You’re Invited: “Searching for the SOUL of Annapolis” with GAIN on February 13th

Thursday, February 13th at Seelos Hall, St. John Neumann Church

Posted on by Admin

Dear Friends of Crystal Spring,

Gerald Winegrad, our leader in our successful efforts (so far) to protect the forests, fields, and wetlands at Crystal Spring and save us from the traffic nightmare, will be giving a presentation at Seelos Hall at St. John Neumann Church (620 Bestgate Road) on Thursday, February 13, at 7:00 p.m. for a project he researched and put together–“SEARCHING FOR THE SOUL OF ANNAPOLIS.” Admission is free.

This encore presentation of the show, which focuses on the impact of soul music on race relations in Annapolis in the 1940’s-1960’s, is being sponsored by The Greater Annapolis Interfaith Network (GAIN). GAIN is an inclusive coalition of faith representatives who collaborate to raise awareness and change systemic injustices in the greater Annapolis area. As an Annapolis-born African American, GAIN Chair Sandy Solomon knows first-hand the racism that existed during this time in our city’s history. She saw this presentation at other venues and asked Gerald to perform it for GAIN as this message of coming together to fight racism is needed now more than ever.

Famed WANN Radio Broadcaster Hoppy Adams at Carr’s Beach, where he arranged for a teenaged Gerald and his friends to meet James Brown between “Bandstand on the Beach” shows

The show will feature a PowerPoint with music of legendary soul performers and great old photos of the Annapolis soul music scene–Carr’s Beach, Hoppy Adams, The Van Dykes, and many others.

Hear the music of soul legends Gerald knew, met, saw, or listened to growing up in Annapolis starting in 1946 at 79 West Street. He lived next to Asbury United Methodist Church where Gerald experienced gospel music, the precursor of soul music. Come and hear of race relations, segregation, and racial prejudice in Annapolis during the 1940s to 1960s and how the performers and Gerald were affected by it.

Hear how soul music helped soothe the wounded soul of Annapolis and break down racial barriers. The show will be capped by an awesome performance by James Brown, perhaps the best ever captured on video.

Again, there is no charge for admission. We hope you will plan to attend and help spread the word!

For more information, contact Sandy Solomon at annapolisandy@gmail.com or (410) 263-2471.