Temple Sinai to hold evening of spirituals

Temple Sinai, 6227 St. Charles Avenue, will present "Deep River: The Songs Paul Robeson Sang" on Nov. 1 at 5 p.m. in commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the first integrated public speech in New Orleans.

Featured vocalists and musicians will be Joshua Jay Walker, bass; Joel Colman, bass-baritone; and Rachel Van Voorhees, accompanist. Tickets are $7 in advance and $10 at the door. To reserve tickets, call 504.861.3693.

Ralph Bunche, a diplomat and political scientist, spoke at Temple Sinai in 60 years ago, in December 1949, to a crowd of 2,000. Bunche was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1950 for his work in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the first African-American to receive the award. Bunche served on the faculties of Howard University and Harvard University.

Paul Robeson was an African-American activist, actor and singer who popularized spirituals. Songs Robeson recorded or presented in concert will be featured during the concert.

Colman, cantor for Temple Sinai, said the concert affords him a long-awaited opportunity to honor Robeson by joining with Walker in saluting Robeson's life and music.

For information, call 504.861.3693.

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The People Program Boo-tique will be held Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 2250 Lakeshore Drive, near Elysian Fields Avenue. Handmade items will be sold along with picture frames, plants, DVDs and CDs, holiday ornaments and more. Food, a Space Walk, face painting and a pumpkin pie contest are included. Proceeds go to the People Program. For information, call 504.284.7678.

In conjunction with the event is a Family Fun Walk at 10 a.m. with on-site registration. Cost is $5 for adults and $3 for children.

The People Program is a nonprofit organization offering courses in creative fields for adults 50 and older. Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 6201 Stratford Place, and St. Matthew's United Methodist Church, 6017 Camphor St. are two of its many sponsors....