Clarksville, TN – In what was their first concert in Clarksville, TN during their entire 140 year history, the Fisk Jubilee Singers won the hearts of many. The concert was held on Saturday night in the APSU Music/Mass Communications building to a standing room only crowd.
Just before their performance, Gail Robinson-Oturu, President of the Clarksville Community Concert Association welcomed everyone to the concert, and recognized Fisk Alumni members, one of which was a past Jubilee member. Then she asked how many people were there to see the Fisk Jubilee singers for the first time, and over half of the room raised their hand. Then she introduced Dr. Paul Kwami, Musical Director of the Jubilee Singers who gave the audience a brief description of the music they would perform, songs from their African American heritage.
The Fisk Jubilee performed many slave songs that are now known as Negro spirituals. These songs are uniquely American musical traditions. After a brief intermission, many of the members dressed in costumes and portrayed the original Jubilee singers telling their stories and history of how they went to Nashville, TN to attend the Fisk University.
After the performance, many filled the foyer area to purchase copies of the Fisk Jubilee Singers book entitled “Dark Midnight When I Rise (The story of the Fisk Jubilee Singers)” , CD’s and posters. Members of the Jubilee took time for photos and autographs. If you missed the show, they will be performing again on Feb 8th at TPAC’s Jackson Hall in Nashville. Show time is set for 10:30 am.
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