Black Awakening Choir performs at 2nd Street Festival

VCU’s Black Awakening Choir closed out Richmond’s 19th annual 2nd Street Festival.

The festival, which celebrates the culture of historic Jackson Ward, took place this past weekend.

This was not only the choir’s first performance of the year but also its first performance with new conductor, James Johnson, who wants to bring an authentic element to the choir.

“We want to step out and challenge ourselves to become more sincere in our music so that it doesn’t look like a routine,” Johnson said.

Lindsey Murph, president of the choir and a biology and chemistry major, said Venture Richmond’s Events Coordinator Sharon Bassard invited them to perform. According to Murph, Bassard was impressed by The Black Awakening Choir’s professional sound and dedication.

Murph said it was a privilege to be asked to be part of the 2nd Street Festival since it celebrated African-American accomplishments.

“I think this festival correlates with the choir and vice versa,” Murph said. “The festival celebrates the history of 2nd Street and the accomplishments of blacks in the city of Richmond.”

Once the roughly 50-person tan-and-brown-clad choir began to sing, the audience grew with a mixture of ages and races, clapping along with the music.

By the choir’s third song, some audience members were standing and waving their hands along with the music. Audience member Jackie Cowan was familiar with the choir’s sound.

“I have seen them sing before,” Cowan said. “And I am always impressed,”

Maria Halton, a graduate student in social work, attended the past five festivals. This was her first time seeing the soulful choir.

“I really enjoyed their performance a lot,” Halton said. “Choirs like Black Awakening make this festival significant, because it’s an opportunity for greater Richmond to get together and celebrate different talents.”