Our Amazing Hosts
Dr. Kathy Bullock (Berea, KY)
Dr. Kathy Bullock is an educator, scholar, singer, accompanist, arranger and choral conductor specializing in gospel music, spirituals and classical works by composers from the African diaspora. A Professor Emerita of Music from Berea College, she teaches, performs, and conducts workshops and programs on African American music throughout the United States, Europe, and Africa.
Fran André (Devon, UK)
Fran André is a choir leader and singer. She loves all styles of music but particularly music of black origin including Soul, Gospel, African Funk, and Motown. Fran is the coordinator for the Black Lives Matter Commissioning Project.
Jo Rasi (Takoma Park, MD)
Jo Rasi is the director of the Daily Antidote of Song! She is inspired daily by her work with artists from many corners of our planet. She brings her training in ethnomusicology, folklore and folklife, and traditional arts to all her projects.
Hubby Jenkins (Brooklyn, NY)
Hubby Jenkins is a talented multi-instrumentalist who endeavors to share his love and knowledge of old-time American music. Born and raised in Brooklyn he delved into his southern roots, following the thread of African American history that wove itself through America's traditional music forms. As an integral member of the Carolina Chocolate Drops and later Rhiannon Giddens band, Hubby has performed at festivals and venues around the world, earning himself both Grammy and Americana award nominations.
Shruthi Veena Vishwanath (Puna, India)
Shruthi Veena Vishwanath is a singer, composer, and educator from India. She specializes in the mystic music of the Indian subcontinent - specifically, Nirguni, Bhakti, and Sufi music. Additionally, she has a deep interest in composing and performing poems written by women and other marginalized voices.
Elise Witt (Atlanta, GA)
Singer, composer, educator, recording artist, and activist Elise Witt brings her enthusiasm, energy, and global community to everything she does, including the DAS. Elise's shares her concerts of Global, Local & Homemade Songs™ and her Impromptu Glorious Chorus™ workshops around the world, creating and inspiring singing communities through the connective power of music.
Alex Cumming (Brattleboro, VT)
Alex is a traditional Singer, Accordionist, Pianist and dance caller hailing from Somerset, England, now living in the US. He performs songs and tunes from around the United Kingdom and America with a great depth of knowledge of the tradition. Alex has made his mark on the folk scene with his rhythmic dance-able accordion style, strong voice and his fun and engaging stage presence.
Dr. Kim Harris (Los Angeles, CA)
In addition to teaching courses on Black liberation and Womanist theologies, Dr. Harris leads music in a variety of liturgical and academic settings. She is a liturgist, composer and recording artist, presenting lectures on the music of the Black Catholic experience, the spirituals of the Underground Railroad and the freedom song of modern Civil Rights Movement.