American Revival

15/05/2026

Dear Memphis,

It was such an honor to be in community with your artists, helpers, students, teachers, families, chefs, servers, preachers, rabbis, and organizers this week.

We had a tight timeline on our show — and it wouldn’t have happened at all without the extraordinary trust and hospitality gifted to us from the entire Memphian community.

Our Memphis show featured the Whitehaven High School Drumline, words by Nicholas Ma, music and poetry by Yo-Yo Ma and Tasha LaRae, the blues from Keb’ Mo’, magic by Valerie June with her fearless string trio featuring Alice Hasen and Tamar Love, energy and presence from Arrested Development, and students from Montgomery’s Valiant Cross Academy reminding us that Love is the Answer.

We can’t wait to be back.

Dear Memphis, we love you.

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📸 These stunning photos and videos were taken by Memphis-based photographer Sean Davis.

14/05/2026

On a Tuesday in Grundy County Tennesee…

American Revival welcomed eight superstars, five lion dancers, two community music groups, one Cherokee Episcopal priest, and of course, all of you, into one of the country’s most sacred natural performing spaces. 

We witnessed the Plateau Community Choir perform “Orphans of God,” Nicholas Ma remind us that we are in the right place at the right time, Abigail Washburn and Yo-Yo Ma play “Bright Morning Star” – you could hear a pin drop – Martha Redbone and Béla Fleck join Abigail for a stunning rendition of “Warrior”, Bude van Dyck enlighten our audience with the prayer of the four directions, T Bone Burnett sing “Everybody wants peace / But nobody wants to surrender” –  Arrested Development get everybody out of their seat for “Tennessee” – which does in fact hit different in Tennessee – and Montgomery’s Valiant Cross Academy join everybody for a finale with local lion dancers to say Love is the Answer. 

We will never forget this night.

Thank you, Grundy County.

14/05/2026

💜💜

🤎What a day at the Helpers Festival!

We loved spending Saturday surrounded by so many neighbors, volunteers, and organizations who care deeply about Grundy County. 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝘂𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘄𝘀 𝘂𝗽, 𝗯𝗶𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by to learn more about Housing Hub, share your own housing stories, or just say hello. Every conversation helps us understand the real needs in our community and strengthens the work we’re doing together to make safe, affordable homeownership a reality for more families.

And a huge shout‑out to American Revival and all the “helpers” who make this festival such a bright spot. We’re grateful to be part of a community that believes in showing up for one another.

Here’s to building, learning, and getting stronger —together. 🏡

12/05/2026

We are thrilled to feature this beautiful piece, “Holding Polarities” by Pippa Browne on our Grundy County postcard. Be sure to fill one out and add your voice to our Postcard Project at our events this week!

11/05/2026

Darel Snodgrass at sat down with Nicholas and Yo-Yo Ma to talk about the heart behind American Revival — how it came to be, and what it means to create something together. Give it a listen wknofm.org.

We can’t wait to see you Wednesday, May 13th at the . Helpers Festival opens at 5PM, show at 7PM. Tickets are available at american-revival.us

10/05/2026

American Revival was featured featured in The Memphis Flyer! Thank you for taking the time to speak with Nicholas and Valerie, Alex! We are looking forward to being with you on Wednesday, May 13th at the Scheidt Family Performing Arts Center. Helpers Festival opens at 5PM, show at 7PM.

10/05/2026

What a day in Grundy County! The Festival of Helpers brought together some of the areas finest change makers for an afternoon of music, food, and real opportunities to get involved. Grateful for every person who showed up and for the work being done right here in Tennessee. Special thanks to the Littell Partin Center for the incredible hospitality!

09/05/2026

Today!

Join local organizers, nonprofits, artists, faith leaders, and your neighbors for a community jam and square dance, food trucks, Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood screenings, and so much more. Come see how you can make a tangible difference in your community!

08/05/2026

American Revival is heading to Tennessee! Join us:

Saturday May 9
1-5pm
Festival of Helpers
Littell Partin Center

Tuesday May 12
6-9pm
Americal Revival: Grundy County
The Caverns

Wednesday May 13
5pm, 8:30pm (Pre-show and post-show)
Festival of Helpers
Scheidt Family Performing Arts Center

Wednesday May 13
American Revival: Memphis
7-8:30pm
Scheidt Family Performing Arts Center

Tickets & more info: american-revival.us/cities

06/05/2026

JUST ANNOUNCED: Memphis based cellist will join and on stage at American Revival Memphis next week at the on May 13th! Tickets are at the link in our bio.

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The American Revival is a new traveling festival of hope and connection, created by filmmaker Nicholas Ma, that brings people together across divides.

06/05/2026

📣 See you soon, Grundy County! 📣

We have a lot in store this week and next week— starting with the Helpers Festival at the Littell-Partin Center on Saturday, May 9th at 1pm!

Our May 12th show at The Caverns will feature the same lineup as our postponed January show — plus some special guests! Ticket proceeds will go to the Littell-Partin Center.

We can’t wait to see you soon.

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The American Revival is a new traveling festival of hope and connection, created by filmmaker Nicholas Ma, that brings people together across divides.