We were invited by the Wallace State Community College Fine and Performing Arts program to attend a rehearsal for “I Am a Pilgrim: The Evolution of American Gospel Music” this week. The show, set to be staged July 23-25 on campus, will hit the big stage next month, when the group travels to Scotland to perform at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
The production features the history of gospel music, including shape-note singing, African American spirituals, Southern gospel and more.
While at the rehearsal we asked Ali Bess Chenault, ReAnna Rusk and Yvonne Wakaimba about traveling to Europe to perform.
Chenault said that this would not be her first time outside of the United States. “I had the privilege of going last year, but it’s such a unique experience to get to go outside of the country and see, basically, just how different they are from Americans.”
Rusk told us that this would be her first time out of the country; the furthest she’s traveled was last March with the choir, when they performed in Washington, D.C. “I can’t tell you how excited I am to travel to Europe and perform at the biggest arts festival in the nation. It’s the highlight of my career so far.”
Wakaimba is a different story, as she’s from Kenya. She said she’s “been blessed enough to travel out of the country many times.” She said, “When we first did our gospel show in 2022 I think, I went with the choir, then we went to Germany, Austria and Italy.”
Wakaimba said she feels blessed to experience going to Europe again, with the same program and doing music that is close to her heart. She said she grew up singing in church from 8 years old. “It was a non-denominational Christian church in Birmingham, and we sang like older Black gospel music.” From there Wakaimba went on to sing in school for 12 years. Now she sings with other aspiring artists on stage. “This show has truly helped to show all aspects of gospel music, and it really reaches my heart because I’m able to show people what helped me get into singing and music.” Wakaimba said the music connects her more to her relationship with God.
Chenault grew up in a Baptist church, and her father was a pastor. She said she has embraced Christian music much of her life. “I’ve never gotten to perform it in such a large setting.” She continued, “It’s been such a unique experience for me and also very – it’s very homey to be brought back to that.”
Rusk said she also grew up surrounded by Christian music. “In the car that’s what we always had on, and it was mostly Southern gospel music.” She said the second half of the show resonates with her, where the performance showcases that particular type of music. “I’m really excited to learn more about it and perform it for all of my family.”
Ali Bess Chenault (Emily McMunn/The Cullman Tribune)
ReAnna Rusk (Emily McMunn/The Cullman Tribune)
