Teen guitar prodigy Grace Bowers to appear at Nashville's Labor Day 'AB Block Party' event
17-year-old blues guitar prodigy Grace Bowers' heart is as big as her talent is vast.
On Sept. 4 from 1-11 p.m. CT, she joins a diverse crew of like-minded creatives -- event emcee and WKRN anchor Blake Eason, critically acclaimed folk performer Joy Oladokun, comedian Josh Black, Nashville mayoral candidate Freddie O'Connell (spinning tunes as a DJ) and 2023 CMT Equal Access program artist Denitia among them -- as downtown Nashville's former Anzie Blue restaurant venue partners with independent Nashville radio station, Lightning 100 for the inaugural AB Block Party.
The all-ages festival is free, with a suggested donation of $20 to support the neighboring Belcourt Theatre's ongoing independent cinema and arts education initiatives.
Tickets are available online at https://www.anzieblue.com/product/ab-block-party/1297.
AB Block Party producer Marcie Allen notes via a press statement that she is "excited" to bring "diverse" artistry from Nashville and related Southern locales to the Hillsboro Village neighborhood.
The previously-mentioned Bowers is -- similar to Oladokun five years prior -- amid a Nashville star-making moment. The San Francisco area native's COVID-19 quarantine era evolution from a Mississippi John Hurt, B.B. King, Freddie King and T-Bone Walker devotee to a Gibson Guitar-sponsored and Newport Folk Festival-booked artist co-signed by Devon Allman, Devon Gilfillian, Valerie June and Margo Price is noteworthy.
Also considerable is her recent July 10 Grace Bowers & Friends benefit for Music City's tragedy-struck Covenant School in Nashville.
Artists including Ben Chapman, Meg McRee and Aaron Lee Tasjan joined her at the Basement East for the charity event.
"On [Sept. 4], the diversity of that lineup is exciting because everyone on that lineup has such a similar spirit. Approaching fame without heart and love makes your art transparent in a not-so-good way," says Bowers to The Tennessean.
Her earnestness in her creative approach has opened doors for her with fellow prodigal blues talents like Memphis' Christone "Kingfish" Ingram.
"When I'm playing the 12-bar blues, I know the old Mississippi Delta cats' influence is still alive. However, beyond the blues, I've surrounded myself with a fantastic musical community aimed at helping each other grow as artists," Bowers adds.
However, youth is still as much a virtue as a disadvantage for her artistic development.
In a town filled with 21+ honky-tonks, events like the AB Block Party are beneficial because she's still unable to play in front of live crowds with ideal regularity.
Thus, Bowers is left filling her dates with impromptu jams and recording sessions in town.
"I'm bringing my best self to the table, daily and developing my classic rock, funk and soul-infused style while doing so," says Bowers when asked about the most significant value of Nashville's perpetual, almost stereotypical ask for artists to be "authentic" and "truthful" in their creativity.
Diving into her greatest hope from Sept. 4's event, Bowers' excitement becomes palpable as she describes the ultimate moment of her set, or perhaps, the best value of events like these, in general.
"I'm here for Nashville moments with a great band where fun, magical grooves happen."
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Teen guitar prodigy Grace Bowers to appear at Nashville's Labor Day 'AB Block Party' event
