April 21, 2002, 7:00 PM
First Congregational Church, Atlanta

Renowned musician-theologian Dwight Andrews, Steven Darsey and the Meridian Chorale will lead a program of spirituals and folk hymns, Sunday, April 21, 7:00 PM at First Congregational Church (UCC) of Atlanta, where Andrews is pastor.  The program is free.

First Congregational Church is located at the corner of  John Wesley Dobbs and Courtland, in downtown Atlanta - 105 Courtland St. NE.

The African-American Spiritual – among America’s best-known folk genres, developed in the crucible of slavery – the musical-spiritual expression of an oppressed people. Less well known is the Folk Hymn – a musical form arising from poor whites in the 19th century south.  While the Spiritual and the Folk Hymn have distinct origins and developmental streams; nevertheless, there was mutual influence.  In 19th century religious meetings, blacks and whites often worshipped together, sharing songs and singing styles.

This program presents some songs that are represented both in the Spiritual and the Folk Hymn tradition – sung by members of the Meridian Chorale and the Choir of first Congregational Church and well as the audience.  The program will be led by Dwight Andrews, Pastor of First Congregational Church and Steven Darsey, Music Director of the Meridian Chorale. During the program, the attendees will be invited to discuss aspects of the music. This is the second of an annual series presented by Meridian Herald and First Congregational Church.

Dwight Andrews is a renowned composer, jazz artist, scholar and pastor. His composition credits include collaboration with August Wilson for the Broadway production of his plays, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, Joe Turner's Come and Gone, The Piano Lesson, and Seven Guitars.  With his Ph.D. in music theory and divinity degrees from Yale, and his vocation as pastor and musician, Andrews is uniquely gifted to bring theology to life through music.  For more information on Andrews see - http://www.emory.edu/MUSIC/andrews.htm

Meridian Herald is proud to participate in this project with Dwight Andrews and First Congregational Church.  For more information, please see our web site – www.orpheusdei.com/meridianherald.htm or call 404 525 4722.