Carytown & Museum District News Events in Richmond Virginia, West of the Boulevard

August 27, 2007

6 Comments.

1. It might be the same people that I’ve seen playing outside of NY Deli late at night. It turned out that they were advertising a church in Church Hill, but the music sounded pretty decent. for a late night.

   Chase @ August 28th, 2007 at 9:40 am

2. Yes, I saw this and they were making beautiful music…

   RCU Kensington @ August 28th, 2007 at 10:36 pm

3. They have been there several times over the past few months. Can hear them from my back deck…one of many reasons I just love living here!

   Fiona @ August 30th, 2007 at 2:44 pm

4. They are the House of Praise Brass Band, straight out of Church Hill.

   When I first saw them about two months ago, filing past me as I came out of the New York Deli, I thought: these guys look like they’re visiting from Down South; when they started playing, I knew they were from New Orleans, and then I learned; nope, just up Broad Street.

   The church helps them purchase their instruments, and they practice, practice, practice, most of them haven’t any musical training. They are following the Biblical injunction: make a joyful noise. And, it is, oh, yes such joy is expressed. I defy anybody just to stand there with your hands in your pockets while you listen; if you are move to sway a little, you need to check your pulse for life.

   I’ve missed them the past few weeks — wish I’d seen them! They usually show up after dark on Friday evenings, or at least, that was their pattern.

   Harry @ August 30th, 2007 at 5:23 pm

5. Someone should get their schedule. Maybe NYD will book them to play inside for real money–I’d go.

   Daniel @ August 31st, 2007 at 12:37 pm

6. I agree – they sound amazing. I’ve seen them twice. It’s doubly amazing considering the men are all in long-sleeve dress shirts and they’ll play for hours even on the hottest of August nights.

   The church is part of “The United House of Prayer for All People”. After I saw them the first time I looked up the church online. It’s got a colorful history, to say the least. It was founded by “Sweet Daddy” Grace, a charismatic man who (depending on who you believe) was either a saint or a total huckster. The IRS went after him hard in the ’70’s. Today they’re a little less cultish but still a rather extreme brand of Christianity.

   Marc @ August 31st, 2007 at 1:05 pm

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