The annual MOJA Arts Festival, a celebration of African-American and Caribbean culture, continues this week with a variety of free and ticketed performances, art displays and educational outreach.
The festival highlights the many African-American and Caribbean contributions to western and world cultures. MOJA's wide range of events include visual arts, classical music, dance, gospel, jazz, poetry, R&B music, storytelling, theatre, children's activities, traditional crafts, ethnic food, among others. MOJA also includes an active and busy educational outreach component of workshops in the public schools and outreach in community centers.
For a full calendar of events and online ticketing, visit www.mojafestival.com. Some events are free to attend, others are paid ticketed events at affordable prices.
FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS:
- Jazz on King Block Party: On October 6th beginning at 6 pm, this free-to-attend event between Ann and King streets will feature outdoor dining, shopping and musical performances by Tonya Nicole and Latoya Renea. Visual artist and live soul painter kolpeace will top off the event with a live painting performance. Jazz on King will include some road closures: a portion of Ann Street will close at 4 p.m.; King Street from Mary to John streets will close at 5:30 p.m.
- Harambee Dance Company: On October 6th at 8 pm ,Harambee Dance Company will premiere a new MOJA-commissioned work at a ticketed performance at the Dock Street Theatre on Church Street. Harambee's performances incorporate traditional and contemporary dance, creating a new style of African Dance.
- WONDERVERSE: The Music of Stevie Wonder: On October 7th, beginning at 8 pm, this ticketed event at Festival Hall on Beaufain Street will include performances of the classic hits by Stevie Wonder. Charlton Singleton and Friends will draw from Stevie Wonder's catalog of songs.
- Inaugural JOEY MORANT – ALL THAT JAZZ INC Concert: On October 8th beginning at 7:30 pm, this ticketed event at Festival Hall on Beaufain Street will feature internationally-renowned piano virtuoso Danny Mixon with special guest Antoinette Montague, celebrating the life and legacy of Charleston icon Joey Morant.
- MOJA Finale: On October 9 beginning at 11 a.m., this day-long, free-to-attend event at Hampton Park on Mary Murray Boulevard will close out the Festival with vendors, entertainment, and family-friendly fun. Music begins with the Gino Castillo Trio during brunch, in partnership with Charleston Parks Conservancy, leading up to a mainstage tribute performance recognizing Aretha Franklin and Tina Turner starting at 6:30 pm.
