Sweet Honey in the Rock returns to Goshen College Oct. 25, tickets sold out

GOSHEN, Ind. -- Four years after their well-received first performance at Goshen College, Sweet Honey in the Rock will be returning to the campus on Oct. 25. This Grammy award-winning sextet will perform at 7:30 p.m. in the Sauder Concert Hall, Music Center as part of their 30th anniversary tour.

The group, composed of six African-American women, draws on the sacred music tradition of the Black church, of spirituals, hymns, gospel, jazz and blues. Their a cappella voices weave these various traditions into a wide range of songs, many composed by members of the group or commissioned for them. They have the maturity and depth of artists connected with the communities in which they perform, bringing their audiences more than entertainment. With authenticity, grace and elegance they create layers of sound that connect with themes of liberation and empowerment.

This will be the last year the group will perform and tour with Bernice Johnson Reagon, founder of the group. Reagon, a civil rights activist with a doctorate in history, founded the group in 1973. Since its beginnings, the group has been a consistent voice against oppression, using its rich harmonies, rhythms and lyrics to tell the stories of women, African-Americans and those living in poverty.

Shirley Childress Saxton, the professional sign language interpreter who has interpreted 23 years for the group adds another dimension to the music and makes Sweet Honey in the Rock's music available to the hearing impaired.

Tickets are sold out for this concert. For tickets to other Performing Arts Series events, or for more information, contact the Welcome Center at (574) 535-7566 or e-mail joannp@goshen.edu.

-- Tim Nafziger

Future concerts in the Performing Arts Series:

* Nov. 16, 4 p.m. -- Toledo Symphony with Goshen College Choirs

* Jan. 17, 2004, 7:30 p.m. -- Del McCoury and Band

* Jan. 22, 7:30 p.m. -- Jose White String Quartet

* Feb. 14, 7:30 p.m. -- Bonnie Rideout and The Scottish Trio with piper Jerry O'Sullivan

* March 12, 7:30 p.m. -- Greg Brown (Add-On)

Goshen College is a national liberal arts college known for leadership in international education, service-learning and peace and justice issues in the Anabaptist-Mennonite tradition. Recognized for its unique Study-Service Term program and exceptional educational value, GC serves about 1,000 students in both traditional and nontraditional programs. The college earned citations of excellence in U.S. News & World Report and Barron's Best Buys in Higher Education. For more information, visit www.goshen.edu.

 

Editors: For information, contact Jodi H. Beyeler at (574) 535-7572 or jodihb@goshen.edu.