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Gospel to Go
Gospel to Go – an inspiring, uplifting and joyful new addition to our Friday Night Sing-along line up that journeys from coast to coast to highlight a stellar group of Canada’s premiere gospel performers and choirs.
Leaving behind the confines of the church, extraordinary musicians bring gospel’s timeless standards to the most visually stunning locations Canada has to offer. The powerful, and inspiring songs of the gospel are captured in exciting performances of soloists, groups and choirs. On-location interviews with the artists open a window into their fascinating personal stories, while providing insight into why they perform these classics, and what the songs mean to them.
Through graceful words and music, intimate settings, and breathtaking backdrops, each week the live audience and folks at home are treated to a fully immersive gospel music experience unmatched anywhere else.
Gospel to Go was created by Winnipeg, Manitoba’s CLG Communications.
Producer: Larry Giesbrecht
Director: Doug Howe
Music Director: Murray Pulver
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EPISODES/ARTISTS
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EPISODE #1: NOVA SCOTIA MASS CHOIR
Available to watch below.
The Nova Scotia Mass Choir is a two-time ECMA Award winning multicultural gospel choir based in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. The choir was formed originally as a mainly Black Spiritual Music Choir, with the desire to promote racial harmony. This episode opens a window into the hearts and minds of some African Canadian choir members – descendants of freed American African slaves….. who remember too well, some of the racial tension of those not that distant years, right here in Canada. The choir has performed locally, nationally and internationally, and in this episode we hear the passion of some of its members who are always carrying with them, the message of racial harmony.
We hear the choir perform: Down By The Riverside – I Surrender All – His Eye Is On The Sparrow – Precious Lord Take My Hand – Go Down Moses
FULL BIO
OFFICIAL SITE INCLUDING SHOW DATES AND MORE
EPISODE #2: NAOMI STRIEMER
Available to watch online below.
Raised for some of her early years on a small farm, off the grid in rural Nova Scotia, Naomi at age ten didn’t know what a radio was. A few short years later, she was on the radio, with a huge pop music recording contract, enjoying the bright lights of New York City. Then came the personal struggles. Even as she enjoyed success as a pop singer, a number of faith shaking events ultimately resulted in her return to her foundation in gospel music.
“Like many great artists, Naomi inspires in people the force of compassion and hope.” – Carlos Santana, legendary guitarist.
In this episode Naomi sings: It Is Well With My Soul – Softly and Tenderly – Give Me Jesus – Leaning On The Everlasting Arms – Blessed Assurance.
FULL BIO
OFFICIAL SITE INCLUDING SHOW DATES AND MORE
EPISODE #3: RAY ST. GERMAIN
Available to watch online below.
Ray decided early on, that the accordion simply wasn’t going do it, when it came popularity as an artist, nationally and internationally. Picking up the guitar, and early Elvis impersonations changed all that. Then followed a multi decade musical journey that spanned several hundred national television shows and more miles on the road around the world then he’d care to remember. Ray has performed with the likes of jazz legend Lenny Breau, and on a bill with Johnny Cash, Porter Wagoner, Johnnie Horton, to name a few. We hear Ray speak of how he never lost sight of gospel music, as he heard these country artists do one gospel tune per show, out of what they called, respect.
In this episode Ray sings: The Old Rugged Cross – Just a Closer Walk With Thee – Peace In The Valley – No More On The Outside Looking In – Do Lord.
FULL BIO
OFFICIAL SITE INCLUDING SHOW DATES AND MORE
EPISODE #4: WORLD VILLAGE GOSPEL CHOIR
Available to watch online below.
It doesn’t matter where they come from, say co-choir music directors Neil Weisensel and Rachel Landrecht … because we’re going to cover the music of all the faith traditions. We’re not associated with any church. We’re a community choir but with a spiritual bent. That in a nutshell is how “World Village” became part of this choir’s name.
True to their goals, we hear performance of: Ride On King Jesus – Hold On To God’s Unchanging Hand – Make Me An Instrument – The Storm Is Passing Over – Run Mary Run.
FULL BIO
OFFICIAL SITE INCLUDING SHOW DATES AND MORE
EPISODE #5: JOHN LEE SANDERS
Available to watch online below.
Renowned gospel blues artist John Lee Sanders was born and raised in the heart of the southern USA gospel belt – but now makes his home in Vancouver.
John Lee tells how his music roots were firmly planted in gospel, as he and his brothers would listen to radio broadcasts from the black churches. This was before Elvis, before rock ’n’ roll. He grew up, a white kid doing black gospel or blues in the racially tense south. Even the church didn’t warm to it.
In this episode John Lee sings: Jesus On the Mainline – Mary Don’t you Weep – John The Revelator – Amazing Grace – I’d Rather have Jesus.
These songs from a man who not long ago was told by doctors, he’d never sing again.
FULL BIO
OFFICIAL SITE INCLUDING SHOW DATES AND MORE
EPISODE #6: GOOD NOISE VANCOUVER GOSPEL CHOIR
Available to watch online below.
“Good Noise” as it’s commonly known, is regarded as a leader in the gospel choir movement in Canada, is known for its dynamic vocal sound, excellence in performance and a commitment to sharing the “good noise” that is gospel music. The choir’s mandate is to develop and promote an appreciation and understanding of gospel music in all its many styles and forms and introduce audiences to the unique and powerful aspects of this music. But there is much more to it, as we hear in conversations with music director Gail Suderman and various members of the choir.
In this episode we hear: Walk Together Children – Wade in the Water – This Little Light of Mine – Come By Me – When The Saints Go Marching In