During some downtime between Tedeschi Trucks Band tours, Florida residents Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi dropped by the 71st Florida Folk Festival on Saturday for an impromptu sit-in as part of the event’s annual Sacred Steel Summit, a sort of “festival-within-a-festival” showcasing the best and brightest players embodying the steel guitar-centered gospel music tradition.
Joining Sacred Steel legends Aubrey Ghent, Calvin Cooke, Ted Beard, Chuck Campbell, Brian Byrd (The Lee Boys), and more on the festival’s intimate Old Marble Stage, the husband-and-wife duo—who were married by Ghent more than 20 years ago—added some joyful noise to the free-form gospel jam with their extended appearance. Derek, on his trusty Gibson SG, laid down slide solos and traded riffs with the steel guitar consortium. Susan delivered an impassioned vocal rendition of “Amazing Grace” before letting the holy spirit wash over her, stomping and singing along to the sacred sounds and celebration surrounding her.
Below, check out a compilation of photos and videos from Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi’s surprise appearance at Florida Folk Festival 2023’s Sacred Steel Summit.
Sacred Steel Summit w/ Derek Trucks, Susan Tedeschi – Florida Folk Festival – 5/27/23
[Video: grassflats2]
Sacred Steel Summit w/ Derek Trucks, Susan Tedeschi – Florida Folk Festival – 5/27/23
[Video: Derrick Lee]
Florida Folk Festival is a three-day celebration of the music, dance, stories, crafts and food that make Florida unique. From Irish fiddle tunes, contra dancing and root beer floats to the wide varieties of music of immigrants, the state’s cultural heritage reflects the lives of generations of Florida families and communities. The Sacred Steel Summit, now it its third year, brings together the living legends of Sacred Steel music to honor the style’s deep roots and continued vibrancy. For more information about the Florida Folk Festival, head here.
Related: The Garden Parties: Tedeschi Trucks Band Plots TD Garden & Madison Square Garden Shows
Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi are due to hit the road with Tedeschi Trucks Band for a lengthy summer tour beginning next month. For a complete list of the band’s upcoming shows, head here.
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