Blind Boys of Alabama
with Special Guest Bobby Rush
The Blind Boys of Alabama are recognized worldwide as living legends of gospel music. Celebrated by The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and The Recording Academy/Grammys with Lifetime Achievement Awards, inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, and winners of five Grammy® Awards, they have attained the highest levels of achievement in a career that spans over 70 years. The Blind Boys are known for crossing multiple musical boundaries with their remarkable interpretations of everything from traditional gospel favorites to contemporary spiritual material by songwriters such as Eric Clapton, Prince and Tom Waits. They have appeared on recordings with many artists, including Lou Reed, Peter Gabriel, Bonnie Raitt, Willie Nelson, Aaron Neville, Susan Tedeschi, Ben Harper, Patty Griffin and Taj Mahal.
Blind Boys of Alabama released Echoes Of The South on Aug 25, 2023, which finds the Gospel Music Hall of Fame inductees coming home to honor those they’ve lost, on a bold declaration of how far they still plan to go. The eleven-song collection is a portrait of perseverance from a group well-versed in overcoming incredible odds – from singing for pocket change in the Jim Crow South, to performing for three different American presidents, writing the soundtrack to the Civil Rights movement, and helping define modern gospel music as we know it. Recently, the group’s decades-long mission of spreading light and love has taken on even deeper context, as they’ve reckoned with the loss of two of their own, Paul Beasley and Benjamin Moore, both longtime members of the Blind Boys tight-knit family. Echoes Of The South is released in their honor – as well as for the group’s recently-retired leader Jimmy Carter – and keeps the Blind Boys’ long-held mission statement at its core: “As long as everybody gives all that they have to give and we sing songs that touch the heart, we’ll live on forever.”
In 2022 they had a collaborative recording with Béla Fleck nominated for a Grammy. The collaboration, “I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free,” powerfully reimagines the anthem of the Civil Rights Movement originally made famous by Nina Simone. They also have had collaborative recordings and coinciding tours with both Marc Cohn and afro-pop duo Amadou & Mariam. In 2023 they earned another Grammy nomination for Best Americana Single for “The Message,”featuring Black Violin. Back again in 2024, Blind Boys earned three Grammy nominations for their album Echoes of the South. Blind Boys now have 15 career nominations and six total wins with the 2024 Grammy for Best Roots Gospel Album – Echoes of the South.
Genesee County residents receive 30% off – discount applied at checkout.
Build your package today!
Choose any 3 shows in the 2023-24 FIM Season and receive a 15% discount.
Create your own package here
-
Recording Devices
Unauthorized cameras and recording devices are not allowed inside the lobby or theatre at any time (this does not include mobile phones).
-
Know Before You Go
Patrons will receive important information prior to events in the Know Before You Go email that is sent to all ticket holders. It includes last minute details on road closures, safety & security measures, and availability of services such as valet. Information updates will be posted to our website and also to social media as appropriate. Please be sure we have your email.
-
Accessible Seating Areas
The beautiful and historic FIM Capitol Theatre presents some unique accessibility challenges. It is strongly recommended that you discuss your accessibility needs with your Patron Services Representative prior to purchasing your ticket. Capitol Theatre balcony is NOT accessible by elevator. Wheelchair and walker accessible seating is on the Main level only. The balcony is up two flights of stairs (21 steps), with an additional 15 steps down to the seating area.
-
Security
FIM has implemented new security policies and protocols. To view all of our security measures, click here.
-
Policies
To view all FIM Ticket Center & venue policies, click here.
-
No re-entry
No Re-entry. Once your ticket has been scanned, please plan to stay and enjoy the entire performance. Patrons will not be allowed to re-enter.
-
Smoke/vape free zone
Smoke-Free Zones. All FIM venues are smoke-free. Per Michigan Law, Public Act 188, smoking is not allowed inside a venue or within 20 feet from the entrance to the building. Violators will be asked to leave. Vape-Free Zones. Vaping is not allowed anywhere within the venue. Violators will be asked to leave.
-
Weapon free zone
Weapon-Free Zones. Firearms and weapons of any kind, including concealed weapons and pocket knives are prohibited.
-
Assistive Listening Devices
Assistive listening devices are available at no charge. These devices are available from the FIM Capitol Theatre Main Bar. A driver’s license, state-issued ID card or another form of security deposit is required.
-
Familiarization Tours
Familiarization tours are offered to all patrons. Take a tour of the seating area and facilities before purchasing tickets. Guided tours for the visually impaired are available by appointment. Contact FIM Ticket Center to schedule your tour.
-
Disruptive Patrons
Disruptive patrons, regardless of age, will be asked to leave. No refunds will be given.
-
Program Content
Please note some performances may contain adult themes. Please check the event listing age recommendations prior to purchase or call FIM Ticket Center.
-
Children & Families
All patrons, regardless of age, must have a ticket to enter the venue. Children under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult. For safety reasons, strollers and car seats are not allowed in the theatre. Regardless of age, disruptive patrons will be asked to leave. No refunds will be given.