Young gospel stars bring sweet Sounds of Zamar to the Perot Theatre.
A transformative experience, that’s what listeners can treasure when they see Trey McLaughlin & the Sounds of Zamar at the Perot Theatre on Saturday, Oct. 13.
Starting at 7:30 p.m., the Georgia-based singing group brings to Texarkana a show that blends gospel, pop music and musical theater for a stage performance that combines original music with covers that are “Treyified,” said singer Heather Denson, one of the performers.
“The show is an experience. It’s not just gospel, it’s inspiration,” Denson said, noting how McLaughlin puts his unique touch on the way they perform, which makes for a great blend. It will make an indelible impression on the audience, she says.
“I think that when they come and see the show they will not leave the same way they came in,” Denson said.
McLaughlin and his group have performed with some of the top talents in the gospel music industry, including Kierra “Kiki” Sheard, James Fortune, William McDowell and Brian Courtney Wilson. They appeared on Vashawn Mitchell’s “Triumphant” DVD. Their own debut album was “Limitless,” a 2012 release, with the single “I will Praise,” which landed on the Billboard Gospel Charts.
In particular, Trey McLaughlin and the Sounds of Zamar are known for their demonstrative vocals, strong harmonies and the manner with which they arrange present-day gospel works.
Covers they sing include “Let Praises Rise” and “Better is One Day,” both of which are available to see at the Trey McLaughlin Website. They highlight the group’s powerful, uplifting vocal abilities and transfixing presence.
For several dates in October,
The Zamar Experience, as it’s called, is heading out on the road, followed by more touring dates early next year. Texarkana’s stop is part of the Texarkana Regional Arts and Humanities Council’s Perot Theatre season.
Denson said that after working on gospel plays and musical theater, including time in New York City, she returned to Georgia and, once in Augusta, found McLaughlin when she was looking for a place to worship. Someone recommended McLaughlin and she was impressed by how he teaches music and the church choir and praise team. Ultimately, she auditioned for a group where everybody has something to offer.
And when McLaughlin teaches the music, offering background about a composition is part of it, helping his performers buy into into his vision.
“It’s more than just a show … Trey says often, ‘Life is a song,’” Denson said.
“Sounds of Zamar, it’s like a family,” said Denson, an Atlanta native and former mathematics professor who sang background for the “Heal the World Tour” stop by Michael Jackson in that city. She also toured oversees with Robin Brown and the Triumphant Delegation.
The way Denson describes expressive singing in Sounds of Zamar, the feeling of positivity shines through. They believe in what they’re singing, as if they’re experiencing what the lyrics are about, putting themselves in the moment for this musical theater on stage in front of the audience.
“We are actually experiencing the moment and trying to share that experience with the audience,” Denson said.
Parts of different plays and other plot elements intertwine in the show, she explained, songs leading into each other.
“They kind of tell a story,” Denson said, adding, “It’s moments in life that people go through, and realizing life can be a song.”