Meet the artists

Meet the artists

Brenton Jordan and Freddie Palmer, Ring Shout

Brenton Jordan and Freddie Palmer are members of The McIntosh County Shouters, and have been demonstrating old slave shouts and singing slave songs all their lives. The group practices a custom that was begun by their ancestors, and travels to schools, festivals, churches, public and private events educating audiences young and old about the ring shout and Gullah Geechee heritage. Find out more about The McIntosh County Shouters at mcintoshcountyshouters.com.

Jimmy Wolling, Bluegrass

Jimmy Wolling began playing banjo at the age of 15 while attending Jenkins High School in Savannah. Jimmy and his band perform traditional bluegrass and country music regularly on Tybee Island and in downtown Savannah. Find out more about Jimmy at reverbnation.com/jimmywollingband.

Kim Michael Polote, Jazz

A native of Savannah, Kim Michael Polote is a professional singer, motivational speaker and entertainer. Along with musical partners David and Alicia Duckworth, she specializes in many different styles of vocal music, including jazz and cabaret. In 2001 she was the first Savannahian to win the Gold Medal at the annual American Traditions Competition. Find out more about Kim at davidduckworth.com/kimpolote.html.

Rebecca Flaherty, Opera

Rebecca Flaherty is a classically trained soprano who sings with orchestras and opera companies throughout the region. At age four, she began picking out melodies on the family piano, and she started her training as a singer at age 20. In addition to her local performances, Rebecca is active as a voice teacher. Find out more about Rebecca at rpflaherty.com.

Eric Culberson, Blues

Eric Culberson grew up in Savannah, where he started his career and quickly became a local phenomenon. Eric and his band play many different styles of the blues, from “gut-bucket” Delta blues to urban funk with echoes of R&B, hard rock, Southern-fried jam and even Texas swing. Find out more about Eric at ericculberson.com.

Huxsie Scott, African American Gospel and Spirituals

A native of Savannah, Huxsie Scott has been singing jazz, blues, and gospel for over 40 years. She has appeared on stage with such jazz greats as the late Lionel Hampton and McCoy Tyner, and was the original vocalist for the Savannah Jazz Orchestra. In 2004 Huxsie was inducted into the Savannah Tribune Gospel Hall Of Fame, and in 2005 was inducted into the Coastal Jazz Association’s Hall of Fame. Find out more about Huxsie at huxsiescott.com.