DeShawn Hickman to unveil the power of the sacred steel guitar tradition at Boonerang
BOONE — It has been an amazing year for steel guitar master DaShawn Hickman. After beginning his musical journey in the church when he was about four years old, Hickman has risen up to become a power in the blues, folk, rock and gospel music worlds.
Hailing from Mt. Airy, NC, the home of Andy Griffith and the Mt. Airy Fiddler's Convention, Hickman released his album "Drums, Roots & Steel" in 2022 to much acclaim. Recorded with fellow musician Charlie Hunter, the recording would go on to receive a Blues Music Award nomination for Best Emerging Artist Album at the awards show in Memphis a month and a half ago.
During his career, Hickman has collaborated and performed with artists like blues guitarist Eric Gales, singer Molly McGinn, banjo great Riley Baugus, singer and songwriter Laurelyn Dossett, Boone's own Dave Brewer, and International Bluegrass Music Association Hall of Famer Alice Gerrard.
Just two weeks ago, Hickman attended a convention of sacred steel guitar players in Florida, which brought in the Grammy Award-winning musicians Derek Trucks and his wife Susan Tedeschi for a surprise visit, with both being the leaders of the Grammy Award-winning Tedeschi Trucks Band. While Hickman's wife was singing with Tedeschi, he had the chance to talk with Trucks and make a connection.
The whirlwind trajectory of Hickman's musical life brings him to Boone to perform a 2 p.m. set at the 2nd annual Boonerang Music and Arts Festival.
Last year's first-ever Boonerang Festival was a stunning success, with many streets in downtown Boone bringing in more than 5,000 music lovers.
Boonerang 2023 will take place on June 15-17 in downtown Boone with shows being presented at venues ranging from the Appalachian Theatre to the Jones House Cultural Center to outdoor stages located on both ends of Depot Street. There will also be side stages located at Expresso News on Howard Street, a dance area at Wild Craft Eatery on King Street, and a Kid's Zone found on the grounds of the Jones House.