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The Blackbelt Region of Alabama encompasses 18 counties across the central area of the state and is named for the dark, rich soil that is unique to the area. This extraordinary terra-firma allows the area to produce far more than it's share of cotton, soybeans, corn and timber. But these products aren't the only exports the region has to offer, folk artists flourish here as well. From the Gees Bend Quilters to the story teller, Katherine Tucker Windham, from Charlie "Tinman" Lucus to author, Nelle Harper Lee, there is a rich history of Blackbelt artisians. But possibly the most noted group of expressionists to emerge from the area has been it's musicians including The Commadores, Jimmie Rogers, Nat King Cole, Hank Williams, a list far too extensive to complete. Today, on any given evening, on any given back porch, the tradition continues as folk music plays such a large part in the everyday lives of Blackbelt residents. The Grasshopper Stringband is proud to be able to bring a small piece of this culture to you.