Northwest Folklife

Gospel Community

Members of the Royalty Gospel Choir, Photo by Daniel Atkinson

Pastor Pat Wright of the Total Experience Choir, Photo by Daniel Atkinson

Gospel Showcase

Monday, May 31, 2010, 11:00 AM-2:00 PM

Mural Amphitheatre

Though the word gospel has been used to describe the "good news" of New Testament Biblical text, it has also become the signifier of a uniquely American genre of folk music. Born in the decades before World War II, gospel music is a folk expression that employs both sacred and secular performance styles that, until the 1930s, were forbidden in most Afro-American churches. The Gospel Community has been a part of Northwest Folklife since 1979 and, under the leadership of Pastor Pat Wright, the annual Monday performance has become one of the most popular showcases. Attendees can expect to hear a great deal about the history of the genres that make up gospel music at the showcase, including Jubilee, quartets and contemporary choirs. (Reverend Patrinell Wright, Gospel Community Coordinator) Featured Performers: Jubilee Singers, Brother Willie and the Market Crew, Fantastic Gospelaires, Rev. Gwendolyn Coates and the Total Experience Gospel Choir

UPCOMING EVENTS

Here's what's coming up:

August 21: Family Days - West African 1-3PM at the EMP - FREE
November 13: 2nd Annual A Night for Folklife, a benefit for Northwest Folklife

This calendar is reserved for events hosted, presented, or sponsored by Northwest Folklife or events that benefit our organization. To post community events please visit our Forums.