Big Quarterly: Untold American history through gospel and dance

Join us for an evening of conversation and musical performances featuring excerpts from "Big Quarterly," an original musical that brings to life an extraordinary and largely untold chapter of American history.

Presented by Vanderbilt University–New York City and produced by NYC–based director and choreographer Jōvan Dansberry, this special event brings to life the extraordinary legacy of Peter Spencer, a man once enslaved who rose to found the nation’s first wholly independent Black church in 1813. One year later, he established the Big August Quarterly, an annual gathering in Wilmington, Delaware, that still exists to this day.

“Big Quarterly” is a story of faith, resistance, and the cost of freedom, both personal and collective. The evening will feature curated fellowship and a panel discussion moderated by Yolanda Pierce, PhD, Dean of Vanderbilt University Divinity School, with panelists including Kim Kilby and S. Todd Townsend, writers of the musical.

Attendance is open to the public; tickets are required. Seats are limited–join us and experience this powerful story through music and conversation.

Ticket proceeds support production costs and performer pay. This is a not-for-profit production working to grow and reach larger stages.

6 p.m.: Doors open

6:30-8:30 p.m.: Panel discussion and musical excerpts from "Big Quarterly"

Vanderbilt University–New York City, The Chapel
429 West 20th Street, New York, NY 10011

With book, music and lyrics by S. Todd Townsend, Luke McLemore and Kim Kilby, "Big Quarterly" shows how the annual celebration became something far more courageous and profound. For those still in bondage, it was a covert gateway to freedom, offering safe passage along the Underground Railroad. But as Peter builds a movement larger than himself, he is quietly haunted by deep childhood wounds and the relentless pressure of outside forces determined to crush his vision. His private struggle threatens to undo the very mission he was called to fulfill. Through faith and divine grace, Peter uncovers long-buried family secrets that reveal the final path to his own liberation. “Big Quarterly” is a story of faith, resistance, and the cost of freedom, both personal and collective.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Vanderbilt University–New York City, 429 West 20th Street, New York, United States

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