A troubadour of truth, Nashville resident Crys Matthews is among the brightest stars of the new generation of social justice music-makers. An award-winning, prolific lyricist and composer, Matthews blends Country, Americana, Folk, Blues, and Bluegrass into a bold, complex performance steeped in traditional melodies punctuated by honest, original lyrics. She is made for these times.
Of Matthews, ASCAP VP & Creative Director Eric Philbrook says, “By wrapping honest emotions around her socially conscious messages and dynamically delivering them with a warm heart and a strong voice, she lifts our spirits just when we need it most in these troubled times.”
Justin Hiltner of Bluegrass Situation adds, her gift is a “reminder of what beauty can occur when we bridge those divides.” In her own words, Matthews says her mission is: “to amplify the voices
of the unheard, to shed light on the unseen, and to be a steadfast reminder that hope and love are the truest pathways to equity and justice.”
A preacher’s kid, a Black woman, a Butch lesbian, and a proud Southerner who sings social justice music right alongside ‘traditional’ Country and Americana music, Matthews is reclaiming not just of the space Black artists have been denied in Country and Americana music, not just of the space LGBTQ people have been denied in communities of faith, not just of the autonomy women have been denied over their own bodies, she is reclaiming the South that raised her.
Diana Wagner is an acoustic musician on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, performing traditional folk and blues, liturgical music, and therapeutic music.
Event sponsored by Community Lutheran Church Social, LGBTQIA+ and Racial Justice Teams with support from Sussex Pride Faith. A freewill donation of $10 is requested but no one will be turned away and all are welcome and celebrated. Any hate language or harmful/hurtful behavior that does not celebrate inclusion is STRICTLY prohibited and you will be immediately asked to leave.