Event Calendar

The 2nd documentary film in the South Arts 6 film series featuring southern stories is coming to the Pikeville community in just two weeks – Stay Prayed Up. The film is screening Tuesday, October 4th at 6 pm at the Appalachian Center for the Arts. This new documentary film screening will be followed by a Q&A with one of the film’s subjects, Phil Cook. Admission is free with a UPIKE ID or just $5 for the public. The film’s description and website/trailer are below and at the bottom of the page is a link to screening information found on the Appalachian Center for the Arts’ website.

“The only thing mightier than Lena Mae Perry’s electrifying voice is her faith. She’s spent the last 50 years sharing and sharpening both as the steadfast bandleader of The Branchettes, a legendary North Carolina gospel group that has packed churches throughout the South and lifted weary hearts as far away as Ireland. STAY PRAYED UP is a spirited celebration, inviting audiences into “Mother” Perry’s close-knit community as the 82-year-old strives to extend her sacred song ministry ever forward.

This fast-paced, foot-thumping documentary follows Perry and The Branchettes as they prepare to record their first, fully live album, a hallmark in the canon of Black gospel groups. Health concerns with long-time, long-fingered pianist Wilbur Tharpe underscore the importance of “capturing the spirit” for producer Phil Cook, a white Wisconsin-born gospel enthusiast and musical polyglot half of Perry’s age. Through shared prayer, laughter, hardships and praise, this “church gospel noisy crew” demonstrates that music, like faith, ain’t nothing without some fire inside. “

Website: https://spiritualhelpline.com/stay-prayed-up

Trailer: https://vimeo.com/701639637

Screening Info: https://us.patronbase.com/_AppalachianCenterForTheArts/Productions/56/Performances