The Gathering: A Collective Sonic Ring Shout

Produced by National Black Theatre & The Apollo and premiering for the first time at The Kennedy Center in Washington, DC on June 1st, The Gathering: A Collective Sonic Ring Shout is a musical journey—powered by possibility—that will have you singing, dancing, and shouting. 

“The Gathering” is more than just a show. Inspired by the historic ring shout—a ritual dance and rejuvenating movement performed by our enslaved ancestors— this American musical treasure is a modern tribute to the power of art as a vehicle for liberation, echoing the resilience of Africans who found hope, strength, and possibility in the communal embrace of song and dance.

A genre-bending concert, “The Gathering” features visionary artists Nona Hendryx, Abby Dobson, Toshi Reagon, Joel Thompson, Carlos Simon, Courtney Bryan, and Troy Anthony, as well as The American Composers Orchestra led by Chelsea Tipton, II and NEWorks Voices of Inspiration choir led by Nolan Williams, Jr., guided by the poetic eloquence of Mahogany L. Browne with creative concept and direction by National Black Theatre’s Executive Artistic Director, Jonathan McCrory.

Use code SHOUT25 for 25% off!