The Kiwanis Club of North Lake Charles will be presenting their 8th Annual Negro Spiritual and Gospel Music Sounds “An American Phenonmenon” at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 26 at Christian Baptist Church, 202 N. Franklin St.

This concert celebrates and brings awareness to the rich culture of Spirituals and gospel music – folk songs that were composed by enslaved Africans in the 17th century, and have been orally passed down through generations.

These songs “recant with dignity, resolve, and sometimes joy, their stories of life, death, faith, hope, escape and survival,” According to the National Association of Teachers of Singing.

Don McZeal, Musical Director, explained the content and relevance of these songs. “The text of the Spiritual is always one of a religious slave or taken directly from the Bible. It is also equated to the situations that slaves encountered in daily life, and tells of their desires to get away from the horrible atrocities of slavery and go to a place that they had been taught about called heaven,” he said. “The gospel music, which evolved many years later, tells of the good news of the New Testament.”

This genre is foundational for the American canon, McZeal said. “It is a music that should not die because of its historical relevance to this country. The spiritual is the springboard for many other genres of music in this country.”

“The spiritual is the only true American music format, just as jazz is the only true American art form.”

The immense historical value of the Spirituals lends to its contemporary importance. “It’s about a people that is relevant to the success of this country then, in the 21st century and in centuries to come,” said McZeal.

A deeper understanding of the trials of those enslaved can be given through Spirituals. “The Spirituals told stories, and some had codes in them, because that is the only way that the slaves could communicate with each other,” he said.

 McZeal gave the song “Wade in the Water” as an example. “The code there was to be careful as you moved along to get away from slavery; use the water as a way to mask your trail.”

“We must teach our young ones about it and we must resurrect it in the hearts and minds of older Americans.”

The concert will feature the voices of locals from many congregations. During the concert, short, detailed narratives will be given to contextualize the performed songs.

The volunteer singer and instrumentals that make up the band have been practicing since the beginning of the year. “The singers are ready, and they’re going to do a fine job in presenting.”

Brother Duo Marcus and Cameron Greene will be highlighted to “represent the young people from our area who are participating,” said McZeal.

The choir is under the musical direction of McZeal and the artistic supervision of Fred Houston. The local choir will be performing six songs as an introduction. This performance will be followed by ten songs performed by the Heritage Choir – a non-profit professional choral ensemble from Baton Rouge that specalizes in the Negro Spirtual art form. This choir is directed by Clarence Jones Jr.

All of the funds raised through sponsorships will benefit the educational and community programs that are offered by the Kiwanis Club of North Lake Charles and the Lake Charles Kiwanis North Foundation.

This event is free and open to the public.

“Come with an open-mind and expect to enjoy, and also understand the music that’s being presented,” said McZeal.