The Rising Star Fife and Drum Band and Gulel Kumba of Afrissippi at the Otha Turner Picnic, Gravel Springs, Mississippi, August 27, 2011
Gravel Springs MS
Rising Star Fife and Drum Band with @LutherDickinson at the Otha Turner Picnic 2011
The Rising Star Fife and Drum Band with Luther Dickinson and other friends at the Otha Turner Picnic, Gravel Springs, Mississippi, August 27, 2011
Luther Dickinson and Sharde Thomas with the Rising Star Fife and Drum Band, Gravel Springs, 2011
Luther Dickinson and Sharde Thomas are joined by the members of the Rising Star Fife and Drum Band at the Otha Turner Picnic, Gravel Springs, Mississippi, August 27, 2011.
Othar Turner Fife and Drum Picnic at Gravel Springs, Senatobia, 2011
Otha Turner’s granddaughter, Sharde Thomas has been the driving force in keeping the legacy of the Rising Star Fife and Drum Band going, and this year’s picnic attracted a number of well-known performers, including Luther Dickinson of the North Mississippi All-Stars.
Otha Turner’s Annual Family Picnic at Gravel Springs
The family of Otha Turner has continued his tradition of having a picnic at his old homestead in Gravel Springs between Senatobia and Como. The event features fife and drum music, Hill Country blues, good fun and barbecued goat (if you dare!).
Sharde Thomas and the Rising Star Fife and Drum Band at the North Mississippi Hill Country Picnic 2011
Sharde Thomas and the Rising Star Fife and Drum Band. Sharde also plays the piano, and incorporates other styles of music into the band’s repertoire. North Mississippi Hill Country Picnic, June 25, 2011
Preserving the Endangered Fife and Drum Music Tradition in Mississippi
Few musical experiences can compare to the raw power of African-American fife and drum music. Unfortunately, this musical style once found throughout the south is now found only amongst the members of one extended family in Panola County, Mississippi. Sharde Thomas upholds the legacy of her grandfather Otha Turner and his Rising Star Fife and Drum Band. They will be holding their annual picnic on the last weekend of August at Gravel Springs outside of Como, Mississippi.