Legendary soul singer Mavis Staples slated for Spoleto

Mavis Staples and Jeff Tweedy "You Are Not Alone" acoustic

The Charleston Friends of the Library are proud to announce an event in collaboration with the Spoleto Festival USA featuring legendary vocalist, Mavis Staples.

On Wednesday, June 6th at 5:30 p.m., the Friends will hold a reception at the Spoleto Headquarters. Following the reception at 7 p.m., attendees will then travel to The Gaillard to enjoy a performance by Mavis Staples.

Mavis Staples’ career is one of the most remarkable in all of music, not only for its relentless spirit and longevity, but also for the period of history it spans. The gospel music of The Staples Singers in the 1950s blossomed into the 1960s popular mainstream on the strength of Staples’ voice, into the epicenter of the civil rights movement, then on to collaborations with such major artists as Bob Dylan, Prince, and Ry Cooder. Her newest collaborator is Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy, who produced her 2011 Grammy-winning You Are Not Alone. From the National Endowment for the Arts to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, recognition and awards have finally caught up with one of the great voices of our time.

Tickets are available for $60 each. Ticket includes admission to reception, beverages, hors’ d’oeuvres, and reserved seating at the Spoleto performance. The reception will feature entertainment by local artists, Rebekah Jacob and Marcus Amaker. There will also be an opportunity to peruse a special silent auction table that will feature rare books and local gift certificates. Please call (843) 805-6882 or email info@charlestonlibraryfriends.org to RSVP by May 29th.