In a remarkable cultural exchange produced by CCV, the Legendary Ingramettes, Richmond, Virginia’s “First Family of Gospel,” joined forces with Stanley Jacobs and the Ten Sleepless Knights, a celebrated quelbe ensemble from St. Croix, for a memorable collaboration on the island.
Both groups share the honor of receiving the 2022 National Heritage Fellowship: the highest honor the United States bestows on traditional artists. Stanley and the Ingramettes first met at the Heritage Fellowship Awards ceremony at the Library of Congress, and their relationship was further solidified through a collaborative public workshop on the Center for Cultural Vibrancy Stage at the 2023 Richmond Folk Festival.
While quelbe, a distinctly Crucian traditional music featuring such instruments as the percussive squash (gourd), steel (triangle) and banjo, may sound quite disparate from the urban gospel style of the Ingramettes, the two groups quickly discovered that they shared many things in common, both musically and through their own personal journeys.
Following their workshop at the Richmond Folk Festival, the Ten Sleepless Knights extended an invitation to the Ingramettes to perform at the group’s recent Gospel Festival, in celebration of their 55th anniversary. This festival, held at the venerable Island Center, featured a host of local artists and celebrated the rich musical heritage of the U.S. Virgin Islands. The Ingramettes’ participation added a new dimension to the celebration.
Collaboration Beyond the Stage
During their visit to St. Croix, the Ingramettes also had the opportunity to perform as guests at the Sunday morning service at the historic Frederiksted Moravian Church, bringing their soulful gospel music to the St. Croix community. The group, led by Reverend Almeta Ingram-Miller and comprised of numerous church leaders and musical directors, connected deeply with the local congregation, sharing their spiritual message through song.
The collaboration between the two groups extended beyond the stage, as they engaged in multiple spirited informal jam sessions, exchanging songs and musical traditions. These sessions allowed both groups to learn from each other, blending gospel harmonies with the rhythmic beats of quelbe, fostering a deeper understanding and respect for each other’s cultural roots.
Why Cultural Exchange?
The cultural exchange between the Legendary Ingramettes and Stanley and the Ten Sleepless Knights exemplified the power of music to bridge cultural divides and celebrate shared human experiences. Through their performances and interactions, both groups not only entertained but also educated their audiences about the rich musical traditions of Virginia and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
This collaboration highlighted the universal language of music and its ability to unite people from diverse backgrounds in joyous celebration. The trip also afforded the CCV the opportunity to meet with various Crucian cultural organizations to discuss further opportunities for collaboration and ways that CCV can assist them in supporting and celebrating their rich traditional culture and communities. We have no doubt we’ll be back!
