In founding the Rising Star Fife & Drum Band, Othar Turner revitalized a style of country blues music integral to African American community life in the Mississippi Delta. The music is often performed at summer gatherings.

Led by Sharde Thomas, the granddaughter of Othar Turner, this performance at the 2012 Smithsonian Folklife Festival conjurs up the spirit of a July picnic.

This presentation was part of the Rinzler Memorial Concert, which honored the work of folklorist, cultural worker, and activist Worth Long.

Filmed: Kelsey Michael, Marinna Guzy, Michael Headley, and David Barnes
Edited: Marinna Guzy