Event
Sparky & Rhonda Rucker at Hogeye Folk Arts
Internationally acclaimed James "Sparky" Rucker is recognized as a leading folklorist, historian, musician, storyteller, and author. He has been singing songs and telling stories from the American tradition for over forty years. Sparky accompanies himself on guitar, banjo, and spoons, and has released at least a dozen recordings. Rhonda Rucker practiced medicine for five years before becoming a full-time folk musician. She is a versatile performer, playing blues harmonica, piano, banjo, and creating wonderful vocal harmonies.
Sparky was once a public school teacher, but his current brand of teaching is different from his classroom style. He weaves music into captivating stories that history books don't always tell. He might explain that slave owners banned the drum since slaves could use it to communicate or reveal that the Yellow Rose of Texas was a light-skinned female slave who learned of General Santa Anna's plans for the Battle of San Jacinto and passed this information to Sam Houston. You get the idea.
Rhonda is from Louisville, KY, has played piano since the age of four, but it is on harmonica where her virtuosity shines. She began studying the techniques of Sonny Terry, then branched out to other styles. Performing with Sparky since1989, she has taught harmonica workshops and classes at music camps and festivals.
The Ruckers' concert performance is a humor-filled journey through 400 years of African-American cultural and folk history. It includes old-time blues, Appalachian music, slave songs, Civil War music, spirituals, work songs, ballads, civil rights music, and Sparky's own compositions.
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LocationHogeye Folk Arts at Lake Street Church
607 Lake Street
Evanston, IL 60201
United States
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| Kid Friendly: No |
| Dog Friendly: No |
| Non-Smoking: No |
| Wheelchair Accessible: No |
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