Karen Somerville, Pastor Leon Frison
With Special Guests
A Celebration of Black History Month 

The Mainstay is proud to present, as its opening concert of the season in honor of Black History Month, History of Praise – An African American Legacy, a gospel concert celebrating the enduring power of African American worship, music, and cultural history.

From the fields of bondage to the campgrounds of revival, from humble churches to the grand stages of Broadway, gospel music has carried the voice of a people. It is the language of fortitude, born of struggle and lifted in triumph. Through spirituals first whispered in hush arbors, through bold call and response that gathered voices as one, through songs that carried hidden messages of hope and freedom, African American praise has always been more than music. It is resilience made audible and joy made visible.

This evening’s program is inspired by Psalm 150, a scripture that calls for praise in every place and through every sound, from trumpet and harp to dance, strings, and cymbals, ending with a simple command for all who have breath to praise the Lord. The concert follows a historical and musical arc that traces the progression of African American worship from bondage to the Civil Rights era and beyond, shaping a living legacy expressed through scripture, testimony, and song.

History of Praise is structured as a journey through styles and eras, blending unaccompanied a cappella tradition, gospel quartet roots, and the sanctified sound that swings with jazz and blues. Featured selections include music shaped by the call and response tradition that influenced work songs, spirituals, gospel, and blues. The program also reflects the deep emotional landscape of songs like “I’ve Been Buked,” a spiritual that echoes the sorrow and strength of enslaved Africans, and timeless classics such as “Take My Hand, Precious Lord,” presented tonight with a jazz vocal and saxophone reprise. Modern gospel testimony is heard in “Total Praise,” an iconic work beloved in the African American worshiping community.

The concert also honors the powerful evolution of gospel quartet singing, a style that emerged after slavery and grew through groups such as the Fisk Jubilee Singers. That tradition continues through beloved contemporary gospel classics including “Something About the Name Jesus” and “Hold On.” A special segment highlights Duke Ellington’s Concert of Sacred Music, including the spirited gospel waltz “Tell Me It’s the Truth,” and his enduring belief that every man prays in his own language, and there is no language God does not understand.

Tonight’s performers bring this story to life with artistry, scholarship, and deep spiritual conviction. Karen Somerville leads the way as founder of the acclaimed vocal trio Sombarkin’, known for expressive harmonies and sophisticated vocal interplay across spirituals, blues, and jazz. Bishop Leon Frison serves as Master of the Ceremony, bringing a remarkable legacy as a trumpet artist, arranger, producer, and pastor whose career spans award winning gospel projects and major performance halls. Joining them are powerful voices and outstanding musicians including soprano Portia Turner, Reverend Denise M. Jones, and a gifted band featuring Gerry Werner on piano, Jeff Davis on bass and guitar, Anthony Turk Cannon on saxophone, Chris Copper on drums, and flutist DéJaneé Jones.

History of Praise invites audiences to hear more than songs. It is a cultural story told through sacred sound, a legacy shaped by faith and survival, and a celebration of how praise has carried generations forward and continues to sing through us today.

Join us for a remarkable evening of music, history, and community as we celebrate the legacy and spirit that define Kent County.