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. 

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.

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 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.

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.