“Moments With Paul” delves deep into the incredible life of Paul Robeson, a true Renaissance man!

Moments With Paul

Sunday May 17 @ 3:00pm

Normal First United Methodist Church

211 N. School Street

Normal, Illinois 61761

Moments With Paul is a powerful spoken and sung dramatic retrospective on the life of the 20th century Renaissance Man, Paul Robeson. An accomplished student and collegiate athlete, as well as highly talented actor and singer, Robeson used his fame as a performer to speak out against discrimination and for human rights across the globe.

The show stars Jason McKinney as Robeson, joined on stage by Greg Thompson portraying Robeson’s accompanist, Lawrence Brown.

“Moments With Paul” sheds light on the life of this courageous, influential and complex man who was reviled in some quarters, but has remained relevant particularly in today's environment where the contributions of African-Americans and their history has become a matter of our political discourse.

Jason McKinney, bass-baritone

Jason S. McKinney is a versatile bass-baritone, composer, author, and playwright from Milwaukee, WI, whose career spans opera, concert performance, and dramatic storytelling.

Musical Career and Education
A graduate of the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, McKinney's musical foundation was built early, starting at Hillel Academy and continuing through instrumental study at the Boys and Girls Club and Whitefish Bay High School. His distinguished opera career has seen him embody roles ranging from the charismatic Don Giovanni to the powerful Porgy. Renowned for his versatility and ability to step in as a quick-study replacement, he has performed at prestigious venues across the US and Europe and has premiered new works by composers worldwide. As a concert soloist, he has been featured with orchestras across continents, and his repertoire spans genres from early music to jazz. He currently serves as Music Director and Cantorial Soloist for Temple Emanuel in Winston-Salem.

Beyond his performative music career, McKinney is dedicated to historical storytelling. As a composer, author, and playwright, he brings pivotal figures to life through original works about Paul Robeson and Frederick Douglass, and in his acclaimed portrayals of Abraham Lincoln, Daniel Webster, Malcolm X, and Martin Luther King Jr.
Appearing in theatrical productions and concert settings with orchestra, his performances are powerful musical narratives that blend spoken word with symphonic and choral works to honor these figures. His commitment to authorship extends to children’s literature as the co-author of the biographical nonfiction picture book, Jason Belongs, published by Kar-Ben Publications

McKinney is deeply dedicated to his community in Winston-Salem. His public service is highlighted by his appointment to and service as Chair of the Human Relations Commission, where he actively promotes understanding, fair housing, language access, and cultural excellence. He also takes great pride in his family, whose members work tirelessly for the common good across many fields, including the arts, athletics, academia, law, politics, administration, finance, community engagement, housing, philanthropy and healthcare.