Mountain Stage - Live on the Levee - Blues, Brews & BBQ - Wine and All That Jazz - Smoke on the Water Chili Cook-Off - Capitol Street Art Fair and many more
Welcome to FestivALL Charleston 2009
FestivALL Charleston celebrates its fifth anniversary this year, and we’re very happy you could be here to help us. As in the past, we’re offering a varied menu of events, exhibitions and attractions so that you will have a lot of choices. That’s the nature of FestivALL.
In keeping with the State of West Virginia’s “Come Home to West Virginia” campaign, we’re bringing back some of our state’s best and brightest to share their talent. Charleston natives Ann Magnuson and Susan Johnston have made big marks in the world of theatre, and each will be featured among our Main Events. Tony Award winner Rob Ashford, who began a stellar career in dance with Theatre West Virginia in Beckley, choreographed the Broadway version of “Curtains,” which the Charleston Light Opera Guild is producing for us this year.
Of course, most of the local talent we feature is living here now. The Charleston Light Opera Guild, mentioned above, is celebrating its 60th season of producing high quality musical shows in Charleston. As you look through this schedule, you will see dozens of musicians, dancers, actors, writers and artists who live in the Mountain State. During the ten days of FestivALL you will have the opportunity to see seven original theatre pieces written by West Virginians. You can also hear just about every style of music from traditional Appalachian to classical, world music to modern jazz played by “home folks”. We even have a former national Frisbee champion, Gary Auerbach from Salem, who will delight young and old at the West Side Old Fashioned Ice Cream Social.
We also will feature talent from beyond West Virginia as we welcome to our stages several internationally acclaimed performers. We’re Especially fortunate to be hosting three of this year’s Blues Music Award Winners on Mountain Stage and at Blues, Brews & BBQ.
With boat rides on the river, theatre on a walkway, dance in the park, art in an alley and music in the streets, our city does “Become a Work of Art”- with wiener dog races!
None of this would be possible without the encouragement and support of Mayor Danny Jones and the Charleston City Council. Their vision and support made FestivALL possible from the beginning. I hope you will also take a look at our sponsors, supporters, partners and committees which are listen at the back of this booklet. This small army of folks produces FestivALL each year. Many have been with us since the beginning.
Thank you for joining us and we hope you enjoy your time at FestivALL Charleston.
Larry Groce
Executive Director
FestivALL Charleston
FestivALL Charleston was conceived in 2004 and first produced in 2005. Our aim is to produce and present high-quality artistic events including all of the arts: music, dance, theater, visual art and film. We present national and international artists as well as the best local and regional talent.
Even though all of the events fall under the umbrella of FestivALL, many of them are produced or co-produced by different organizations. Much of the work is done through volunteer committees with help from the City of Charleston and other local institutions and arts groups.
We invite you to join us at FestivALL Charleston 2009 and watch A CITY BECOME A WORK OF ART.
Festivall 2009
Thanks a million FestivALL Charleston for joining our ministry of Blues. It's all about peace, love, understanding, and GROOVE. Hope to perform for you sometime. Wishing you the very best in Blues and life! -Big Daddy
Online Now!
