MAY 25 | Gospel Matinee
May 25, 2025
Miner Auditorium
A double dose of soul brings together two of the nation’s most exciting gospel music acts on the same program. Avery*Sunshine has been one of the leading emissaries for gospel music in the 21st century, appearing at major theaters, performing arts centers and jazz festivals. After gaining notice in the gospel/R&B duo DaisyRew, she went international with the solo house hit “Stalker.” But it was her 2010 solo debut, which featured guest appearances by Roy Ayers and Christian McBride, that catapulted her into the big leagues. A gifted keyboardist, she also toured as an accompanist for Tyler Perry and Jennifer Holliday and worked as a choral director for Atlanta performances by artists such as Michael Bublé, Anthony Hamilton and David Foster. With her solo career taking off, she’s released a series of acclaimed albums, singles and EPs, maintaining a devoted following with her sumptuous voice and exhilarating performances.
If Avery*Sunshine embodies contemporary gospel’s embrace of jazz and R&B, the Harlem Gospel Travelers draw inspiration directly from The Soul Stirrers, The Dixie Hummingbirds, The Swan Silvertones and other classic gospel quartets that crisscrossed the country in the 1940s and ‘50s. Emerging out of a non-profit music education program in Harlem led by Eli “Paperboy” Reed, the HGT garnered rave reviews with its 2019 debut album He’s On Time, while attracting high-profile fans like Elton John (who invited them to appear on his Apple Music radio show Rocket Hour). After performing on major stages from Pilgrimage to Telluride Jazz, the group was poised for a breakout year in 2020. Coming out of the pandemic with a new lineup featuring Thomas Gatling, George Marage, and Dennis Bailey, the HGT revealed an urgent new sound informed by Curtis Mayfield and The Staple Singers on 2022’s Look Up! Focusing on original material responding to pandemic anxiety, political upheavals, and social unrest, the music faces down doubt and despair with faith, perseverance, and glorious harmonies.
Artists who represent the pinnacle of modern gospel music share this double bill for a rousing Sunday celebration of the spirit — singer and Aretha Franklin protege Avery Sunshine and the audaciously talented Harlem Gospel Travelers.
A remarkable voice
PopMatters on Avery Sunshine
A remarkable voice
PopMatters on Avery Sunshine
Personnel
HARLEM GOSPEL TRAVELERS
Thomas Gatling vocals
George Marage vocals
Dennis Bailey vocals
Others TBA
Drawing on the past, the Harlem Gospel Travelers manage to create something beautiful and new
All Music Guide
Personnel
HARLEM GOSPEL TRAVELERS
Thomas Gatling vocals
George Marage vocals
Dennis Bailey vocals
Others TBA
Drawing on the past, the Harlem Gospel Travelers manage to create something beautiful and new
All Music Guide
Watch & Listen
Harlem Gospel Travelers
We Don't Love Enough
Avery Sunshine
My Way
Harlem Gospel Travelers
We Don't Love Enough
Avery Sunshine
My Way