Flamy Grant, the drag folk musician who has made recovery from Christian religious trauma her cause, is coming through Iowa and Illinois for nine shows in May and June.
Grant, whose mantras include ”nothing is sacred but everything is holy,” will appear in Chicago, Davenport, Des Moines and Galena between May 3 and June 1.
“I love bringing my sparkle and songs to the Midwest and am excited to be back this spring,” said Grant (above) from the road.
With a stage name that is a play on one of her idols, Christian and pop recording artist Amy Grant, the artist named Matthew Blake in real life blends folk, gospel, roots music, storytelling and theater.
She’s originally from Asheville, N.C., where she was a former worship leader at a fundamentalist church. Grant eventually left organized Christianity altogether after spending years “planting” churches, serving youth groups and proselytizing.
Grant’s “incredible music, great voice” and “powerful story” drew Davenport music director Matt Bishop to arrange Grant’s appearance in that Quad Cities community.
He says he’s thrilled that his church, First Presbyterian, is showing “there are churches who will proudly host a drag queen and hold a Pride service and provide a safe space.” First Presbyterian hosts two Flamy Grant shows May 31 and June 1.
Grant’s second album, ‘CHURCH’, has sprouted a #20 single on the Billboard Christian digital sales chart, and is currently #8 on the iTunes Country chart.
Grant kicks off her Midwest run with a May 3 show at Chicago’s Old Town School of Folk Music, where she’ll open for folk artist Susan Werner.
She’ll head west to Galena, Ill., May 4 for an evening show at Lord of Love Lutheran Church. Galena favorite Amanda Zasada will open for Grant.
On May 8, Grant appears in Des Moines as part of the Capital City Pride Speakers series. She’ll also perform a concert May 9 for Capital City Pride, plus a second Des Moines concert at the Downtown Disciples May 11.
Grant heads back to Chicago May 30 for a show at Friendship Presbyterian Church. She’s in the Quad Cities on May 31 and June 1, with concerts at Davenport’s First Presbyterian Church.
Belleville in southern Illinois will also host Flamy Grant with a show at Venue on Main June 25. For more information about Grant’s shows, head to flamygrant.com.
Photos courtesy Flamy Grant. A version of this article originally appeared in the April/May edition of the MainStream print magazine. Order home delivery here.
