Latrese Bush
Latrese Bush is the founder of the Fish & Grits, a music festival on Hilton Head Saturday, October 7th at Lowcountry Celebration Park (94 Pope Avenue) that hopes to celebrate Hilton Head’s rich and diverse cultures and history. In a Q and A, she tells us a little bit more about why this event needs to be on everyone’s calendar.
Q: Tell us about your music career.
A: My music career spans nearly 20 years. I grew up singing Gospel here and my musical background s rooted in the Gullah Geechee Praise House style. I have been fortunate in my career to have supported a variety of iconic artists from Tony Award-winner Jennifer Holiday to Justin Bieber and traveled the world with the legendary two-time Grammy Award Winner, Gloria Gaynor.
Q: Why did you start the Fish & Grits Music Festival?
A: I am a proud Gullah Geechee, from Bluffton. I have a strong desire to preserve the culture and amplify the new voices of our community through traditional and contemporary musical art forms and of course “de food”! Through this event, I want to help foster a spirit of community, education, entertainment, and empowerment for the Binyas (natives) and the Comyas (non-natives).
Q: How does Fish & Grits reflect the past, present, and future of the Gullah Geechee culture?
A: There is a Gullah Geechee proverb that says, “Oonah ent kno whe oonah gwine,
Ef oonah ent kno whe oonah cumfum.” The translation: “You don't know where you are going, if you don’t know where you are from.” To me, the festival will be a collaboration of what was and still is, with what is and will be.
Q: What about music brings people together?
A: Music has a vibration. When used for good it tells a story that even the most diverse groups of people can understand. Music has the intrinsic ability to transcend age, gender, and culture. When music moves ya, it soothes ya! I am convinced, with the collective of great artists we have assembled, the festival will serve up something for everyone.
Q: Who are your sponsors?
A: This year’s event is presented by The Bank and Island Legacy Fund. The Bank sponsorship is very special to me since my brother Leon “LJ” Bush is one of the owners. Another major sponsor is Native Island Business and Community Affairs Association (NIBCAA). We are also sponsored and endorsed by the Gullah Geechee Heritage Corridor. My goal is to work with Victoria Smalls to ensure we are representing the culture accurately and in the best light.
Q: Why should people attend in general the Fish & Grits Music Festival?
A: Expect great food, great music, and great times. We will have a taste of Gullah culture and more. We will have traditional and contemporary Gullah Geechee artisans, artist, and designers. There will be so much to choose from. Come one. Come all!
In addition to Bush, the Fish & Grits will include performances from Votte Hall, Angela Bonaparte and Company, Gwen Yvette, Frankie Quinones, and Vascola Stoney. You can follow the Fish & Grits Festival on Instagram and Facebook and the Holiday Inn Express (2 Tanglewood Drive) is offering an exclusive Fish and Grits room rate that includes two festival tickets per room. To purchase tickets, visit https://fishandgritsmusicfest.com