PRAISE, AND PASS THE BISCUITS

By Rosemary Ford
rford@eagletribune.com

July 05, 2009 01:36 am

—

A little bit of the South is now nestled just steps away from Fenway Park.

Here, on a Sunday morning, one can nourish the body as well as the spirit at the recently revived House of Blues Gospel Brunch.

The House of Blues opened in February on Lansdowne Street. Though the chain of restaurants that idolizes all things Blues and Southern started in Cambridge, there hadn't been a House of Blues in Boston for several years.

With its return to the Hub, everything is new again — including the House of Blues Gospel Brunch, which started in Cambridge back in 1992.

"It was just part of the mix, that was part of the Southern culture that was being highlighted at the house," said spokesman Howie Turkenkopf.

This one-of-a-kind live music and dining event features gospel performances from local and regional artists, as well as acclaimed gospel musicians. These are no passive concerts, though you won't see anyone waving a lighter, or even a lit cell phone screen.

Turkenkopf said they're very similar to the gospel brunches locals may remember.

"Of course we have a little more room," Turkenkopf said.

Participants clap, yell, shout, praise the Lord and even do a little dancing. It's a moving event that tends to sell out all 200 seats every week since it began back in May.

"We may add another seating," said Turkenkopf, but probably not until the fall.

Gospel brunch starts with a mouth-watering, all-you-can-eat Southern-style buffet, including biscuits and gravy, waffles, fried chicken, blackened catfish, carving stations, muffins and pastry.

About an hour into the knoshing comes the music.

Performers rotate in and out of the brunch "service" every few months. Some perform the classics, like "This Little Light of Mine." Others perform originals.

Last Sunday, Freda Battle and the Temple Worshippers performed "We Shall Rejoice" and "Serious Praise." The group of 10 singers, accompanied by Battle on keyboards and a drummer and guitarist, performed for about an hour.

"Some of the artists are the ones we had originally," said Turkenkopf. Many come recommended by The Rev. Lee, one of the first gospel brunch performers at the House of Blues.

On Sunday, heavenly sounds reverberated around the auditorium, which is normally used for rock and roll. Battle and the group performed below a stage emblazoned with religious symbols from several different cultures.

The concert ended with a prayer, for the audience and the players, that they would be touched by their Lord.

If you go

What: House of Blues Gospel Brunch.

When: Every Sunday. Check Web site www.houseofblues.com/boston for times.

Where: 15 Lansdowne St., Boston.

How: Tickets are $45 for adults, $38 for seniors and $25 for children aged 4-10. Children under age 4 are admitted for free. Available at the box office or online at Ticketmaster.com.

Insiders tips:

Doors open promptly at 11:30 p.m.

The ticket is for a reserved seat.

A table will sit at least 10.

Coffee, tea and juice come with the meal.

Mimosas and Bloody Marys are extra.

When the Red Sox aren't playing, look for street parking.

When the Red Sox are playing, plan to walk or pay a lot for parking.

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