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Gladys Knight (of the Pips) fame has put together an chorus of 38 people plus 4-5 instrumentalists for a 90 minute show which she is presenting in selected cities around the country. They are finishing a 4 state tour now, and do 5-6 of these a year. According to their flyer “Through words and music the choir brings a strong Christ-centered message where all races and cultures become acquainted with the Saints.” It is about 1/3 monologue and 2/3 music, mostly in the tradition of Black spirituals. This is certainly not your grandpa’s Tab Choir. But it has the official approval of the Church. It began with Glady’s Knight’s conversion, maybe 15-20 years ago. She conducted some local LDS choirs before having the opportunity to perform for Pres. Hinkley’s birthday. He liked it and asked her to take it on the road. Originally they financed their own trips, but when the Great Recession hit, their funding dried up. But the missionary department picked it up but they report to Elder Ballard. Nevertheless, they have maintained much of the style of black gospel music combined with contemporary electronic instruments to create a very appealing show. It is fun, uplifting, and most everyone smiling through the presentation.
The Church is using it as a missionary tool, so don’t advertise through normal channels. But if it come to your awareness I highly recommend it. The message is very upbeat, stresses shared cultural ties with other religions, turns a welcoming hand to all races and beliefs.
In our stake, they presented 3 shows on saturday, and 2 on sunday. One of the members told me they do 5-6 tours a year, about 10 days each, depending on what budget they get each year. The performance was done in our Stake Center, using their sound system, video screens and lights. The building was modified so that only one public entrance was used, all the class rooms, kitchen, RS room, etc. were dedicated to supporting the cast. I believe the performers are all volunteers, though some of the staff I suspect may be paid, but I’m not sure. ( I saw one at the hotel, unabashedly smoking). Approximately 40 locals were used for crowd control, parking and other services. The even rented the parking lot of a neighboring church and a school to handle the overflow.
The singing was marvelous, hearing music techniques that I (in my musical ignorance) don’t know the words for, but they had great range in volume, rhythm, pitch that I had never heard in Church. Applauding, which was highly appropriate for this kind of music, was encouraged by the Stake President. They used much humor throughout, but it also was very moving emotionally, and for some, spiritually, too.
If you get a chance I would encourage you to attend one of these concerts.
P.S.
A factoid I pulled out of the event that I cheered on: Of the 341 songs in our song book, 190 of them are borrowed from other denominations. That’s 56% of our songs that came from the wisdom and sensitivity of other ministers,
not directly from authorized LDS sources.I have heard it is amazing. From their website: Quote:Q. How can I obtain a schedule of SUV upcoming presentations?
A. Our general schedule is not available to the public. If you email us an inquiry about a specific city, we can let you know if we expect to be there within the year. Submit your inquiry on our “Contact Us” page.
FYI: Due to limited availability and funds, the SUV very rarely returns to the same city to offer presentations a second time.
Sports Utility Vehicle? I think this is a good idea – a positive influence on the church.
Talking of songs from elsewhere. I can never get use to our version of Guide me o thou great Jehovah – I prefer the version used outside.
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