Christopher rates it:
Hallelujah! Gospel has come to the Capital Fringe Festival for the first time, and it is here to stay!
The minute I walked into the Goethe Institute, I was greeted in the lobby by a stunning (and almost ethereal) woman, Ms. Rosita Matthews. We shared a warm introduction and handshake, and I was prompted to take my seat according to my vocal range. Granted, this could scare the choir robe off of the shy and reserved. But, if you come to raise your voice and your spirits in this extraordinary interactive gospel experience, do not miss Let’s Sing Gospel 101!
Let’s Sing Gospel 101! with Rosita Matthews is not only entertaining, it’s exciting. With a one-hour crash course in gospel singing, Matthews takes the audience into the history and basic elements of performing gospel music, one of the most beautiful indigenous American art forms. Matthews is a classically trained pianist who took the charge of leading her first choir at age fifteen. Her experience is unquestioned – as she joked, “I’ve seen it all!”
A few technical errors took away from the short hour; however, Matthews weathered with humor, spirit, and amazing grace. I was honestly sad to see it end so soon, clapping my tambourine with applause. Rosita Matthews is accompanied by Mr. Ricky Fishley on drums, fusing a multi-media presentation with a
call-and-response performance with the audience. Let’s Sing Gospel 101! is a must see for those who love to sing, those who want to sing, or those who don’t mind trying something new in a warm and lively atmosphere!
Disclaimer: No rhythm necessary. Must be able to clap.
Let’s Sing Gospel 101!
Performed by Rosita Matthews
Reviewed by Christopher Jones
Tell it Jonesy! I really hope I get a chance to catch this show. It’s rare indeed to learn new skills while being entertained.