The Spirituals Project at the University of Denver

From our founder, Dr. Arthur C. Jones: “Another giant falls! Jacqui Hairston was a cousin of the late Jester Hairston, who was known as the “grand old man of the spirituals.” Jacqui played a major role in the success of The Spirituals Project’s inaugural national conference in 2013.”

https://www.msn.com/en-us/music/news/jacqui-butler-hairston-influential-bay-area-teacher-composer-and-arranger-of-spirituals-dies/ar-AA24kgkj?cvid=6a19e627696d4a16b066f0e4deae8100&ei=66&ocid=msedgdhp&pc=U531&fbclid=IwZnRzaASOwExleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeF1Nq9FLNFm2Gh14l_6GhO-3y_p-yBhCIeASLSAbrCgiYES6XOJbCv7ZrsGs_aem_X3JnwgyDHVn-1ncvi5g9sQ

Jacqui Butler Hairston, influential Bay Area teacher, composer and arranger of spirituals, dies A Juilliard-trained musician, Hairston devoted her life to preserving spirituals and teaching and mentoring Bay Area singers.

We are grateful to CPR Classical for their continued support of our work and ongoing mission, “to preserve and revitalize the music and teachings of the sacred songs called Spirituals.”

Thank you to everyone who came out to our concert on Saturday or logged in to the live stream. Your presence and support mean a great deal to us. ❤️

Special thanks to the Lone Tree Symphony Orchestra and the Evergreen Chorale for joining us to make this event as special as it was.
For the ancestors...

Our concert this Saturday is sold out, again, because of you!
You can still be a part of the experience by joining the live stream (see link below). Be part of the magic, either in person or online.

https://liberalarts.du.edu/lamont/news-events/calendar/sould-out-cpr-classical-presents-spirituals-project-choir

Our keynote speaker, Rev. Dr. Lee H. Butler, president of Iliff School of Theology. Friday, May 15, 2026, beginning at 9:00 AM. For more information and to register, use this link: https://liberalarts.du.edu/lamont/news-events/all-articles/spirituals-project-national-conference

Our plenary speaker, Dr. Kim R. Harris. Friday, May 15, 2026, beginning at 9:00 AM. For more information and to register, use this link: https://liberalarts.du.edu/lamont/news-events/all-articles/spirituals-project-national-conference

Friday, May 15, 2026, beginning at 9:00 AM. For more information and to register, use this link: https://liberalarts.du.edu/lamont/news-events/all-articles/spirituals-project-national-conference