Gullah historic preservation group hosts upcoming benefit events

Sixth-generation native Daufuskie Islander Sallie Ann Robinson, author of two Gullah cookbooks, is passionate about preserving the nature and history of her island home.

She said while the people who have moved to Daufuskie, called "come yahs" in Gullah, have new homes, the older buildings that belong to the natives -- "binyahs" in Gullah -- are falling down.

"New structures to me don't stand as strong as the meaning of the old things does," Robinson said. "People worked with their heart, sweat, blood and soul for those things in the past to have gotten built. ... Call me passionate for history, but I would like to see it preserved."

Robinson is the president of the board of directors of The Binyah Foundation, a nonprofit organization that aims to restore the history, culture, architecture and ecology of Daufuskie Island and its surrounding areas. The foundation is busy planning benefits, including a concert by The Carter Twins and an autumn festival.

Zach and Josh Carter, who graduated from Hilton Head Christian Academy in 2008 and are now making the rounds on the country music scene, will perform Oct. 18 at the Shoreline Ballroom on Hilton Head Island. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m., opening act Stealing Angels will play at 6:30 p.m., and The Carter Twins will perform at 7:30 p.m. Cost is $20 a ticket, and a portion of the proceeds will go to the foundation. Tickets are available at several local locations and at www.etix.com. Details: 843-842-0358 or www.shorelineballroom.com.

A second event the foundation is planning is a Daufuskie Island Autumn Festival set for noon-5 p.m. Nov. 7 at Freeport Marina on Daufuskie Island. The festival will feature live entertainment, lots of food -- from shrimp and oysters to hot dogs and hamburgers -- and vendors selling sea grass baskets, arts and crafts, and more.

There is a $5 donation request to enter the festival, and food will be paid for separately. To sign up as a vendor or for more information on the festival, call Bart Whitaker, executive director of foundation, 843-647-5170.

To get to the marina on Daufuskie Island, ferries leave from two locations on Hilton Head. Details and reservations: Calibogue Cruises, 843-342-8687, or Palmetto Ferry Company, 843-757-7819.