Grand Rapids Symphony

Saturday, February 28, 2009

Pantlind Ballroom, Amway Grand Plaza Hotel

Our evening together at the Grand Rapids Symphony's 2009 Celebration of Soul Gala honoring Duane and Kaye Davis, Bing Goei and Rev. Dr. Clifton Rhodes Jr. with Celebration of Soul Legacy Awards followed by the Symphony with Soul concert featuring the three-time Grammy award winning group Ladysmith Black Mambazo was truly memorable. The dinner program highlighted Young, Gifted and Black scholars, Auguste Niyibizi (cello), JaVon Durr (violin) and Benjamin Boone (viola) and brought us to our feet with the sophisticated sound of Shades of Blue - directed by Legacy Award recipient, Duane Davis. The performances moved us all and reminded us that music and the Arts truly bridge all cultures and comprise our shared heritage. The tributes by friends and remarks made by the recipients were powerful reminders of the many ways each leader is making changes in the fabric of our community today. The concert following the dinner extended the night’s festivities. The performance opened with a powerful Grand Rapids Symphony accompanied by a passionate and inspiring Community Gospel Choir. The concert was capped by the soothing and mesmerizing sounds of three time Grammy Award winning, South African a cappella singing and dancing group, Ladysmith Black Mambazo.

Support for Celebration of Soul enhances the Grand Rapids Symphony’s Young, Gifted and Black Scholarship program, providing instrumental lessons for young African-American musicians and the Symphony’s music education services; both urban and suburban in-school programs that reach 77,000 West Michigan students each year, 5800 of which are in Grand Rapids Public schools.

Please save Saturday, February 27, 2010 for our fifth annual Celebration of Soul gala featuring guest artist, Too Hot To Handel, A Soulful Celebration of Handel's Messiah. From the selection that we heard at the concert "And He Will Purify" there is every indication that next year's event will deliver on its promise to be … Too Hot to Handel!

Click here to listen to the podcast of David's recent radio interview.

Click here to view the invitation: page 1, page 2.

Photos from the evening

Kaye & Duane Davis

Bing & Jean Goei

Clifton & Martha Rhodes, Jr.

Kristen Shoup & Benjamin Boone

JaVon Durr & Elvie Bernard

Auguste Niyibizi