Steel guitar enthusiasts will gather at Vincennes University later this month for the second annual Southern Indiana Steel Guitar Show. The event is set for Saturday, July 26, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Shircliff Humanities Theatre.
The show supports VU’s audio recording scholarships and celebrates the unique sound of the steel guitar. Only 300 tickets are available for the intimate setting at the theatre.
VU Audio Recording Program director Virgil Franklin, who helped create the event, said the idea grew naturally from his passion for the instrument and his connections in the steel guitar community.
“Because I love steel guitar and I’m tied into the community pretty deep, it seemed like a natural thing to do,” Franklin said. “We put one on last year, and this year we’re back. The VU Alumni Association has gotten behind us, so it’s a much bigger show than last year.”
This year’s lineup highlights a mix of traditional, Texas swing, and modern steel guitar styles. Franklin also pointed to well-known players who will be featured. “We’ve got Dow Smith, who is a member of the Texas Swing Hall of Fame. Mike Sweeney is well known — he’s a Nashville staple and played with Ray Price. Dan Burnham is one of the most hilarious steel players you’ll ever experience in your life,” he said.
Several local and regional musicians will also take the stage, including Paul Carie, Tony Rothrock, and Bud Hall.
The night will close out with a performance from Mel Tillis Junior & The Memory Makers.