Gullah Geechee Culture: Education and Economic Sustainability

Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at SoundWaves
(Doors open at 6:00 p.m.; 6:30 pm dinner; 7:30 pm concert)

Lavon Stevens, artistic director

EmCee:
Thomas Boxley, Executive Director, Gullah Geechee Historic Neighborhoods Community Development Corporation

Musical Guest:
Quiana Parler, vocalist, Ranky Tanky

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

Our season finale features Thomas Boxley, now in his second year as Executive Director of the Gullah Geechee Historic Neighborhoods Community Development Corporation and Quiana Parler, international sensation and two-time Grammy winning vocalist with Charleston-based roots group, Ranky Tanky. Interacting with GCCS’s artistic advisor Lavon Stevens, Boxley will share his perspective on education in the Gullah Geechee community, which in the spirit of this series will share educational value to those in the audience. Quiana will collaborate with Steven’s band to bring roots music alive here at SoundWaves.

Chef Nettie Williams has prepared an authentic menu including meal options of meat loaf with garlic rosemary roasted potatoes, whole green beans, Texas toast, and broccoli salad (GF); grilled salmon in butter sauce with parmesan risotto, marinated grilled asparagus wrapped in sweet pepper rings, dinner rolls, and spring green salad with Vidalia onion dressing (GF); grilled chicken breast with sautéed kale, garlic mashed potatoes, corn bread squares, and a garden salad with balsamic dressing; and basmati rice with sautéed vegetables (zucchini, broccoli florets, green and red peppers), honey glazed carrots, and Caesar salad (V).

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.

Special Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor: