Desiring to create a spiritual awakening through the arts, the Annie Moses Band is on a mission to educate and inspire audiences — both stylistically and spiritually — with a compelling sound and energetic performances through concerts around the world.
The Wolaver family act is made up of six siblings. Annie is lead vocalist and violinist; Alex accompanies on vocals and violin; Benjamin plays cello; Camille handles harp and keyboard; Gretchen plays mandolin and violin; and Jeremiah is on classical and electric guitar.
Throughout their musical journey the group has produced 18 albums, six live DVDs, two PBS specials, nine musicals for children, two Broadway musicals, numerous music videos and a Christ-centered show for kids called, “The Wonderful World of Benjamin Cello.”
The group chose its name in honor of great-grandmother Annie Moses, who paved the way for their musical heritage and spent long hours working in the Texas cotton fields.
Musical legacy
“Our namesake for the group died at the age of 49 from cancer,” Annie Wolaver told The Alabama Baptist. “Her daughter, Jane, my grandmother, had an incredible gift as a singer and was determined that her children would have the musical education that was never available to her, being the daughter of a cotton-field worker. My great-grandmother’s life laid a foundation that every generation has built upon.”
Today as the Annie Moses Band travels around the world, they entertain audiences with a blend of classical, jazz, folk and Celtic music. Because of their distinctive musical stylings, the group has had opportunities to perform in a variety of settings including prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall, The Grand Ole Opry and The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
The group places a strong emphasis on encouraging and equipping young musicians. Over the past 20 years they have mentored and trained more than 1,500 young artists by establishing the Annie Moses Summer Music Festival and the Conservatory of Annie Moses.
“We have so many children come up to us after concerts and are inspired to play instruments,” Wolaver said. “Hopefully, we can be trailblazers for young artists who are exploring different styles of music.”
Shining the Light
Wherever the Annie Moses Band performs, they desire to shine the light of Christ on audiences.
“When my siblings and I started the Annie Moses Band, we began to explore stylistically and express the mission the Lord placed on our family,” Wolaver said. “It doesn’t matter where we play, the message remains the same and our calling remains to declare the truth and shine the light in the midst of darkness and lies of this world.
“We also hope that our concerts will inspire people to invest in their own families. It is a complete joy to do what we love with the people we love the most.”
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