COOKEVILLE, Tenn. (Jan. 23, 2007) – Tennessee Tech University’s observance of February as Black History Month kicks off with an inspirational performance by the Princely Players at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 1, in the Wattenbarger Auditorium of the Bryan Fine Arts Building.

In the tradition of the Jubilee Singers and the Fairfield Four, the Princely Players offer evocative and stunning programs on the enslavement and liberation of African-Americans.

The eight-member ensemble has performed its unique program of spirituals, work songs, hymns and songs of freedom at such renowned venues as the Tennessee Performing Arts Center, Yale University, Ryman Auditorium, Little Rock’s Festival of Religious Arts and the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C.

The Players’ songs and poetry range from time periods the span the Civil War era to the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960’s to capture the essence of black history and it impact on our national history.

According to a review in The Tennessean, “The players conduct an evocative and educational tour of the black experience from its African roots to today.”

The Pittsburgh Post Gazette says, “The Princely Players give spirituals the royal treatment.”

A Center Stage event, the concert is free and open to the public.

--Tracey LeFevre
This information posted 24 January 2007