Serving the community since 1926
WEEK OF MARCH 14, 2024
VOLUME 97 | ISSUE 15
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The Spirituals Project revitalizes Cost of animal care has African American traditions Colorado pet
owners barking BY KEVIN SIMPSON THE COLORADO SUN
In the same way the choir keeps the music of spirituals alive through song, the teachings of the musical practice pulse through the choir community through its commitment to social justice and education. “The messages and lessons of the music are acted out almost automatically in the way the choir members relate to each other,” said Dr. Arthur C. Jones, The Spirituals Project founder and a professor emeritus of music, culture and psychology at Lamont. “It’s almost a microcosm of the kind of coming together that could happen outside in the community because we have people that come from different backgrounds, educational levels, racial backgrounds and political perspectives.”
Richard Charles and Amy Adams sat in their truck queued up with dozens of others awaiting a slow roll through the meandering line at an outdoor pet pantry, a pop-up operation in the parking lot of a food bank in southwest Denver. One by one, more than a hundred vehicles opened their trunks or hatchbacks to accept free donated dog and cat food, plus other accessories of pet ownership — part of a program fueled by Colorado Pet Pantry that brings relief to 103 locations across the state. Charles and Adams, who live in nearby Englewood, registered with a volunteer to take advantage of the monthly event, though visitors are only eligible for the free food every other month. Still, it’s a budget buffer against the sledgehammer costs of pet ownership, especially during the lean days for these seasonal food workers who cater festivals and farmer’s markets. Food and veterinary care, they estimate, run them roughly $5,000 a year — and that’s just basics aside from any unforeseen issues. The expenses are challenging, but like many Coloradans, they would rather do without small luxuries such as dining out — or even extra portions of their homecooked meals — to provide for the two dogs and five cats that are more than just pets or companions. “Before the (work) season starts, we definitely have to prioritize,” Charles says, noting that savings from the previous season can run low. “And they get the priority. They’re part of us. Part of our family.” “Our kids,” Adams adds. The couple are anything but outliers in a state that loves its pets. Poll after poll reveals Colorado’s love affair with its (mostly) dogs and cats — including one that ranks the state highest on a sevenpoint survey with regard to residents’ devotion to their canine companions.
SEE TRADITIONS, P4
SEE PET CARE, P2
Starting as a solo venture by Dr. Arthur C. Jones, The Spirituals Project is now incorporated into the University of Denver’s PHOTO BY MICHAEL FURMAN Lamont School of Music..
Through community choir, educational outreach, University of Denver group preserves the teachings of the musical practice BY MERYL PHAIR SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
During concert performances of The Spirituals Project, director and choir conductor M. Roger Holland II invites the audience to sing in unison with the choral members – their voices melding together in a collective sonic experience. The audience is also invited to learn about “spirituals,” melodies
that were sung by enslaved Africans in America during the 18th and 19th centuries and are now being preserved through active performance by the multigenerational, multiracial University of Denver affiliated group. With a mission to revitalize the music and teachings of these sacred hymns, the interactive aspect of The Spirituals Project’s concerts has made them a cherished organization in the Denver community and beyond. “People appreciate the opportunity to be a part of the music-making,” said Holland, an associate professor of music and religion at DU’s Lamont School of Music. “Historically, much of this music has been sustained and perpetuated through oral tradition. If these songs aren’t sung, they fade from memory and existence.”
VOICES: 8 | LIFE: 10 | CALENDAR: 13
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ON THICK ICE
For winter anglers, ice fishing is cool P10