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Beth McKee started the Swamp Sistas movement to bring together the many creative, talented women she’s met while touring the south and playing music. She decided she wanted to bring these people together for gatherings across all the southern states. She borrowed the term “LaLa” which is an old creole word for a “house party with a purpose”. Thus the Swamp Sistas LaLa was born. The first North Carolina Swamp Sistas LaLa was held on July 29th, 2012 at the Starbrite Farm in Lewisville, NC. Hundreds of men, women, and children gathered at the barn on the property to bond over pimiento cheese sandwiches, sweet tea, beer, and southern music. But the Swamp Sistas LaLa is not just about the music. There were arts, crafts, food, and lots of good natured hanging out.
Click the player above to listen to highlights from the performances on the main stage or scroll down to see pictures and videos from the day.
North Carolina Swamp Sistas LaLa on the Starbrite Stage
The line-up at the inaugural Swamp Sistas LaLa was:
This episode of the show features the highlights from the North Carolina Swamp Sistas LaLa. There’s one track from each of the opening acts and the entire set from Beth McKee and friends.
Swamp Sistas LaLa Benefits the Eagle’s Nest Foundation
The inaugural North Carolina Swamp Sistas LaLa raised funds for the Eagle’s Nest Foundation, which is a progressive summer camp in North Carolina; The Outdoor Academy, an exceptional semester school renowned for innovation; and Hante, remarkable teen adventures in NC and beyond.
Pictures from the North Carolina Swamp Sistas LaLa
photo credit: Pat French
Videos from the North Carolina Swamp Sistas LaLa
Visit the Swamp Sistas LaLa 2012 play list to watch all the videos at once.
Allison King
Little Queenie
Lynn Blakey
Susan and Tim Lee
Beth McKee and Friends
Thanks!
Many thanks to all the hard working people who put days and days of work into making the day a huge success. Thanks to the performers, backing musicians for making such great music. Thanks to the sound guys who graciously offered me a feed off the mixing board. And thanks to Beth McKee for giving me permission to record and share the North Carolina Swamp Sistas LaLa 2012 show and share it with you.
This was so much fun–I hope they do it again next year!