Behind the Strings: Music Symposium
Behind the Strings: Music Symposium, produced by Swan Strings, is a free, community-centered gathering celebrating the heavenly birthday of Sister Rosetta Tharpe — the Godmother of Rock & Roll whose gospel guitar shaped the sound of American music.
Rooted in Swan Strings’ commitment to equity-centered music education, cultural storytelling, and community concerts, the symposium honors the sacred gospel foundation that gave rise to blues, rock & roll, and soul. By centering Sister Rosetta Tharpe’s lineage, we celebrate both history and the living impact of Black women who continue to transform guitar culture today.
The afternoon includes keynote dialogue, a panel discussion, a screening of the award-winning documentary Behind the Strings: Amplifying Black Feminism in Guitar Culture, a free guitar workshop, and a live musical tribute. Together, these elements create space for intergenerational exchange — connecting ancestral influence to contemporary artistry.
Hosting this gathering at St. Paul United Methodist Church is intentional. Located in a historic Freedman’s Town, the church stands on sacred ground rooted in Black faith, resilience, and self-determination — a fitting place to honor the gospel traditions that shaped Sister Rosetta’s sound and the broader American music canon.
Participants
Quo Johnson– Keynote Speaker and Panel Moderator
Cookie McGee– Dallas-based, Texas Blues Legend (Performance and Panel)
Kam Franklin– Houston-based, Grammy Award–Winning Vocalist (Performance and Panel)
Jess Garland– Visit Dallas, Can-DO Spirit Award Winner (Arts & Entertainment), Founder of Swan Strings (Performance, Workshop Lead, Panelist)
Kierra Gray Thomas – Featured Vocalist and Guitarist
Brianne Sargent–Featured Bass Guitarist
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Join us for a film screening, panel discussion, free guitar workshop (pre-registration required), and live musical tribute honoring Sister Rosetta Tharpe.
To register for the guitar workshop, email programs@swanstrings.com.
As we honor Sister Rosetta Tharpe’s heavenly birthday, we gather not only to remember, but to amplify, restore, and reimagine who we see behind the strings.
Distance From Key Points of Interest
- Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center: 1.29 miles
- Dallas Love Field Airport: 5.49 miles
- DFW International Airport: 16.08 miles
- AT&T Stadium: 17.50 miles
Admission
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