On Thursday, October 19, Sundilla will proudly present Reggie Harris and Greg Greenway’s program “Deeper Than the Skin.” Advance tickets are just $12 and available at Spicer’s Music, Blooming Colors, and online at www.sundillamusic.com. Admission at the door will be $15, though employees of Auburn University and Auburn University-Montgomery can pay $12 at the door. Free coffee, tea, water and food will be available, and attendees are invited to bring whatever food or beverage they prefer.
Both Reggie Harris and Greg Greenway are accomplished singer songwriters with decades of experience. Greg made his name as a solo performer, then reached even greater heights as one third of Brother Sun. And for 40 years, Reggie was half of the duo Kim & Reggie Harris. Greg has been described as “one of the strongest, and finest voices in folk music.” The Boston Globe wrote, “Confessional one moment, rambunctiously disarming the next, few modern folk singers can own a coffeehouse stage as completely as Greenway.” And Reggie Harris’s performances showcase a fluid vocalist, arranger, and guitarist whose open spirit and wide smile create an atmosphere that rewards the ears, opens the heart, and consistently earns trust and joyful admiration from audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
Reggie and Greg have a unique story. Born three days apart, ancestry flowing through the same portal of history, they are on a pilgrimage together—one that began three decades ago. The racial divisions that are the reality of America started them in two different worlds, but the amazing bonds of music, respect, admiration and shared vision have brought them together as friends and colleagues.
And from that came this Deeper Than The Skin. Reggie and Greg were born three days apart – Reg in Philly, Greg in Richmond, VA. Reg recently found out that his ancestry traces back to a plantation just outside of Richmond, in Ashland, VA. It’s almost a certainty that his maternal ancestor would have come up the James River to Richmond. From two vastly different histories, they have built a bridge through 30 years of friendship and music.
They share not only a story of overcoming, but provide a living, breathing example of celebration, creative resistance, and joy. There are many who say that they are the embodiment of those traits; that their talent and communication skills make it infectious. Both are committed professionally to inspiring people, to encourage others to take that step beyond their comfort zone. As they reach across the racial divide, they encourage others to foster the relationships that are, in the end, a path to healing. Beginning with a pilgrimage to the Whitney Plantation in October 2016, they decided to present this musical story of their lives.
And what a story it is! Deeper Than the Skin is an interactive concert that explores their unique histories as a Black man whose ancestors were slaves on a Richmond plantation and a White man born and raised in the capital of the Confederacy. The bridge between them is built of music, friendship, and respect. Their presentation is an electrifying blend of story, song, outstanding musicianship, and their high-spirited give-and-take with the audience never fails to leave people feeling uplifted and engaged. And what better time than now to build bridges?
This unforgettable event will take place at the AUUF on Thursday, October 19; showtime is 7:30. $12 tickets are available at Spicer’s Music, Blooming Colors, and online at www.sundillamusic.com; admission at the door will be $15.