Gullah Me, Gullah You – Gullah Geechee Cultural Series:
Culture and African American Music Across the Bridge and Beyond
Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at SoundWaves
(6pm doors; 6:30 dinner; 7:30pm concert)

Gullah Me, Gullah You Gullah Geechee Cultural Series

In the words of Frederick Douglass, “If there is no struggle, there is no progress.” Musicians spend a lifetime defying odds and challenging adversity to develop and refine their craft. Some face external pressures well beyond the notes in the music. Musicians understand the perseverance required to enjoy successful musical progress. Musicians embody the transformative opportunities of personal discovery and progress that resiliency through struggle achieves. It is in that very spirit that to commence the 2026 Gullah Geechee Festival Celebration, Gullah Me Gullah You presents renowned musicians in an evening titled Culture and African American Music Across the Bridge and Beyond.

Musical guest, vocalist Cynthia Utterbach, a.k.a. The Jazz Storyteller, and native Savannah jazz legend, trombonist Teddy Adams, join the GGCS house band, The Lavon Stevens Trio, to share their respective journeys through struggle to achieve progress. Their music and stories illustrate the Gullah Geechee’s resiliency and perseverance, and how music shaped progress along the way.

In addition to their sublime musical performances, Mr. Adams and Ms. Utterbach will talk about their unique and shared experiences as, and among, the rich legacy of legendary musicians from the Savannah area and beyond. Through their inspiration we will find that there is a strong connection between regional African American artists and The Gullah Geechee Culture extending well beyond Hilton Head Island.

As we begin this year’s Gullah Geechee celebration month, the partners presenting Gullah Me, Gullah You are honored to share the richness of musical talent our region has nurtured.

Chef Tracey Young of Da Shack Comfort Goodness Catering has prepared an authentic menu including meal options of stuffed chicken breast with mashed potatoes, fresh green beans, and peach cobbler; baked salmon topped with crab, served with veggie medley, candied yams and fresh fruit dessert; baked turkey wings with yellow rice, fresh green beans, and fresh fruit dessert (GF); and pasta primavera with fresh fruit dessert (V).

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Cynthia Utterbach, jazz artist-actress-writer and educator from Los Angeles was based in Hamburg Germany enjoying over 20 years of performances throughout Europe for festivals, jazz clubs, cruise ships, churches, schools, radio and television. While in Germany she also performed in and wrote music for the internationally acclaimed film “Rosenstrasse”, winner of a Golden Globe Award in 2002. Following 6 years with the Hamburg musical, The Buddy Holly Story, and 3 years performing the Billie Holiday production “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill” Cynthia began performing for the International Communities solo tributes for concert halls and theaters – Lady Legends, The Big Band Era, Three Ladies of the Blues, Voices of Praise, Nina!, Joni & Jarreau. While working in Thailand she also had the great pleasure of presenting her Gershwin tribute show in audience at The Palace for the Queen of Thailand and her guests. Following Cynthia’s residence at both The Mandarin Oriental Bangkok and Mandarin Oriental Singapore she relocated to Savannah, Georgia where she has delighted audiences with her jazz stories and renditions at clubs and festivals. Cynthia has recorded several CD’s including: Close Your Eyes, A Tribute to Louis Armstrong, Comes Love, Cynthia’s Back and Visuality.

Teddy Adams is a multi-faceted artist who wears many hats.  He is a trombonist, composer, lecturer, and educator.  Originally from Savannah, GA, He has traveled and performed locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. Some of his performances and recordings include many of Jazz’s biggest names such as Art Blakey, Rufus Reid, Ben Riley, Doug, Ben Tucker, Delbert Felix, Abbey Lincoln, Irene Reid, Wycliffe Gordon, Cab Calloway, and the list goes on and on.

Teddy is a charter member of the Savannah Jazz Hall of Fame and one of the co-founders of the Coastal Jazz Association (Now, Savannah Jazz Association), the Savannah Jazz Festival and the annual Christmas Concert and Jam Session now approaching its 47th year.  He has performed at all of the Savannah Jazz Festivals and several times at other festivals that include Piccolo Spoleto. Gullah, Atlanta, Jacksonville, and many others. Teddy has also been the recipient of many awards including The Key to the City of Savannah and recently being appointed Savannah’s first “Official Jazz Ambassador by Mayor Van Johnson.  He has also authored his book, “The Up of the Down Beat” and is in the process of writing a sequel/legacy, “Keepn’ The Beat.”

Teddy, along with Randy Reese, is the co-founder of the Savannah Jazz Orchestra.  He presently leads several small groups which include The Teddy Adams Sextet.  In addition to serving in the United States Air Force for 10 years and retiring after a 34-year career with the City of Savannah, He is presently teaching in the Music Department of Savannah State University and has served as Music Director for Savannah’s Premier Jazz Club, Good Times Jazz Bar and Restaurant since its opening almost 5 years ago.

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Cuisine Partner – Chef Tracey Young, Da Shack Comfort Goodness Catering

MARK YOUR CALENDARS:
Tuesday, March 24, 2026
Tuesday, May 12, 2026