By Lanier Laney
There was a CD and book launch signing party for singer and actor Ron Daise and local historical fiction author, David Grim, this past weekend.
Ron Daise, famous for his TV show “Gullah Gullah Island,” was signing his wonderful new CD of songs and stories from Gullah and West African tradition called “Gullah Tings fa Think About.” The CD was produced through a grant from the SC Arts Commission, and is available at local stores and online at rondaise.com.
Author David Grim was also signing his new novel, “Swift Currents.” In it, he blends his interest in the Civil War and his deep respect for African American tenacity through periods of deep despair, to tell a story of slavery’s end and freedom’s joyous beginning. The event took place at Geddes Dowling’s lovely historic family home on Bay Street, The Edward Barnwell House.
Stephanie Austin Edwards, founder of Novel Ideas by SAE, which provides consulting and marketing services to authors, put together the event. Four members of the SC Arts Commission from Columbia attended: Ken May, executive director; Sarah June Goldstein and Susan Duplesis, program directors; and Doug Peach, program coordinator. Here are some pics for you: