New Harmonies: Celebrating American Roots Music

"New Harmonies: Celebrating American Roots Music" is a Smithsonian traveling exhibition touring Georgia from April 14, 2012, through Nov. 26, 2013. It explores the early traditions of American music, including sacred, country, blues and dance. The exhibition also examines the use of roots music in protest and periods of folk music revival. It provides a fascinating, inspiring, toe-tapping perspective on the American story through its diverse array of music.

Moultrie will host the exhibition from Oct. 27 to Dec. 1 at the Colquitt County Arts Center. Moultrie has a rich and varied tradition of roots music. Country and gospel music are two popular musical genres in the area, and these musical traditions have an active presence today. The Swaggerwing Country Jamboree still features country and gospel music on Friday nights, just as it has done for the past 50 years. Moultrie was home to "rockabilly" legend Curtis Gordon and guitarist Jimmy Bryant. People from Moultrie also participated in the Civil Rights Movement in nearby Albany, giving them ties to the Freedom Singers.

In addition to the Smithsonian exhibition, Moultrie also will feature a special local exhibit, �Moultrie Music and Memories� curated by Lisa Love of the Georgia Department of Economic Development. The exhibits will be available to visitors Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For additional exhibit and program information, contact the Colquitt County Arts Center at 229-985-1922 or http://colquittcountyarts.com.

The exhibition tour in Georgia is made possible by the Georgia Humanities Council. For more information visit, www.georgiahumanities.org/newharmonies. Like us on Facebook to see additional information on the exhibit: www.georgiahumanities.org/newharmonies.