SPECIAL PROGRAMS AND WORKSHOPS

Photo courtesy of the Kingsley Plantation, Jacksonville, FL

In addition to concert performances that include a variety of music, storytelling, and history, Sparky & Rhonda Rucker also give special presentations, workshops, and classes that are focused on a specific topic or aimed at a particular audience. These programs, which are listed below, are available by prior arrangement. The first three programs have a link to a page that gives more information.

• HEROES AND HARD TIMES:
  AMERICAN HISTORY THROUGH SONG AND STORY
  

  (American History for Schools and Colleges)

This educational program takes the audience on a journey that spans over three centuries of American history, including slavery, the Underground Railroad, the Civil War, the westward migration, the birth of blues music, and the Civil Rights Movement. Each era is interspersed with stories and popular songs from the time period. The program is tailored to the audience and can be adapted for any age or grade level from preschool through college.

• TELLING THE TRUTH GOODBYE
  

  (Traditional American Folk Tales)

Sparky and Rhonda each tell some "solo" stories, but Sparky and Rhonda also tell stories together (in tandem), always adding life and humor to the characters in their Br'er Rabbit tales, Appalachian yarns, High John the Conqueror stories, preacher tales, and family stories.

• BLUE & GRAY IN BLACK & WHITE
  

  (The American Civil War)

This costumed program presents a synopsis of the American Civil War through songs and narrative. Sparky and Rhonda begin with the causes and events leading up to the war and touch on some of the highlights of the war. The stories, some sad and some humorous, reflect personal insights from the colorful personalities who participated in the war. Sparky and Rhonda give the history from the perspectives of both the North and South and also include the participation of the African-American soldiers.

• CHILDREN'S CONCERTS

  In community children's concerts, Sparky and Rhonda introduce children to the songs that were sung by their grandparents and great-grandparents in a program that is both entertaining and educational.

• FOLLOWING THE NORTH STAR

  (Slavery and the Underground Railroad)

  This special historical program gives a unique perspective into the songs and stories of slavery, abolition, and the Underground Railroad. Personalities such as Frederick Douglass, William Lloyd Garrison, and Harriet Tubman are brought to life. Sparky and Rhonda sing the traditional slave songs that were filled with symbolism, messages of freedom, and sometimes even the information to guide the slaves' escape.

• THE BUFFALO, EAGLE, AND SILVER SPUR

  (Minorities in the Settling of the West)

  In this award-winning musical narrative, Sparky and Rhonda Rucker give the hidden history of the minorities in the American West. They tell of the black soldiers who were nicknamed the “Buffalo Soldiers” by the Native Americans because of their resemblance to the highly regarded buffalo. Their musical narrative also tells of the Ghost Dance warriors and the Mexican vaqueros. Sparky was given the “Spirit of the Buffalo Soldier” award for his research and presentation of this show in Arizona. Songs from this show were featured in the Time-Warner mini-series The Wild West.

• FREEDOM IS A CONSTANT STRUGGLE

  (Songs and Stories from the Civil Rights Movement)

  Sparky got his start in folk singing in the Civil Rights Movement and spent his teenage and young adult years marching and working in the Movement. As a result, he has many personal stories and first-hand experiences to share as well as authentic and spirited songs from the Movement. Sparky and Rhonda have also led and participated in workshops at the Highlander Research and Education Center, which was instrumental in energizing and organizing people during the Civil Rights Movement.

• MOUNTAIN VOICES

  (Appalachian Songs and Stories)

  Sparky and Rhonda share the rich heritage of their southern Appalachian and "Affrilachian" roots. In addition to sharing traditional Appalachian songs, they also include "newer" songs and stories from the struggles that Appalachian people have had because of coal mining in the mountains.

• STEPPING OUT ON THE MOUNTAIN

  (The African-American Ballad Tradition)

  Sparky's research on the African-American ballad tradition culminated in the highly acclaimed recording Heroes and Hard Times. Drawing on this material, the Ruckers share songs and stories about such colorful personalities as John Henry, John Hardy, Stag-O-Lee, and Betty and Dupree.

• OLD-TIME RELIGION

  (Old-Time Spirituals and Gospel)

  Sparky and Rhonda both have deep musical roots from the American gospel tradition. In this program, they explore their rich heritage of both black and white spirituals, giving an uplifting presentation that encourages the audience to sing along.

• BIRTH OF THE BLUES

  (Emphasis on Delta and Piedmont Styles)

  Sparky and Rhonda give a presentation of early blues music, including the songs of such artists as Robert Johnson, Rev. Robert Wilkins, Tommy Johnson, Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee, and Blind Boy Fuller. The songs are interspersed with stories about the artists. Sparky's early blues mentors include Rev. Pearly Brown, Buddy Moss, Johnny Shines, Babe Stovall, Big Joe Williams, John Jackson, Robert Jr. Lockwood, and Victoria Spivey. Sparky's trademark vocals are accompanied by both slide and fingerstyle blues guitar, and Rhonda adds gutsy blues harmonica, harmony vocals, and barrelhouse piano to their music.

• MINSTREL SHOWS AND SONGS

  Sparky and Rhonda explore the songs, skits, and history of the old-time minstrel show. This workshop delves into the politics and the social impact of this uniquely American phenomenon. It is taught as a week-long class that has been popular at music camps such as Ashokan, Common Ground, and the Augusta Heritage Center.

• BEGINNING AND INTERMEDIATE SLIDE AND BLUES GUITAR

  Sparky teaches "bottleneck" or slide guitar techniques as well as blues fingerpicking styles. He explores the songs and techniques of Robert Johnson, Fred McDowell, John Shines, Blind Boy Fuller, etc. Sparky has taught these classes at such music camps as Ashokan, Common Ground, Stringalong Weekend, and the Augusta Heritage Center.

• BEGINNING BLUES HARMONICA

  This is an introductory workshop for people wanting to learn the basics of blues harmonica. Rhonda Rucker discusses cross harp in detail, and several beginning tunes are taught. Blues improvisation is discussed, along with techniques such as bending notes, chugging, trills, and specific blues riffs. Rhonda has taught this class at such places as Common Ground on the Hill, Augusta Heritage Center, Summer Acoustic Music Week, Clarion Folk College, and Puget Sound Guitar Workshop. Students need to bring a working diatonic harmonica (something like a "Marine Band") in the key of "A" for this class. A tape recorder is also helpful.