MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
ORTHODOX JEWISH AFRICAN-AMERICAN GOSPEL SINGER JOSHUA NELSON (ALONG WITH THE JUBILEE CHOIR) RETURNS FOR A ROUSING PERFORMANCE AT JOHN M. GREENE HALL NORTHAMPTON, MA

SUNDAY, OCT. 3 2:15 PM

THE SUBJECT OF THE AWARD-WINNING DOCUMENTARY,

KEEP ON WALKING,

TO PERFORM ALL NEW MATERIAL Orthodox Jewish gospel singing sensation, Joshua Nelson, returns to the Valley by popular demand on Sunday, October 3. Nelson, who directs a Baptist Choir in Newark, New Jersey, will lead the Jubilee Choir along with his band in a rousing performance of his unique blend of traditional Hebrew music with a gospel beat. In his first appearance in Northampton in 2002, Joshua performed for a more than enthusiastic crowd who were cheering, dancing in the aisles, and shouting for encores. On this visit, he will be appearing at the John M. Greene Recital Hall, a 2,000 seat house, providing the opportunity for more people of all backgrounds to experience the uplifting, joyous ecumenical performance of a truly spiritual and gifted man.

Joshua Nelson, internationally acclaimed for both his musical talent and his unique ability to blend the cultural and religious aspects of his life, has a deep appreciation of his Black American culture and history, coupled with a great love for his Jewish religion. As both a Hebrew teacher in the Orthodox Jewish tradition and the Minister of Music at the Hopewell Baptist Church in Newark, Joshua is well-known for his ability to bring cultures together in the name of peace and harmony. His performances attract people of all faiths and backgrounds, and his singing leaves audiences touched, mesmerized and just plain happy.

Joshua has performed in synagogues, churches, theatres and at various outdoor venues. He has appeared with such musical icons as Wynton Marsalis, Billy Preston, Aretha Franklin, and the late Cab Calloway, to name just a few. At age 15 he sang at the funeral of jazz great Sarah Vaughan, at the request of her family. In 1999, he performed before President Clinton and an audience of 10,000; and in Sweden, he sang to an audience of 30,000, backed by a 5,500 voice choir, full string orchestra, and band. In 2001, he was named an official "Ambassador of Peace through Song" by the Swedish government. Joshua continues to tour the US and Europe to full houses and joyful audiences.

Joshua is the featured subject in, Keep on Walking,by Tana Ross, Jesper Sorensen, Freke Vuijst and Vibeke Winding. The film, which won the 2001 Northampton Film Festival's Best of the Fest Documentary Award, has received other awards as well, including the Paul Robeson Award, the top honor, at the Newark Film Festival. It will be screened again in both Northampton and Springfield in the early fall. The Northampton screening will be on Oct.1; the Springfield date will be announced shortly. Please join us in celebrating his music and his vision.

Joshua Nelson's appearance is a collaboration between Feelin' the Beat Music & Dance Festival and the L'Chaim! Jewish Film Festival. Fifty percent of the proceeds will go to support the L'Chaim! Jewish Film Festival

For further information: 413-586-3471