History and Harmony at Allen Temple

By Post Staff Once again Allen Temple Baptist Church will present four Friday evening concerts February 8, 15, 22, and 29, as part of the church’s mission to culturally as well as spiritually enrich the community it serves. The Annual Black History Memorial Concert Series acknowledges and celebrates the colorful varieties of African American music history and cultural contributions. East Oakland is not the typical site of concerts and culture, but for years Minister of Music Betty Gadling has made sure that the church and surrounding community has every advantage she can offer musically, culturally and spiritually. “This year’s slate of performers promises to be one of the best years of African American cultural and performing arts Black History Month Series,” Sister Betty says. “Families will be able to share memorable evenings of entertainment during the whole month. Audiences will be able to walk down memory lanes of the past and share experiences with children,…even the smallest and youngest will have fun learning about the past and have pride in the contributions of their elders, while reliving the present and looking forward to the challenges they may face in the future.” The concert performers include artists from the congregation, such as saxophonist Kevin Moore, and from the greater community as well. The first concert featuring Khalil Shaheed and the 2nd Line New Orleans Jazz Band will also include classical trumpeter James Tinsley and a tribute to James Brown. Concert number two on February 15 is called “Four Horns and a Gospel Guitarist.” On February 22nd, “Slab Town Convention: A Youth Drama” will depict a 1960s Baptist Convention, and on February 29th, a Black History review will include the “Touch of Class” performing choir from Phillip Burton High School in San Francisco. Under the leadership of Minister of Music Betty Gadling the Allen Temple Music, Cultural and Performing Arts Department (MCPAD) was formed in 1983. The department designs programs that provide a forum through which performing artists in the congregation and surrounding communities may express and demonstrate their gifts and talents and includes a daily after school music program. For more information about the Music Ministry programs, visit www.allen-temple.org. Tickets are $10 for each concert, $5 for youth ages 6-18. Children under 5 years old are welcome and attend for free. Call 510-544-8924 for more information.