The Gospel Mass of Robert Ray: A message of Peace

Hello, My name is Henry Pleas, president of the New Rhythm Arts Collaborative (NRAC). We're an organization based in the Woodlawn Neighborhood of Chicago, working to bring music production, education and collaboration to the city's south side.

As a first project after moving our operations (we were based in Rogers Park for about 10 years) NRAC releases it's first studio recording of the Gospel Mass by composer Robert Ray.

Every donation of $20 or more will be offered one CD or Digital Download coupon per $20 donated. (i.e. Donate $80 and receive 4 coupons toward 4 purchases of the recording). You will also be listed on our wall of "Thanks!" (you may be listed Anonymously if you prefer)

We are presenting this spiritual uplifting "peace", just in time for the holidays. Many associated with our organization have had a connection to the music leader, teacher and composer Robert Ray. With his passing last year (2022) we honor his life and work with our rendition of his popular work.

Robert Ray's Gospel Mass seems the perfect piece for us to present as we make the transition to focus on music making on Chicago's South Side. Ray's mass is both engaging and provides a full music education on elements of both the classical and gospel traditions. In this piece he has created a dynamic structure of both praise and form. Unity through a Mass

"Gospel Mass" is a celebration combining the gospel and liturgical mass traditions as a call to prayer and for God's grace in a troubled time for our nation and the world. We are seeking support from the community to help us fund the recording costs AND to raise money for important work helping people enjoy and make music in Chicago communities.

New Rhythm Arts has existed for over ten years now, with primary focus in the Rogers Park neighborhood. However, over the last year we've done a reassessment and recognizing the huge disparities in the ability to access public music performance we are working to build opportunities to see, learn and collaborate on music in central south side neighborhoods, most especially Woodlawn from which we are based.

This project provides us an opportunity for building community, sharing music and seeking resources to continuing our current mission of music education and presentation of quality music in a section of Chicago that has been traditionally disenfrancised from these opportunities. Our vision of services includes, increased class and private lessons to all demographics; development of active performing ensembles on the south side and production; and presentation of professional artists in all genres and development of a vibrant south side music scene.

We're celebrating this milestone by presenting our Second Annual "Gathering of Friends Concert" on December 8th, 7:30 pm at Woodlawn AME Church, 6456 Evans Ave, Chicago, IL 60637. We hope you will consider joining us! https://newrhythmarts.org/gatheringfriends

Thank you to so many of you who donated to our fund-raising event and came to our concert last year. We hope you will join us once again!

Wishing each of you a bountiful Holiday Season.

Peace,

Henry