Smalls Family to sit down for Conversation with Porgy's People
For Immediate Release, March 2007http://www.islandheritagefestival.com
A 1924 article in the Charleston daily newspaper told the story of a notorious, crippled Gullah man who rode around the city in a cart pulled by a goat. This contentious figure, no stranger to love and war on his own terms, inspired the internationally beloved Porgy & Bess. 83 years later the family of “Goat” Sammie Smalls will sit down to talk about the legacy of this native island son, whose life became legend, and the impact of Porgy on their family. A Conversation with Porgy’s People will feature four generations of the relatives of Sammie Smalls at the historic James Island Presbyterian Church, in the shadows of his resting place, June 28th at 7:30PM.
For (5) exciting days, June 28-July 2, James Island will experience an explosion of history, culture, education, commemoration and celebration at Island Heritage Festival with twelve (12) programs at various venues on James Island, and Folly Beach. An Opening Reception will be held at the historic Heyward house on Folly Beach, where the novel and the opera by Gershwin, were written and a gala, musical presentation of Porgy & Bess Under the Stars at McLeod Plantation will headline Festival celebrations.
“James Island is one of Charleston’s true historic treasures, with extraordinary chapters of history that we are proud to honor”, noted native James Islander, Founder and Executive Director, Eleanor Kinlaw-Ross. “We want to preserve and ensure the historic and cultural integrity of a community that was once a quiet, country place with arteries of dirt roads with no names, and people whose families, black and white share a history that is inextricably bound, beyond the Antebellum years. Additionally we want to be sure that our children, and the coming generations learn and understand this tremendous history,” Kinlaw-Ross explained.
An entertaining and educational line-up of festival events includes an outdoor showing of the 1929 classic movie, Porgy & Bess, A Symposium on Heyward, Gershwin & Porgy, A Sunset Gullah Cruise, A Children’s Cultural Literacy Festival, among others will be showcased. Retuning this year is the annual Taste of Gullah Celebration, featuring food, cultural entertainment and vendors. Having earned a national reputation as a destination for cultural tourism, the Festival expects visitors from across the U.S. again this year. For information on programs, Vendor opportunity and the cultural talent showcase, contact the Festival Office at 843-727-1875 or visit the website at www.islandheritagefestival.com. Tickets for Festival events are available at www.tix.com and at 1-800-595-4TIX.
