Gullah Me, Gullah You: Culture and African Music Across the Bridge and Beyond

Gullah Me, Gullah You Gullah Geechee Cultural Series

In the words of Frederick Douglass, "If there is no struggle, there is no progress." Musicians spend a lifetime defying odds and challenging adversity to develop and refine their craft. Some face external pressures well beyond the notes in the music. Musicians understand the perseverance required to enjoy successful musical progress. Musicians embody the transformative opportunities of personal discovery and progress that resiliency through struggle achieves. It is in that very spirit that to commence the 2026 Gullah Geechee Festival Celebration, Gullah Me Gullah You presents renowned musicians in an evening titled Culture and African American Music Across the Bridge and Beyond.

Musical guest, vocalist Cynthia Utterbach, a.k.a. The Jazz Storyteller, and native Savannah jazz legend, trombonist Teddy Adams, join the GGCS house band, The Lavon Stevens Trio, to share their respective journeys through struggle to achieve progress. Their music and stories illustrate the Gullah Geechee's resiliency and perseverance, and how music shaped progress along the way.

In addition to their sublime musical performances, Mr. Adams and Ms. Utterbach will talk about their unique and shared experiences as, and among, the rich legacy of legendary musicians from the Savannah area and beyond. Through their inspiration we will find that there is a strong connection between regional African American artists and The Gullah Geechee Culture extending well beyond Hilton Head Island.

As we begin this year's Gullah Geechee celebration month, the partners presenting Gullah Me, Gullah You are honored to share the richness of musical talent our region has nurtured.

Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at SoundWaves
(6pm doors; 6:30 dinner; 7:30pm concert)

Lavon Stevens, artistic advisor and emcee

Musical Guest/Speakers:
Cynthia Utterbach, jazz vocalist
Teddy Adams, jazz trombonist

The Lavon Stevens Band:
Lavon Stevens, piano
Delbert Felix, bass
Robert Britton Saunders, drums