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REVIEW: Boston Pops capped of their Spring Pops season with a glorious celebration on Gospel Night’s 30th anniversary

Posted on June 20, 2024 by The Sleepless Critic

Celebrating 30 years, Boston Pops Gospel Night has stood the test of time as a glorious and revered annual tradition. Boasting an illuminated brass backdrop layered with firework shaped gold lighting as well as multi-colored imagery, Boston Symphony Hall welcomed a large crowd for this highly-anticipated, 30^th anniversary event for one night only on Saturday, June 8 live and in person in Boston, Massachusetts. Click here for more information and more on upcoming Boston Pops events including Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular featuring The Mavericks, Kelli O’Hara, and much more.

Each year, Gospel Night features a special blend of acclaimed musical guests, a variety of beloved songs delivered by the Boston Pops Gospel Choir as well as an array of memorable performances.

Renowned Conductor Charles Floyd Photo by Mike Mejia

Warmly greeting the crowd and the orchestra was accomplished conductor, pianist, and composer Charles Floyd, who has been conducting Gospel Night for the past 28 years. Click here for a closer look at Charles Floyd and his career.

Distinguished looking in a white tuxedo with black pants and a bow tie, Charles Floyd gave an appreciative wave before opening this joyous concert with George W. Chadwick’s spirited Jubilee which boasts a rush of excitement and anticipation as well as a mix of beautiful yearning and striking rhythms. Duke Ellington’s Caravan was an incredibly robust and exhilarating experience delivering drum-infused, head bobbing rhythms featuring Edmar Colón, David Rosado, Jeriel Sanjurjo and Gabriel Santiago on percussion and featuring Balla Kouyaté with an incredible sound on Balafon.

Balla Kouyaté on Balafon Photo by Mike Mejia

Ten-time Grammy Award-winning a capella gospel group Take 6 highlighted the event as they returned to Gospel Night for an uplifting set of impressive performances. Made up of a half a dozen captivating members which includes Claude McKnight, Mark Kibble, Joel Kibble, Dave Thomas, Alvin Chea, and Khristian Dentley in suits and tailored shirts, Take 6 took the audience on a wide and inspirational journey to provide encouragement and share their joy including the catchy harmonies in Feels Good, an upbeat, yet moving rendition of the Charlie Chaplin’s cover Smile, a fiddle-infused Lullaby and a nostalgic rendition of Ambrosia’s Biggest Part of Me. As cloud shaped lighting hovered above the orchestra, Take 6 also shared a divine rendition of David Bloom’s You deserve it steeped in echoing and acapella harmonies.

The return of A cappella gospel group ‘Take 6’ Claude McKnight, Mark Kibble, Joel Kibble, Dave Thomas, Alvin Chea, and Khristian Dentley Photo by Mike Mejia

The second half of Gospel Night is a rousing celebration encouraging everyone to let loose and dance with the energizing Boston Pops Gospel Choir. In a beautiful black dress and pearls, Katani Sumner encouraged the crowd to get on their feet for Smith’s All Praise which was further emphasized by Ray Martin in an uplifting rendition of Hallelujah You’re Worthy. Ida Kamrara elevated the celebration with Lord You’re Great and Brittany Wells and Loraine Adeymi joined together for a horn infused, expressive and high-powered duet of Wonderful is Your Name/I’m So Thankful as the energy escalated onstage culminating in Zion Rejoice with Sherylynn Sealy.

However, after the encore is the after party.

Led with incredible enthusiasm and sharing a few dance steps, The Boston Pops Gospel Choir Artistic Director and Brother Dennis L. Slaughter gears up each year for a grand, spirit-fueled finale after the finale. It is a toe tapping after party that usually could go all night long, if only they could. Whether it is due to the current state of the world, remnants of pandemic numbers, people buried in discouragement or a combination of all three, the audience’s response was not as enthusiastic has it has been in past years. The finale usually has everyone on their feet and Gospel Night was not as full as it has been in past years.

The Boston Pops Gospel Choir Photo by Mike Mejia

Earlier on during their set, Take 6 delivered an earnest and eloquent message of persistence and resilience before launching into a smooth and touching rendition of Over the Hill is Home. It spoke volumes about overcoming the heartache of life’s challenges and having faith to pull ourselves over that hill to a day that ‘shines so bright.’ We can all use encouragement in these dark times and Gospel Night uniquely brings home that exuberant and electrifying resolve each and every year if we let it sink in.

REVIEW: Led by CeCe Winans, Boston Pops Gospel Night rings in a joyous 25 years

Posted on June 30, 2017 by The Sleepless Critic

Over the past 25 years, Boston Pops Gospel Night has stood the test of time as a glorious and revered annual tradition. An illuminated brass backdrop, shining music notes, and a floating, celluloid film strip adorned the Symphony Hall stage while an enthusiastic crowd filed in for this highly-anticipated, one night only, 25^th anniversary event.

Each year, Gospel Night features a special blend of acclaimed musical guests, a variety of beloved and new songs from the Boston Pops Gospel Choir, and memorable performances. With multiple Grammy Award-winning singer CeCe Winans, a resounding, patriotic, monumental speech about freedom and peace, and rousing performances from the Boston Pops Gospel Choir, the Boston Pops Gospel Night has certainly outdone itself. It’s an annual concert with toe tapping reverence and a spirited finale that always brings the audience to its feet. Click here for more information on the Boston Pops, upcoming events, and more.

Warmly greeting the crowd and the orchestra was accomplished conductor, pianist, and composer Charles Floyd, who has been conducting Gospel Night for the past 23 years. Click here for a closer look at Charles Floyd and his career. Distinguished looking in a white tuxedo with black pants and a bow tie, Charles Floyd gave an appreciative wave before opening the 25^th anniversary concert with Aaron Copland’s spirited Fanfare for the Common Man, as horns blared distinct and clear. It was a mix of tender, powerful, and upbeat melodies that included Bach’s Little Fugue in G Minor and Chadwick’s Jubilee, which culminated into a vigorous finish and wondrous applause.

Gospel Night also recognized what would have been the recent 100^th birthday of the late President John F. Kennedy by paying tribute to him and also honoring award-winning conductor, John Williams, who was the subject of this year’s Boston Pops season. Young and naturally charismatic Reverend Thomas Crowley who is Senior Pastor of Myrtle Baptist Church, passionately delivered JFK’s famous inaugural address, “Let the Word Go Forth,” a stirring and thrilling speech which remains especially prevalent today. The audience was captivated as the Reverend spoke of freedom, peace, ambition, and achieving the American ideal of brotherhood as musical excerpts of John Williams film score, JFK and Celebration 2000: Journey of John Williams rose underneath.

Legendary, Grammy award-winning Gospel singer CeCe Winans Photo courtesy of the Boston Pops

The excitement for multiple Grammy award-winning singer CeCe Winans was tangible. Dressed in a black and multi-colored floral gown, Cece Winans took the stage to roaring applause. CeCe Winans is a flawless soprano whose vocal tone at times is reminiscent of Whitney Houston. CeCe and Whitney collaborated together for the uplifting song, Count on Me in 1996. With a joyful warmth and tenderness and as the Boston Pops Gospel Choir swayed and clapped, CeCe performed an array of faith-filled songs from her latest album, Let Them Fall in Love such as Run to Him, Dancing in the Spirit, Peace from God, Never Have to Be Alone, and the title track. “Welcome to church,” CeCe exclaimed as she gracefully took the stage. Many of her songs spoke about finding hope in despair, forgiveness, and in the state of the world today, how much we are in need prayer. She concluded with a beautiful cover of Fanny Crosby’s hymn, Blessed Assurance, bringing the crowd to their feet.

Featuring a number impassioned performances from talented soloists, Charles Floyd continued to lead the Boston Pops Gospel Choir. Soloist Suzanne Buell and Raymond Martin opened with upbeat, jubilant renditions of Celebrate followed by Carolyn Saxon and David Grandy singing King of Kings. A particular highlight was Katani Sumner’s powerful, expressive, and bluesy rendition of When Sunday Comes. Katani’s smooth version of the song hinted of Ella Fitzgerald in its delivery.

Each year, Gospel Night offers a grand, spirit-fueled finale. Led by The Boston Pops Gospel Choir Artistic Director Dennis L. Slaughter, it is a party that could go all night long, if only they could. One of the biggest highlights of the evening came from soloist Renese King, who sang a tambourine-infused, rollicking rendition of the classic Gospel hymn, Oh Happy Day. Oh, Happy 25^th Anniversary indeed.

Queen Latifah, Ben Folds, ‘Jaws,’ and ‘E.T.’ part of the Boston Pops ‘Celebrating John Williams’ season

Posted on April 7, 2017 by The Sleepless Critic

Sometimes the most tremendous talent is located right in the backyard. Responsible for a wealth of critically-acclaimed and celebrated music scores over a career that spans six decades and beyond, Boston Pops Laureate conductor John Williams has been nominated for 50 Academy Awards, winning five. Legendary film scores for Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Harry Potter, Jaws as well as the Olympic Fanfare and theme and NBC Sunday Night Football are just a glimpse of the spectacular works by the incomparable John Williams.

In honor of John’s 85^th birthday and his incredible accomplishments over the years, The Boston Pops dedicate their season to Celebrating John Williams from Wednesday, May 10 through Saturday, June 17 at Boston Symphony Hall. The season will kick off with multi-talented actress and singer Queen Latifah from Wednesday, May 10 to Thursday, May 11 and finishing off with the 25th anniversary of Gospel Night on Saturday, June 17.

Queen Latifah opens the Boston Pops season Photo courtesy of Boston Pops

The Boston Pops also offers a pre-season concert series hosted by Indiana Jones star, Karen Allen and the live recording of Boston Pops CD release on Friday, April 7. Click here for Boston Pops tickets and here for more information on upcoming BSO concerts.

Led by accomplished conductor Keith Lockhart, a compelling roster of renowned artists and celebrity appearances enliven this spring’s Boston Pops season. The stage and screen have never been brighter with iconic artists such as musicians Ben Folds, Leslie Odom, Jr, and the Party with the B-52s. Other highlights include The Beatles & Beyond, Jaws in Concert, Mamma Mia, E.T. in Concert, Cirque De la Symphonie, Lights, Camera, Music, The Music of John Williams, and more.

Ben Folds Photo courtesy of the Boston Pops

The Boston Pops presents the always phenomenal and wildly-popular Gospel Night once again led by Charles Floyd and the return of Film Night with John Williams. Click here for a full list of performances.

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Leslie Odom, Jr from Hamilton will perform with the Boston Pops Photo courtesy of the Boston Pops

Click here for tickets, call SymphonyCharge at 1-888-266-1200, or visit the Symphony Hall box office during business hours at 301 Massachusetts Ave in Boston, Massachusetts. Follow The Boston Pops on Facebook and Twitter for updates.