Percy Bady joins Salem Baptist Church discussion on gospel music
Omaha Performing Arts and Salem Baptist Church brought award-winning songwriter Percy Bady to North Omaha on Nov. 3 for a conversation about gospel musicianship, the genre’s roots in the Black church and its influence on American music. The event aimed to connect local audiences with professional artists and expand access to arts education.
Why it matters: - The event highlighted gospel music’s role in shaping contemporary American music while centering the Black church’s cultural influence. - The program gave local musicians, students and community members direct access to an established industry figure. - The partnership reflected a broader push to make arts education and cultural programming more accessible in North Omaha.
What happened: - Omaha Performing Arts and Salem Baptist Church hosted “The Conversation: Gospel Musicianship” on Tuesday, Nov. 3, at Salem Baptist Church in North Omaha. - Award-winning songwriter, musician and producer Percy Bady joined Ananias “Markey” Montague, Salem Baptist Church’s minister of music and fine arts, for the discussion. - The event was part of Omaha Performing Arts’ Voices AMPLIFIED! initiative. - The program took place at Salem Baptist Church, 3131 Lake St.
The details: - The conversation explored gospel music’s history, influence and lasting impact on contemporary music. - The discussion covered songwriting, music production and performance. - The program emphasized gospel music’s roots in the Black church and its influence on American popular music. - Bady’s career includes work connected to Toni Braxton, BeBe and CeCe Winans, Yolanda Adams and Fred Hammond. - Bady has received a Gospel Music Association Dove Award and a Grammy nomination. - Montague brought a local perspective and discussed Salem’s musical presence in Omaha and beyond. - Montague said gospel music is “more than a sound” and called it part of history, faith and cultural identity. - Montague said the conversation aimed to connect the musical excellence of the past with the creativity of the next generation. - The event used a choose-what-you-pay registration model, including a free admission option.
Between the lines: - Omaha Performing Arts is using community-based events to widen access beyond traditional performance venues. - Salem Baptist Church’s role underscores how faith institutions can serve as cultural and educational hubs. - The format suggests a focus on both audience development and arts literacy, not just entertainment. - The collaboration positions gospel music as both a living tradition and a teaching tool for younger artists.
What’s next: - Omaha Performing Arts is expected to continue using Voices AMPLIFIED! to connect communities with professional musicians. - The partnership may open the door for more local programming that combines performance, education and cultural history. - Both organizations are signaling a continued focus on access, engagement and community outreach.
The bottom line: - The event framed gospel music as a foundation of American popular music and a current force in community education.**
Disclaimer: This article was produced by AGP Wire with the assistance of artificial intelligence based on original source content and has been refined to improve clarity, structure, and readability. This content is provided on an “as is” basis. While care has been taken in its preparation, it may contain inaccuracies or omissions, and readers should consult the original source and independently verify key information where appropriate. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, investment, or other professional advice.
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