Strumming Up Hope: Award-Winning Country Artist Steven Cade Brings Giving Guitars Tour to Alexandria

Award-winning country music artist Steven Cade brought his Giving Guitars Tour to Alexandria this week, performing live at Carpenter’s Shelter (930 N. Henry Street). With his heartfelt lyrics and acoustic melodies, Cade lifted the spirits of those in attendance and donated a brand-new guitar to inspire future storytellers through the power of music.

The Giving Guitars Tour is Cade’s ongoing mission to bring music—and hope—to shelters across the country. His visits focus on connecting with families, youth, and individuals experiencing homelessness, including foster children and at-risk teens. At each stop, he donates a guitar, performs live, and reminds audiences that their voices, stories, and futures matter.

Joining him in Alexandria were his wife Kellee and their children. “We travel to shelters in between my shows—it’s what we do, and we do it in faith,” Cade said. During the visit, he offered songwriting tips (“Write every day, and pay attention to the techniques used by artists you admire”), answered questions, and emphasized how music can become a personal outlet during life’s toughest seasons.

To date, Cade has visited more than 135 organizations in 22 states and three countries, donating over 250 new guitars to individuals and communities in need. His stops have included homeless shelters, foster homes, rehabilitation centers, domestic violence shelters, low-income schools, and more.

“Everyone’s voice needs to be heard,” he said. “You all have powerful stories. This might just be a season in your life, but no one can take that story from you. One day, you’ll be able to say, ‘I got through that — and I’ll get through this, too.’ That strength lives inside you.”

He shared the inspiration behind one of his most meaningful songs, “Love Louder,” which was considered for a Grammy in the category of Best Social Impact Song of the Year. “I wanted to write something that captured the spirit of unity — like “We Are the World”— because love is such a powerful word. It’s something we all share.”

Here’s a live snippet:

“Music is healing,” Cade said. “It allows you to express your story, to feel joy again. And the guitar? It’s such a powerful tool — it changes lives.”

Carpenter’s Shelter supports more than 900 children, women, and men each year on their journey toward stable, independent lives. Through shelter, guidance, education, and housing placement, their ultimate goal is helping people transition into permanent, affordable housing. Learn more about their impact and how you can get involved here.

Steven Cade is based in Nashville and is the founder of the Giving Guitars Foundation. He’s currently touring nationwide and promoting his new single, Fall For You.

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