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Maryland Spirituals Initiative Gospel Concert
June 17, 2023 @ 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Celebrate Juneteenth with this special gospel concert/lecture on the soul-stirring history of African American spirituals that are illustrated in the paintings of local artist Ruth Starr Rose (1887-1965).
Many of Rose’s works depict scenes of spirituals that the artist personally experienced as she worshipped at A.M.E. churches in the historically Black towns of Copperville and Unionville in Talbot County over a century ago.
Under the auspices of the Maryland Spirituals Initiative, Richard Potter will give a lecture on the essential role these spirituals played as one of America’s most compelling and elusive art forms. Leroy Potter will lead a choir of Marylanders assembled from a variety of sources (including the Union Baptist Church and Tidewater Singers) singing the songs portrayed in Ruth Starr Rose’s prints.
As an added feature of the concert, we are pleased to introduce “There is a City Called Heaven”, a book of spirituals envisioned by the artist combining her lithographs along with words and musical notes arranged on each page. Though not published during Rose’s lifetime, the book will be available and is based on a recently discovered mock-up which reveals a unique engagement between the artist and community.
A book signing will follow the lecture/concert.
