Steele sisters sing unique songs at concert in Fridley

A joyous distraction, that’s what sisters Jevetta and Jearlyn Steele are hoping to deliver when they headline an ongoing concert series at St. Philips Lutheran Church in Fridley on Saturday, Sept. 27. The concert is titled: Choose Joy! Steele Sisters Gospel Concert. The music was hand-selected with some songs that audiences have never heard.

The lineup is meant to connect the audience. “I put together a list that I thought would inspire and motivate us to do better, to feel good and to elevate. That’s the purpose,” said Jevetta Steele.

The concert comes at a time when many Minnesotans could use a break from headlines and an increasingly divided nation.

“We can agree to disagree, but if we can respect one another and understand we’re all human beings, then I think we have a chance, but if we continue to give each other these dark, cloudy titles, we’re going to be in real trouble in this country,” said Jevetta Steele. Connecting on the common love of live music is the simple goal for the evening.

 “We’re going to try and celebrate community, love for one another, diversity, and all good things,” said Jevetta Steele.

Jevetta, Jearlyn and their three siblings J.D., Fred and Billy, make up the Steeles. They have been singing together since they were kids and performing their iconic Christmas show in Minneapolis for decades.

The show at St. Philips will feature gospel blues, gospel, jazz, and gospel funk. But Jearlyn says it goes beyond gospel. “Jevetta came up with an incredible list of songs we sang when we were very young and songs that are new today. I mean, I’m even doing some Al Green,” said Jearlyn Steele.

Jearlyn says she’s been on stage since she was 5 years old and even though there are moments the family doesn’t agree, they always support each other. “Knowing that your siblings are the ones who are standing by you, if you make a mistake, they are there to support you. That’s what being a family really means to me.”

The Steeles say it’s part of their fabric to use their talent to spread joy, especially when it is needed most. “Our parents taught us that community is everything,” Jearlyn Steele explained. “It’s third on the list, God, family, and community, and so we try to make sure we stay involved.”

You can choose joy at the Steele Sisters Gospel Concert happening Saturday, Sept. 27, at St. Philip Lutheran Church, located at 6180 Highway 65 NE in Fridley. Learn more at: https://splcmn.org/st-philips-concert-series/