Gospel music unites CSULB, local community in song

Published March 4, 2025
By Wendy Thomas Russell Boundless Opportunity

Cal State Long Beach’s first Gospel Music Week concluded on March 1 with a community performance at Bethany Church, bringing together students, faculty, staff, alumni and local singers in front of an engaged audience of 300. Led by gospel artist Ananias “Markey” Montague and supported by CSULB choral director Jonathan Talberg, the Community Gospel Choir Concert featured a mix of traditional and contemporary gospel. 

The weeklong event was designed to foster connection and cultural appreciation, welcoming singers of all backgrounds without auditions. More than 140 participants, including members of the Bob Cole Chamber Choir, rehearsed in the final days of Black History Month.

A student in a "One Beach" shirt sings into a microphone at the Community Gospel Choir Concert
Members of the Community Gospel Choir Concert sing on stage

Alongside CSULB’s Super Sunday outreach, the initiative aimed to strengthen community ties while celebrating gospel music’s history. Spearheaded by Daria-Yvonne Jackson Graham, associate vice president of student success and engagement, the concert was a collaboration between Student Affairs and Academic Affairs. Graham hopes it’s the first of many.

"Ananias Montague brought an unforgettable energy to the inaugural Gospel Music Week at CSULB,” she said. “His teaching and direction united voices from all backgrounds — creating a powerful and moving concert."

His teaching and direction united voices from all backgrounds — creating a powerful and moving concert.

Choir members sing with passion, some raising their hands in worship at the Community Gospel Choir Concert.
Jonathan Talberg, in a black shirt, directs a group as they sing at the Community Gospel Choir Concert.
Audience members stand and clap, smiling and engaged in the Community Gospel Choir Concert
An audience watches a performance during the Community Gospel Choir Concert
A performer stands onstage holding a microphone during Community Gospel Choir Concert
CSULB President Jane Close Conoley and her husband, Collie, stand and clap while watching the Community Gospel Choir Concert
Ananias Montague listens as a student sings during Community Gospel Choir Concert

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