TMC Presents 'The Evolution of Gospel Music' at Global Kingdom Ministries, 2/5 & 2/6

On February 5th and 6th at 7 p.m. (EST) the spectacular musical production The Evolution of Gospel Music (EGM) returns to relive the tale of a people thrust into a new land and stripped of everything but their music.

The EGM showcases five eras of gospel using live music, drama and dance. It dynamically charts a triumphant legacy that spans the early days of Negro spirituals through the turmoil of the 60's, to the influence of gospel in today's contemporary urban music landscape. The production, which opened in 2009 to crowds of over 1,200 people, aired on CBC Radio and is available online on CBC's Concerts on Demand.

EGM was conceived and directed by the powerhouse team of Juno award-winning Toronto Mass Choir (TMC) director Karen Burke, gospel music producer Corey Butler, and singer/actor/producer Aadin Church (The Lion King, Miss Saigon). The show will be lead by Burke, a Professor of Music at York University, and Butler will lead the professional rhythm section.

A phenomenal cast representing some of the best Canadian gospel musicians, actors and dancers will re-enact the voyage through the golden age of gospel, celebrating the music of Thomas Dorsey, Mahalia Jackson, James Cleveland and other iconic artists. Powerful vocalists have also been assembled for the front-line singers, including Marlene O'Neill, Amoy Levy and Peter Moncrieffe. Guest artist Aadin Church will lead the journey, as a character called ‘The Traveler', along with onstage partner Karen Jules.

Toronto Mass Choir (TMC) will present The Evolution of Gospel Music at Global Kingdom Ministries as a main feature of Black History Month and tickets can be purchased online at www.evolutionofgospelmusic.com. To meet a goal of positively impacting the local community they have partnered with UrbanPromise Toronto, who believe "children and young adults have the potential to achieve success, and with support they can reach their God-given potential." A portion of the proceeds will be donated to this cause. TMC is also working with other local organizations to bring groups of youth to a special matinee to provide an educational and uplifting experience for them.

About the Toronto Mass Choir

The Toronto Mass Choir (TMC) is a not-for-profit 35-member choir who have been pioneers within the industry for more then 20 years, while paving the way for some of the best gospel talent in Canada. They have performed at countless award shows and venues, including The Ottawa Bluesfest, the Toronto Jazz Festival, the Canadian National Exhibition, Roy Thompson Hall with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, and at the Gospel Music Workshop of America conventions in Washington, DC, Atlanta and Detroit. TMC has released six albums with their soulful style of calypso, ska and new sounds, with the fusion of jazz and reggae, and have won multiple awards, including a Juno Award, two Gospel Music Association Canada (GMAC) Covenant Awards, a Vibe Award, An Urban Music Association of Canada Award and a Shai Award.

About UrbanPromise

UrbanPromise Toronto began in 1998 with the vision to see change in government-housing neighbourhoods. Beginning with one small after-school program for children UrbanPromise has grown into an organization that reaches hundreds of children, youth and families in four communities across the city.