AM · FREE · Sergei Prokofiev’s classical children’s tale comes to life in this festive arrangement for wind quintet. Music will be accompanied by projected illustrations and narration by Michael Smith.

CHILDREN’S PUPPET SHOW Bathtub Pirates
presented by Grey Seal Puppets
Otranto Rd. Regional Library - 2261 Otranto Rd.
10:30-11:30AM · FREE · In the bathtub, surrounded by aquatic toys and a sea of bubbles, a child's imagination can run wild with adventure stories. Follow the antics of Blackbeard and his crew as they commandeer a child’s bathtub to carry out their daring plan. It’s good clean fun for the whole family!

MIDDAY AUTHOR READING & FIBER ARTIST LECTURE
N. Chas. City Hall, Montague Conf. Rm. (2nd Fl.) - 2500 City Hall Ln.
NOON-1:30PM · FREE · Bring your lunch to this fascinating reading and joint lecture. South Carolina Poet Laureate, Marjory Wentworth, will read from her forthcoming volume of poetry, The Endless Repetition of an Ordinary Miracle, and local fiber artists, Mary Edna Fraser and Rebecca Rocket, will discuss their works on exhibit at North Charleston City Hall. (See Visual Art Installations listing for exhibit details.)

DANCE PERFORMANCE The Kinetyx Dance Ensemble
Kinetxy DanceDorchester Rd. Regional Library - 6325 Dorchester Rd.
4:00-5:00PM · FREE · Learn math through the choreography of this Active Learning Dance Performance titled Movin’ Into Math. The four Kinetyx dancers will teach lessons on basic math skills such as division, multiplication, fractions, decimals, percents, and more. See how these skills are applied to choreograph dances.

ART WALK
Olde North Charleston Business District - E. Montague Ave.
5:00-8:00PM · FREE · Take a stroll down East Montague Avenue through businesses, pubs, restaurants, studios, and salons to see works by local artists and fine craft artisans in a variety of subjects and mediums. Guitarists Steve Padgett and Pete Ledbetter will provide musical entertainment throughout the evening. Enjoy additional performances by Kim & Tom (acoustic duets) from 6:00-7:30PM, and Minor Gravity Quartet (jazz) from 6:15-7:15PM. Catch sneak-peaks of scenes from Theatre /verv/’s original production of Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew throughout the evening. Also, be sure to stop by the Art & Fine Craft Co-Op Gallery reception at the Meeting Place. While you’re there, check out a screening of the original film, Performing Arts Bootcamp, directed by award-winning filmmaker Nick Smith. Other attractions include an interactive light installation and children’s activities. It’s an evening of art and culture for the whole family!

MOVIE SCREENING Trapped
Presented by Ninja SHEEP Productions,
4820 Jenkins Ave. (corner of E. Montague Ave. & Jenkins Ave.)
6:30-7:30PM · FREE · Local teenage film students will present this original short film, which they wrote, cast, crewed, and produced. The screening will be followed by a Q&A session with the young filmmakers.

JAZZ CONCERT Sax y Guitar
Cooper River Memorial Library - 3503 Rivers Ave.
6:00-7:00PM · FREE · Join local musicians, Ian Sanchez (alto sax) and Chris Dodson (guitar), for an intimate evening of jazz standards, Latin jazz, Bossa Nova, and funk tunes.

THURSDAY, MAY 6

NORTH CHARLESTON FARMERS MARKET PERFORMANCES
Grounds of the Felix C. Davis Community Ctr. – 4800 Park Circle
NOON-7:00PM · FREE · Visit the North Charleston Farmers Market and enjoy performances by Becca & The Push (Alt-Country) from 1:30-2:30PM, Basic Instinct (Jazz and R&B) from 3:00-4:00PM, and Lowcountry Power Brass (Dixieland) from 5:00-6:00PM. The market offers an abundance of fresh, locally grown produce, as well as art & craft booths and food vendors.

KIDS VISUAL ART WORKSHOP Robert Maniscalco
Miner Crosby Community Ctr. – 3901 Paramount Dr.
4:00-5:00PM · FREE · Elementary and middle school age students are invited to participate in a hands-on visual art workshop led by the City’s 09/10 Artist-in-Residence, Robert Maniscalco. Materials provided.

AFTER-SCHOOL THEATRE & MUSIC PERFORMANCE
Hunley Park Elem. - 1000 Michigan Ave.
5:00-6:00PM · FREE · Led by instructor Julian Gooding, students in the Hunley Park Elementary After-School Arts Enrichment Program will apply their theatre arts and African drumming training to present a public performance titled The Wise King and the Even Wiser Queen & Other Stories.

JAZZ & R&B CONCERT Quiana Parler & Friends Trio
Dorchester Rd. Regional Library - 6325 Dorchester Rd.
6:00-7:00PM · FREE · Enjoy the smooth sounds of jazz, soul, R&B, and more during this intimate evening concert with the Quiana Parler & Friends Trio. Parler, perhaps best known for her American Idol audition, has toured with Clay Aiken as a backup singer and shared the stage with a diverse array of national artists from Keith Sweat to Kelly Clarkson.

EXHIBITION RECEPTION Honoring Zora: Stitching Wise Words, Art Quotes and Art Quilts
10 Storehouse Row – 2120 Noisette Blvd. (at the Navy Yard at Noisette)
6:00-8:00PM · FREE · The public is invited to join co-curators Cookie Washington and Arianne King Comer for the opening of this unique quilt and fiber art exhibition, featuring a performance by local jazz & blues singer, Ann Caldwell. (See Visual Art Exhibitions listing for exhibit details.)

MURDER MYSTERY DINNER THEATRE Mystery at Gander Hall
presented by Actors Theatre of South Carolina
Chas. Area Convention Ctr. Ballroom - 5001 Coliseum Dr.
7:00PM · Tickets: $30 ea., $28 for 4-9, $25 ea. for 10+
Call 843-740-5847 by Mon., May 3 to purchase tickets · World renowned ex-fighter pilot and sculptress, Grace Manigault, has been found dead at the launch party for her new Grace Manigault Doll Collection, and it’s up to Detective Rhett Rutledge (played by film, TV, and Broadway star, Clarence Felder) to solve the case! Participants become party guests, suspects, and detectives in this original, interactive murder mystery. Seating is limited. Ticket packages include dinner, performance, gratuity, and parking. Cash bar available.

THEATRE PRESENTATION The Taming of the Shrew
presented by Theatre /verv/
South of Broadway Theater - 1080 E. Montague Ave.
8:30PM · $15 General, $10 Students · Tickets at theatreverv.org · /verv/ presents Shakespeare’s classic battle of the sexes as only they can. It’s an uproarious struggle for control with an unpredictable ending. (Additional presentations on May 7, 8 & 13-15)

FRIDAY, MAY 7

OLDE VILLAGE STREET DANCE Carousels
Olde North Charleston Business District - E. Montague Ave.
6:30-8:00PM · FREE · The four members of The Carousels have been playing music up and down the East Coast for over 30 years, sharing the stage with such legends as Percy Sledge, The Platters, and the late Joe Pope of The Tams. Bring a chair, or your dancing shoes, and enjoy their blend of Beach, Top-40, Oldies, Rock, Easy Listening, and Country.

REGGAE STREET DANCE Reggae Infinity
Olde North Charleston Business District - E. Montague Ave.
8:30-10:00PM · FREE · The night rolls on from dance floor tunes to island vibes straight from the Caribbean. Reggae Infinity provide an authentic, high-energy show featuring uplifting Roots Reggae suitable for all ages. They have shared the stage with many international acts including Burning Spear, Yellowman, The Wailers, Everton Blender, Soldiers of Jah Army, and more.

CONTRA DANCE The Charleston Folk Club
Felix C. Davis Community Ctr. - 4800 Park Circle
7:00-11:00PM · FREE · Learn the basics of this 17th century English country dance during an instructional session led by members of The Charleston Folk Club from 7:00-7:30PM. Caller Charles Harvey will then guide new and experienced dancers alike through a variety of dances to live music by Crosstown Traffic.

HISPANIC COMMUNITY EVENT
New Covenant Church of God – 2801 Ashley Phosphate Rd.
7:00-9:00PM · FREE · Enjoy a dance performance by Ministerio de Danza Ciudad de Paz, comedy, songs, contests, and games with El Payaso Estrella, a salsa exhibition by the Latin Groove Dance Kids, and music spun by DJ Luigi of Latin Groove. Offered in conjunction with the Stall Road Community Meeting.

THEATRICAL BALLET PERFORMANCEDecadent Divas
Charleston Ballet Theatreperformed by Charleston Ballet Theatre
North Charleston Performing Arts Center - 5001 Coliseum Dr.
7:30PM. $35 and $30 + app. fees. Visit ticketmaster.com or www.coliseumpac.com

THEATRE PRESENTATION Small Fishes, in a Big Pond
presented by Pumpkin Hill Entertainment
Sterett Hall Auditorium - 1530 7th St. (on the former Chas. Naval Base)
7:30PM · $15 Gen, $10 Student/Sr. in Advance; $20/$15 at Door · Call 843-882-7434 for ticket info · See description under April 30.

THEATRE PRESENTATION The Taming of the Shrew
presented by Theatre /verv/
South of Broadway Theater - 1080 E. Montague Ave.
8:30PM · $15 General, $10 Students · Tickets at theatreverv.org · See description under May 6. (Additional presentations on May 8 & 13-15)

SATURDAY, MAY 8

Story Teller - Tim LowrySTORYTELLING FOR KIDS & FAMILIES Tim Lowry
Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Children’s Section - 7620 Rivers Ave.
11:00AM-NOON · FREE · Join Storyteller Tim Lowry as he presents Cooking Up Great Stories, a collection of food stories from around the world told with a cooking show format twist. Watch as Tim slices and dices fruits and veggies to create a most interesting food sculpture.

BLUEGRASS CONCERT Yeehaw Junction
Yee How JunctionN. Chas. Wannamaker County Park – 8888 University Blvd.
NOON-2:00PM · $1 park admission, concert is FREE · Relax at the cabana area and listen to the hot-pickin’ and smooth harmonizing sounds of Yeehaw Junction. It’sJulian Gooding an all-acoustic treat for any Bluegrass fan.

MULTICULTURAL MUSIC & STORIES Julian Gooding
Cooper River Memorial Library - 3503 Rivers Ave.
1:00-2:00PM · FREE · Julian Gooding takes you on an interactive journey around the world through music, puppetry, and creative play. Children and adults are encouraged to take part in the telling of each original tale.

GOSPEL/SPIRITUAL/FOLK CONCERT Fayssoux Starling McLean & Freddie Vanderford
Otranto Rd. Regional Library - 2261 Otranto Rd.
2:00-3:00PM · FREE · Enjoy a moving afternoon concert of Country Gospel, spirituals, and folk music played by Fayssoux Starling McLean (guitar/vocals) & Freddie Vanderford (harmonica/guitar/vocals).

HIP-HOP FITNESS WORKSHOP ViZion Dynamic Dance Ministries
Sterett Hall Gym - 1530 7th St. (on the former Chas. Naval Base)
3:00-5:00PM · FREE · The latest, high energy dance moves are taught to fun, positive, and inspirational music in this Hip-Hop fitness workshop for youth titled Get Up and Move Something. ViZion, based in Atlanta, GA, has worked with such artists as Platinum Souls, Mali Music, and Soulja Boy, and choreographed performances for the Superbowl, Kennedy Center Honors, and several BET specials.

MOVIE SCREENINGS: Artists’ Shorts Festival
The Olde North Charleston Picture House - 4820 Jenkins Ave.
7:00PM & 8:30PM · FREE · The Greater Park Circle Film Society, which operates the non-profit Olde North Charleston Picture House, will host a series of shorts featuring a variety of films that focus on "art and the artist." Local filmmakers participating in the festival will introduce their films and participate in a discussion following the screenings. A public reception will be held between the two film blocks. More info at parkcirclefilms.org or by calling 843-628-5534.

THEATRE PRESENTATION The Taming of the Shrew
presented by Theatre /verv/
South of Broadway Theater - 1080 E. Montague Ave.
8:30PM · $15 General, $10 Students · Tickets at theatreverv.org · See description under May 6.

ARTS FESTIVAL GRAND FINALE Performances/Children’s Activities/Fireworks
Riverfront Park – 1001 Everglades Ave.
Rain Site: Sterett Hall – 1530 7th St.
(both located on the former Chas. Naval Base)
6:00-9:00PM · FREE

6:00-6:30PM Storyteller Miss Mocha will share multicultural stories for all ages
6:00-7:30PM Tri-county school showcase by the Pepperhill Elementary Chorus, Windsor Hill Arts Infused Elementary & Berkeley Center for the Arts
6:00-8:00PM The Poetry Show at The Navy Base Memorial, with performances by DJ G Money and spoken word poets Los the Host, Chyrra, Nef, 25 to Lyfe, Miss Courtney, Pop Shop, Kalaani, and Khalid. Many of these artists have appeared on Comcast C2’s Shop Talk, ETV, Z93 Jamz.
7:30-8:00PM Presentation of Hip-Hop fusion dances by ViZion Dynamic Dance Ministries, 2009 “America’s Best Praise Dance Crew”
8:00-9:00PM The Yonrico Scott Band, featuring Grammy award winning drummer Yonrico Scott, will get the crowd groovin’ with jazz & funk.
9:00PM Fireworks display over the Cooper River by Zambelli Fireworks

Other attractions include inflatable jump castles and roving entertainment by The Interactive Theater of Jef. Bring blankets or lawn chairs and enjoy a great ending to this year’s Arts Festival! Food concessions will be available for purchase.