In the late 1930s, Willie Eason introduced the electric lap-steel guitar, played in a manner which closely imitated the African-American singing style, to the spirit-filled, music driven services of the House of God Holiness-Pentecostal church. The steel guitar tradition evolved within House of God unnoticed by the rest of the world for nearly six decades. A series of recordings produced by Arhoolie Records beginning in 1996 brought the soaring, moaning and rocking sounds of the steel guitar played by unknown African-American masters to the public. Critics as well as blues and gospel music lovers the world over have responded enthusiastically:

"For American music fans, it's a find like scientist's discovery of a new species." — Peter Katel, Newsweek.

"It has been decades since anyone in the secular world has played the guitar with this much soul and passion. Deeply rooted and thrilling, this is music for the ages." — Elijah Wald, the Boston Globe

Convention hours are from 1:00 p.m. until midnight both Friday, March 30 and Saturday, March 31. Activities will include screening of the Arhoolie Foundation's Sacred Steel one-hour documentary video, technique workshops, artist showcases, special guest performances, jam sessions and tributes to tradition pioneers. The convention will climax with the Saturday concert which begins at 7:00 p.m. Advanced registration by February 1, 2001 is $10 per day or $18 for both days. Admission at the door is $13 per day or $25 for both days.

The First Annual Sacred Steel Convention was an historic event that has kept critics, fans and musicians buzzing through the year. This year's convention will feature twice as many artists, more performance time, home cooked food, a larger concert hall and auxiliary rooms for vendors.

by: Robert Stone