Arts & Entertainment
Differing directions
MCC music program adjusting to new leadership, styles
By MALI KRANTZ
The two Sunday morning services held each week at Metropolitan Community Church of Washington have always had slightly different styles, but the distinction has become more pronounced as each has its own choir director now.
In December, Shirli Hughes resigned from her position as minister of music there. After a decade of service at the Districtās largest predominantly LGBT church, the lesbian music minister left big shoes to be filled in the churchās music department.
āShe had a big job,ā says Jeff Herrell who sang in her choir for about 10 years.
Hughes led both Sunday services at 9 and 11 a.m. as well as occasional performances for holidays and special events. She was also a full-time employee.
Her succession came in the form of two interim music ministers, Justin Ritchie, who leads the 9 a.m. Sunday service, and Darius Smith, who leads a more contemporary service at 11. Theyāll both be on board for this Sundayās Easter services, the highest holy day in Christendom. A Good Friday service is tonight at 7. VisitĀ mccdc.comĀ for details.
āIt has worked out well to have two of us,ā Ritchie says. āBecause each service is very different and they play to each of our strengths ā¦ the 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. service have always had their own personality.ā
Ritchie, whose service is more traditional, came from the MCC choir. In addition to his musical success at MCC, heās also a featured vocalist with the Gay Menās Chorus of Washington and a member its 14-person a cappella group, Potomac Fever.
Smith, a graduate of Howard Universityās Music Department and New York Universityās Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program is an assistant professor of musical theater at Howard. He has also written original music for a number of plays in the D.C. area including āU.G.L.Y.,ā a new musical.
Smithās service leans toward pop and contemporary styles.
āItās interesting. Itās fun,ā says Herrell of the new musical content.
Both Herrell and Ritchie estimate that the choruses have grown over the past few months.
āI think people are really receptive to Justinās style of music ā¦ and new people want to be a part of Dariusā ministry,ā Herrell says. āYeah itās cool. Itās different.ā
While Rev. Dwayne Johnson, the churchās senior pastor, recognizes that Hughes brought an extraordinary talent to MCCās music ministry, heās enthusiastic about the churchās new direction.
āWe have a long tradition of excellent music,ā Johnson says. āAnd Justin and Darius are continuing that tradition. Itās an exciting time to see what gifts they have to bring to the table.ā
While much of the music is changing, a few traditions remain such as having drums and bass accompany services. Each choir director does his own accompanying.
During the transition period after Hughes left, Acoustic Praise, a subgroup of MCCās music ministry, stepped up to fill in while they looked for new staff members. Though the church has an organ, itās rarely used.
āTheyāve really worked hard during this transition filling in on Sundays,ā says Tommie Adams, Herrellās partner and an Acoustic Praise member. āItās still a transitional period. Both people have great musical backgrounds and Darius brings kind of a youthful mood to music too, so itās a nice variety.ā
The 2024 New York City Pride Parade wound through the streets of Manhattan and past the historic Stonewall Inn on Sunday, June 30.
(Washington Blade photos by Daniel Truitt)
The fourth annual Fredericksburg Pride march and festival was held at Riverfront Park in Fredericksburg, Va. on Saturday, June 29. The event began with a march around downtown Fredericksburg beginning and ending in the park.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
Covering Fredericksburg Pride for @WashBlade . City Council member @WillMackintosh speaking: pic.twitter.com/tDdVD2IVsM
— Michael Patrick Key (@MichaelKeyWB) June 29, 2024
Photos
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(Photos courtesy of Goodwin Living)
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