Folkus Fridays / first and third Friday of the month / May Memorial UU Society 3800 East Genesee St., Syracuse / website / how to get there

"Second Saturdays" / second Saturday of the month / Westcott Community Center Corner of Euclid Ave. and Westcott St., a half-mile east of SU / website / how to get there Reserve Tickets: Call 478-8634. (Please do not call this number about Friday shows at May Memorial)

Questions about your ticket purchase for a Friday show? Please do not telephone May Memorial or the Westcott Center. Review our advance ticket policy and, if you still have questions, try e-mailing tickets@folkus.org. Thanks.

A very special season-ending concert at May!

The Ebony Hillbillies
The country's premier black string band plays down home dance music with a modern feel

Friday, May 18, 2012
8:00 p.m. / $15

May Memorial Unitarian Universalist Society
3800 East Genesee St, Syracuse, N.Y.

artists' website

“...The premiere black string band in America.” — Tony Thomas, Black Banjo Association

Ebony Hillbillies: Tickets on Sale Now! PayPal, check-by-mail, or at May Memorial. Read Ticket Policy.

Whether they're playing for thousands at Carnegie Hall or commuters at the Grand Central subway station, the Ebony Hillbillies bring history alive with the vibrant, rousing sound of Americana. Echoing across generations and transcending racial and cultural boundaries, the Hillbillies are keeping an important legacy alive. As one of the last black string bands in the country, they take great pains to capture the traditional sound, all the while improvising and looking toward the future. Their repertoire ranges from classic tunes such as "Oh Susannah" and "Cotton Eyed Joe" to include originals and unique spins on newer songs like Marvin Gaye's "Sexual Healing."

The Hillbillies create an untamed, joyful vibe under the leadership of Henrique Prince (violin, vocals) and Norris Bennett (banjo, mountain dulcimer, guitar, vocals). The band's other members include William ”Salty Bill” Salter (acoustic bass, vocals), Newman Taylor Baker (washboard, percussion, vocals), and Gloria Thomas Gassaway (bones,vocals). Prince started the band so he could play old time string band music much as it was in the days when it lived among the people. "This is American music," Prince declares. "At one time, there was a lot less difference between black and white culture in America. It was universally American. It's good that we're around to show that we're not that far apart, still."

“...They sound as cool as their name! They were incredibly brilliant, and incredibly adorable.” — E. Jasmin, Wintergrass Festival

The Hillbillies have been together for more than a decade and recorded three albums. They've participated in many festivals throughout the U.S. and Canada including the High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festival, the Spoleto Festival, the Wintergrass Bluegrass Festival, The Port Townsend Blues Festival and the International Bluegrass Music Association in Nashville. But no matter where they play, the subway is still their favorite venue.

“The Ebony Hillbillies rule! — Post and Courier, Charleston, S.C.

In Memory of Mark Wright

The Ebony Hillbillies concert is dedicated to the memory of Mark Wright, program director of Cultural Resources Council of Syracuse, who passed away November 12, 2010. Mark was not only the CRC's grants coordinator, but a great friend and counselor to arts organizations throughout the area.

The Folkus Project was one of the organizations in which he took a direct interest, sometimes attending our leadership/planning meetings to offer advice and answer questions. He was particularly keen on Folkus scheduling a concert pertaining to the African-American roots of folk music. Although, sadly, he is not around to enjoy our presentation of the Ebony Hillbillies, we know he would have been so happy to see them come to town, and so we dedicate this show to him.

Proceeds of the raffle at the May 18 show will be given to the Community Foundation's Mark Wright Fund. Also, donation packages will be on hand so that concert-goers may make donations directly to the fund.

≥≥ more info on Mark Wright

Thanks to Sparky Town! . . . great supporters of Folkus The good folks at Sparky Town restaurant provide meals for visiting artists and lots of other little favors to Folkus. We love Sparky Town! (Their website.)