18 December 2011

Gullah/Geechee Sea Island Coalition supports New Harmonies Exhibit

The Gullah/Geechee Sea Island Coalition is collaborating with us - twice - to provide supplemental programming for the Smithsonian's Traveling exhibit, New Harmonies. New Harmonies is on display in Beaufort Branch Library from Dec. 17th, 2011 - Feb. 4th, 2012.

Watch the "New Harmonies" segment with Queen Quet and Amanda Brewer from the Gullah/Geechee TV Nayshun News here.

Join the anniversary celebration of the Gullah/Geechee Sea Island Coalition with the Dancin' Wid We: Music & Dance of the Gullah/Geechee program. The Gullah/Geechee Sea Island Coalition advocates for recognition of Gullah/Geechee rights and culturalcontinuation at all levels of government. The Gullah/Geechee Sea Island Coalition's homebase is St.Helena Island, SC. The organization was founded by Queen Quet, Chieftess of the Gullah/GeecheeNation, a native of St. Helena with family roots stemming also to Polowana and Dataw Islands.

Queen Quet will lead this interactive evening of music and dance on Tues., Dec. 20th at Beaufort Branch Library (311 Scott Street, 1st floor) that celebrates the harmonies that Gullah/Geechees have brought to and sustained in North America as a part of the New Harmonies: Roots of American Music Smithsonian Traveling exhibition. The program starts at 6 pm (which means you won't have to pay the kiosk to park!)

Pencil in this February event now:
Queen Quet offers a "Lunch & Listen" program on Gullah musical traditions almost at the end of the exhibit period. Wed., February 1st she is the presenter/performer at a "Lunch & Listen" session called "Livin' Music: A Gullah/Geechee Journey of Harmony featuring Queen Quet." This program will be held from Noon to 1 p.m. at Technical College of the Lowcountry, Beaufort Campus.

Now on display in the BDC Research Room: "Through the Years: Music in Beaufort District" highlighting selections from our own holdings about the merging of African and European influences to create a sacred American music as exhibited through spirituals, folk songs, and the musical compositions of Beaufort native, Mary Palmer Dana Shindler, 1810-1883.

The "Celebration of American Music" photographic exhibit continues in the 2nd Floor Gallery through January 30th.

Please show your support for the Beaufort County Library system by attending at least one program related to the New Harmonies exhibit! For the complete schedule of New Harmonies related events and programs, click here.

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