The Liberty Lines, Songs and Stories of the Underground Railroad
Levy Center, Evanston, Ill April 7, 2019
by Maja Rios
Liberty Lines was a two and half hour journey of folk and spiritual songs of the Civil War era, mostly from Underground Railroad repertoire, performed under the direction of veteran folksinger Andrew Calhoun and pianist Thomas Jefferson and five wonderful local singers (including Runako Soyini, Christopher Skyles, Tonya Peebles, and Gloria Robinson).
They performed material that is not that often heard in a secular setting, that made for real enjoyment as well as historical education on a sad era of American history.
Songs performed included better-known spirituals, “Deep River”, “Get On Board Little Children”,”Go Down Moses” to lesser-known African-American Underground Railroad songs, including, “Run Mary Run”, “Sun Don’t Set In The Morning”, “Run To Jesus” and many others.”Micheal Haul The Boat Ashore”, a folk song I knew from my childhood also dated back to Civil War Era(1867). Which I did not know. Excellent modern classical originals from classical/gospel pianist Thomas Jefferson, who did a fantastic job of weaving his own compositions as well as a fine accompaniment to singers throughout the program. Folksinger/guitarist Andrew Calhoun, also did a fine job singing and leading the other singers in these songs with historical narratives from W.E.B.DuBois, Harriett Tubman and others of Civil War era. The narratives were spoken like in a play with music weaving in and out of historical texts. Both entertaining and educational, this was a great program presented by the North Shore Choral Society.
The singers’ backgrounds were indeed diverse, Opera, Gospel, Folk Blues, all were excellent A good time was had by all in Evanston, Ill!
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