Each of the talented individuals in our 16 member group brings their unique voice, passion, and story to the ARISE Ensemble’s historic performances in Paris at the invitiation of the US Embassy. Celebrating Black history through storytelling and songs that resonate on a global stage, Jan. 31-Feb. 4, 2025.

The ARISE Ensemble is embarking on an extraordinary journey, bringing their powerful renditions of African-American spirituals to Paris from January 31 to February 4, 2025. At the special invitation of the U.S. Embassy, this Wichita-based ensemble will perform at some of the most distinguished venues in the city, including The Cathedral in Paris, The American Church, Concord Theatre, and Villes des Musiques du Monde.

Through their soul-stirring harmonies and historic spirituals, ARISE will share a profound message of resilience, faith, and unity, honoring the legacy of African-American music on an international stage.

But the excitement doesn’t stop there. Riding a wave of national acclaim, the ARISE Ensemble’s contributions to The Real Education of TJ Crowley: Coming of Age on the Redline have earned the production a Finalist spot for the 30th Annual Audie Awards—the highest honor in the audiobook industry.

Out of hundreds of entries, TJ Crowley was chosen as one of just six finalists in the Young Adult category, an incredible achievement that underscores the profound impact of ARISE's music in this award-winning audio drama.

ARISE Ensemble Paris Performance Schedule

This tour is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the ARISE Ensemble in action. Their schedule includes:

🗓️ Friday, January 31

7:00 PM: Dinner, Clinic, and Mini Concert at Le Point Fort D’Aubervilliers Center

🗓️ Saturday, February 1

5:30–6:30 PM: Performance at The Cathedral in Paris
7:00 PM: Special guest performance at The Josephine Baker Cabaret

🗓️ Sunday, February 2

9:00 AM: Performance at St. Andrews Catholic Church
11:00 AM: Performance during the service at The American Church

🗓️ Monday, February 3

10:00 AM–12:00 PM: Panel Discussion and Masterclass at Paris University of Political Sciences

🗓️ Tuesday, February 4

7:30 PM: Grande Salle – Joséphine Baker Théâtre de la Concorde

A Musical Message of Hope, Unity, and Enduring Faith

The ARISE Ensemble’s Paris performances will showcase a powerful collection of African-American spirituals and gospel classics that embody resilience, hope, and unity. Rooted in faith and the enduring struggle for freedom, these timeless songs tell profound stories of perseverance and triumph.

With their rich harmonies and heartfelt performances, the ARISE Ensemble will breathe life into this cherished music, transforming each moment on stage into a deeply moving celebration of the human spirit and the enduring legacy of African-American culture.

Learn more at the “ARISE in Paris 2025” web page: https://bitl.to/3ntS

The ARISE Ensemble & The Real Education of TJ Crowley

The ARISE Ensemble's gospel music enhances the emotional depth of The Real Education of TJ Crowley: Coming of Age on the Redline, as noted by AudioFile Magazine. Co-written by ARISE member Grant Overstake, this critically acclaimed audio drama explores themes of racial awakening and reconciliation in 1960s Wichita, inspired by the lives of ARISE founder Josephine "Mama Jo" Brown and her husband Dr. Val Brown Sr.

While the ensemble’s Paris tour is a major milestone, their contributions to The Real Education of TJ Crowley continue to make history.

In addition to contributing her beautiful solo to the production, Sheila Brown Kinnard portrays Mrs. Lorraine Washington, a role inspired by her mother, ARISE founder Josephine Pace Brown. At John Marshall Media studios in New York City.

🎙️ What is The Real Education of TJ Crowley?
It’s a full-cast audio drama that tells a powerful coming-of-age story set in 1960s Wichita, featuring a diverse ensemble of 15 award-winning actors, including ARISE’s own Sheila Brown Kinnard as Mrs. Lorraine Washington—a role inspired by her mother, civil rights activist Jo Brown.

The ARISE Ensemble’s music serves as the heart and soul of the production, infusing the story with an emotional depth that resonates long after the final note.

Co-written by ARISE member Grant Overstake alongside Producer and Director May Wuthrich, the audio drama is inspired by the life and work of ARISE founder Josephine "Mama Jo" Brown and her pioneering husband, the late Dr. Val Brown Sr.

At its core, The Real Education of TJ Crowley is a story of racial awakening and reconciliation, exploring themes of hope, transformation, and social change—all elevated by the ARISE Ensemble’s music.

✨ Audie Award Finalist for 2025
This groundbreaking audio drama is now an Audie Award Finalist, recognized among the top six Young Adult audiobooks of the year.

Grant Overstake, bass singer with ARISE and spouse of fellow member Claire Overstake, is the author and executive producer of the acclaimed audio drama, *The Real Education of T.J. Crowley: Coming of Age,* a finalist for the 2025 Audie Awards. The production features the ARISE Ensemble and is inspired by Overstake’s life story and the powerful legacy of African-American spirituals.

🎙️ What are the Audie Awards?
Think of them as the Oscars for audiobooks. Hosted by the Audio Publishers Association, the Audies honor the best in audio storytelling, narration, and production. The winners will be announced on March 4, 2025, in New York City.

📣 AudioFile Magazine Raves About ARISE
"The gospel music of the ARISE Ensemble enhances the listening experience, creating a deeply moving and transformative production." — AudioFile Magazine

Grant Overstake shared his excitement about the nomination:

"This is going to be an awesome experience for everyone, and I'm proud that TJ Crowley is arriving as an Earphones Award Winner and Finalist for an Audie Award because of what ARISE Ensemble has added to the production."

**Download TJ Crowley Featuring the ARISE Ensemble! 🎧**

Want to experience ARISE’s stunning performances in The Real Education of TJ Crowley?

📥 Available now on Audible: Download Here

ARISE Ensemble in Paris: A Historic Tour of Music, Legacy, Global Recognition, and TJ Crowley!