Arkansas Center for Black Music to Present Celebration Concert Aug. 1
The Arkansas Center for Black Music at the University of Arkansas presents “The Finale” on August 1st at 7pm at the Meteor Guitar Gallery in Bentonville. Well-known guest artists and students from the Master of Music in Black Sacred Music program will present a celebration of the country’s only graduate program in Black Sacred Music. The event features Music Moves as a community partner and the Arkansas Gospel Chorale as the supporting community choir.
Three incredible guest performers will headline the event: two-time Grammy nominee VaShawn Mitchell, whose music has topped both gospel and R&B charts and garnered multiple Dove Awards, will be a featured performer. Additional guests include Krista Overby, an internationally recognized artist and worship pastor at Life Church in Laurel, Mississippi, and renowned recording artist, worship leader and music educator Curtis Gulledge Sr. of Orlando, Florida.
The Master of Black Sacred Music Program, supported by the Arkansas Center for Black Music and housed within the U of A Department of Music, is the only program of its kind in the United States and attracts students from across the country from a wide range of diverse musical and professional backgrounds. The program launched in 2023 as part of the founding of the Arkansas Center for Black Music. "The Finale" will feature each of the students in various roles as producers, performers, conductors and composers — demonstrating the unique breadth of the program.
"I am thrilled and incredibly honored to share the combination of our students' hard work and dedication over this summer," said Jeffrey Murdock, founding director and professor of music education. "The Black sacred music tradition is one that has been long overlooked in academia and I am thankful for the way in which the University of Arkansas and Northwest Arkansas has embraced these genres. This concert will be a showcasing of the very best of Black sacred music and will reflect the many talents and of our students."
"This is such a special event celebrating our incredible students and the vision for this groundbreaking program," says the center's associate director, Jake Hertzog. "Authentic experiences like this are essential to the pedagogy of Black sacred music, and this program is leading the field in graduate education."
Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. at the Meteor Guitar Gallery in Bentonville, 128 W. Central Avenue. The concert is free and open to the public. Free tickets may be reserved.
About the Arkansas Center for Black Music: The Arkansas Center for Black Music's mission is to advance the research, development and dissemination of Black music; the growth of leaders and scholars in this field; and the elevation of Black music in academic, professional and community music spaces.
About VaShawn Mitchell: VaShawn Mitchell is a Chicago native and gospel music powerhouse with over 25 years in the industry. From choir director to Minister of Music, Mitchell's journey is marked by collaborative spirit, evident in his project "VaShawn Mitchell & Friends." His career highlights include the 2010 gospel hit "Nobody Greater" and albums like Triumphant and Created 4 This. Mitchell, honored with seven Stellar Awards and three GMA Dove Awards, leads the Gospel Heritage Foundation and champions gospel music globally. His latest album, Chapter X, reflects personal resilience and honors his late grandmother, featuring guests Jekalyn Carr and Kelontae Gavin.
About Krista Overby: Krista Overby is an artist who has over 20 years of experience as a minister of music, currently serving as worship pastor at Life Church in Laurel, Mississippi. Her musical journey includes recording two gospel albums and sharing the stage with renowned artists like Tamela Mann, Yolanda Adams, and Leandria Johnson. Krista has showcased her talents internationally, performing in gospel concerts across Spain, Trinidad, and the Czech Republic. Additionally, she is a key member of the Gulf Coast cover band, Unfazed Show & Band LLC, and a frequent performer at FestivalSouth.
About Curtis Gulledge Sr.: Curtis Gulledge Sr. is a highly sought-after international virtual vocal coach, worship leader, recording artist, and founder of C Sharply Management in Orlando, Florida. With extensive experience, he has trained over 500 students worldwide, ranging in age from 5 to 70. Curtis's professional background spans roles as a K-12 music educator, music director for middle and high school theater programs and community theaters, music workshop clinician and coordinator for churches and religious organizations, traveling artist-in-residence for several universities, and a songwriter and arranger. His exceptional contributions to educating young people, coupled with his 100% positive approach to personal development and encouragement toward greatness, have earned him numerous awards.
Contacts
Jake Hertzog, assistant professor
Department of Music
479-575-4701,
music@uark.edu