It was 1933: Franklin D. Roosevelt became the 32nd President; the New Deal came into existence; FDR closed the banks to promote financial stability; popular new songs included Ellington's "Sophisticated Lady" and Kern's "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes;" the first All-Star baseball game was played and Philo Farnsworth developed electronic television. Jashcha Heifetz, the world's most celebrated violinist of his era, played in Charleston as the very special guest of the newly-created Charleston Community Music Association (CCMA).

Today, our world is dramatically different in many ways. But, the objective of the Charleston Community Music Association remains constant to offer the world's most accomplished performance talents of all types, at reasonable ticket prices, to enable almost everyone to enjoy the best entertainment on this planet. Many of the world's greatest talents have performed right here in our town: opera divas such as Lily Pons, Beverly Sills and Roberta Peters; symphony legends such as the London Philharmonic and the Philadelphia Orchestra with Eugene Ormandy as conductor; and the most renowned solo musicians such as Van Cliburn and Wynton Marsalis. Nureyev danced on our stage; Pavarotti celebrated his tenor voice with us. In recent years, popular artists like Marvin Hamlisch, Jack Jones, and Sandy Duncan have graced our stage. And, the world's favorite operas and Broadway shows have long been available to Charleston audiences because of the dedication of the Charleston Community Music Association.

"CCMA is the organizing group for, and presenter of, Charleston's Good Night Celebration, an annual New Year's event that is billed as " The Best Family Party in Town!" With support from the Mayor's Office, the Charleston Gazette, and West Virginia Radio Corporation, Good Night revelers numbered in the thousands last year." Your Community Music Association is truly Charleston's World Stage!