Historical Society gears up for a ‘gospel explosion’
Concert fêtes the sounds of the city's west side
The Asbury Park Historical Society is set to sponsor a gospel concert to honor the sounds of the city’s west side.
On Saturday, Sept. 28, a “Gospel Explosion” concert will pay tribute to the city’s West Side Missionary Jubilaires, one of Asbury’s oldest and most famous gospel groups, according to a press release from the historical society.
The Missionary Jubilaires will be recognized during the concert and is it hoped that remaining group members — now all senior citizens — will sing. Members are coming in from across the country for the event and they will be honored with a proclamation from the city, the release said.
The show will feature other prominent gospel groups from the East Coast, including Asbury Park’s own Tyron McAllister and his three young sons, the release said.
Charles and Pam Horner, who are considered the preeminent experts on vocal harmony music by the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland, Ohio, are the event’s producers.
“Trust me — if Charlie and Pam are putting on a gospel concert, this is an event you do not want to miss,” said Don Stine, president of the Asbury Park Historical Society. “Especially is you are a fan of the Asbury Park music scene.”
Following a 2011 Smithsonian Institute “New Harmonies” exhibit which displayed the progression of cultural music throughout America history in the city library, the historical society was invited to be part of a special committee charged with sponsoring musical events throughout the city, the release said.
To honor its commitment, the Historical Society committee elected to focus on the city’s west side musical heritage, holding concerts at the Wonder Bar and Paramount Theatre that same year. Both Bruce Springsteen and Southside Johnny Lyon attended the Wonder Bar concert to pay homage to their musical predecessors, who they admit influenced their music, the release said.
Their subsequent “Soul of Asbury Park” concert in the Paramount Theatre was also a success, with theater ushers saying it was “their favorite concert of the year,” Stine said.
“These events are once-in-a-lifetime and I hope people understand this — you will probably never see this happen again,” he said.
The concert will be held art 7 p.m. at the Jersey Shore Arts Center, Main Street and Main Avenue in Ocean Grove. Admission is $20 in advance and $25 at the door.
Proceeds of the event will benefit the historical society’s campaign to purchase the Stephen Crane house, located on Fourth Avenue. Crane is the author of The Red Badge of Courage.
For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit the Asbury Park Historical Society website.
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