2018 MAIN STAGE PERFORMING ARTISTS
MojoFlo
Friday, june 15th, 6:30 pm
Neo funk group, MojoFlo, is as known for their captivating stage performance as their infectious rhythms and catchy lyrics. Named “Best Band” (2016) by both Columbus Monthly and (614) Magazine for their dynamic live shows featuring vivacious vocalist Amber Knicole. From aerial performances and Soul Train lines to hula hoop choreography and near-cringe-inducing leaps off the drum riser in 6-inch heels this lady has a knack for leaving audiences enthralled. In combining hard hitting horns, seductive melodies and a meticulously crafted stage show, MojoFlo has built a fiercely loyal fanbase. This self supported band tours routinely to bring their show to a national audience.
Swift Technique
Friday, June 15th, 8:15 pm
Swift Technique, Philadelphia’s fiery funk extravaganza, is sprinting into its tenth year at full speed! The band’s unique blend of funk, soul, rock, hip-hop and relentless showmanship has propelled the group into their most successful period to date. Featuring the powerhouse vocals of Chelsea ViaCava, the band has released two new music videos for their singles “Lucky Bump” and “Reason to Be.” With bombastic horns, thunderous bass and drums, driving guitar and keys, and more dance moves than you can shake a booty at, Swift Tech’s live performances are unmatched in energy, musicianship and pure feel-good fun. And with a recent appearance on the award-winning Netflix series, Orange is the New Black, the group is commanding national attention.
After forming in 2007, Swift Technique has steadily toured, performed, and recorded all over the country. The band’s sound has evolved at every step, with the members constantly pushing their performing and musical limits.
For Swift Technique, every show is the craziest basement party you’ve ever been to. Representing Philadelphia in the funkiest way possible, Swift’s mission is to get you grooving, get you grinning, and fill you with the positive energy that the world so sorely needs. Come out and see what thousands of satisfied funksters across the US have already experienced. With the hype around Swift Technique building at lightning speed, look for these gritty groove masters to take large leaps forward in the coming year!
Shiloh Morgenstern
Saturday, June 16th, 11:00 - 11:15 am
Cultural Theater
WV Highland Dancers
Saturday, June 16th, 11:30 am- 12:30 pm
The WV Highland Dancers is a competitive Scottish Highland dance group based in Elkins, WV. The group is directed by Katy Dillon who received her Member's level certification in 2001 from the British Association of Teachers of Dancing.
Ugata
Saturday, June 16th, 12:45 - 1:45 pm
This drum performance is led by Lawrence Greene. He is the founder of Ugata, a cultural education and social services organization based in Southeast Ohio. He has been performing and teaching West African drum traditions for 10 years. He uses movement and sound to develop spiritual clarity and inspiration for his students and self. Ugata is a cultural education and social services organization based in the intentions of their ancestors. All of their programs are based in the concept of bio-regional identity, which means you are where you live.
Corey Shields Trio
Saturday, June 16th, 2:00 - 3:00 pm
Folk musical artists Corey Shields, Jesse Forrest and Traci Goode make up this Parkersburg, WV groovy rock group.
S. H. Kang's Tae Kwon Do Academy
Saturday, June 16th, 3:15 - 3:45 pm
This team trains at the ELITE Sports Center in Parkersburg and is a branch of Grand Master Sok Ho Kang's Tae Kwon Do Academy in Charleston, WV. Tae Kwon Do is a form of self-defense which includes blocks and punches, while putting greater emphasis on kicking techniques. The translation for Tae Kwon Do is “the way of the hands and feet”. The demo team consists of all ages and ranges in skill levels from beginners to instructors with over 30 years of experience. The team entertains with traditional forms, self-defense routines and free sparring. Most exciting is the breaking demonstrations. The demo is narrated to include the audience through education. This display of discipline and dedication shows that even with personal limitations, anyone can attain their own personal best.
Anastasia Kakias
Saturday, June 16th, 4:05 - 4:30 pm
Anastasia is from Columbus, Ohio, born and raised by Middle Eastern entertainers. She was the featured performer at Mykonos Taverna for 8 years doing 4 shows every week from opening to closing weekend. She currently performs monthly at Kan Zaman in Cleveland, Ohio. Her passion for bellydance carries her across the U.S. performing for any and all occasions and venues.
Backporch Alibi
Saturday, June 16th, 4:45 - 5:45 pm
Long long ago, in a land faraway there were two peas in a pod. During the summer of 2017 there was a massive musical explosion in Williamstown,West Virginia. It was then and only then where two peas became three, three peas became four, and finally four peas became five musical peas in a pod. The peas burst into a flutter of excitement, joy, musical sunshine, and rainbows. BackporchAlibi is a “mostly” Acoustic-Americana-Folk Band. Acoustic but not quiet. They currently spend their time working together be it originals or covers; molding, shape-shifting,and carving out an inviting creative space. BackPorchAlibi has a little something for everyone. Crossing genres with ease and aiming to invite all the cool kids to join them in support of some local back porch homespun musical goodness.
Kenya Safari Acrobats
Saturday, June 16th, 6:00 - 6:30 pm
The Kenya Safari Acrobats have redefined the perception of African Acrobats. The Acrobats offer a truly unique cultural experience. Hailing from the heart of Africa, this awe-inspiring and dynamic dance troupe takes acrobatics to exhilarating extremes. The group members learned acrobatics as children on the beaches of Kenya, as a means to break free from an impoverished country. Now they serve as artistic ambassadors for Kenya as they travel the globe, entertaining and inspiring audiences of all ages. They perform a non-stop ride of gravity-defying human pyramids, balancing, tumbling, limbo dancing, hurling through hoops and breathtaking contortions, all while clapping to a joyful Benga beat. Combining artistry with humor and playfulness, these gymnasts are a huge crowd pleaser. A unique and eye-popping blend of traditional arts and circus skills in classic African style, this show will leave your audience on their feet and filled with a wondrous sense of awe and amazement.
Ohio Burn Unit
Saturday, June 16th, 6:45 - 7:30 pm
Ohio Burn Unit are world record holders and work on some of the top hollywood movies, TV, Commercials, Music videos, Live entertainment, doing stunts and special effects all over the world. See the top performers & Hollywood stuntmen & women in the industry, OBU offers a mind blowing, jaw dropping, comedy-packed show full of entertainment for all ages. All of the shows revolve around the central theme of fire and flames, adding extra spice to every exhibition of which they are a part. Shows may include fire jugglers, special effects, fire breathers, fire eating, dancers, stilt walkers, club & ball juggling, poi spinners and much more! No show is ever the same!
Ted Bachelor and Ohio Burn Unit set the Guinness World Record for “The most people performing simultaneous full body burns” in 2009 and again in 2013.
The Ohio Burn Unit is dedicated and trained in fire safety and specialize in making every event the hottest in town!
Appalatin
Saturday, June 16th, 8:30 - 10:00 pm
Appalatin’s foot-stomping, hip-swinging sounds organically unite Appalachian folk and high-energy Latin music. The name, Appalatin, reflects the unexpected meeting in Louisville, KY of Kentucky-raised musicians and masterful Latin émigrés from Ecuador, Nicaragua, and Guatemala. Their all-acoustic performances of traditional stings of guitar, mandolin, upright bass, and charango, indigenous Andean flutes, hand percussion, harmonica and vocal harmonies have brought joy and happiness to listeners of all ages.
Mahana Productions
Sunday, June 16th, 12:30 pm - 1:15 pm
Xitlali Moore has been a Polynesian dancer for 20 years. She began dancing at the age of 6 with a small group named Ku'uipo 'O Hula in Norwalk, California. Ten years later, she joined a professional group, Hitia O Te Ra of Southern California, and continued dancing with them for 10 years. Her goal is to continue teaching a love and appreciation for the Polynesian culture in Columbus, Ohio. She wants to spread knowledge of the beautiful dances to anyone who is willing to learn. Mahalo and Aloha!
Shayar
Sunday, June 17th, 1:30 - 2:30 pm
Shayar (Lenval Jarrett) was born in Ocho Rios, St. Ann Parish, Jamaica in 1956. He had a natural inclination towards music and his bass-playing father was one of his greatest influences. Shayar began piano lessons in primary school. At age 12, Shayar convinced his father to buy him a guitar. He soon knew music would be his career. In high school, Shayar played in a band that worked the hotel circuit along the north coast of Ocho Rios.
When Shayar was 19, the famous Jamaican producer Jack Ruby introduced him to Reggae Superstar and Grammy-winner Burning Spear. In 1984, he moved to Brooklyn, NY and formed Crucial Force. In 1998, Shayar moved to the mountains of Beckley, WV – where the natural beauty is akin to that of Jamaica – and continued with a new iteration of the band, Krooshal Force.
Devil Doves
Sunday, June 17th, 2:45 - 4:15 pm
The Devil Doves are an energetic “cluster-folk” quartet based out of Columbus, OH that focus on gruff, reflective lyrics and harmonies over a rough and tumble skeleton.
The Devil Doves have released their 2nd album Also Playing and are actively touring throughout Ohio; surprising and delighting audiences at taverns and festivals with their energetic live performances and creative songwriting. The new batch of songs picks up where their well acclaimed self-titled debut record leaves off, focusing on the gruff, reflective lyrics of Junior Kauffman and the groove laid down by Kyle "Headband" Davis on the cajon and Rev. Rico "Thunderstorm" Nassau on the bass. The addition of Jeff Straw's keyboard on Also Playing completes the sound; filling the spaces in-between the beats with catchy organ riffs and improvised piano prowess. The 11-song sophomore effort highlights a tight sound with angelic harmonies over a rough and tumble skeleton.
Brady Young Jazz Quartet
Sunday, June 17th, 4:30 - 6:00 pm
Parkersburg High School ‘89 alumni Brady Young has played music professionally everywhere from San Francisco to Nashville, toured the blues circuit in the south and Florida, produced two of his own CD’s, and is now living and playing music back in the MOV. A well rounded musician, Brady is just as comfortable singing original acoustic tunes, playing as a side musician, playing lead guitar w his jam funk band (Brady Young Band) or playing bass - leading the Brady Young Jazz Quartet. Closing out this year’s festival, the BYJQ celebrates the fire and beauty of swing and latin jazz, and features an experienced and talented group of musicians from Ohio University, the mid Ohio Valley as well as Chicago.
