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Drayton Hall spirituals concert marks milestone
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News,
December 1, 2008
CHARLESTON, S.C. -- For the 25th consecutive year, Drayton Hall presents African-American spiritual music in concert. One of the longest-running performances of its kind in the Lowcountry, these popular annual concerts have become a Charleston tradition as they offer a rare opportunity for visitors to gather in the candlelit Great Hall and hear music that could have been heard centuries ago in the surrounding fields and praise houses.
Three concerts by Ann Caldwell and The Magnolia Singers take place on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 13 and 14, at 5:30 p.m., with an additional matinee concert on Sunday, Dec. 14 at 3 p.m. Tickets include a catered reception on the portico and informal tours of the house given by Drayton Hall's professional interpreters. For group rates and information, call (843) 769-2630.
Gullah music and spirituals have been described as the "life music" of slavery. Spirituals, field, and work songs developed on the plantations in response to hardships and suffering. "Listening to Gullah spirituals, audiences sense the courage it took to endure and they feel the satisfaction that Gullah music offered the soul," said performing artist Ann Caldwell. "Through the years, the music continues to offer a way to share, to celebrate, and to shout troubles out."
Circa 1738, Drayton Hall is the oldest preserved plantation house in America that is open to the public, a National Historic Landmark, and a historic site of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. After seven generations, the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, and numerous hurricanes and earthquakes, the main house remains in nearly original condition -- a testimony to America's heritage. Drayton Hall is accredited by the American Association of Museums and is open to the public daily, except major holidays. For more information, visit the Drayton Hall Web site at www.draytonhall.org.
Source: Drayton Hall
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