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About Moja

2010 marks Charleston’s 27th annual MOJA Arts Festival: A Celebration of African-American and Caribbean Arts. Selected as one of the Southeast Tourism Society’s Top 20 events for many different years, the 2010 MOJA Arts Festival promises an exciting line-up of events with a rich variety of traditional favorites. The upcoming festival is scheduled for Thursday, September 23 through Sunday, October 3, 2010. Nearly half of MOJA’s events are admission-free and the remainder are offered at very modest ticket prices, ranging from $5 - $35. The MOJA Arts Festival is a multi-disciplinary festival produced and directed by the City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the MOJA Planning Committee, a community arts and cultural group and the MOJA Advisory Board, a group of civic leaders who assist with fundraising and advocacy. MOJA, a Swahili word meaning “One,” is the appropriate name for this festival celebration of harmony amongst all people in our community. 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, and much, much more. In addition to its myriad arts presentations, MOJA also includes an active and busy educational outreach component of workshops in the public schools and senior outreach in senior citizen homes.

Purchase Tickets

Official MOJA Box Office: Gaillard Municipal Auditorium 77 Calhoun StreetCharleston, SC29403 Hours: Monday – Friday, 10:00a.m. – 6:00p.m. Festival Hours: Monday – Saturday, 10:00a.m. – 6:00p.m. Cash, Check, AMEX, VISA, Discover, or MasterCard In Person at Ticketmaster outlets (service charges apply): Purchase up to 2 hours before performance with cash only at Ticketmaster Outlets across the U.S. including Publix Super Markets. In Person at the Event (No service charges!): Purchase tickets beginning 30 minutes prior to performance, if tickets remain, with cash or check only. By Mail and Fax ($5 handling charge per order): Purchase until September 18 with Check, Cash, AMEX, VISA, Discover, or MasterCard. Mail to: Gaillard Municipal Auditorium Box office 77 Calhoun Street Charleston, SC 29403 Fax: (843) 724-7389 Please make checks payable to: Gaillard Auditorium <emDownload: </strong</em<em<strong<a href=" 2009 Ticket Order Form</a</strong <emDownload: <a href=" 2009 Program Guide</a> </strong By Phone and Online with Ticketmaster (Service charges apply): Purchase 24 hours a day/7 days a week with AMEX, VISA, Discover, or MasterCard TicktMaster by Phone: 1 (800) 745-3000 Ticketmaster on-line at <a href=" Download: <em<strong<a href=" MOJA Arts Festival Ticket Brochure</a</strong

Festival History

recording artist, Stephanie Mills, delighted audiences with her blend of R&B on-stage at the Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Ballpark; Kirk Whalum melted the microphone in a beautiful evening Jazz concert under the stars at the College of Charleston Cistern; 15-year old cello prodigy, Samuel Johnson performed in concert with the Charleston Symphony Orchestra for MOJA's Classical Encounter; the Midnight Reggae Band offered up an eclectic blend of reggae favorites with 15,000 of our friends and neighbors behind the U.S. Custom House at the Reggae Block Dance; Rebecca Walker, author of Black, White & Jewish delivered a moving message about her struggles growing up with a diverse family in The Literary Corner; Mayor Joseph P. Riley, Jr. presented a paper on Education in the Lowcountry as part of the YWCA Business & Professional Breakfast Issue Paper Series. <img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-80" title="MJ00" src=" alt="MJ00" width="170" height="280" /2000 Lavarne Ross' Dancers was one of the festivals most popular poster images. The Theatre Series presented the Broadway hit Ain't Misbehavin. R&B recording artists Ashford and Simpson played to thousands of fans in their live concert at the Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Ballpark. Soulful Jazz crooner, Will Downing, performed to a sold-out crowd at the Cistern. <img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-79" title="MJ99" src=" alt="MJ99" width="170" height="280" /1999 Celebrating its Caribbean roots, MOJA, the Carolina Caribbean Association, and the Charleston Garden Festival hosted a delegation of 300 artists, performers and government officials from the island of Barbados who shared their breathtaking artistry with MOJA's audiences in a rich and exciting cultural exchange. Internationally renowned artist and entrepreneur Charles A. Bibbs created the 1999 festival poster image. Performances by Gerald Albright and Jeffrey Osborne were two of the main highlights of the festival. The Dance Gala and Classical Encounters combined to present Quentin Baxter and Friends with the Dallas Black Dance Theater. <img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-98" title="MJ98" src=" alt="MJ98" width="170" height="280" /1998 The Tom Joyner Morning Show Live at the Gaillard Municipal Auditorium opened MOJA's 15th annual season with national stars that included Blue Note/ Capital Records artist Rachelle Ferrell, Windham Hill Group artist Phil Perry, and Mercury Recording jazz artist Will Downing. Opera Singers Jeanne Brown and Sam Hagen from Atlanta were the featured artists in Classical Encounters. The 2nd AnnualBlackInventionsMuseum provided educational outreach to Lowcountry students. <img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-97" title="MJ97" src=" alt="MJ97" width="170" height="280" /1997 The O'Jays returned and were featured in the "Encore Under the Stars" concert. Art Forms and Theatre Concepts' comedy Debutante of the Season was the main presentation of the Theatre Series. Pianist and Charleston native Jade Smalls performed in the Classical Encounters presentation. The Dance Gala featured the Philadelphia-based Rennie Harris & PureMovements. Angela Bofill was the special guest in "An Evening of Jazz." <img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-96" title="MJ96" src=" alt="MJ96" width="170" height="280" /1996 Harleston-Boags Funeral Home and the Home of Septima Poinsette Clark were designated as Historic Sites in a special dedication ceremony. New York singer, dancer, and actress Andréa Black performed Mon Pays et Paris, a one-woman play and tribute to Josephine Baker. The Theatre Series highlight was the Gullah play, Hush Dat Gullah produced by Art Forms and Theatre Concepts. The Dance Gala showcased a double-header of I Am! Productions and Ballethnic. Columbian Recording artist Nnenna Freelon was presented in "An Evening of Jazz" concert. The Palmetto Invitational Marching Band Contest had special appearances by the Florida A&M University Marching Band and the South Carolina State Marching Band. <img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-95" title="MJ95" src=" alt="MJ95" width="170" height="280" /1995 Acclaimed artist Leroy Campbell was the creator for the festival's poster. Internationally renowned recording artist Dr. Billy Taylor (music correspondent for CBS' Sunday Morning) and his Jazz Trio performed at the Cistern, College of Charleston. The MOJA Gospel Choir and the MOJA Youth/Young Adult Choir joined to present Jubilante, "a celebration of music". A new African-American Theatre Company founded by playwright, actor and director Arthur Gilliard is inaugurated by the MOJA Arts Festival organization, Art Forms and Theatre Concepts, Inc. <img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-94" title="MJ94" src=" alt="MJ94" width="170" height="280" /1994 Internationally acclaimed Rhythm & Blues recording artists The O'Jays performed along with Jerry Butler and His Orchestra. Charleston native, soprano Annette Spann, joined by pianist Wilfred Delphin performed in the Classical Encounters Series. The pre-concert lecture was given by Edwin Romain and Wildred Delphin. In addition, African Master Drummer from Ghana, Obo Addy, joined the Charleston Symphony String Quartet in performing an original composition in a concert at the Dock Street Theatre. <img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-93" title="MJ93" src=" alt="MJ93" width="170" height="280" /1993 The first annual MOJA Community Tribute Luncheon was held to honor civic leaders: Marjorie Amos-Frazier, Ruby P. Cornwell, St. Julian Devine, Eugene Hunt, Hilda Hutchinson-Jefferson, Gwendolyn Todd-Jones, and Dorothy Brunson Wright. <img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-92" title="MJ92" src=" alt="MJ92" width="170" height="280" /1992 MOJA's Jazz Tribute saluted South Carolina natives George Kinney, Melvin Hodges, Dr. Eugene Hunt, and Rev. Fletcher Linton who each made significant contributions to music throughout the state of S.C. The Poetry and Storytelling Series featured three highly respected artists: Anita Timbers, Anthony Thompson, and Rosetta Gethers. <img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-91" title="MJ91" src=" alt="MJ91" width="170" height="280" /1991 Nigerian Printmaker Bruce Onobrakpeya exhibited his works of etchings and paintings in the "Shelian Masquerades". The Heritage Day Celebration recognized African/Caribbean culture worldwide with music, fine arts and crafts, and demonstrations. <img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-90" title="MJ90" src=" alt="MJ90" width="170" height="280" /1990 MOJA Dance Series presented "The Crew" featuring dancers from the Dance Theatre of Harlem under the direction of Artistic Director and Choreographer Walter Rutledge. Piano duo Wilfred Delphin and Edwin Romain performed as part of the Classical Encounters Series. <img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-89" title="MJ89" src=" alt="MJ89" width="170" height="280" /1989 Gullah artist Jonathan Green was the creator of the festival poster but due to Hurricane Hugo, the festival was only held for one day. Posters are still available. <img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-88" title="MJ88" src=" alt="MJ88" width="170" height="280" /1988 Renowned pianist Dr. Raymond Jackson performed as part of the Classical Encounters Series. The Festival of Churches Series appeared for the first time at MOJA and featured local church choirs in their home churches. <img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-87" title="MJ87" src=" alt="MJ87" width="170" height="280" /1987 "Spirit of Africa: Traditional Art from the Nokes Collection" showcased sculptures, masks, and textiles from the personal collection of Commander Neil Nokes. Dr. Jack Moses and Melvin Hodges, two of Charleston's Jazz Pioneers were honored at the "Jazz Heritage Salute." <img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-86" title="MJ86" src=" alt="MJ86" width="170" height="280" /1986 The introduction of the Literary Series to MOJA's festival format brought internationally renowned poet and playwright Amiri Baraka who performed a reading from his works. The Film Series featured a special presentation of Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun. <img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-85" title="MJ85" src=" alt="MJ85" width="170" height="280" /1985 The MOJA Festival continued its celebration of the arts, traditions, and heritage of African and Caribbean cultures with a special emphasis on American black history. The Theatre Series featured Sty of the Blind Pig, Livin' Fat and the 50th Anniversary of Gershwin's Porgy and Bess. <strong <strong <strong<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-84" title="MJ79" src=" alt="MJ79" width="170" height="280" />1984 The First Annual MOJA Arts Festival debuted, building on the mission of the three previous biennial Charleston Black Arts Festivals. The festival was renamed "MOJA," a Swahili word meaning "One" to illustrate its theme of creating and promoting harmony amongst all people in our community and is designed to highlight the many African-American and Caribbean contributions to western and world cultures. MOJA's wide range of events included visual arts, classical music, theatre, poetry, storytelling, dance, jazz, gospel, R&B, children's activities, traditional crafts and ethnic food. <strong <strong <strong <strong<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-84" title="MJ79" src=" alt="MJ79" width="170" height="280" />1983 Charleston's third Black Arts Festival was produced in February, celebrating Black History Month. "Works by Black craftspersons" included exhibits by local blacksmith Philip Simmons and Gullah basketweaver, Mary Bennett. "When the Spirit Says Sing," a song-play written by Robert W. Larkin was produced, starring Don Oliver. Progressive jazz-fusion artists from Brooklyn, NY brought their unique musical presentation "Force Three" to Charleston. <strong <strong <strong <strong <strong<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-84" title="MJ79" src=" alt="MJ79" width="170" height="280" />1981 Charleston's second biennial Black Arts Festival featured a concert of music from Porgy and Bess performed by the Charleston Symphony Orchestra, Lucien De Groote, Conductor, with chorus and soloists. The Lincoln Portrait by Aaron Copland featured Mayor Joseph P. Riley, Jr. as Narrator. Ramsey Lewis, Pieces of a Dream presented a gala jazz concert at the Gaillard Auditorium and led an educational workshop at the College of Charleston. <img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-84" title="MJ79" src=" alt="MJ79" width="170" height="280" />1979 Forerunners of the MOJA Arts Festival were the biennial Charleston Black Arts Festivals established in 1979 by the City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs, the Gibbes Museum of Art, and the Charleston Chapter of the LINKS. The first Charleston Black Arts Festival began as a comprehensive celebration of Black Artists and performers from the Lowcountry's contemporary arts scene. Combining outstanding examples from all the arts disciplines with a major representative exhibition of Black artists from the Southeast region as a backdrop, the festival effectively communicated the significant contributions of the African-American heritage to the cultural life of the region and of the nation. Highlights of this first festival included a duo-piano concert by Wilfred Delphin and Edwin Romain and a major visual arts exhibition at the Gibbes Museum of Art entitled Reflections of a Southern Heritage: 20th Century Black Artists of the Southeast.

festival Merch

Merchandise can be purchased at the Reggae Block Dance, Heritage Day and Finale as well as various other events. Call (843) 724-7305 for a list of all venues or you can place your order over the phone. 2009 FESTIVAL MERCHANDISE <a href=" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-636" title="MJ09 Poster Image Rejoice by Doyle Cloyd web version" src=" alt="MJ09 Poster Image Rejoice by Doyle Cloyd web version" width="300" height="216" /</a> <strongPosters featuring the image "Rejoice" by Doyle Cloyd:</em <ul> <li>$25 Poster signed by the Artist</li> <li>$15 Unsigned poster</li> </ul> <strongNotecards featuring the image "Rejoice" by Doyle Cloyd</em <ul> <li>$5 Set of 10 Notecards and Envelopes</li> </ul> <strongMiscellaneous Merchandise featuring MOJA's Official "3 Heads" Logo</em <ul> <li>$15 Totebag imported from Africa</li> <li>$12 Embroidered Ballcaps</li> <li>$5 Water bottles in various colors</li> </ul> <strongT-shirts in various colors featuring the image "Rejoice" by Doyle Cloyd:</em <ul> <li>$10 Youth Sizes Medium, Large, and X-Large</li> <li>$14 Adult Sizes Medium, Large, and X-Large</li> <li>$16 Adult Size XXL</li> <li>$18 Adult Size XXXL</li> </ul> <strongSweatshirts in various colors featuring the image "Rejoice" by Doyle Cloyd:</em <ul> <li>$16 Adult Sizes Medium, Large, and X-Large</li> <li>$18 Adult Size XXL</li> <li>$20 Adult Size XXXL</li> </ul>

Corporate Sponsors:

Thank you to our corporate and foundation partners and individual donors without which, we would not be able to produce the 2009 MOJA Arts Festival. SERIES SPONSORS * Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated, Inc. <a href=" target="_blank"> <a href=" class="size-full wp-image-560 alignnone" title="coca-cola logo" src=" alt="coca-cola logo" width="214" height="83" /</a> * Comcast <a href=" target="_blank"> <a href=" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-567" title="comcast - logo" src=" alt="comcast - logo" /</a> EVENT SPONSORS * First Citizens * Housing Authority of the City of Charleston <a href=" target="_blank"> <a href=" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-583" title="CharlestonHousingAuthority - logo" src=" alt="CharlestonHousingAuthority - logo" width="210" height="128" /</a> * Maybank Industries, LLC * McDonald’s (C&A Unlimited, Inc.) <a href=" target="_blank"> <a href=" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-584" title="mcdonalds - logo" src=" alt="mcdonalds - logo" width="147" height="133" /</a> * South Carolina Education Lottery <a href=" target="_blank"> <a href=" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-569" title="SCEL-LOGO" src=" alt="SCEL-LOGO" width="210" height="72" /</a> * South Carolina State Ports Authority <em<a href=" target="_blank"> <a href=" class="size-medium wp-image-559 alignnone" title="State Ports Authority - LOGO blue" src=" alt="State Ports Authority - LOGO blue" width="240" height="89" /</a> BENEFACTORS * Anonymous * AT&T <a href=" target="_blank"> <a href=" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-585" title="att - logo" src=" alt="att - logo" width="180" height="84" /</a> * Berkeley Electric <a href=" target="_blank"> <a href=" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-571" title="BEC - logo" src=" alt="BEC - logo" width="191" height="65" /</a> * Henry & Sylvia Yaschik Foundation * Patrick Properties, Inc. <a href=" target="_blank"> <a href=" target="_blank"> <a href=" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-572" title="PatrickProperties - Logo" src=" alt="PatrickProperties - Logo" width="240" height="66" /</a> * SCANA and SCE&G <a href=" target="_blank"> <a href=" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-573" title="SCEG logo" src=" alt="SCEG logo" width="168" height="42" /</a> DONORS * Post and Courier Foundation <a href=" target="_blank"> <a href=" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-586" title="p&c - logo" src=" alt="p&c - logo" width="210" height="83" /</a> * Select Health of South Carolina <a href=" target="_blank"> <a href=" class="size-full wp-image-600 alignnone" title="Select Health Logo -jpeg small" src=" alt="Select Health Logo -jpeg small" width="188" height="71" /</a> * Weight Watchers SUPPORTERS * Black Pages * C.E. McKenzie & Associates, LLC * Campbell, Mr. & Mrs. Carl * Charleston Chapter of the Links, Inc. * Charleston Development Academy * Clyburn, Commissioner Mignon * Faison, Dr. Warachal * Robinson, Dr. Kenneth & Priscilla * Rosner, Jean & Herb * Seabrook, Luther W. * W. Frazier Construction MEDIA SPONSORS * Charleston's Greatist Hits 95.9 FM <a href=" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-568" title="APEX-FM95_3 Color" src=" alt="APEX-FM95_3 Color" width="240" height="144" /</a> * Lowcountry’s CW <a href=" target="_blank"> * MAGIC 107.3 FM <a href=" <a href=" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-577" title="NewMagicLogo 004" src=" alt="NewMagicLogo 004" width="180" height="90" /</a> * My TV Charleston <a href=" target="_blank"> </a<a href=" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-581" title="MyTV CHAS - logo" src=" alt="MyTV CHAS - logo" width="180" height="121" /</a> * Post and Courier <a href=" target="_blank"> <a href=" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-586" title="p&c - logo" src=" alt="p&c - logo" width="210" height="83" /</a> * STAR 99.7 FM <a href=" target="_blank"> <a href=" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-564" title="APEX-first use Star 99 7" src=" alt="APEX-first use Star 99 7" width="210" height="78" /</a> * WCBD-TV2 <a href=" target="_blank"> <a href=" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-588" title="news 2 - logo" src=" alt="news 2 - logo" width="210" height="75" /</a> * WCSC-TV5 <a href=" target="_blank"> <a href=" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-565" title="Channel5 Logo - HD" src=" alt="Channel5 Logo - HD" width="240" height="135" /</a> * WTAT-FOX24 <a href=" target="_blank"> * Z93-JAMZ FM <a href=" target="_blank"> <a href=" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-576" title="Z-93-Jamz" src=" alt="Z-93-Jamz" width="210" height="157" /</a> GOVERNMENT SUPPORT * Charleston Police Dept. Weed and Seed Program * City of Charleston <a href=" target="_blank"> <a href=" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-578" title="City Seal high res" src=" alt="City Seal high res" width="126" height="120" /</a> * County of Charleston <a href=" target="_blank"> <a href=" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-589" title="chas county - logo" src=" alt="chas county - logo" width="133" height="180" /</a> * South Carolina Arts Commission <a href=" target="_blank"> <a href=" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-579" title="SCArtsCommission_logo" src=" alt="SCArtsCommission_logo" width="126" height="99" /</a> FRIENDS OF MOJA * Albert & Elizabeth Alston * Julie Anderson * Ms. S. Johari Andika * Ascue Auto Body & Paint Shop, Inc. * Timothy & Pearl V. Ascue * Gloria M. Bell * Hon. Floyd & Felecia Breeland * Tamara Brown-Boone * Anthony & Angela Burke * Carl Campbell * Dane Campbell * James E. Campbell * Karole Turner Campbell * Mildred Ellison Carr & Family * Dr. Katie B. Catalon * Osei & Saadeka Chandler * Friends of Jim Clyburn * Amelia T. Coker * John Thompson Dash * Edith & Joseph Deas * Dr. Barbara D. Dilligard * Mr. & Mrs. James C. Edwards Jr. * Tonya Ellington, Founder of "Stop Cussin LLC" * Tvonne D. Evans * Warachal Faison * Bernard & Conchita Fielding * Richard E. Fields * Norvella Fludd-Rice & Wakeane A. Rice * Lee & Edelle Gaillard * Rene and James Garrett * Bishop Z. L. & Mrs. C. R. Grady * Dolored Simmons Greene * F. Renee Gaters * Rev. & Mrs. (Dorothy) Jerry Harrison * Ms. Janet Hicks * Waring S. Howe, Jr. Attorney at Law * Carolyn E. Lecque * Karaton Services, LLC * Melvin L. & Vertelle Amos Kenion * Mr. & Mrs. Earl O. Kline * Philip & Juanita LaRoche * Charlotte Portugal Libater * Lawrence M. Libater * Patricia Lilly * Charles & Georgette McKenzie * SJ Middleton * Michael Molony * E. D. Moore * Pat Morgan * Terri Prince-Gaillard * Bev Prince Muhammed * John & Yvonne Orr * Bernard & Lorraine Powers * John S. Purvis & Sandra W. Purvis * Clark & Joyce Remsbury * Maxine F. & Marnique L. Riley * Earline & David Sanders * Dot Scott * Charles & Cherry Seabrook * Irvin & AnnaBell Seabrook * Annette S. Sheppard * Lois A. Simms * Craug & Denise Smith * Alonzo & Joslynn Smith * Cynthia McCottry Smith * Drs. Jachelle & Kareem Sprattling * Wilfred & Marjorie Steplight * V. Miller - Steplight * Jimmy & Gary Stuckey * Amelia Taylor * Erica Prioleau Taylor * Carol & George Tempel * Gwendolyn Todd-Houston, M.D. * Anna B. Tolbert * Elder Carlie Towne * Walker's Mortuary Chapel of Peace * Lashea & Toni Washington * McKinley & Beulah Washington * Nathaniel & Jenny Washington * Magdalene L. Wells * Rep J. Seth Whipper & Carrie Whipper * Barbara S. Wilson * Evelyn T. Workman * YMCA of Greater Charleston, Inc. * Rosmond C. Whipper-Black * Dr. Deborah Deas * H. Jerome Amos