Sparky and Rhonda Rucker are fascinated by history, especially the people they?ve found there. They?re known for doing extensive research about the old songs and historical characters, and they make good use of those stories and characters in their performances. Both are noted storytellers, contributing to a number of publications and performing regularly at festivals, schools, libraries and historical sites for audiences of all ages. And they?ve both been singing and playing music virtually all their lives.
James ?Sparky? Rucker grew up in Knoxville, Tennessee, singing in church and school. He participated in workshops at the Highlander Center with such civil rights activists as Rosa Parks and Bernice Reagon, marching in the 1960?s with the SNCC Freedom Singers, Guy Carawan and Pete Seeger, working later on behalf of Southern Appalachian coal miners. He taught school in Chattanooga before becoming a full-time folksinger, when he just moved to a different kind of teaching.
Rhonda Hicks Rucker grew up in Louisville, Kentucky, studying piano as a pre-schooler. In church she learned the old hymns and became the substitute organist. She took to acting, singing and the guitar in her teens. She studied medicine, got her medical degree and practiced as an internist for five years. But then she met Sparky, and in 1989 she joined him on stage.
It?s been nearly six years since Sparky and Rhonda Rucker played for FSGW. They?ve been busy as ever, continuing concert performances across the country; touring Ireland; presenting workshops in schools, folk camps and arts centers on subjects from America?s folk heroes to the Underground Railroad to the Civil War to the American west. Rhonda?s first novel, ?Swing Low, Sweet Harriet,? was published a year ago, based on Harriet Tubman?s work as a Civil War spy and scout.
They?ve released more than a dozen CDs, including a few of folktales. Sparky sings and plays fingerstyle and bottleneck guitar, banjo and spoons. Rhonda sings and adds piano, banjo and harmonica. We?ll likely hear about America?s heroes and hard times, slavery and the Underground Railroad, the Civil War from many perspectives, experiences in the American West and Appalachian favorites, the civil rights movement, and contemporary subjects written in traditional styles.
Their experience, credits, and awards fill pages. They bring unique knowledge, great humor, credibility, talent for entertaining audiences and a fascination for their subject.
We get to share that fascination for our January program.
Saturday, January 17, 8 pm at the Washington Ethical Society Auditorium, 7750 16th St., NW, Washington, DC 20012. General admission, $15; free to members. If you are driving, please park ONLY on 16th Street, not on the side streets. Thank you for helping to keep the relationship between the owners of the building and their residential neighbors a positive and supportive one!
