Experience the Gullah music of Ranky Tanky – which soared to #1 on the jazz charts of Billboard, iTunes, and Amazon – at the Quick Center on Saturday, May 4 at 7 p.m. Gullah means “a people blessed by God” and  Ranky Tanky translates loosely from West African language to “Get Funky!” At Fairfield University’s first annual Gullah Get Down, Ranky Tanky will have the Quick’s audience swinging hips and nodding heads to the transformed party anthems, hymns, and songs of the Gullah islands.

Assembled after graduating from college, the South Carolina band Ranky Tanky is made up of trumpeter Charlton Singleton, guitarist Clay Ross, bassist Kevin Hamilton, drummer Quentin Baxter, and the big, joyful voice of American Idol alumna Quiana Parler.

“Everyone pulls their weight in this tight, efficient combo,” wrote senior editor Banning Eyre in a music review of Ranky Tanky on the NPR website, “but Quiana Parler's vocal is in a league of its own. With her range, power and control of subtle ornamentation, she could bring down the house all by herself.”

Ranky Tanky released its eponymous debut album in October of 2017. Months later, the group was profiled on NPR’s Fresh Air with Terry Gross and the album soared to the top of the jazz charts. From playful game songs to ecstatic shouts, from heartbreaking spirituals to delicate lullabies, the Charleston low country is fertile ground from which these artists are grateful to have sprung.

Ranky Tanky is generously sponsored in part by Moffly Media, Abbey Tent & Party Rentals, TV Eyes, and WPKN. Tickets for the 7 p.m. concert-only are $25 and Quick Members are $20. Only a few ticket packages remain for both the 5:30 p.m crawfish boil and the 7 p.m. concert at $50, or $40 for Quick Members. For more information or to reserve your seat, visit www.quickcenter.com or call the box office at 203-254-4010 or toll free at 1-877-ARTS-396.