CENTRAL FALLS – For the last 20 years, Mixed Magic Theatre in Pawtucket has presented a concert of gospel music. This year, the renowned Mixed Magic Exult Choir will perform the 20th Annual Greatness of Gospel Concert in the new, state-of-the-art auditorium at Central Falls High School, 10 Higginson Ave., on Saturday, Oct. 10, at 7:30 p.m.
Mixed Magic Theatre is working in partnership with Central Falls High School to develop a district-wide arts as an essential part of education program that also involves the whole community in the presentation of theater, dance, music and cultural events in the new performance venue.
The auditorium was recently named in honor of the family of award-winning actress Viola Davis, a graduate of CFHS, and her sister. Dr. Deloris Grant, who is a celebrated former theater instructor and proud alum of the school.
This year’s concert is titled The 20th Annual Greatness of Gospel: My Soul Look Back in Wonder. The program, under the direction of Kim Pitts-Wiley, is a retrospective of songs performed by The Mixed Magic Exult Choir over the past 20 years. The selections range in style from traditional to contemporary, with a few surprises, and uses Gospel music to tell America’s story.
Gospel music is an original and unique American art form. It was born out of the convergence or some might say the collision of cultures from Africa and Europe, For the Africans, who were mostly brought to America in shackles and chains, a music would emerge out of horrible pain and suffering and desperate attempts to hold on to their identity and cultures while navigating he way through the challenges of learning a new language and a contradictory and often confusing religion called Christianity.
“Still out of the depths of misery, a phenomenal kind of music was born,” states a release.
“No one can say for sure how it all started, this gospel music that would one day be sang all over the world. Maybe it began with the rhythms of the harsh labor, rhythms that could make the work a little easier or briefly transport them back to a village in Africa, where they were once again free,” it adds. “Maybe it began with understanding the biblical stories of Moses and Job, Daniel, Mary Magdalene and Jesus. Perhaps the enslaved people used those stories and music to hold on to their humanity, cling to hope and make plans to find the way to freedom.”
When the Mixed Magic Exult Choir was formed in 2006, it was out of a concern that the traditional gospel music styles, which were born in the south, were at risk of being lost to the next generation. The late Annye Raye Pitts, with roots in Alabama, and her friend and sometime accompanist, Barbara Bryant, from Florida, for years had kept the tradition and style alive in Rhode Island. The main focus of the Exult Choir was to do what was necessary to make sure it survived. But along the way the choir’s founders began to realize that gospel music not only told the story of Black people it also told the story of America. The music remembered and recorded its violent and heroic beginning and its struggle to live up to its idealism and powerful creed, Gospel music summoned people from all walks of life to give themselves over to an emotional and spiritual release and to join with musical forces that were turning mournful field songs into Negro Spirituals, Jazz. Blues. Soul, Rock and Roll, Rap and Hip-Hop.
“You are invited to join in on the celebration of a truly original American art form,” say organizers. “Bring the whole family to what is sure to be a joyful and uplifting experience.”
At a look
What: Greatness of Gospel Concert
Where: The Davis Family Auditorium at Central Falls High School, 10 Higginson Ave., Central Falls
When: Oct. 10 at 7:30 p.m.
For tickets and information: www.mmtri.org
