The Gospel Feast
The Gospel Feast© was first introduced to the American public in 2006 at the University of Arkansas. It is a sit-down dinner served in four courses to paying guests who are entertained with music, drumming, dance, drama, and step.
The idea of The Gospel Feast© came about as a result of numerous conversations Dr. Jones had with fellow music colleagues during his early teaching career. In their discussions, these colleagues would often refer to spirituals as gospel songs and would just as often refer to gospel tunes as spirituals. Desiring to correct this misconception, Dr. Jones was left to decide how he might be able to offer information about these genres and others in a manner that would be entertaining, informative, and inspiring. In 2000, after attending a madrigal dinner, Dr. Jones began putting together the concept of The Gospel Feast©. He subsequently took a sabbatical and spent time researching and putting the ideas on paper. Today, The Gospel Feast© has been presented in various venues in Arkansas, Mississippi, and Beijing, China.
During the presentation the meal is served in four courses which coincide with a different scene being depicted. The scenes are as follows:
Scene 1 - African Culture
This scene presents African songs and narration of African culture and life pertinent to musical events and everyday life at that time.Scene 2 - American Slavery & Spirituals
This scene presents a portrait of slave life with representative songs of the period. Included in this scene is the dramatic presentation “Heartbreak Day” written by Sharon Reives.Scene 3 - Harlem Renaissance & Traditional Gospel Music
This scene depicts freedom in black communities and the music that resulted from past and present experiences.Scene 4 - The Civil Rights Movement & Modern Gospel Music
This scene presents gospel music of the modern era and narration of the importance of music during the Civil Rights struggle.
» Click on the video below to view footage from The Gospel Feast©.
[flashvideo filename=http://inspire.uark.edu/flv/gospel_feast.flv /]
When it was first presented, The Gospel Feast© sold out. The second year it was presented in two nights instead of one and again sold out. It has since been presented on college campuses and in China. A concert version of The Gospel Feast© was presented at the Beijing Concert Hall. Many musicians, community leaders, and church leaders are beginning to realize this as a powerful way of expressing gratitude to a special group of people and an exciting fundraiser.
Presently, Dr. Jones and the University of Arkansas Inspirational Singers are available to present The Gospel Feast© in embassies, churches, schools, and community venues. Additionally, music and cd’s are available to assist groups that may enjoy giving the presentation with some consulting and small ensemble participation by Dr. Jones and the Inspirational Singers.
Please make plans to attend this year’s presentation of The Gospel Feast©, which will be held on February 20 & 21, 2009 at the Fayetteville Town Center.