Stay Prayed Up – Documentary Film Screening – Featuring Q&A with Film Representative

This documentary follows 82-year-old black gospel singer Lena Mae Perry Perry and her band as they prepare to record their first, fully live album. A Q&A with a representative from the film will follow the screening. This film is the 2nd of 6 that will be featured in Pikeville, KY as part of the Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers sponsored by South Arts and the University of Pikeville.
Full Film Description:
The only thing mightier than Lena Mae Perry’s electrifying voice is her faith. She has spent the last 50 years sharing and sharpening both as the steadfast bandleader of The Branchettes, a legendary North Carolina gospel group that has packed churches throughout the South and lifted weary hearts as far away as Ireland. Stay Prayed Up is a spirited celebration, inviting audiences into “Mother” Perry’s close-knit community as the 82-year-old strives to extend her sacred song ministry ever forward.
This fast-paced, foot-thumping documentary follows Perry and The Branchettes as they prepare to record their first, fully live album, a hallmark in the canon of Black gospel groups. Health concerns with long-time, long-fingered pianist Wilbur Tharpe underscore the importance of “capturing the spirit” for producer Phil Cook, a white Wisconsin-born gospel enthusiast and musical polyglot half of Perry’s age. Through shared prayer, laughter, hardships, and praise, this “church gospel noisy crew” demonstrates that music, like faith, ain’t nothing without some fire inside.
For more information you can watch the film’s trailer at: https://vimeo.com/701639637 and you can go to the film’s website at:
https://spiritualhelpline.com/stay-prayed-up

Runtime: 72 Minutes
Screening Location: Appalachian Center for the Arts 218 2nd St, Pikeville, KY 41501
Admission: Free with UPIKE ID; $5 for General Public; Can Pay at the Door
For the full slate of South Art films screening this Fall – Spring check out:
https://www.southarts.org/…/southern-circuit-tour…