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Sacred Steel Instrument Fund

2001-2002 – Sacred Steel Instrument Fund

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The purpose of the Sacred Steel Instrument Fund was to provide a source of instruments to talented musicians, to support the African-American sacred steel guitar musical tradition, and to encourage those musicians to continue the tradition by sharing instruments.

For several years, at the Sacred Steel Convention in Florida, instruments and equipment were donated to deserving musicians. The instruments were originally donated to the Arhoolie Foundation’s Sacred Steel Instrument Fund by various individuals and businesses. A selection committee chose promising players from applicants whom they felt would benefit or be encouraged by receiving an upgraded model guitar, new or used. Fourteen musicians received instruments and equipment from the fund.

Dear friends,

On Giving Tuesday, we announced the capital campaign to purchase our building at 10341 San Pablo Ave in El Cerrito — home to the Arhoolie Foundation (and before that Arhoolie Records), Les Blank Films, and Down Home Music Store since 1976. We’ve been heartened by the community’s response to our fundraising announcement. To all who have donated so far: thank you. We couldn’t do this without you.

Now, while there is a contract in place to buy the building in partnership with Les Blank Films, we need to raise $1.2 million — our half of the purchase price — by April 15. Donations to the campaign can be made via the link below, by check, or by bank transfer. (To make a bank transfer, please email us at info@arhoolie.org).

In the new year, we look forward to collaborating with Les Blank Films and Down Home Music to bring more public programming to our community. We plan to revive Les Blank and Chris Strachwitz’s tradition of in-store film screenings and will host more informal, free performances and gatherings in the store as part of our outreach work. We believe this collaboration will result in a vibrant community gathering place dedicated to music, film, and deep roots culture.

If you’re interested in donating and would like to discuss our plans for the building, please don’t hesitate to email director Adam Machado at adam@arhoolie.org.

Thank you for your support as we begin this exciting new chapter!

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