How Sweet the Sound
George Washington's Mount Vernon 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon, Virginia 22121
Dan Chung
A drum
In the 18th and 19th centuries, music served an important role in daily life for enslaved and free individuals of African descent. Singing and dancing could continue African traditions, make work more bearable, express religious faith, and provide an outlet for sorrow, joy, and hope. During this event, listen to African and African American music of the African Diaspora come to life during a performance by acclaimed music historian Richard Josey and accompanying performers from Collective Journeys. Using drums, bells, and shekeres representative of instruments from the 18th and 19th centuries, the musicians perform and discuss music’s role in everyday life.
The performance begins at 7pm. Refreshments and conversation with the performers follows from 8:15pm to 9pm.
