Sumter County's Sucarnochee Folklife Festival,
organized by the University of West Alabama, is an
event that continues to grow and continues to
celebrate the many aspects of folk culture found in
the Blackbelt. Writers, historians, artists, musicians, singers and
spectators all gathered for several days in
Livingston for events from book signings to concerts
to exhibits to demonstrations.
Several Alabama writers were on
campus to talk about their work. Above from right
are Pulitzer Prize winning writer Rick Bragg,
Sucarnochee Folklife Chair Dr. Tina Jones, and Sonny
Brewer, well-known author of The Poet of Tolstoy
Park.
The Blackbelt Symposium invited
history scholars from around the country to present
papers on the area. Noted Alabama historian Dr.
Wayne Flynt was a special guest. Above from right
are Dr. Flynt, and Alan and Mary Tartt of
Livingston.
Frank Stewart, at left, was
on hand on Saturday to demonstrate the art of
hand-thrown pottery.
Mississippi Chris Sharp, above,
appeared on the courthouse square in Livingston. The
group has made several appearances on the
Sucarnochee Revue, and is a crowd favorite.
Benny Crevitt, below, returned
this year to demonstrate the almost lost art of the
blacksmith.
Kathryn Tucker Windham, above,
enthralled the crowd with her storytelling.
Alabama Castings, above,
demonstrated iron work as an art form.
Flying Jenny, right, made their
first appearance at the Festival to a very
appreciative audience.
