Harlem Gospel Choir brings C-bus to its feet - Arts

Harlem Gospel Choir brings C-bus to its feet - Arts

The Harlem Gospel Choir had Columbus natives on their feet, singing, dancing and rejoicing, Friday night at the Southern Theatre. The 933-seat Southern Theatre was sold out for this event; audience members filed into the space with excitement.

"I'm glad we could get seats because there were so many people," said Charde Deans, a junior in psychology.

The show opened with a choir of nine, dressed in black and red. From the moment they began to sing, audience members rose to their feet and sang along. One high-soprano lead, filled with energy, informed the crowd that they were about to embark on a spiritual journey.

"It was great. They each had their own personality," said Ann Czaplicki, a senior in speech and hearing science.

A subtle tenor sang "I believe I can fly" in a soft, calm and soothing voice. The powerful choir did not need much to get the crowd jumping; a key board and drum set were the only instruments. Choreographed hand movements and audience participation were the key elements to the choir's success. They brought a woman on stage to sing with them and they even came into the crowd to sing a capella.

"I was nervous to go on stage in front of everybody, but learning the Harlem Gospel Shuffle was an experience I would never forget," Deans said.

Some members of the audience, prepared to worship, brought their own tambourines. The choir did popular songs such as "Amazing grace" and "Isn't she lovely." The show ended with an emotional rendition of "I love the lord" and a joyful "Amen."

"The experience reminded me of being at home and going to church with my family. If they ever come again I will definitely be there," Deans said.

Whitney Miller can be reached at miller.3859@osu.edu.