One of the most exciting and unique upcoming performances on the Center’s calendar is Trey McLaughlin & The Sounds of Zamar on Friday, February 8. This group features superbly talented Gospel singers whose versatility has garnered them millions of followers and fans. We recently interviewed Mr. McLaughlin to get his insight on this moving performance experience.
Tell us why this performance is unlike anything we’ve seen before?
T.M.: This performance is an eclectic mix of several styles of music. The Sounds of Zamar (SOZ) is so unique because it depicts a colorful narration of how complex we all are. While gospel is our main genre, we know that you can also feel the warmth of God’s love through other styles of music, and that is reflected in our presentation.
How did you put together this program? What are some things you thought about as you planned the pieces you'll perform?
T.M.: We wanted to perform pieces we knew our audiences wanted to hear live and some pieces that are close to our hearts. We also made sure it was a mix that would resonate with different audiences and reflected the uniqueness of our ensemble.
Who are some of your biggest inspirations?
T.M.: My inspirations include my mother, who raised me to love the arts and voice in particular. Musical inspirations and influences include Mr. Stevie Wonder, Kirk Franklin, Shania Twain, and artists who have the courage to be authentically themselves musically.
What is your favorite moment or song during the performance?
T.M.: My favorite moment during our performance, is the moment when I look out into the audience and see the connection made by an audience member to the music. Because we sing different styles of music, everyone [in the audience] is there to hear their favorite SOZ rendition. But to see them connect with a song that they didn’t necessarily come to hear, to feel and know that we’ve impacted our audience, is a feeling I don’t take for granted.
Is there anything in particular you and the other performers focus on as you prepared for the tour?
T.M.: We focus on rest, vocal health and really making sure we seek God and His will for us. We know that this is all only possible because of Him, and it is a ministry.
What are you most looking forward to in terms of presenting The Sounds of Zamar?
T.M.: These are my friends, with whom I’ve been singing for years. This is something we’ve worked towards for a long time, and to have it come to fruition has been beautiful. I’m just looking forward to being able to share this experience with my SOZ.
What are you hoping audiences will take away from this performance?
T.M.: It is our prayer and hope that audience members leave feeling inspired, hopeful and loved.
Trey McLaughlin & The Sounds of Zamar
Friday, February 8 at 8 p.m.
Center for the Arts Concert Hall
Tickets and more information