Lift Every Voice and Sing at “Music Speaks” – A Joy in the City Gospel Music Workshop

Whether you’re an experienced performer or someone who sings in the shower, Joy In   The City Guelph welcomes you to join a joyful, soulful, and uplifting experience. Music Speaks is a FREE gospel music workshop that is open to everyone. No experience is needed, just a love for music

and community.

Our first clinician and workshop presenter is the incomparable

Dr. Darren Hamilton:

Music Educator – Choral Director – Clinician – Gospel Music Practitioner

Assistant Professor, Music Education, University of Toronto

2024 Black Diamond Award Recipient

2022 JUNO Award Recipient for MusiCounts Teacher of the Year

Join us as Dr. Hamilton shares his love for gospel music through his lecture on The Evolution of Gospel Music. He will guide our registered participants through a powerful, hands-on musical experience where the message and emotion behind the music are just as important as the notes.

Hosted by Joy in the City Guelph  

FREE ADMISSION 

When: August 23, 2025

Time: 10am -12pm

Where: Heritage Hall, Guelph Black Heritage Society, 83 Essex Street, Guelph ON N1H3K9

About the Host:

Joy in the City Guelph is the vision of Artistic Director & Founder Verese Vassell-Bowen, an acclaimed vocalist behind the sold-out annual event Joy in the City: A Gospel Christmas Celebration, now in its 7th successful year. Her talent for bringing together professional, aspiring, and amateur singers and musicians has built a vibrant, inclusive musical community.

Now, through Music Speaks, Verese continues her mission to connect people through the power of gospel music – and you’re invited.

Come ready to sing. Come ready to learn. Come and experience JOY.

RSVP Link or Registration here.

We can’t wait to sing with you,

Joy in the City Guelph