Mojo Fest aims to entertain, inspire guests

Area residents are invited to attend an event which was created to entertain and inspire attendees.

According to event organizer Fort Scott High School student Sterling Braun, beginning at 6 p.m. on April 11, at the Liberty Theatre, 113 S. Main St., the Mojo Fest will provide the general public the opportunity to view pieces of artwork created by local artists.

The free event will include photography, painting, drawing and sculpture exhibits, Braun said. Not only will the art festival provide event attendees the opportunity to view local artwork, but it will also include free stage performances, which are scheduled to begin at 7 o'clock that night, Braun said.

The Noise FM, an alternative rock trio fronted by Fort Scott natives Alex and Austin Ward, will be among several to perform at the event. According to Alex, this will be the first time since the summer of 2007 that the band will perform in Fort Scott. Alex added the event will give attendees an opportunity to support the emerging talents of local youth.

"Mojo Fest will be a great opportunity for area residents to see some of Fort Scott's finest young talent," Alex said. "We're very excited to be playing back at home, and there's no better place to play a homecoming show than Liberty Theatre. I think it's important for Fort Scott residents to support the local arts, and this will be a great opportunity to do so."

Local FSHS pianist and ragtime composer Charlie Sercer will also make an appearance during the stage performances. In addition, FSHS student Jessica Carson will perform and sing during an acoustic set, Braun said.

According to Braun, in the 1990s FSHS art teacher Ellen Kendrick used to conduct an event similar to the one scheduled to take place on April 11. Hearing about Kendrick's event, gave Braun the original idea for the art show, according to Braun. He said the exhibit will give residents a family-friendly activity they can enjoy.

"(I am doing this) to give people something to do," Braun said. "A lot of people complain about there not being anything to do. If we can get a lot of people out to look at the art, maybe we can inspire them to take up new hobbies and maybe participate in other events."

According to Kendrick, even though Braun was inspired by the shows Kendrick used to conduct in the 90s, she has not needed to provide much assistance to Braun to help him organize the event.

"Sterling has done a remarkable job arranging this 'Evening of the Arts,'" Kendrick said. "It was his idea to showcase the many artists and their work. He instigated the event. I have merely been the silent supporter. All credit should go to him. It will be an exciting evening of art and music presented not only by Fort Scott High School students but by artists in the community as well."

Braun said the event is appropriate for children as well as adults, and residents are free to come and go during the show.

"I would encourage young kids to come out as well as adults," Braun said. "Even if they don't want to stay for the stage performances, they can come by to see the art at no cost to them. There is no risk. They might as well stop by."