Act of Congress — Press Kit

Act of Congress is a Birmingham acoustic quartet — guitar, mandolin, fiddle, upright bass, and four-part harmony — blending pop melodies with folk, gospel, and progressive-bluegrass roots. The range of a ten-piece in the footprint of four chairs. Together since 2006, the band has toured the world as U.S. State Department cultural ambassadors, performed with symphony orchestras across the country, appeared on CBS Sunday Morning, and records for Centricity Music's Residence Music.

Highlight Performances

U.S. State Department American Music Abroad — international touring since 2012 (10 countries)
5 performances with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra, including the 14th Dalai Lama event (2014)
Performed with the Orlando Philharmonic, Symphony NH, and the UAH Symphony
Multiple features & collaborations with Church of the Highlands
CBS Sunday Morning feature with Jane Pauley (2021)
Walt Disney / Orlando feature performer (2022) · AMEA Feature Artist (2022)
Face of the State of Alabama "Keep Alabama Beautiful" campaign (2016)
Catalog / sync licensing with Google, NPR, and Showtime

Symphony & Orchestral

Full pops programs and original concert-hall works, orchestrated by Grammy-nominated Don Hart (Phish, Amy Grant, Martina McBride). Orchestras include the Alabama Symphony Orchestra (Principal Pops Conductor Chris Confessore), the Orlando Philharmonic ("Home for the Holidays," 2023), Symphony NH, and the UAH Symphony ("A Night of Peace Through Music," ~2,000 in attendance). Charts and full technical rider available; fully self-contained, no backline required.

International / Cultural Diplomacy

Five tours as U.S. cultural ambassadors since 2012 — Thailand, Philippines, Palau, East Timor, Oman, UAE (incl. Dubai), Saudi Arabia, Bali, Liberia, and Jordan (headline set at the Jerash Festival). Highlights include performing for the President of Liberia and a City of Birmingham proclamation (2013) honoring the band's work abroad.

Repertoire

A versatile catalog spanning Motown, soul, pop, classic rock, country, and Americana. Sample: Uptown Funk · Signed, Sealed, Delivered · Respect · I Want You Back · Twist and Shout · Valerie · Superstition · Proud Mary · Feel It Still · At Last · The Way You Look Tonight. Full reception & ceremony lists on our website — and we love to learn yours.

What Clients & Presenters Say

"The dance floor was completely packed all night. Guests who never dance were out there the entire time. It honestly felt like a concert." — Event Planner, Georgia

"Impressive musicianship, abundant talent, ego-free collaboration between band and orchestra." — Mary Colurso, The Birmingham News

"BOOK. THIS. BAND. … four of the most genuine, humble, and talented people in the industry." — Joseph R. Olefirowicz, Conductor

"We LOVE working with AoC — the perfect sound and style to match a full symphony orchestra." — Chris Confessore, Principal Pops Conductor, Alabama Symphony

Awards, Discography & Members

Awards: Best of Birmingham (2016) · City of Birmingham Proclamation (2013) · "Must-See Act" of Alabama · 2011 Year of Alabama Music · IMWS Disc Makers Grand Prize · Colgate Country Showdown regional winner.

Discography: The Hymns That Made Us (2024) · "Welcome To The Heart of God" (2024) · The Christmas Collection (2016) · Worth Fighting For (2012) · Declaration (2008). Released via Centricity Music / Residence Music.

The band: Chris Griffin — guitar · Adam Wright — mandolin, vocals · Tim Carroll — upright bass · Connie Skellie — fiddle, vocals

⬇ Download Press Kit (PDF)