THE FAMOUS DIXIE JUBILEE SINGERS.

Shannon News, 10 February 1925, Page 3

THE FAMOUS DIXIE JUBILEE SINGERS.

I W[ho and. what "are tile Famous “Dixie” J übileq Gingers? 'l'iie “Dixies” are the most popular troupe of Jubilee Singers in America to-day.. Not only are they a company of well-trained singers and entertuiners, but .they present a programme that is popular, clean and not lucking numbers of a really high quality, ’ though the southern melodies are, oi course, the most popular. The programmes are varied and include ' everything from the old plantation • songs to scenes from different operas, j Mr W. C. Buckner, the leader of the “Dixies,” who is recognised aa the ' foremost negro jubilee leader in the I world, possesses a fine basso voice,. I and it is said that to hear him. singI “Old Black Joe” is worth the price ! of admission alone, while Madame ! Buckner (soprano) and Miss Helen ! Smallwood (deep contralto) are siingJ ers of outstanding quality. Madame Buckner has starred in some of the big companies in America. The good taste shown in the selection of the I numbers and t'he deportment of the company tooth on and off the stage is worthy of the highest praise, au4i helps towards their artistic success. Whatever it is that defies analysis m the music of the negro, there is no denying its charm. Where all other types of musical programme find difficulty in maintaining a universal appeal, the Jubilee Singers remain big favourites. An atmosphere of the sunny south, musically speaking, pervades the auditorium. Listening to the “Dixies” one can visualise cotton fields, the old log cabin of the slavery days, mammy and the piccaninnies, the negro camp meeting, the banjo, and humourous and boisterous darkies. An interesting point to remember is that the famous “Dixie” Jubilee Singers are the very- first and only genuine coloured company of Jubilees to visit this Dominion—in- fact to tour the world—for over twenty-six. years. The Jubilee singers will give an entertainment as advertised in Shannon on Wednesday night.