Performances from Black and Native North Carolina Artists for a deeper understanding of the heritage of this music
Did you know?
The banjo’s origins are deeply rooted in musical traditions brought to the Americas by enslaved Africans during the transatlantic slave trade. The instrument’s life in West Africa predates its transport by centuries -- in this early form, the banjo, or kora, typically consisted of a gourd body, wooden neck, and several strings.
Rhiannon Giddens | Come Hear North Carolina In The Water Concert
In the extended version of her In The Water session, Rhiannon performs "Pretty Saro" (a traditional ballad taught to Rhiannon by NC Heritage Awardee Sheila Kay Adams, "At the Purchasers Option," and "He Will See You Through."
Select Singing On the Land Performances
Singing on the Land featuring Carly Prentis Jones at Charlotte Hawkins Brown Museum
Singing on the Land featuring Bill Amey, Kennedy Atkinson, & Nicole Sibalo Chagwiza at Stagville
Singing on the Land featuring Arnold Richardson & Netye Lynch at Historic Halifax
Singing on the Land featuring Lakota John at Town Creek Indian Mound
Singing on the Land featuring Rissi Palmer at Bentonville Battlefield
Singing on the Land featuring Teli Shabu at Somerset Place
Select Music at the Mansion Performances
Music at the Mansion: A Celebration of NC African American Music Trails
Music at the Mansion: Charly Lowry and Friends
Music at the Mansion: The Hamiltones
Playlists: Black Banjo | American Indian Heritage
Contact Information
Come Hear NC Music Office
a division of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources