News Summary
The ‘Gullah Roots’ concert will be held on June 4 at the College of Charleston, featuring trumpeter Etienne Charles and drummer Quentin Baxter. The event explores the connections between Gullah music and modern jazz, enhancing cultural appreciation through an immersive experience. Eric Crawford and Ron Daise emphasize the significance of this musical collaboration, which highlights the intricate ties between West African traditions and Gullah cultural heritage.
Charleston, SC – A significant cultural event titled “Gullah Roots” is set to take place on June 4 at the College of Charleston Cistern Yard. The concert will feature renowned trumpeter Etienne Charles alongside Grammy Award-winning drummer Quentin Baxter, who is recognized for his deep understanding of Gullah music as a member of the band Ranky Tanky.
The collaboration between Charles and Baxter aims to delve into the dynamic of Gullah music through their unique artistic perspectives. Baxter, a native of Charleston, and Charles, hailing from Trinidad and Tobago, will explore the connections and cross-cultural influences between their respective backgrounds.
Eric Crawford, the interim chair of the music department at Claflin University, highlighted that the concert will facilitate a cultural exchange between West Indian and Gullah cultures, enhancing attendees’ understanding of both. The concert not only aims to entertain but also to educate through an immersive musical experience, emphasizing the intricate ties between jazz and Gullah music traditions.
Ron Daise, a native of Saint Helena Island and a former host of Nickelodeon’s Gullah Gullah Island, has underscored the connection of the event to the broader African diaspora. The rhythms and musical blends that are characteristic of Gullah music have roots tracing back to West Africa, echoing the historical journey through enslavement that has spread these traditions worldwide. The performance is expected to highlight key elements such as call-and-response patterns and the traditional “Lowcountry” clap, integral components of Gullah music.
During the concert, audiences can anticipate a unique synthesis of Gullah music infused with modern jazz influences. Baxter has expressed the significance of the clapping technique in Gullah performances, particularly as a form of engagement during song verses. This rhythm is not merely an accompaniment but a vital part of the Gullah musical tradition, bridging past and present experiences.
In a nod to the cultural richness of Gullah heritage, Daise has also contributed a poem titled “Forgotten Moments.” This piece serves to enhance the concert’s objective of preserving Gullah historical narratives through the medium of music. The profound connection between various musical elements will be a focal point of the concert, allowing attendees to appreciate the depth of Gullah culture alongside its jazz counterparts.
The “Gullah Roots” concert is part of the Spoleto Festival USA, which celebrates various artistic expressions and emphasizes cultural depth across art forms. This festival platform enables artists like Charles and Baxter to showcase the significance of Gullah music within a broader context, ensuring that cultural awareness and appreciation are central themes of the event.
Attendees of the concert can expect an enriching experience that extends beyond auditory enjoyment; it aspires to reinforce cultural and historical connections, making the concert a vital event for fostering understanding and appreciation within the community. As the concert date approaches, excitement builds for what promises to be a memorable event celebrating Gullah heritage and its dynamic relationship with jazz music.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Charleston Celebrates Cultural Vibrancy This Weekend
Jazz and Culture Come Alive in Charleston!
April Renee: Elevating Charleston’s Music Scene
Charleston’s Musical Heritage Shines with Ranky Tanky
Additional Resources
- Charleston City Paper: Charles Baxter to Bring Gullah Culture Center Stage
- Wanderlust Magazine: Discovering Gullah Geechee Heritage in Charleston
- Live 5 News: Protecting Gullah Geechee Gravesites
- Charleston City Paper: Kronos Quartet to Bring Gullah Sounds to Spoleto
- Atlas Obscura: The Unique Gullah Geechee History of South Carolina
- Wikipedia: Gullah
