Authenticity is something important to all of us. When you couple authenticity with talent of a truly exceptional nature: a pastor, a songwriter, a storyteller, a multi-instrumentalist, an award-winning educator with an encyclopedic knowledge of the history of African American folk music, including blues, spiritual, and slave songs – its players and styles – you get the Reverend Robert B. Jones, Sr., of Detroit.
Following in the tradition of legendary figures like Rev. Gary Davis, Lead Belly, Sam “Lightnin” Hopkins, Woody Guthrie and Gamble Rogers, Jones loves the challenge of using traditional music as a vehicle to address issues of the today. Speaking truth to power is one of his major goals, thus making the stage a part of his ministry.
“As much as I love this music for the way that it sounds, I love, even more, what this music can do,” Jones says. “At its best, roots music tells the truth, and it gives a voice to those who struggle to be heard otherwise. I am an activist and I try to use my stories and music, not just for entertainment, but in service to my calling and my community and to connect the generations that I am blessed to live between.”
This free concert is scheduled for 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 28, in the Lathrup Village City Hall Community Room. Light refreshments will be provided.