Thistle Farms at the Ryman: Revolutionary Love
On March 19, 2024, the Thistle Farms community gathered at the Mother Church of Music, the Ryman Auditorium, to celebrate the idea of Revolutionary Love - a driving force behind the work that Thistle Farms does on behalf of women survivors of trafficking and prostitution in Nashville and across the globe.
Concertgoers were treated to musical performances by a variety of artists, from the soul-stirring sounds of bluegrass and folk to the uplifting rhythms of gospel and country, the stage was alive with talent and passion.
Three remarkable artists, Bronwyn Keith-Hynes, Brenna MacMillan, and Cristina Vane, came together to deliver a captivating bluegrass performance as a trio. The stage then welcomed a choir comprised of Thistle Farms graduates and community members, led by Victoria Sanders of the Center for Contemplative Justice, as they delivered a stirring rendition of Tracy Chapman's "Revolution." Following this, Nashville-based composer Dave Ragland led the esteemed Fisk Jubilee Singers in the performance of a debut composition, showcasing their timeless grace and vocal prowess.
The evening continued to dazzle as award-winning singer-songwriter Marcus Hummon, accompanied by his son, country singer Levi Hummon and the Fisk Jubilee Singers, debuted their heartfelt composition "Love Heals," crafted exclusively for Thistle Farms. Grammy Award-winning artist Ruby Amanfu then took the stage, delivering a soulful and poignant spiritual that left the audience spellbound.
The evening's featured performer was the historic Fisk Jubilee Singers, who took center stage for a selection of songs that captivated the audience under the masterful direction of Dr. G. Preston Wilson, Jr. Their performance paid homage to the rich musical tradition of Negro Spirituals, filling Nashville's Mother Church of music with an undeniable sense of reverence.
Bringing the evening to a close was folk artist Mary Gauthier, who delivered a poignant rendition of her hit song "Mercy Now," joined by each of the evening's performers in a moving finale.
Throughout the event, Graduates of the Thistle Farms program and longtime members of the community took to the stage to share their reflections on the theme of Revolutionary Love, adding depth and meaning to an unforgettable evening of music and camaraderie.
While unable to join us in person, Isabel, Lori, and Foundation Advisor Sarah Hillesheim accepted the award via the video below.
Another highlight of the evening was bearing witness to the story of Ty Johnson, 2015 Graduate and Director of Body & Home. The video followed Ty's journey through joining the Thistle Farms community, her graduation in 2015, and her life since - becoming a new homeowner and working her way up from pouring candles to being in charge of the entire Body & Home manufacturing facility, Ty embodies all that Thistle Farms hopes for each graduate of the program: the safety and space to heal and dream of the future she deserves.
Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate the Thistle Farms community. In the two weeks following the concert, supporters have helped us to raise almost $200,000 to go toward expanding our continuum of care through adding new beds to our Nashville residential homes and supporting the initiatives like the continued growth of our Job Readiness training program and more.
Many thanks to:
Musical Director, Dave Ragland
Thistle Choir Director Victoria Sanders
Stage Director Kelli McClendon
Scene Designer Cara Schneider
Light Designer Anthony Popolo
Event Photographer Laura Schneider
Impact Video Producer Jordan Roepke
…and to the countless Thistle Farms staff members, volunteers, and community members who made this night one of beautiful celebration, whether behind the scenes or in the audience.
Three remarkable artists, Bronwyn Keith-Hynes, Brenna MacMillan, and Cristina Vane, came together to deliver a captivating bluegrass performance as a trio. The stage then welcomed a choir comprised of Thistle Farms graduates and community members, led by Victoria Sanders of the Center for Contemplative Justice, as they delivered a stirring rendition of Tracy Chapman's "Revolution." Following this, Nashville-based composer Dave Ragland led the esteemed Fisk Jubilee Singers in the performance of a debut composition, showcasing their timeless grace and vocal prowess.
The evening continued to dazzle as award-winning singer-songwriter Marcus Hummon, accompanied by his son, country singer Levi Hummon and the Fisk Jubilee Singers, debuted their heartfelt composition "Love Heals," crafted exclusively for Thistle Farms. Grammy Award-winning artist Ruby Amanfu then took the stage, delivering a soulful and poignant spiritual that left the audience spellbound.
The evening's featured performer was the historic Fisk Jubilee Singers, who took center stage for a selection of songs that captivated the audience under the masterful direction of Dr. G. Preston Wilson, Jr. Their performance paid homage to the rich musical tradition of Negro Spirituals, filling Nashville's Mother Church of music with an undeniable sense of reverence.
Bringing the evening to a close was folk artist Mary Gauthier, who delivered a poignant rendition of her hit song "Mercy Now," joined by each of the evening's performers in a moving finale.
Throughout the event, Graduates of the Thistle Farms program and longtime members of the community took to the stage to share their reflections on the theme of Revolutionary Love, adding depth and meaning to an unforgettable evening of music and camaraderie.
"Revolutionary love is a poetic language that fuels community. It’s powerful enough to change legislation, language, marketplaces, and workforces."Presented onstage by 2015 Graduate Kristin Beckum (with special guest and longtime Thistle Farmer, Rev. Frannie Kieschnick), this year's Thistle Farmer Award recognized the leadership and love embodied by the Isabel Allende Foundation, highlighting its role in creating a marketplace of justice. Through two decades of investing globally in organizations that strengthen the bonds of sisterhood, the foundation has made a profound impact supporting justice and marginalized women across the globe.
While unable to join us in person, Isabel, Lori, and Foundation Advisor Sarah Hillesheim accepted the award via the video below.
Another highlight of the evening was bearing witness to the story of Ty Johnson, 2015 Graduate and Director of Body & Home. The video followed Ty's journey through joining the Thistle Farms community, her graduation in 2015, and her life since - becoming a new homeowner and working her way up from pouring candles to being in charge of the entire Body & Home manufacturing facility, Ty embodies all that Thistle Farms hopes for each graduate of the program: the safety and space to heal and dream of the future she deserves.
"Revolutionary love is an old idea, but births new initiatives."Thistle Farms Founder and President Becca Stevens and CEO Tasha Kennard also took to the stage to share remarks about the work done at Thistle Farms and our goals for the future: the expansion of our services and network here in Nashville across the country, and around the globe.
Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate the Thistle Farms community. In the two weeks following the concert, supporters have helped us to raise almost $200,000 to go toward expanding our continuum of care through adding new beds to our Nashville residential homes and supporting the initiatives like the continued growth of our Job Readiness training program and more.
Many thanks to:
Musical Director, Dave Ragland
Thistle Choir Director Victoria Sanders
Stage Director Kelli McClendon
Scene Designer Cara Schneider
Light Designer Anthony Popolo
Event Photographer Laura Schneider
Impact Video Producer Jordan Roepke
…and to the countless Thistle Farms staff members, volunteers, and community members who made this night one of beautiful celebration, whether behind the scenes or in the audience.
