Theme: Currents

CURRENTS bring together unstoppable, incredible energies for a convergence of conversation. We’ll learn together what forces have taken hold and empower each other to dive in, explore, and take action with open minds and hearts. Our event aims to:

- Electrify ideas that inspire creativity, education and engagement within our community and world beyond.
- Influence change that connects and understands the many layers of Charleston’s people, history and culture for a future of good.
- Encourage innovation and new perspectives in the fields of technology, art, business and health that seek positive awareness and exposure.

Charleston Music Hall
37 John St
Charleston, South Carolina, 29403
United States

Annaliesa Gowe

Student + Dancer

From ballet to contemporary, dance inherently flows from one movement to another as in this dancer’s connected performance.

David Turner

Scientist + Educator

What you don’t know might kill you, which is why this research scientist and professor is determined to make AGEs (Advanced Glycation End Products) a household name.

Donna Roberts

Scientist + Educator

As long-duration human missions to Mars and other celestial spots become closer to reality, this NASA-funded neuroscientist is setting her sights on discovering how space impacts the human brain.

Jacobo Mintzer

Researcher + Innovator

The intersection of art and science is closer than ever, so let the music play on. This researcher explores how music stimulates the brain and opens doors for new medical treatments.

Jay DeMarco

Surgeon

To combat the opioid epidemic, this orthopedic surgeon believes it’s time we focus on the prescribers of the problem: the doctors themselves.

Keith McElveen

Engineer + Inventor

With his patented innovations, this champion and leader in the space of audio engineering is helping to restore and enhance the human senses.

Kylon Middleton

Educator + Pastor

How can we improve relations between citizens and the police force? This educator uses lessons in injustice to facilitate difficult--yet collaborative--conversations with the community.

LB Adams

Entrepreneur + Actor

What words do women use to describe themselves? This founder and CEO of a soft skills training company says it’s time we break the patterns of language to reshape the narrative.

Melissa Maddox-Evans

Lawyer + Advocate

How do we right a wrong, let alone an atrocity? This lawyer and affordable housing champion says we must first acknowledge with an apology to lead us toward a path of change.

Melissa Moore

Advocate

Nationwide, up to 40 percent of youth who experience homelessness identify as LGBT. To bring an end to this staggering statistic, this advocate proposes a different support structure.

Robbie Madison and Kanika Moore

Jazz Artists

This duo’s natural chemistry and love for jazz, gospel and soul enliven and remind audiences of the music meant to be shared and enjoyed together.

Ryan Fiorini

Entrepreneur

Contact sports are in jeopardy unless we better detect concussions. This biotech entrepreneur says there’s a faster, objective solution that will benefit the health and safety of all athletes.

Small Opera

Opera Company

With their intimate cast and modern interpretations of classics, this opera group can be found popping up on a moment’s notice in the most unlikely of spaces to bring fun and drama to the Lowcountry.

Stephanie Boye

Mother

Sexuality today is drastically different from when parents were teenagers. This sexual assault counselor declares a new reality for the mental and emotional wellbeing of adolescents.

Stephen Frederico

Student + Researcher

Can we treat cancer without side effects? With the use of nanoparticles, this college student and researcher supports chemotherapy treatments that still allow patients to live a full, optimistic life.

Tony Bartelme

Author + Investigative Reporter

From plankton to CO2, this three-time Pulitzer prize-finalist reporter reveals some of the biggest climate change stories hiding in plain sight.