MISS EDNA THOMAS.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18399, 4 June 1925, Page 6

MISS EDNA THOMAS.

TO-NIGHT'S CONCERT. Edna Thomas, Ilia fascinating singer oi negro spirituals and Creole melodies who will givo a. farewell Bosson at Christchurch in tho Choral Hall to-night unci mi Saturday night, has collected her spirituals and Creole melodies from, all eources -'way down south, : where she was "bawii and raised," not tho least being an old . Xegress called Ninna,' who had been' a. servant to her family when Edna Thomas's mother was a. little girl, and who learned to sing .tho spirituals froni her own grandmother 'and. aunt, with lier own delightful humour. Mies Thomas relates how when singing- them together one j;ight : Ninna, suddenly stopped, singing, looked at her with spellbound eyes, end then broke'hon silenco .with'"Lor." honey, for a moment I forgot your colour!" Ninnn.'was present in the box, with some other coloured folk, on the occasion when Edn* Thomas made her brilliant premiere in Isew Orleans. At the .conclusion of the concert she was I brimming over with excitement, and said: I oney, you're euro brought home Jdo I bacon!"' Another time Edna. Thomas asked ; a, renowned coloured singer, named Alma: Hubbard, to ,her home , and: gave her lite .dollars to -sing her'.some songs which: she knew, but wa.nted to make sure, that she was singing in the Tight way.. "When-ehe "had sung them bick to her the Is egress exolnimed: "Good Lawd: what for did you send for me? No one would know that you wero;'a white lady!" The quaint old crinolines that form an ideal setting for 'Edna Thomas's quiet beauty aro replicas of those , wpin-by .her'! anoesteosw# in the- early'" part ' of "the' ceiit'uty ifi'L'dlrisianarfrThcy interesting in themselves, as . are the old' pieces of. jewellery and the quaint combs that go to make, up her toilotte. Jenny Lind's shawl, which is. of such historical interest, will also bo worn by . the "Lady from Louisiana" at her recital tonight. Saturday night's programme will be a c'assic one,' but a ."request" group .of. negro, spirituals will be given in costume. Patrons are invited to send their requests for faVourito numbers to Miss Edna Thomas, at the. Bristol Piano Co., Ltd., Christchurch, to-day. Gas fires will ho installed' in the Choral Hall to ensure the comfort of patrons. The box plan is open at Thd Bristol. •