Comfort food for the ears

Gospel music was part of the tapestry of my childhood.

My mom sang gospel, often waking us early on Sunday mornings, singing her heart out in an absent way.

I can see her face in my memory, crooning her favorites, sweet and clear:

"I sing because I'm happy, I sing because I'm free; For His eye is on the sparrow; and I know He watches me."

I can recall her determination in the face of adversity just hearing the song, "Keep Your Hand on the Plow."

Mom loved Mahalia Jackson, played her records and sang along to the soul-deep musical celebrations of life and hope.

They sang in ways that only those who know pain can sing —— calling for courage and patience —— sweet petitions to the world beyond the world of hurt they were in.

Gospel music is like comfort food for the ears, like chocolate for the senses.

It's a link across generations, a color-blind connection for all who were raised under its umbrella.

Did you know that gospel music birthed them all: the blues, Jazz, rock 'n' roll, hip hop?

Its roots are in Africa, but its branches reach into the heart of American music.

Did you now that there's often a message in the music, that it was used by slaves to communicate opportunities to make a run into the unknown in pursuit of freedom?

It became a form of conversation between neighbors who were forbidden to congregate except in church.

First came the voices, then the music.

It was sustained by some whose names you may know including Andrae Crouch, the Five Blind Boys and the Mighty Clouds of Joy.

It birthed the careers of some who became household names, including Aretha Franklin and Gladys Knight.

In Temecula, during the Celebration of Black History Month, it's fostered by the indomitable team of Rodena Preston, gifted sister of rock legend Billy Preston; and Jon Laskin, executive director and founder, with his wife, Jane, of the Musician's Workshop.

Jon and Rodena have a common goal of bringing music and cultural diversity to the world. For a third year, they have joined to raise the roof at Hope Lutheran Church, 29385 Rancho California Road, Temecula.

For one night only, about 75 members of the 500-member Los Angeles Gospel Music Workshop of America and their band, led by Rodena, will offer a taste of music seasoned with history. The Saturday show will include the Bomani African Drummers and Dancers and the Workshop's talented young people.

A few hundred people have turned out for the Saturday show in the past. Some know what to expect and some don't.

All have ended the evening on their feet, smiling, clapping their hands and tapping their feet.

Here's your chance to join them.

And like that old saying goes: "If you don't dig it, then you know you've got a hole in your soul."

Call (951) 678-2517.



