Three concerts entitled A Celebration of African-American Spirituals will honor Black History Month in song this weekend.

African-American spirituals are a genre of music, either sacred or secular, that dates back to the time of slavery, said Anthony Leach, assistant professor of music and choir director. The genre has evolved from a folk experience to a concert tradition, Leach said.

Tim Black (junior-music education), one of the soloists for tonight's concert and member of the group Essence of Joy, said he feels a strong sense of unity in the racially diverse choir. He said that the performers and audience members all sense that unity, particularly when they perform this type of music.

"Everyone loves the traditional African American Spirituals," Black said. "It's got a feeling no other music has. It comes from the core of emotions these people had; you can't get deeper meaning."

Tonight's concert at 8 p.m. will consist of solo performances. Tomorrow at 8 p.m., University Choir, Glee Club, Oriana Singers and two soloists will perform, including Susan Boardman, associate professor of music. Sunday will feature soloists and Essence of Joy at 4 p.m. All shows will be in the Esber Recital Hall on the ground floor of Music Building 1.

Tickets are $2 for students and $4 for non-students and will be available at the door.

— by Rennie Dyball