Joshua Nelson’s brand of gospel brings people and cultures together for hand-clapping, soul-grabbing, heart-filling concerts of ancient Jewish liturgical texts.
The self-proclaimed “Prince of Kosher Gospel” has been hailed by Oprah Winfrey and compared to some of the greatest gospel singers of our times.
On Oct. 22 at 7 p.m. and Oct. 23 at 3 p.m., the Jewish Community Center (JCC) will present Joshua Nelson. Both performances will be held at the Arthur M. Glick JCC, 6701 Hoover Rd. Tickets are $20 for adults ($15 for JCC members) and $10 for anyone 18 or younger. Tickets may be purchased online at www.JCCindy.org, by calling (317) 251-9467 or by visiting a JCC membership desk.
Nelson, an African-American Jew from New Jersey, admits that many people find the concept of a Black observant Jew to be odd. Yet he cites that there are almost 400,000 Black Jews in the United States. While gospel music is traditionally associated with Christianity, he notes that this form of music contains distinctly African rhythms that predate the arrival of Christianity to Africa.
Nelson grew up attending a Black Jewish congregation where the traditional prayers and hymns were less than inspiring. At 8 years old, he stumbled upon an album by the Queen of Gospel, Mahalia Jackson, and fell in love with the music. He has since gained worldwide recognition, recorded seven CDs and never fails to uplift audiences from all faiths and backgrounds.
For music lovers in general as well as those who love gospel in particular, a Nelson concert is called a rare and not-to-be missed experience.
Learn more about Joshua Nelson and his music at www.joshuanelson.com/fr_home.cfm.
