One of the traditions of the holiday season is going to see a live performance. One of the traditions of the holiday season here in Beaufort, SC and on the sea islands, is to go and see a live performance by Aunt Pearlie Sue. Be sure not to miss everyone’s favorite Gullah-auntie in a performance of Gullah Kinfolk Christmas Wish live onstage at USCB Center for the Arts on Thursday, December 5th and Friday, December 6th, at 7pm.
This full stage Gullah musical production has become a favorite holiday experience in Beaufort that captures the spirit of the Christmas season.
On the Sea Islands in Beaufort S.C., December 20th, 1860 marks the last Christmas before the Civil War. South Carolina becomes the first state to secede from the Union. “Masters in the big house talkin’ ’bout war coming. Servants in the quarters talkin’ ’bout freedom coming,” the Kinfolk say.
Aunt Pearlie Sue and Gullah Kinfolk brings this history alive through interactive storytelling, dancing, and hand-clapping and foot-stomping music that mesmerize audiences as they journey back in time to celebrate this special Yuletide season.
This fully staged musical production has become a holiday favorite with audience members traveling from both near and far to experience the spirit of the season. “Com’ ‘joy Yo’self. Christmas dis ain’t Christmas wit’out Aunt Pearlie Sue and Gullah Kinfolk!”
Aunt Pearlie Sue is the creation of Anita Singleton-Prather, a native of the Sea Islands of Beaufort, South Carolina. Based on her grandmother, Aunt Pearlie Sue’s character has entertained audiences with Gullah-flavored folktales for over 20 years from our local schoolhouses all the way to the White House.
The Gullah Kinfolk preserves Gullah history and dialect, through expressions of musical performance. The Kinfolk is comprised of Prather’s family members, many of whom have been singing for years. You can find tickets online at www.gullahkinfolktravelingtheater.org.
Also planned on Thursday, December 5th is the Gullah Geechee Sierra Leone Connection Lowcountry Energy & Environment Symposium from 9am to 1pm at the USCB Center for the Arts. Learn how we are raising awareness of green, renewable energy opportunities and lifting the voices of lowcountry communities so they are heard in the policymaking process. The event is FREE, but advanced registration is required.
The Gullah Taste of Christmas kicks off at 11am on Saturday, December 7th, at 711 Bladen Street. With live music, a Rice Cookoff, food vendors, a kid’s village and more, the event is a beautiful celebration of Gullah traditions that will have you singing and dancing with joy.
Celebrate the rich culinary heritage of the Gullah people at the Rice Cookoff, a highlight of the Gullah Christmas Celebration. Gullah ancestors brought rice to the United States, transforming South Carolina into the wealthiest colony before the Revolutionary War. This event honors their incredible contributions to American society, cuisine, and the economy.
Contestants will showcase their culinary skills by cooking onsite in a commercial kitchen located at 711 Bladen Street, 2nd floor, Beaufort. If you want to participate in the cookoff event with your own recipe, you can sign up here.
Experience a Gullah Christmas in Beaufort.
