PURCHASE TICKETS

Gullah Geechee Cultural Series: Gullah Me, Gullah You

Tuesday, January 28th at SoundWaves
(Doors open at 6:00 p.m.; 6:30 pm dinner; 7:30 pm concert)

General Harriet Tubman

Philly native & Georgia transplant, Kova Walker has proudly portrayed Harriett Tubman for Historic Mitchellville Freedom Park at the 2024 South Carolina State Legislators appreciation reception in Columbia. Walker works in the creative arts industry with her most recent projects including work with legendary filmmakers Ava Duvernay in “Origin” and Clint Eastwood in “Juror #2”. She joins us to share her experience in embodying this important figure in our nation’s history.

November 11, 2024, in a Veterans Day Celebration, Harriet Tubman officially became Brigadier General Harriet Tubman, posthumously promoted to a one-star general in the Maryland National Guard at a ceremony that took place at the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park where her military service during the Civil War was recognized.

Curated by Meldon Hollis, most recently Visiting Professor of Political Science at Savannah State University and prior joining the faculty at Savannah State, who served as Associate Director of the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities, General Harriet Tubman is a dynamic, living celebration of Tubman’s importance in the Mitchelville community. Hollis, worked with federal departments and agencies to assure access and participation in federal programs for more than 100 HBCUs. His areas of responsibility included science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs, international programs, and emergency management. He served as the first Executive Director of the White House Initiative under President Carter. Currently serving on the Board of Directors of the Hilton Head Island Gullah Museum, his public service includes the Board of Directors of Friends of the National Zoo (FONZ) in Washington, D.C., the Board of Trustees of the Massachusetts Bay Community College, President of the Baltimore City School Commissioners, Chairman of the Board of the Baltimore Urban League and as a radio station talk show host for nine years on WEAA–FM in Baltimore.

Joining the GGCS’s house band, The Lavon Stevens Trio, our musical guest artist for this episode is soulful vocalist Marti Baker, who specializes in inspiring praise music. In addition to the namesake pianist/leader, the trio includes bassist Clarence Williams and drummer Jimmy Charles.

Lavon Stevens, artistic advisor
Special Guests:
Dr. Meldon Hollis, Jr., Member, Board of Directors, Gullah Museum of Hilton Head Island
Kova Walker, Harriet Tubman
Marti Baker, vocalist

The Lavon Stevens Band:
Lavon Stevens, piano
Clarence Williams, bass
Jimmy Charles, drums

Tour guide and Chef Nettie Williams, previously concierge manager at Marriott Vacations Worldwide and food and beverage manager at Hilton Head Island’s Grand Ocean Resort, has prepared an authentic menu including meal options of southern chicken thighs with steamed cabbage, carrots, collard, greens, and Hoppin’ Johns (GF); seafood casserole with sliced ham and pineapple glaze, scalloped potatoes, and Caesar salad (GF); and a vegetarian stew with butter beans, buttered noodles, and spring green salad (V).

Patrons who order the dinner/concert package will receive one complimentary drink with their purchase.

Seating is cabaret-style at tables of 4.
Reserved dinner/concert seats are $79 per person.
Dinner/concert general seating is $69 per person.
General seating for concert-only tickets is $49 per person.

Elevate your experience with a hi-top table for two with bar stool seating: $195 per couple, including a bottle of wine!
(only 6 hi-tops available)
3% credit card fee

Doors and bar open at 6:00 pm with dinner service at 6:30 pm.
The concert portion of the evening begins at 7:30 pm.
Concert-only ticket purchasers will be admitted beginning at 7:15 pm.

Gullah Geechee Cultural Series: Gullah Me, Gullah You

Gullah Me, Gullah You Gullah Cultural Series is our community’s exciting music event series celebrating all things Gullah. Mostly of music, but also storytelling, history, food, and culture; each performance, modeled in the spirit of a television talk-show setting but reversed as a musical show-talk event, heralds local Gullah citizens for their contributions to our community and celebrates Gullah Geechee guest artists from the entire Gullah Geechee Corridor. Held at SoundWaves, in Gullah churches, and Hilton Head schools, Gullah Me, Gullah You introduces us to many touching and beautiful stories as well as challenges of native Islander life here on Hilton Head Island and throughout the Gullah Geechee corridor. In support of Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park, Native Island Business and Community Affairs Association and the Gullah Museum of Hilton Head Island, this series is sure to entertain and enlighten all! Bonus: Gullah cuisine dinner option available before the show. Presented by The Gullah Museum of Hilton Head Island, Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra, and Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park, and Native Island Business and Community Affairs Association