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McIntosh County Shouters Raise the Roof

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Savannah, GA, May 28, 2010 – The Georgia Historical Society is honored to present the inspiring sights and sounds of the McIntosh County Shouters on Wednesday, July 21, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. at Second African Baptist Church, 123 Houston Street in Savannah.

The McIntosh County Shouters have been bringing folks to their feet with their unique "shouting" performance for over 30 years. A mesmerizing blend of circling dance movements, call-and-response singing and percussive handclaps, modern “shouting” derives from the communication used by African slaves working in rice fields in the 18th- and 19th centuries. It is thought to be one of the oldest surviving forms of African American cultural and spiritual expression, and its influences can be heard in later musical genres including jubilee, gospel, and even jazz.

The ring shout tradition was for the most part forgotten by the world until it was discovered that a small community had been passing down this joyful practice for generations. The group began performing as the McIntosh County Ring Shouters in 1980 and has held audiences spellbound ever since. Unchanged for hundreds of years, today’s ring shout both pays homage to the community’s ancestors and contributes to a greater understanding of early African American culture. The Shouters have been featured in a Georgia Public Broadcasting documentary, performed at Lincoln Center in New York City, and are a recipient of the prestigious National Heritage Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts.

This event is brought to you by the Georgia Historical Society and is free and open to the public.

What: The McIntosh County Shouters presented by The Georgia Historical Society

When: Wednesday, July 21, 2010 at 6:00 p.m.

Where: Second African Baptist Church, 123 Houston St., Savannah, GA

Cost: FREE