The show is so popular, in fact, that there’s even a couple from Florida who have been flying in to see the show every year. As for me, after seeing the show for the first time last Winter, I decided to make Black Nativity a holiday tradition. I’ve seen the Nutcracker one too many times, and gospel is mega exciting and lively. The show is also is a good way to introduce gospel to those who may not frequent or feel comfortable in gospel churches.

“The experience that you see onstage pretty much gives you an idea of a good lively black church,” said Strickling-Jones. “That’s the thing about the church scene, we want to keep it as real as possible: the shouting, the dancing, the singing, the preacher, the choir, the call and response.”

Director Stanley E. Williams also pointed out that gospel is truly American music. “It’s a very expressive form,” he said. “It’s a form of music that allows you to rejoice, to release all the suffering and all the pain. There ain’t nothing like a good old church choir singing Gospel, because that’s just unbelievable!”

And it is true that anyone can enjoy gospel, despite the fact that the show is the Christmas Story. As a Jew, I can attest that one does not have to be a Christian or religious to fall in love with this show or any other gospel performance. Williams said one year a group of Muslim women even came to the show – and loved it. “I said, ‘okay, next time no head gear,’” he joked, “and they were laughing!”

Black Nativity: A Gospel Celebration of Christmas
Thurs.-Sun., Dec. 11- 28
$20-$36
PG&E Auditorium
77 Beale, SF
(415) 474-8800
www.lhtsf.org

Gospel Brunch at 1300 Fillmore

Another great church-free location for getting your gospel fix is 1300 on Fillmore, where Gospel Brunch is offered every first Sunday of the month. The event premiered this November and was a joyous romp of singing and eating.

Gospel singer Michael Cheadle’s repertoire included religious tunes as well as secular hits such as songs from Carole King and Bill Withers. headle does a great job of getting the audience involved by walking around the room asking people to sing into the microphone and shaking their hands. The only problem is it’s hard to sing when you’re enjoying the southern-inspired three-course meal, including corn bread, creamy grits, barbeque shrimp and apple cobbler.

Gospel Brunch
First Sunday of every month, 11am & 1pm
$39 for prix fixe three course meal
1300 Fillmore
1300 Fillmore, SF
www.1300fillmore.com

And then there’s church…

Gospel Brunch could be viewed as an alternative to visiting a place of worship, but for those who want to go beyond the theatre and restaurants and witness gospel in it’s birthplace, there are plenty of gospel churches in the city. Here is Arvis Strickling-Jones’ guide for places to go to praise the lord:

East Bay Church
4130 Telegraph, Oakl.
(510) 420-1003
www.ebcrs.org

Third Baptist Church
1399 McAllister, SF
(415) 346-4426
www.thirdbaptist.org

Jerusalem Church of God in Christ
1660 McAllister, SF
(415) 922-1305

Mt Zion Baptist Church
1321 Oak, SF
(415) 863-4088