The Gathering: A Collective Sonic Ring Shout

Past Show

June 1, 2024

The Gathering: A Collective Sonic Ring Shout is a musical quest —powered by possibility—that will have you singing, dancing, and shouting. After a sold-out show in Harlem’s world famous Apollo, described as “Uniting art & social justice” by Playbill Magazine, the concert is launching its inaugural performance in Washington D.C at The Kennedy Center.

A genre-bending concert with visionary artists, Nona Hendryx, Abby Dobson, Joel Thompson, Carlos Simon, Courtney Bryan, Troy Anthony, Toshi Reagon and BIGLovely with Special Guest, Maleek Washington, The Gathering features 80 members of the American Composers Orchestra conducted by Chelsea Tipton, II and 48 members of NEWorks Voices of Inspiration chorale under the leadership of Nolan Williams, Jr.

With creative concept and direction by National Black Theatre’s Executive Artistic Director, Jonathan McCrory, and produced by National Black Theatre and The Apollo, “The Gathering” stands as the highlight of The Kennedy Center’s week-long celebration showcasing the convergence of orchestral, choral, gospel, and soul music. Guided by the poetic eloquence of Mahogany L. Browne, this American musical treasure is a modern tribute to the power of art as a vehicle for liberation, social justice, and a drum beat summoning the power of possibility.

Accessibility:

American Sign Language Artistic Interpretation and support provided by ASL Artist - Brandon Kazen-Maddox of Body Language Productions & Co-Founder of Up Until Now Collective.

Co-Producer:

The Apollo, The Kennedy Center, American Composers Orchestra, and Neworks Productions

Funders:

Art for Justice Fund, Mellon Foundation, Ford Foundation, PWF, amc networks

"A moving colossal production with words and music that guided the audience beyond the struggles of Black people in America."

"The Gathering” is not only a musical movement advocating for liberation and social justice, and an exploration of Black culture but features a week-long family friendly program called A Place for Narrative Change. It consists of several workshops and events on the Kennedy Center campus throughout the week-long performance."

"National Black Theatre and The Apollo to Present The Gathering: A Collective Sonic Ring Shout at The Kennedy Center"

"Unites Art and Social Justice Through an Ancestral Black Tradition."

Hayley Levitt
Playbill Magazine

Jonathan McCrory

Creative & Director

Jonathan McCrory is a Tony nominated producer, two time Obie Award-winning, Harlem-based artist who has served as Executive Artistic Director at National Black Theatre since 2012 under the leadership of CEO, Sade Lythcott. He has directed numerous professional productions and concerts which include: How the Light Gets In (NYMF), Klook and Iron John (NAMT), Dead and Breathing, HandsUp, Hope Speaks, Blacken The Bubble, Asking for More, Last Laugh and Enter Your Sleep.

He has worked at ETW at TISCH NYU with Emergence: A Communion and evoking him: Baldwin and at Suny Purchase directing Exit Strategy, & A Beautiful Day in November on the Banks of the Greatest of the Great Lakes. He has been acknowledged as an exceptional leader additionally through Craine’s New York Business 2020 Notable LGBTQ Leaders and Executives.