Folk Festivals Invites
Sacred Steel Artist!
2022 Richmond Folk Festival
Fran E. Grace: Distinguished Sacred Steel Guitarist and Cultural Representative
Fran E. Grace, known as "Lady Strings," is a celebrated Sacred Steel guitarist and Sacred Steel Hall of Fame inductee. She was invited to represent Sacred Steel at the 2022 Richmond Folk Festival, where she performed alongside her family band, including Tressa Boles (vocals), Angela Grace Russell (vocals, keyboard, rhythm guitar), Del Grace Sr. (lap steel guitar), Jay Caver (rhythm guitar), Chris Pope (drums), Del Grace Jr. (bass guitar), and Kelli Grace (videographer, photographer).
The 2022 Richmond Folk Festival marked the twentieth anniversary of the Virginia Folklife Apprenticeship Program, highlighting efforts to preserve traditional arts. This year also introduced a new partnership between the Virginia Folklife Program of Virginia Humanities and the Center for Cultural Vibrancy, reinforcing a commitment to sustaining living traditions through direct artist support and public engagement.
Recognized as one of Virginia’s largest cultural events, the Richmond Folk Festival brings together diverse audiences to celebrate American folk traditions through music, dance, traditional crafts, storytelling, and cuisine. With six stages and performances by over 30 artists from across the United States and the world, the festival continues to be a premier cultural event, showcasing artistic excellence and heritage.
Sacred Steel @ 2011 Memphis Folk Alliance International
Sacred Steel at the 2011 Memphis Folk Alliance International
In February 2011, over 2,200 folk music professionals from around the world gathered in Memphis, Tennessee for the 23rd International Folk Alliance Conference, celebrating multi-generational songwriters, performers, and industry leaders.
Under the leadership of South by Southwest (SXSW) co-founder Louis Jay Meyers, the Folk Alliance continues to champion the past, present, and future of Folk, Traditional, and Roots Music.
Sacred Steel Summit: A Historic Return The 2011 conference marked the return of the Folk Alliance Sacred Steel Summit, featuring some of the most influential artists in the Sacred Steel world, including:
Darick Campbell Del Grace Sr. Calvin Cooke Kashiah Hunter Aubrey Ghent Ted Beard Eric Lewis Colin Lake
This event served as a major milestone in recognizing and honoring Sacred Steel’s contributions to folk and gospel music, ensuring its continued influence within the broader musical landscape.
Stax Music Academy
Stax Music Academy: Sacred Steel Workshop and Musical Collaboration
Immersive Sacred Steel Experience Del Grace Sr., Phil Campbell, and a group of Sacred Steel musicians led a special off-site workshop at the Stax Music Academy, providing students with hands-on exposure to the distinctive gospel steel guitar tradition. This session culminated in an electrifying improvisational gospel jam, where students actively engaged in creating music alongside these renowned artists.
Leadership and Educational Mission
Grammy Award-winning musician Kirk Whalum serves as the CEO of the Stax Music Academy and Soulsville Foundation, a charter school with a music focus, dedicated to fostering artistic growth among young musicians.
Special Sessions:
A Multifaceted Music Experience Each Special Session offers a diverse program featuring:
Panels discussing music history and industry insights Workshops providing hands-on learning opportunities Clinics led by expert musicians Jam sessions fostering collaboration and improvisation Concerts showcasing performances from both students and professionals.
Through these initiatives, the Stax Music Academy continues to serve as an invaluable platform for preserving and advancing American musical traditions, including Sacred Steel.
NPR radio show
Beale Street Caravan: Capturing Blues and Sacred Steel
Live Coverage at the Conference Throughout the conference weekend, Beale Street Caravan will be recording Blues and Sacred Steel performances at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, adjacent to the Downtown Memphis Marriott. The World's Leading Blues Radio Program.
The World's Leading Blues Radio Program
Beale Street Caravan is the most widely distributed Blues radio program worldwide Attracts over 2.4 million listeners each week Produced in Memphis, Tennessee Shares heartfelt sounds and colorful stories of Blues musicians and their craft.
By documenting these performances, Beale Street Caravan continues to preserve and celebrate the rich legacy of Blues and Sacred Steel, bringing their artistry to a global audience.
PBS radio show
Jammin at Hippie Jack’s at the 23rd International Folk Alliance Conference
Preserving and Celebrating Americana Music
The PBS television music series Jammin at Hippie Jack’s will be joining the 23rd annual International Folk Alliance Conference, continuing its mission to celebrate and preserve the work of Americana singers, songwriters, and musicians.
Broadcast Reach and Cultural Impact
Over 70 million viewers across 150 PBS markets in North America Dedicated to showcasing live performances, storytelling, and the heritage of folk and Americana music.
Live Taping at Folk Alliance Conference
Throughout the conference weekend, Jammin at Hippie Jack’s will be recording performances for its upcoming season, featuring prominent artists such as:
The Carolina Chocolate Drops, Paul Thorn, Sacred Steel musicians, and Conference Keynote Speaker: Dave Bromberg.
With its broad reach and dedication to folk traditions, Jammin at Hippie Jack’s continues to be a vital platform for preserving and promoting the artistry of Americana music.
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
