Steel Guitar Convention Elevates Lexington with Scintillating Riffs
Lexington, SC – A most flavorful symphony of melodious, twangy tunes will grace the city of Lexington on May 18th and 19th 2024 as the South Carolina Steel Guitar Convention rolls into town. This considerable event, scheduled to take place at the treasured Bill’s Music Shop & Pickin’ Parlor on Meeting Street, serves as an exhilarating celebration and exploration of an iconic instrument that essentially shaped country music – the pedal steel guitar.
Tracing Melodic Roots
A deep dive into the enchanting world of pedal steel guitar wouldn’t be complete without a venture into its historical origins. Remarkably, this now quintessentially country instrument traces its roots back to the 19th Century Hawaii. It was, however, given a power surge in 1920s Los Angeles by the musician George Beauchamp to ensure its sound could compete with the newly electrified instruments of that era.
The pedal steel guitar as we know it made its country debut in the early 1950s, most notably punctuating the emotion in Webb Pierce’s hit single, “Slowly.” Since then, the instrument has become a staple of country music, underlining timeless hits from George Strait, Alan Jackson, Sara Evans, and Buck Owens, often evoking imagery of heartbreak and resilience.
A Two-Day Instrumental Affair
The South Carolina Steel Guitar Convention promises a riveting, two-day affair dedicated to the electrified Hawaiian instrument. The event promises comprehensive instructions, equipment exhibitions, professional advice, and a jam session surging with the charisma of the steel guitar.
Day One: Gleaning Expert Insight
The first day, Saturday 18th, is all about learning under the tutelage of the crème de la crème of pedal steel guitarists. Skilled steel guitarist Mike Sweeney offers an expert-led workshop from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., allowing opportunity for budding and established musicians to enhance their skills and learn new captivating chord progressions. This will be succeeded by a lively, free jam session from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., fostering an environment marked by unscripted musical synergy.
Day Two: A Celebration of Music
As the convention spills into its second day, Sunday 19th is dedicated entirely to performance. Buffetted by an all day snack bar and an open, hardwood dance floor, incredibly talented musicians such as Roger Crawford, Gary Hart, Bill Nicholson, Mike Sweeney, Brett Crisp, and Ron & Ronnie Kyne take turns to charm the audience in 30-minute performances from 11:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Whether you’re enraptured by the sounds of country music, a pedal steel guitar player seeking networking opportunities or a curious music enthusiast willing to discover more about an instrumental cornerstone of country music, the South Carolina Steel Guitar Convention offers an immersive musical experience. Be part of a historical exploration, educative sessions, and pure entertainment, all under one roof in the highly anticipated Steel Guitar Convention in Lexington, SC.
