By Ann Leach

The Annie Moses Band is an ensemble of Juilliard-trained siblings whose genre-defying performances have thrilled audiences for more than a decade. Drawn together by family, faithand a love for their audience, these exceptional musicians apply their talent to a cornucopia of iconic melodies through innovative arrangements and original songwriting. Celebrate Christmas with the Annie Moses Band as they masterfully present the season’s favorites alongside original holiday compositions.

A special holiday performance is on the schedule for December 17 as Connect2Culture (C2C) welcomes the Annie Moses Band to the Beshore Performance Hall in the new Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex.

“There will be two shows available,” said Emily Frankoski, executive director of C2C. “This group was one of the most popular bands we hosted in 2018. Despite an ice storm, fans flocked to see these siblings perform, and we want to give everyone the opportunity to experience their musical abilities again. We couldn’t be more pleased to bring the Annie Moses Band back to Joplin for a holiday performance!”

Hailing from Nashville, Tennessee, Annie and her siblings are experienced musicians whose talents have taken them to Carnegie Hall, the Grand ‘Ole Opry and to television screens across the nation during several specials on PBS. Born and raised in a musical family, siblings Jeremiah (electric guitar), Gretchen (violin, mandolin and harp), Alex (viola), Annie (violin and lead vocalist), and Benjamin (cello) have been performing together for more than a decade. Their parents, Bill and Robin Wolaver, are songwriters, and their mother once taught at Joplin’s Ozark Christian College.

Retired Ozark Christian College music faculty member Meredith Williams worked alongside Robin Wolaver, formerly Robin Donica, in the early ‘80s and has watched her family grow up and become the magic that is the Annie Moses Band. “They play a wide variety of music,” he said. “They’re not just locked into one style. The way they play those violins and move around the stage creates excitement.”

Williams also shared why he believes people of all ages will enjoy the show, adding,

“So many artists have been inspired by seeing someone else [perform], and that’s what can happen when a third or fifth grader or a seventh grader comes to see these siblings, who started learning and playing together at an early age: they could be inspired to do something like this at this level and they possibly could.”

Williams’ hopes of the band inspiring future generations of musicians seems to be an ideal close to the Annie Moses Band’s heart. “When we began,” the band said on their website, “we had no idea how God would lead us to stages and screens not usually occupied by Christians in the arts. The music we made was inspiring other families to develop the artistry of their children with greater excellence.”

As the band has grown in age and experience, they have discovered their true purpose is “to declare Truth and Light in the midst of the darkness.” They will continue to further this mission with their holiday performance in Joplin.

“The Annie Moses Band is truly extraordinary,” said Frankoski. “We couldn’t think of a better way to kick off C2C’s flagship series, the ‘Curtains Up Series,’ and the holiday season than with a group of distinguished artists, and the Annie Moses Band is the perfect fit!”

The band will have performances in Joplin at 3 pm and at 7 pm Saturday, December 17. To purchase tickets, contact Connect2Culture at connect2culture.org, by calling 417.501.5550 or visit their box office at the Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex Tuesday through Friday, 10 am to 5 pm.

Christmas with the Annie Moses Band

December 17, 2022

3 pm & 7 pm

Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex, Beshore Performance Hall

Tickets: $35-$45

Series: Curtains Up Series