How Sweet The Sound™: A Night of Gospel Music and Community Empowerment
How Sweet The Sound™ (HSTS), the leading gospel music competition in the U.S., is set to return to Washington D.C. for a spectacular event on May 30, 2026, at 7:30 PM at The Anthem, located at 901 Wharf St SW. This vibrant music competition serves as a platform for showcasing the incredible talents of choirs, dancers, soloists, and spoken word artists from various communities across the nation.
Every year, HSTS captures the essence of creativity and cultural expression, celebrating the rich heritage found within underserved communities. This year's competition features various categories including community choirs, HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) choirs, solo performances, dance, and spoken word. HSTS maintains a strong focus on HBCUs and their pivotal role in preserving Black excellence and cultural legacy in America, encouraging participation from these storied institutions.
A thrilling lineup of judges and performers promises to make this event unforgettable. Attendees can look forward to multiple Grammy and Stellar Award-winning artists, such as Donald Lawrence, Tamela and David Mann, Kierra Sheard Kelly, Jekalyn Carr, and J.J. Hairston. With their combined talents, they aim to create a night that not only entertains but uplifts and inspires.
Nate Brown, the founder and CEO of How Sweet The Sound™, shared profound insights about the event: "A night like this isn't just entertainment; it honors our heritage and uplifts emerging artists while highlighting the exceptional accomplishments of HBCUs. When gospel music fills the room, it has the power to shift energy, and we intend to propel the entire city of Washington into a state of joyful celebration and reflection."
The event is supported by a coalition of partners dedicated to community impact and cultural alignment. Glory Foods, a brand renowned for its Southern-style cuisine, rejoins HSTS for the third consecutive year. Brian Hodges, the brand manager, expressed excitement for their collaboration, saying, "We're thrilled to work with How Sweet The Sound™ again to introduce our new Life Well Seasoned campaign, which resonates with our belief that life is enriched when shared with community and imbued with flavor."
TeamPMG, a company focused on elevating modern living through innovative interior design, also partners with HSTS. Rachel Wilson, the president, noted, "Collaborating with How Sweet The Sound™ is a tremendous honor. We aspire to create spaces that nurture community connection and resonate with purpose. It’s not merely about aesthetics; it’s about crafting experiences that inspire and forge lasting memories."
Moreover, COWOC (Creating Opportunity Within Our Community), a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering individuals and communities, joins the event with a mission to promote access and opportunity. Costello Wilson, the president of COWOC stated, "Our mission aligns closely with that of How Sweet The Sound™, emphasizing the importance of creating hope and opportunity within our communities. Strong communities thrive when purpose meets opportunity and every voice is allowed to rise."
The Museum of the Bible also contributes its efforts as a cultural partner, reinforcing its commitment to sharing transformative experiences that engage the community. "Partnering with How Sweet The Sound™ allows us to enrich lives through the power of music and performing arts," stated representatives from the museum.
Finally, the SonRise Project, a 501(c)(3) dedicated to providing supportive spaces for parents, will again partner with HSTS. Kelli Richardson, its founder and CEO, shared, "We aim to continue being a vital resource for parents and families. Since 2020, we've offered a support system for thousands across the nation, and we’re thrilled to be part of this empowering event."
Tickets for this highly anticipated event are currently on sale. With its spectacular lineup and inspirational atmosphere, the HSTS event promises an unforgettable experience that attendees are sure to cherish. Don’t miss the chance to secure your seats at ticketmaster.com before they sell out!
How Sweet The Sound™ has distinguished itself since its founding in 2007, aspiring to elevate gospel artistry while embracing cultural heritage through live events and community connections. The competition not only features celebrated artists and choirs but also aims to unite different generations through the powerful medium of music. Originally a national U.S. tour, HSTS has broadened its horizons, showcasing its talents internationally with significant recognition like collaborating with London's prestigious Royal Albert Hall. HSTS remains headquartered in Washington, D.C., where it continues to celebrate musical expression and foster community engagement.