Quarantunes Closes Out With Four Days of Performances!
Since April, Quarantunes has showcased some of the best traditional musicians across the Palmetto State. As we come to a close this June, we’re going big. From Thursday, June 25th to Sunday, June 28th, a new performance will be livestreamed from McKissick Museum’s Facebook page every evening at 7pm! Featuring Gambian drumming, Guyanese steelpan, Powwow drumming, and South Carolina jazz traditions, the artists featured reflect the diverse tapestry of musical traditions in the state. Learn more about each artist below:
Thursday, June 25 – Sol Sabor & The Js Family, Gambian Drumming
Sulay “Sol” Janha is a native of Serekunda, The Gambia. Sol has inherited the life of a master musician, continuing in the footsteps of both his father Bai Janha, a well-known guitarist, and Sira Nying-Janha, the only female drummer in Gambia. Starting on the Wollof (Sabar) Drum, his mastery of instruments has expanded to include guitar and keyboard. Along with his father and other family members that comprise the Janha-Kunda Family, Sol has traveled to America to share his West African musical culture through teachings and performances, sharing rhythm, peace, and blessed vibes that run through their blood. This group is officially registered with the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) as a fully operational performance group, and have been acknowledged as “viable, artistic, and cultural ambassadors of The Gambia” (2003).
Friday, June 26 – Seitu Solomon, Guyanese Steelpan
Seitu Solomon was born into a musical family. Born in New York City, Seitu grew up around the sounds of steelpan through his father – from the South American country of Guyana – and mother, who is from Saint Lucia. It was unsurprising, then, that Seitu took a similar interest in the instrument, forming the family band Steel Impressions with his parents, as well as his older brother and younger sisters. Since starting on steelpan, Seitu has expanded his musical knowledge to include a multitude of instruments, including piano, guitar, bass, soprano sax, vocals, along with tenor steelpan. Since moving with his brother to Charleston in 2014, Seitu Solomon has become a growing presence in the city, performing regularly at beach venues where the sounds of steelpan perfectly match the tropical climate.
Saturday, June 27 – Edisto Natchez-Kusso Tribe of South Carolina, Powwow Drumming & Dance
The Kusso have traditionally lived in the same area they occupy today, near the Edisto River in South Carolina before being forced out in the 1670s due to white settlement. However, from the 1960s onwards, political advocacy lead to state recognition in 2008.
During Quarantunes, performers from the Edisto Natchez-Kusso Tribe will give a brief history of their tribe and an informational session on the drum. Performers will play the drum and introduce different styles of dancing, with an opportunity for a Q&A session at the conclusion of the performance.
Sunday, June 28 – Charlton Singleton, South Carolina Jazz Traditions
A native of Awendaw, SC, Charlton Singleton began his musical studies at the age of three on the piano. He would then go on to study the organ, violin, cello, and the trumpet throughout elementary, middle and high school. In 1994, he received a Bachelor of Arts in Music Performance from South Carolina State University. As a performer, Charlton leads his own ensembles that vary in size and style. He has performed in France, Great Britain, Scotland, Spain, Germany, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, Norway, The Netherlands, as well as many great cities throughout the United States. He is a founding member of a new ensemble called Ranky Tanky. The group is a quintet that interprets the sounds of Gullah from the Southeast Coast of the United States. In addition to performing, he is in demand as a speaker, clinician, composer, and arranger.
Like/Follow McKissick’s Facebook page to stay up to date with all Quarantunes performances. These performances will be posted on McKissick’s Facebook Page and in the discussion tab of the each event page. For those unable to attend the event, a recorded version of the performance will be uploaded to McKissick Museum’s YouTube channel. Support for Quarantunes has been provided by the South Carolina Arts Commission.
Quarantunes is just a small piece of McKissick Museum’s mission to support the traditional arts in South Carolina. As you enjoy the sights and sounds of these influential artists, we hope you’ll consider making a donation to support the McKissick Museum. Your support will help ensure the continuation of South Carolina’s traditional arts and FOLKFabulous for years to come.
Mining McKissick 