Wed. Sept. 26
Barbados Embassy Series — In conjunction with the MOJA festival, the S.C. World Trade Center hosts Ambassador Michael King of Barbados for an evening in his honor. Embassy Series price includes a rum tasting and a traditional cuisine plated dinner. 6-9 p.m. $70/members, $90 non-members. Charleston Harbour Club, 35 Prioleau St. (843) 852-9880. czeid@scwtc.org
Thurs. Sept. 27
MOJA Arts Festival Opening Reception — Meet the 2007 MOJA poster artist Doyle Cloyd and enjoy sumptuous Caribbean cuisine. 6-8 p.m. Free. Charleston Museum, 360 Meeting St. (843) 722-2996.
Fri. Sept. 28
Caribbean Street Parade and Opening Ceremonies — Students from many Charleston schools, African drummers and dancers, and members of various civic organizations march from King Street to South Market Street. 6 p.m. Free. (843) 724-7300.
Reggae Block Dance — Live reggae bands, African drummers and dancers, ethnic foods, and international crafts. 7:15 p.m.-12 a.m. Free. U.S. Custom House, 200 E. Bay St. (843) 724-7305.
An Evening with Ann Caldwell — Renowned vocalist Ann Caldwell pays homage to the power of women in the arts. Inspired by the work of artist Lorna Simpson, on view at the Gibbes. 5-7 p.m. $12/non-members, $7/members. Gibbes Museum of Art, 135 Meeting St. (843) 722-2706.
Harold Smith Appreciation Tennis Tournament — Through Sunday. $35/singles, $40/doubles teams. St. Andrew’s Park and Playground, 195 Playground Road. (843) 769-6536.
Sat. Sept. 29
Heritage Day — Day-long event featuring live entertainment, vendors, storytelling, workshops, the BET Women’s Health Symposium, health and wellness fair, and Youth On View, step teams from area schools and churches. 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Hampton Park. Free. (843) 724-7305.
Gospel Concert — Gospel Divas Meet the Men of Gospel perform an afternoon of gospel music. 4 p.m. $8. St. Matthews Lutheran Church, 405 King St. (843) 554-6060.
Jazz Under the Stars with Najee — National recording artist Najee performs in a romantic cabaret setting. Also featuring Soulfood Jazz and violinist Daniel Davis. 7:30 p.m. $20. The Cistern, 66 George Street. (843) 554-6060.
Poetry Jam — A night of spoken word poetry and jazz music showcasing the talents of local and regional poets. $8.50. Porgy’s Other Place, 137 Calhoun St. (843) 554-2522.
Sun. Sept. 30
A Classical Encounter — Chamber Music Charleston presents A Circle Unbroken, for string quartet and narrator. This adaptation of Margot Theis Raven’s celebrated children’s story about the history of the sweetgrass basket utilizes music of the late African American composer William Grant Still, as the story is narrated and illustrations by E.B. Lewis are displayed on the screen. 2-3 p.m. $10. City Gallery at Waterfront Park, 34 Prioleau St. (843) 554-6060.
Mon. Oct. 1
John Street Jazz — Live jazz music and fine art featuring Ann Caldwell and LooseFitt. Reception at 6 and 8:15 p.m. with performances at 7 and 9 p.m. $20, $15/students. Gallery Chuma, 43 John St. (843) 554-6060.
College of Charleston Gospel Choir — Students from the College of Charleston perform gospel songs. 8-9 p.m. Free. Sottile Theatre, 44 George St. (843) 724-7305.
Poetry and Storytelling — Regional and local poets showcased. 6-7 p.m. on the lawn of Gaillard Auditorium. 77 Calhoun St. (843) 953-7609.
Tues. Oct 2
Pearl Cleage — MOJA presents Pearl Cleage, author of “We Speak Our Names,” a poem written for Oprah Winfrey’s Legends weekend. 7 p.m. $8.50. Avery Research Center, 125 Bull St. (843) 554-6060.
Writer’s Workshops — A series of writer’s workshops for selected middle school students facilitated by Quincy Benton. Oct. 2-5, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Free. Avery Research Center, 125 Bull St. (843) 953-7609.
Wed. Oct. 3
Historical Site Designation — Old Bethel United Methodist Church, an African American landmark, is recognized for its historical significance. 10 a.m. Free.
Tambourines to Glory — Tambourines to Glory by Langston Hughes is Art Forms & Theatre Concepts, Inc.’s offering for this year’s festival. 3 and 8 p.m. $20, $15/students and seniors. Footlight Players Theatre, 20 Queen St. (843) 554-6060.
Jazz Cruise — MOJA presents a night of mellow jazz featuring Robin Harris and Friends aboard the Spirit of Charleston. 7:30-10 p.m. $15. (843) 554-6060.
Anansesem Kyiri Kasa: Storytelling Does Not Like Idle Talk! — Artist J’Miah Nabawi entertains children in grades K-5 with hand-held instruments, exploring African, Caribbean, Latin American, and U.S. traditions with audience participation. At 9 and 10:30 a.m. Free. Main Library, 68 Calhoun St. (843) 805-6930.
FRI. Oct. 5
Genesis Dance Company — This dance company seeks to uplift and inspire with an electrifying and passionate performance. 7:30 p.m. $15. Gaillard Auditorium, 77 Calhoun St. (843) 554-6060.
Ongoing
Native Son Walking Tour — A MOJA event emphasizing African-American contributions in Charleston. 1 1/2 hour tour departs from the Charleston Visitor Center daily at 8 a.m., 12 p.m., and 3 p.m. Sept. 27-Oct. 7. $16/adults, $10/children. Charleston Visitor Center, 375 Meeting Street. (843) 853-8000.
Charleston Kids with Cameras and the Yo Art Project — A photography mentoring program for youth living primarily in public housing. The exhibit presents 20 photos by kids. The opening reception, followed by a multimedia show at the Meeting Street Manor Playground featuring African drumming, live spoken word, and a slide show, is Sept. 26, 5-9 p.m. On view through Oct. 30.
Poetry and Storytelling: Local and Regional Poets — In an intimate setting, noted poets and writers perform at Mr. Oliver’s House, a small cottage on the grounds of St. Patrick Catholic Church. Oct. 1- Terri McCrea; Oct. 2- Hermine Stanyard; Oct. 3- Stylicia Bowden; Oct. 4- Kurtis Lampkin; Oct. 5- Jaha Knight. 134 St. Philip St. Free. Love Best of Charleston? Help the Charleston City Paper keep Best of Charleston going every year with a donation. Or sign up to become a member of the Charleston City Paper club.