Description:

The Newman Center on the University of Denver campus will be filled with the diversity of Denver's voices November 7. Reflecting a vibrant renewal of citizen participation during the last year of events in our nation, the 7 th Annual Spirituals Project Gala gives voice to spirit and hope in overcoming obstacles with this year's theme And the Walls Come Tumblin' Down.

And the Walls Come Tumblin' Down celebrates how spirituals music and cultural tradition have helped African Americans and people from all walks of life overcome challenges, share comfort and instill hope.

This intergenerational performance joins Elders and Youth by blending the old and new in spirituals tradition and cultural evolution of music and spoken word performances. Elder poet Joan Colby Wilson's interpretation of Langston Hughes' work will contrast with high school youth poet and Denver native Devin Hardin, and two choral groups from the Denver School of the Arts (DSA). The men's/women's Chorale and women's Bellissima will join the popular 70+ member Spirituals Project Choir now in its 11 th season. Performances will include Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho featuring soloist Charles Stevenson and the Spirituals Project Choir; Take Me to the Water (arr. Rollo Dilworth) with the DSA Chorale; We Are One (arr. Brian Tate) by the Chorale; and performances by DSA's Bellissima of This Little Light of Mine (arr. by Ysaye Barnwell) and Ev'ry Time I Feel The Spirit (arr. by William L. Dawson).