Sacred strings Showcase Concerts
The Sacred Steel Showcase concert stands as the longest-running event of its kind in the United States-a premier gathering of African American sacred steel musicians from across the nation. Held annually in Toledo, Ohio, this landmark celebration brings together artists from the Jewell Dominion, Keith Dominion, and affiliated branches to preserve and uplift the rich tradition of sacred steel music.
Since its inception, the Showcase has played a pivotal role in honoring the pioneers, innovators, and tradition bearers whose artistry and spiritual devotion have shaped the genre. It is more than a concert—it is a cultural homecoming, a musical archive, and a spiritual revival. Sacred Strings Records Inc. introduced the term “Sacred Steel Legends” and established the Legend Awards, recognizing fifteen distinguished musicians whose contributions have sustained and advanced this unique heritage. These honors affirm the depth, dignity, and generational impact of sacred steel artistry.
Beyond the annual Showcase, Toledo remains a national center for sacred steel history, anchored by the Sacred Steel Music & History Museum—a permanent tribute to the sound, spirit, and stories of this tradition.
2009 Legends Concert
The debut Sacred Strings Showcase was a landmark celebration of the Sacred Steel tradition, drawing a full house to the Toledo Hilton Dana Conference Center. The evening opened with heartfelt instrumental tributes from junior legends, honoring the senior masters whose artistry laid the foundation for generations to come.
The moderators for the evening were Tressa Boles of Jacksonville, Florida, Alberta Grace Warren of Southfield, Michigan, Sharon May of Detroit, Michigan, and Dale Hines of Detroit, Michigan. This magical evening was built on a foundation of one of Americas richest, most passionate musical traditions.
Bishop MeHarry Lewis of the Lewis Dominion Church was invited to speak on behalf of his grandmother, Mother Mary Lena Lewis Tate, founder of the Church of the Living God. Though unable to attend, he sent his nephew, Elder George Lockhart, who delivered a moving biographical sketch of Mother Tate’s life and spiritual legacy.
This magical evening featured fifteen performances that spanned generations and geographies, each one echoing the deep soul and sacred purpose of steel guitar music in the House of God tradition. The Showcase laid the groundwork for future Hall of Fame ceremonies and affirmed Toledo’s role as a cultural epicenter for Sacred Steel preservation.
Performances were rendered by Felton W. Williams Jr, Maurice Ted Beard, Ned W. Mayes Jr, Calvin Cooke, Henry Wayne White, Clifford Warren, Ronnie P. Hall, The Amazing Grace Praise Band, Harold Smith, Nikki D. & the Browns, Eric Russell, Fran E. Grace, Reggie Covington, Duane Golden, and Robert Cook.
2010 Hall of Fame Concert
The 2010 Sacred Strings Showcase marked a historic turning point in the movement’s evolution. Held at the Toledo Hilton’s Lucas Auditorium, the concert was a professionally recorded live event that introduced the world to the Sacred Steel Hall of Fame—a memorial institution dedicated to honoring the pioneers and tradition bearers of African American steel guitar music.
The Campbell Brothers of Rochester, New York, were the special musical guest joined by other performers such as the Amazing Grace Praise Band, Tim Patterson, Maurice T. Beard, Calvin Cooke, and Ronnie P. Hall.
Twelve gentlemen were inducted into the very first Sacred Steel Hall of Fame. They were recognized for their dynamic influence on the Sacred Steel tradition—each having shaped its sound, spirit, and cultural significance over the past ninety years. Their induction marked the beginning of an annual tradition, where honorees receive plaques, ribbons, medallions, and certificates in a ceremony held every August in Toledo, Ohio. Maurice Ted Beard, Ronnie P. Hall, Henry W. White, James R. Sherman, Felton W. Williams, Ned W. Mayes, Calvin Cooke, Lorenzo L. Harrison, Rufus Maze, James R. Golden, Clifford L. Warren, and Kalvin Childs.
2011 Kings & Queens Concert
The third Sacred Strings Showcase Concert embraced a regal theme—“Kings & Queens of Sacred Steel”—featuring a beautifully balanced lineup of four male and four female steel guitarists. This intentional symmetry honored the diverse voices shaping the sacred steel tradition and elevated the artistry of both seasoned performers and rising stars.
Third generation sacred steel master, Aubrey Ghent of Nashville, Tennessee, was invited as the special guest artist. The Amazing Grace Praise Band, Kashiah Hunter & the ATL Crew, Earl Catron, Fran E. Grace, Nikki D & the Browns, Teresa Jackson, and Maurice Bradley were also in the lineup.
The Sacred Steel Hall of Fame, established in 2010, to honor the pioneers of the African American steel guitar tradition, welcomed its second class of inductees: Earl Catron, Eugene O. Beene, Willie C. Eason, Henry Nelson, and Theodore Johnson.
These five gentlemen were recognized for their profound influence on the sacred steel movement, each contributing to its spiritual depth, musical innovation, and cultural legacy. Honorees received plaques, ribbons, medallions, and certificates in a heartfelt ceremony held annually in Toledo, Ohio.
2012 Diamond Jubilee Concert
After hosting the previous year’s concert in a formal conference hall, the 2012 Showcase returned to the church setting—a move that reaffirmed the spiritual heartbeat of the Sacred Steel tradition. Faith Community United Holy Church welcomed musicians and audiences alike into a space steeped in praise, legacy, and community.
Sacred Strings Records Inc. received a formal proclamation from Mayor Mike Bell, declaring August as Sacred Steel Music & History Month in the City of Toledo—a milestone moment that elevated the genre’s cultural significance. Seventeen African American steel guitarists and accompanying musicians gathered from eight cities across six states, making this two-day event the largest platform for Sacred Steel artists to share their God-given gifts. The Showcase celebrated the 75th Diamond Jubilee of the tradition, honoring decades of musical excellence, spiritual devotion, and generational artistry.
The performers were Courtney and Cozetta Wells, Demetrius Beasly, William Beasley Sr, Eric Russell, Nikki D Brown and Fran E. Grace, Joe Randall, Kashiah Hunter & The ATL Crew, Ronnie P. Hall, Shanta Bristow, Marcus Hall, Yolando Ramsey, Maurice Ted Beard, Odis Hychs, Charles Flenory, The Amazing Grace Praise Band, Aaron Hines, and Clifford Warren.
2013 Young Guns Concert
The fifth Sacred Strings Showcase marked a bold new chapter in the movement’s evolution. Under the theme “Young Guns,” the event spotlighted emerging voices in the sacred steel tradition—artists whose passion, precision, and praise affirmed that the future of the genre was in gifted hands. From seasoned mentors to youthful innovators, each performance carried the unmistakable sound of sacred steel—resonant, righteous, and rooted in legacy. The new venue at Faith Community Church offered a fresh canvas for this intergenerational celebration, and the energy was electric from start to finish.
We were blessed to witness sixteen sacred steel performances by Fran E. Grace, Shanta Bristow, Nicolle Brown, the Amazing Grace Praise Band, Kashiah Hunter & the ATL Crew, Manoah Burns, Clifford Warren, Ted Beard, Ronnie Hall, Marcus Hall, Eric Russell, Joe Randall, Derrick Marion, Duane Golden, Gary McKinney, and Dale Hines.
2014 Steel Praising Concert
The sixth annual Sacred Strings Showcase was a jubilant two-day celebration of African American sacred steel guitar artistry, drawing tradition bearers from ten cities and eight states. Held in Toledo, Ohio, “Steel Praising” honored the enduring power of praise through pedal steel and lap steel, echoing the voices of generations past and present.
Aubrey Ghent was the headliner for this event while sharing the stage with other tradition bearers such as the Amazing Grace Praise Band, Ronnie P. Hall, Courtney and Cozetta Wells, Dale Hines, Eric Russell, Kashiah Hunter & the ATL Crew, Marcus Hall, Nikki D & the Browns, Shante Bristow, Chuck Campbell, Gary McKinney, Allen & Candra Bethea, Lonnie Bennett, and William Warren.
The Sacred Steel Hall of Fame welcomed three new members, Aubrey Ghent, Charles Flenory, and Eartley Washington. Their induction marked a moment of deep recognition for their foundational roles in shaping the sacred steel tradition. From pioneering sounds to mentoring generations, these legends were honored for their lifelong devotion to the ministry of music.
2015 Glorious Triumph Concert
The 7th Annual Sacred Strings Showcase was a jubilant two-day celebration of musical excellence and spiritual devotion. Held in the heart of Toledo, the “Glorious Triumph Concert” brought together seasoned legends and rising stars in a gathering marked by praise, power, and purpose. These young artists brought fresh fire to the sacred steel tradition, affirming that the future of the genre is both vibrant and deeply rooted.
A total of eight-teen performances graced our stage that weekend in the persons of Robert Cook, the Amazing Grace Praise Band, Andre Miller, Donnell Golden, Edwin Grace, Reggie Footie Covington, Joseph Randall, Kashiah Hunter and the ATL Crew, Lisa Lang, Marcus Hall, Ronnie Hall, Shanta Bristow, Tressa Boles, Antwan Ethridge, Fran E. Grace, Gary McKinney, Manoah Burns, and Nikki D & the Browns.
William Beasley, Hananiah Sims, and Del Grace Sr were inducted into the 2015 Sacred Steel Hall of Fame. Each inductee was honored for their enduring contributions to the Sacred Steel movement—whether through performance, mentorship, or visionary leadership. Their induction marked a moment of deep gratitude and generational affirmation.
2016 The Bloodline Continues Concert
The 2016 Sacred Strings Showcase was a radiant affirmation of heritage and hope. Under the theme “The Bloodline Continues,” the two-day event brought together gifted African American steel guitarists from ten cities across six states, spanning ages seventeen to eighty. With The Ark Church offering sacred space and Elder Dale A. Hines guiding the program with his signature warmth and wisdom, the showcase became a living tribute to the enduring power of the tradition. It was not just a concert—it was a declaration: the bloodline continues, and the steel still speaks.
Our featured guest musicians were Donnell Golden, Lonnie Bennett, Eric Russell, Marcus Hall, Ronnie P. Hall, Shanta Bristow, Fran E. Grace, Maurice Ted Beard, Andre Miller, Tim Patterson, Andrae Maze, The Amazing Grace Praise Band, Kashiah Hunter & the ATL Crew, Terrell King, Nikki D & the Browns.
Ten tradition bearers were honored for their outstanding artistic contributions and lifelong dedication to preserving and advancing the Sacred Steel tradition. Their inclusion in the Hall of Fame affirms not only their individual excellence but the collective strength of a movement rooted in faith, family, and sound. The 2016 Sacred Steel Hall of Fame welcomes Lonnie Bennett, Tim Patterson, Andre Miller, JoeHanner Russell, Andrae Maze, Odis Hychs, Dale H. Hines, Kashiah Hunter & the ATL Crew, The Amazing Grace Praise Band, and Joseph Randall.
2017 "80 Years of Sacred Steel Music"
In celebration of eight decades of Sacred Steel tradition, the Ninth Annual Sacred Strings Showcase brought together artists, families, and faithful supporters for a two-day musical tribute in Toledo, Ohio. Hosted at the historic First Alliance Church, the event honored the legacy of the genre while spotlighting its enduring power to uplift and unite. Yolando Ramsey’s induction into the Hall of Fame marked a moment of hometown pride and recognition for his contributions to the Sacred Steel tradition. With Elder Dale A. Hines guiding the program as its eloquent moderator, the showcase echoed with gratitude, joy, and the unmistakable sound of steel strings singing history into the present.
This year we were blessed with twelve soul stirring performances by the Amazing Grace Praise Band, Kashiah Hunter & the ATL Crew, Fran E. Grace, Eric Russell, Clifford Warren, Yolando Ramsey, Ronnie P. Hall, Maurice Ted Beard, Joseph Randall, Ned W. Mayes, Nikki D & the Browns, Lisa Lang.
2017 Florida State Unity Concert
In 2017, Sacred Strings Records Inc brought its signature showcase to the shores of Deerfield Beach, Florida, for a one-day celebration of music, youth, and unity. The Florida State Unity Concert was more than a performance—it was a gathering of hearts, a bridge between generations, and a spotlight on Florida’s vibrant Sacred Steel community. With Pastor Dennis Fulmore offering spiritual grounding and hospitality, Joseph Randall orchestrating the local steel talent, and Kenya Wheeler amplifying the event’s reach through media and public relations, the concert became a true collaboration of purpose and passion.
A total of eight teen performances went forth during this one-day event. The performers were the Amazing Grace Praise Band, Elton Noble, Bryan Josh Taylor, Eddie Harmon, Chris Johnson, Joseph Randall, Darryl Blue, Warren Carroll, Lisa Lang, Derrick Marion, Shane McCormick, Dominic Collins, Ryan Green, Jamaal Johnson, Faith's Place, Kenneth Ellis, Marcus Hardy, Noble Lockhart Mays.
It honored twelve Floridian legends whose artistry and dedication have shaped the Sacred Steel tradition, while lifting up the voices of youth who carry its future. Elton Noble, Lester Wilks, Jerry Glenn, Joseph Randall, Kenneth Ellis, Charles Pettigrew, Marcus Hardy, Darryl Blue, Eston Sonny Treadway, Glenn Lee, Bryan Josh Taylor, and the Lee Boys.
2018 Georgia State Benefit Concert
The Georgia State Sacred Steel Concert was held in Stone Mountain, Georgia at the Camp Jewell House, a private academy devoted to empowering at-risk scholars, the GSSS Concert blended music and mission in a benefit event that radiated heart and hope. The gathering showcased the next generation of sacred steel talent while honoring the legacy of those who paved the way.
We were blessed to record a total of seven teen sacred steel performances by Aaron Hines, the Amazing Grace Praise Band, Kashiah Hunter & the ATL Crew, B Jay Bivens, Calvin Cooke, Dante Harmon, Darick Campbell, Dave Fonville, Deontrae Hicks, Donnell Golden, Fran E. Grace, Richard Blackmon, The Rockridge Boys, Steve Cunningham, Terrel King, Tommy Phillips, Tremaine Young.
This event not only amplified the voices of emerging artists but also enshrined seven new members into the 2018 Sacred Steel Hall of Fame, Paul Jones, Jerry Gadson, Dante Harmon, Richard Blackmon, Henry Dillard, Darick Campbell, and Kashiah Hunter & the ATL Crew.
2018 "10 Year Celebration" Concert
The 2018 Showcase marked a decade of devotion to the Sacred Steel tradition, bringing together artists, families, and supporters for the first-ever banquet-style musical celebration at the Radisson Hotel. With a sold-out crowd and an atmosphere of gratitude, the event honored both the legacy and the living spirit of sacred steel music.
The renown Campbell Brothers were the special guest for the evening. Other featured sacred steel artist is Kashiah Hunter, Terrell King, Fran E. Grace, and the Amazing Grace Praise Band.
Inaugural Lifetime Achievement Awards: Presented by Sacred Strings Records Inc., these honors recognized four living legends whose creative contributions have shaped and sustained the Sacred Steel tradition: Elder Maurice Ted Beard – Detroit, Michigan, Bishop Clifford L. Warren – Toledo, Ohio, Bishop Ronnie P. Hall – Detroit, Michigan, and Elder Aubrey Ghent - Sarasota, Florida. Their artistry and spiritual leadership have left an indelible mark on the genre, inspiring generations and preserving a musical language rooted in praise, power, and perseverance.
2019 Queens of Sacred Steel Concert
In a groundbreaking tribute to the women of Sacred Steel, the 2019 Showcase marked the first-ever all-female performance lineup in the history of the movement. Under the banner Queens of Sacred Steel, the event uplifted the voices, artistry, and legacy of women who have shaped and sustained this sacred tradition. This historic gathering was more than a concert—it was a coronation. Each performance echoed with power and praise, affirming the vital role of women in the Sacred Steel tradition. The Hall of Fame inductions added a layer of reverence, recognizing decades of devotion, innovation, and spiritual leadership.
This historic event featured the first ever all-female performance line up. The stage was graced by eight trailblazing women whose artistry and spirit embodied the theme Queens of Sacred Steel: Fran E. Grace, Lisa Lang, Lisa Williams, Nikki D. Brown, Mariah House, Shanta Bristow, Maurice Bradley, and Kim Postell McClendon. Their collective presence was more than symbolic—it was a sonic affirmation of legacy, leadership, and the enduring power of women in the sacred steel tradition.
In a landmark year for the Sacred Steel tradition, six extraordinary women were inducted into the Hall of Fame, each recognized for their enduring artistry, spiritual devotion, and trailblazing contributions to the genre. Teresa Jackson (Chicago, Ill), Kim McClendon (Philadelphia, PA), Fran E. Grace (Toledo, Ohio), Maurice Bradley (Rochester, NY), Angela Grace Russell (Gary, IN), and Lisa Lang (Lauderhill, FL).
2020 Virtual Sacred Steel Concert
Due to the global pandemic and the far-reaching effects of COVID-19, we were compelled to postpone our 12th Annual Sacred Strings Concert in Toledo, Ohio. While this decision was difficult, it was made with the health and safety of our community in mind. Yet even in the midst of uncertainty, we were blessed to share the music virtually—airing a special online concert that allowed us to stay connected, uplifted, and inspired.
The coronavirus pandemic has undeniably reshaped every facet of our daily lives—from how we gather to how we grieve, celebrate, and create. But through it all, the spirit of Sacred Steel endured. It reminded us that even when we’re apart, the music still binds us together.
2021 Virtual Sacred Steel Inductions
In the face of unprecedented challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, we adapted with resilience and reverence—transitioning our Sacred Strings Showcase Hall of Fame Inductions to a virtual format. Though we were unable to gather in person, the spirit of celebration remained strong, and the legacy of Sacred Steel continued to shine.
We are proud to welcome thirteen extraordinary individuals into the Sacred Steel Hall of Fame. Each honoree has contributed uniquely to the tradition, carrying forward its soul, sound, and sacred purpose: Congratulations to our thirteen (13) new members of the Sacred Steel Hall of Fame. Acorn Coffee, Albert Thompkins III, Annabelle Bowen, Anthony Fox, Arthur Lee Pough, Bruce Henry Duren, Dwayne T. Snelling Sr., Gregory Walls, James McKoy, James Summersett, Jason Whitehead, Nicolle Brown, and Sean Spearman.
2021 West Coast Concert
In 2021, Sacred Strings Records Inc. journeyed to the West Coast to celebrate a milestone moment in Sacred Steel history—inducting five distinguished musicians into the Sacred Steel Hall of Fame in Los Angeles, California. The ceremony was graciously hosted by Bishop Marva Neal, pastor of the Jewell Dominion Church of the Living God, whose hospitality and spirit helped make the occasion truly memorable. We proudly welcomed the following inductees, each of whom has contributed profoundly to the legacy and evolution of Sacred Steel:The inductees are Perry Brown II, Perry Brown III, Bruce Henry Duren, Moustiquim Muhammad, and William Nolen.
2023 Sacred Strings Showcase Concert
The 2023 Sacred Strings Showcase was a powerful testament to endurance, artistry, and spiritual connection. Under the banner Steel Standing, the evening brought together generations of sacred steel musicians and supporters in a celebration of legacy and live performance. The Amazing Grace Praise Band of Toledo, Ohio opened up the concert followed by Terrell King of Nashville, Tennessee. Elder Luther Robinson was joined on stage by his daughter, Talitha-Koumi Oluwafemi, both from Rochester, New York. Kashiah Hunter of Atlanta, Georgia and Lady Strings, Fran E. Grace of Toledo, Ohio closed out the concert.
Ten new members were inducted into the Sacred Steel Hall of Fame in 2023. Eric Russell of Toledo, Ohio, Mike Wortham of Calhoun City, Mississippi, Cornelius Wortham of Indianapolis, Indiana, Robert Cook of Detroit, Michigan, George Rumph of Ridgeville, South Carolina, Jay Caver of Detroit, Michigan, Darrell White of Mount Clemens, Michigan, Enouch Boles of Nashville, Tennessee, Luther Robinson of Rochester, New York, and Kenard Buchanan of Mount Clemens, Michigan. In May of 2023, we attended the Sacred Steel Summitt in Florida where we inducted three more sacred steel players into the hall of fame. David Fonville, of Atlantic City, New Jersey, DaShawn Hickman of Mt Airy, North Carolina, and Brian Byrd of Sarasota, Florida.
2024 Steel Here Concert
Our 16th Annual Sacred Strings Showcase Banquet / Concert was entitled "Steel Here". It took place August 17, 2024, in Perrysburg, Ohio, at the Hilton Garden Inn Perrysburg and was another sold out success. The Amazing Grace Praise Band of Toledo, Ohio opened the concert followed by Andrae and Tonia Maze of Akron, Ohio. Kevin Martin of Mt. Clemens, Michigan joined us on stage for the first time.
Other musicians such as Kashiah Hunter of the Atlanta, Georgia, Lady Strings, Fran E. Grace of Toledo, Ohio, Robert Cook of Detroit, Michigan, Demetrius Beasley of Cleveland, Ohio, were in attendance. Special guest Reggie Footie Covington of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, closed out the concert. During the festivities, Reggie Footie Covington, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was inducted as our newest member into the Sacred Steel Hall of Fame!
2025 Sacred Strings Community Festival
The 2025 Sacred Strings Community Festival was a radiant two-day celebration of sacred steel music, legacy, and community spirit in Toledo, Ohio.
Here's a quick recap of the highlights:
Friday, August 15, 2025
Sacred Steel Music & History Tour at Collingwood Presbyterian Church (2:00–4:30 PM)
Tribute to Jay "Fingertips" Caver at the Sacred Steel Music & History Museum (5:00–8:00 PM). Seventeen participants from nine cities and six states brought good music and precious memories as a tribute to the late Johnell Jay Fingertips Caver. The participants were Angela Grace Russell, Fran Grace, Nikki D Brown, Mike Peters, Eric Russell, Kesean Williamson, Andrae Maze, Landon Golden, Ricky Townsend, Anthony Fox, ATL Crew, Aaron Hines Sr., George Cox, Harvey Shaw, Robert Cooke, Lisa Lang, and Michelle McKinney.
Saturday, August 16, 2025
Community Festival at The Tabernacle Toledo Church (11:00 AM–4:00 PM)
A vibrant gathering of African American steel guitarists now in its seventeenth year. As the longest-running concert in sacred steel history, this event is more than tradition; it's a living testament to the artistry, faith, and fellowship that define the genre.
Featured: Spoken word poetry from Jaziel King and Simone Spruce, followed by quartet group the Glass City Disciples. Twelve Sacred Steel musical guest ministered, the participants were Angela Grace Russell, Fran Grace, Nikki D Brown, Andrae Maze, Landon Golden, Anthony Fox, ATL Crew, Aaron Hines Sr., Robert Cooke, Lisa Lang, Dawn & Rico, and the Amazing Grace Praise Band. Food trucks, vendors, and free book bags for the youth.
FAQS
What is Sacred Steel?
Sacred Steel is an African-American gospel tradition that features the steel guitar in religious services. It originated in Pentecostal churches in the 1930s
Where did Sacred Steel originate?
It developed in the Church of the Living God, particularly in the Keith and Jewell Dominions.
How did Sacred Steel gain popularity?
Sacred Steel gained wider recognition through performances by artists like Robert Randolph, Calvin Cooke, Aubrey Ghent and the Campbell Brothers, who brought the genre to international fame.
God Bless Sacred Steel!
Get In Touch
