Guelph gospel singer and producer Verese Vassell-Bowen believes in the unifying power of music. For her, it’s more than just melody and lyrics—it’s a source of connection, joy, and healing.
This Black Heritage Month, she will take the stage at the Guelph Civic Museum (52 Norfolk St.) as part of the Fourth Friday series on February 28. Her performance kicks off at 7 p.m., but visitors are invited to explore the museum’s exhibitions for free between 5 and 9 p.m.
Singing Through the Chaos
While celebrating Black heritage, Vassell-Bowen is also reflecting on the state of the world today. She sees music as a way to navigate life’s challenges and help people move forward, together.
“When I sing ‘won’t you help to sing’, it’s more than just a lyric—it’s an invitation for others to find peace and share their stories,” she said.
In 2025, her message feels even more urgent.
“With everything happening globally—the chaos, shock, and horror—it’s overwhelming,” Vassell-Bowen shared. “If you don’t have someone to talk to, you could go mad. That’s why music is so powerful. It’s my peace.”
She believes in the importance of mental freedom and taking a step back from the noise. For her, that means turning to music.
“It’s remarkable to have this one thing—music—that carries so much weight, that holds space for so many emotions,” she said. “Every performance I give, I want my audience to walk away with something: a deeper understanding of where we are, where we’re headed, and how we can get there together. Because none of us can do this alone.”
A Step Backwards?
As she looks at the world today, she worries about regression.
“It feels like we’re stepping backward, into a time we haven’t even lived through,” she said. “When I see what’s happening south of the border, it’s unsettling.”
Yet, through her music, she hopes to foster a sense of community.
“When people come to my shows, I want them to feel something,” she said. “To feel valued, connected, and seen.”
She’s also deeply grateful to be part of Guelph Black Heritage Society’s celebrations.
“The history here is rich,” she said. “People don’t always realize what the church and the neighborhood around Heritage Hall represented. Guelph was a place of refuge for people who looked like me—fleeing from the U.S. to this very community.”
She acknowledges the Indigenous peoples and early settlers who played a role in shaping the multiculturalism we celebrate today.
The Deep Roots of Black Music
For Vassell-Bowen, Black music and gospel music are more than just art forms—they’re languages of emotion and experience.
“Gospel is my heritage, my genre,” she said, “but it’s loved by people of all backgrounds.”
She points out that many popular genres—jazz, rhythm and blues, soul—all trace their roots back to gospel music.
Her upcoming performance will showcase a variety of musical styles, offering audiences a little bit of everything. To enhance the experience, she’s bringing in members of her band to create a fuller, more dynamic sound.
