Gospel music, the art form that gave rise to jazz, blues, R&B, and rock and roll, will be celebrated at the Miami Beach Bandshell
Miami, Oct. 6, 2022 – Live Arts Miami and Rhythm Foundation are thrilled to present Gospel Jam Sessions with Pastor Marc Cooper and Friends, a unique opportunity to experience the joy and power of Gospel music in a secular setting, on Sunday, Oct. 9, at the Miami Beach Bandshell. Free and open to the public.
“We can’t wait to hear the unforgettable sound of Miami Mass Choir live in concert once again.” said Kathryn Garcia, Live Arts Miami’s executive director. “If you love music and want to feel inspired and uplifted, you don’t want to miss this.”
The concert is under the creative direction of Pastor Marc Cooper, an award-winning artist and a key pillar in South Florida’s vibrant Gospel music scene. Known for his pastoral leadership at the Upper Room Ministries of Miami Gardens, his profoundly rooted community impact within the Gospel music arena has earned prestigious Gospel Stellar Awards in two categories (2018’s Choir of the Year and Contemporary Choir of the Year).
Born in the Black churches, Gospel music is a foundational American art form with a legacy that continues to inspire popular culture as strongly as it does churchgoers. A musical tradition symbolic of our nation’s trials and triumphs, this beloved art form has a key presence spanning decades, generations, and races.
“Gospel music is what I call the foundation of many genres of music. It still matters today because it’s all about the message. It’s the good news. Gospel music is spirit-filled, encouraging, and uplifting. And in the world we live in, that’s what is always needed,” states Pastor Marc Cooper.
Following a two-year hiatus, the renowned Miami Mass Choir, which Pastor Cooper founded, will grace the stage in a long-awaited performance representing the best of what Miami’s gospel scene has to offer. The Choir will perform along with some of South Florida Gospel music’s heavyweights, including Christian rap artist J. White, songbird Gia, Singer/songwriter Jalisa Faye, Danielle Davis and Revolution Community Choir, and other special guests. The host is South Florida’s beloved radio personality Paula White from Sunday Morning Joy on Hot 105.
“We hope Gospel Jam Sessions provides a platform that is welcoming to all ages and cultures.” said Laura Quinlan, Rhythm Foundation Program Director. “Gospel music has a huge audience worldwide, and Pastor Cooper is a testament to the universal appeal shared among many.”
This performance is funded in part by a grant from South Arts in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and the Florida Department of State Division of Cultural Affairs.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Pastor Marc Cooper is well known for his leadership within the Gospel music community both in South Florida, and with national and international artists. An award-winning artist in his own right, he is also the founder and director of the Steller award winning, Grammy nominated Miami Mass Choir, a songwriter, keyboardist, arranger, and producer. As a well-known, and well-respected artist, Pastor Cooper has relationships with, and has worked with many top industry professionals in South Florida and beyond, throughout his career.
WHAT: Gospel Jam Sessions
WHEN: Sunday, October 9th at 6:00pm (5:00pm doors)
WHERE: Miami Beach Bandshell
7275 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL, 33141
For more information, visit www.northbeachbandshell.com.
Click here for photos and video.
ABOUT THE RHYTHM FOUNDATIONS
We create shared cultural experiences that build and strengthen the diverse communities of South Florida through the presentation of live music. We believe:
- International cultural exchange injects empathy and positivity into the global conversation;
- Cultural activity develops community and builds neighborhoods;
- Miami is a global city, and our artists and audiences are world-class.
Support for the Rhythm Foundation comes in part from the City of Miami Beach Cultural Arts Council, Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, and the Florida Division of Cultural Affairs. Please visit rhythmfoundation.com and follow @rhythmfoundation on Facebook, Instagram, and Rhythm_Foundatn on Twitter for more information.
ABOUT LIVE ARTS MIAMI
Live Arts Miami is one of the city’s oldest and boldest performing arts series: an action-driven, people-centered platform for powerful performances, impactful community programs, and learning experiences that spark dialogue, raise awareness around pressing issues, and open minds and hearts in all who take part. Created in 1990, Live Arts Miami is proud to be a part of Miami Dade College’s celebrated Department of Cultural Affairs. For more information, please visit liveartsmiami.org and follow @liveartsmiami on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for the latest updates.
The programs of Live Arts Miami are funded by Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council; the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners; the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture; the National Endowment for the Arts; South Arts; National Performance Network; the Funding Arts Network; the Association of Performing Arts Presenters Arts Forward Grant Program with support from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.
Media Inquiries + Interviews, please contact: Yvette N. Harris, 786.897.8854 or info@harrispublicrelations.com.