Ryan Starkweather Emerald
The Oregon Gospel Ensemble rehearses for tonight’s show, which will pay homage to gospel’s greatest artists.
Music
with a
Gospel
ensemble’s
sound will
shake the
soul and 'put
a smile on
your face’
%
By Yael Menahem
Oregon Daily Emerald
The University’s Gospel En
semble is bringing uplifting mes
sages through its concert tonight
as part of Black History Month.
The performance schedule
features contemporary gospel
songs, said Cedric Weary, direc
tor of the ensemble, because to
day’s gospel music blends differ
ent styles of music like rhythm
and blues, hip-hop and rock ’n’
roll.
“Gospel is more contemporary;
it’s more diverse,” Weary says.
“It’s not just ‘clap your hands.’”
This gospel concert “crossfes]
that line and blend[s] all the
sounds together,” Weary says.
In addition to directing, Weary
has written several original songs
that will be performed tonight.
“I’m So Grateful” and “Blessed
Assurance” reflect artists that
have influenced his style, he
pointed out. Among those inspi
rations are Walter and Edwin
Hawkins and Andre Crouch.
The performance also includes
“God Can” and “Saints Let’s
Dance” by Hezekiah Walker, and
songs by Lawrence Matthews
and Greg O’Quinn.
To put the concert together,
Weary says, “I did a lot of listen
ing. I bought a lot of CDs and I
tried to pick the [songs] that
would be most interesting for the
choir to sing. I want to challenge
them and challenge their
[singing] range and ability.”
Although gospel music is usu
ally related to the church, it
crosses religious boundaries and
its appeal is gospel music’s mes
sage.
“It’s a happy message,” he
says. “Always put a smile on
your face no matter what you’re
going through. There’s always
going to be tomorrow — it will be
a brighter day. It’s always an up
beat kind of feeling in gospel.”
The University Gospel Ensem
ble performs tonight at 8 p.m. in
Beall Concert Hall. Tickets range
from $3 for students and senior
citizens to $5 for general admis
sion. Al tickets can be purchased
at the door before the concert.
Dance Theatre
Department of Dance Presents
e 2000
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