“A Tribute to Sister Rosetta Tharpe”

By Desert Star Staff

NASHVILLE, TN -Gibson, the iconic American instrument brand, has partnered with LUCK Presents and the beloved Austin blues venue Antone’s for a special concert, “Strange Things Happening: A Tribute to Sister Rosetta Tharpe” during SXSW 2023 to celebrate the music icon Sister Rosetta Tharpe, the Godmother of Rock n’ Roll. A trailblazing performer, Sister Rosetta Tharpe forged a style that influenced countless musicians, including Elvis, Johnny Cash, Etta James,

Little Richard, and more. A mid-day gospel brunch, “Strange Things Happening: will begin on Sunday, March 19, at 11:00am at LUCK Ranch and feature a parade of artists alongside an all-star band finale to honor the legendary SRT including Amythyst Kiah, Abraham Alexander, Betty Harris, Ruthie Foster, Valerie June, Thee Sacred Souls, Gypsy Mitchell, Cookie McGee, as well as Adrian Reed and Anointed Praise, and more. Binky Griptite and his orchestra will be the band leader and MC for the SRT tribute. To purchase tickets to the tribute event, visit: HERE.

Born in Orlando, FL, in 1939, legendary deep soul vocalist Betty Harris’s father, Reverend Rufus Crews, was a booking agent for gospel artists Sam Cooke, The Blind Boys of Alabama, and Sister Rosetta Tharpe. “Sister Rosetta Tharpe was the first artist that encouraged me to keep singing,” says Betty Harris. “Later, she became the godmother to my son. This show allows me to say thank you!”

“Sister Rosetta Tharpe is the Alma Mater to every rock, blues and soul fan,” says Abraham Alexander. “Every musician playing today is a byproduct of the doors SRT has knocked down and the grounds she paved. She is a spirit that lives on today in every guitar player whether they know it or not, and it is an honor to celebrate her legacy.”

“Strange Things Happening: A Tribute to untimely passing in February 2022. Big Stir Records’ first full-length release of 2023, The Power Of And will be available on audio CD and via all digital platforms on Friday, Feb. 24. Information: bigstirrecords.com.

Artist: Ron Sexsmith

Title: The Vivian Line (Cooking Vinyl)

You might like if you enjoy: Elvis Costello, Burt Bacharach

Tell me more: Canadian singer-songwriter Ron Sexsmith is back with The Vivian Line, his first album since 2020’s Hermitage. There is a warmth across the acclaimed artist’s 17th album, but the songs — both lyrically and musically — impress with burgeoning force with each subsequent listen. The yearning opener “A Place Called Love,” nostalgic Baroque pop gem “What I Had In Mind,” literate “Flower Boxes,” sumptuous “Outdated and Antiquated” and joyful “One Bird Calling” are early standouts on the album; the Kinks-flavored “Country Mile,” jazzy “This, That, And the Other Thing,” poignant “When Our Love Was New” and “Ever Wonder” are late disc highlights. Information: RonSexsmith.com.

Sister Rosetta Tharpe”

Sunday, March 19 | 11:00am CT | LUCK Ranch

Featuring: The Binky Griptite Orchestra

Special guests: Abraham Alexander

Amythyst Kiah

Betty Harris

Ruthie Foster

Valerie June

Plus sets from: The Sacred Souls

Gypsy Mitchell

Cookie McGee

Special choir appearance from: Adrian Reed and Anointed Praise