Historic Clayborn Temple and Tennessee Mass Choir Fill Crosstown with “One Voice, One Sound”
The lobby of Crosstown Concourse came alive with music, laughter, and collective energy as Historic Clayborn Temple and members of the Tennessee Mass Choir gathered Memphians for Community Sing, the opening event of the In This Place 2026: This Is Memphis season powered by The Big We.
Hosted in partnership with Crosstown Arts, the event invited people from across the city to do something simple but powerful: sing together.
The evening welcomed singers of every experience level, from seasoned choir members to people who normally keep their voices to themselves in the car or at home. Guided by Dr. Jason Clark, Executive Director of the Tennessee Mass Choir, attendees learned a song together step by step before joining in a powerful moment where the entire room lifted their voices as one.
By the end of the evening, the grand staircase inside Crosstown was filled with hundreds of voices creating what Dr. Clark described as a shared musical experience rooted in unity.
“This is about one voice and one sound,” Clark told the crowd. “When we come together like this, something special happens.”
community, and capital rooted in the spirit of the 1968 Memphis Sanitation Workers Strike, when sanitation workers gathered at Historic Clayborn Temple and stood together to demand dignity and justice.
That same spirit of unity and collective power filled the room as people lined the stairs and sang together in a moment that felt both celebratory and deeply meaningful.
Attendees described the experience as uplifting and unexpectedly emotional.
“It was amazing to share something as beautiful and as community-building as music.”
Throughout the evening, members of the Tennessee Mass Choir stood among the crowd, lending their voices and helping guide participants through the song. Their presence added both musical leadership and a sense of community that made the experience accessible to everyone in the room. The Big We expressed deep gratitude for the partnership and leadership that made the night possible.
“Community Sing reminded us how powerful it is when Memphis shows up together,” said The Big We CEO, Anasa Troutman. “We’re grateful to Crosstown Arts for hosting us and to Dr. Jason Clark and the Tennessee Mass Choir for helping lead such a joyful and welcoming experience.”
Dr. Clark’s leadership transformed the gathering into more than just a musical moment. His approach invited every participant to feel confident using their voice and contributing to the shared sound filling the space. As the final notes echoed through the building, attendees remained in the lobby connecting with one another, sharing reflections, and celebrating the moment.
The evening set the tone for the rest of the In This Place season, which continues throughout Memphis with gatherings focused on culture, community, storytelling, creativity, and collective opportunity.
In This Place: This is Memphis continues through April 16th. All In This Place events are free and can be reserved here. Stay up-to-date on Historic Clayborn Temple news by following us on social media. To donate to Clayborn Temple’s programming, click here. To learn more about Clayborn’s rebuilding and reimagining efforts, click here.