JOY IN THE CITY GUELPH

Music Speaks!

About Us

Our Mission

Through curated experiences, artist development, and inclusive workshops, we invite individuals and communities to explore Gospel’s depth, celebrate its roots, and find their own voice within it.

At Joy In The City – Guelph, our mission is to create spaces where Gospel music uplifts, connects, and empowers. We believe music is more than performance—it’s a bridge between cultures, a source of healing, and a spark for change.

Our Commitment

We are committed to:

Whether in schools, churches, community halls, or public stages our message stays the same: When Gospel music speaks, we listen.

  • Honoring the rich legacy of Gospel Music and its traditions
  • Bringing people together through soulful, joyful sound
  • Nurturing talent through education, creativity, and collaboration
  • Making Gospel music accessible, meaningful, and relevant to all

Our Values

Legacy

We honor the roots of Gospel music—its rich history, faith, cultural depth, and spiritual significance. We strive to carry its message forward with respect and purpose.

Community

Through our lived and shared experiences, we  affirm Gospel Music speaks the language we understand, it gives hope and healing that promotes holistic wellness in the City of Guelph.

Growth

Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a first-time singer, we are here to  help you grow. We are passionate about nurturing talent through education, mentorship, and artistic exploration.

Joy

Above all, we believe in JOY. The kind that echoes in harmony, strengthens hearts and minds. We believe this JOY brings people together through shared experience.

Artistic Director

Verese Vassell-Bowen is the founder and Artistic Director for Joy In The City Guelph,  singer, songwriter and recording artist based in Guelph, Ontario. She graced the Canadian gospel scene in 2016 with her debut album, Forever Praise.   This project blends a combination of Traditional, Contemporary, Neo Soul, and even Spoken Word into a soul-stirring musical work. Her single I Am Enough released in 2020 after the racialized uprising in the US takes you on a spiritual journey from pain to praise. 

Verese was one of four artists who collaborated on writing the song Freedom Marching which featured vocals of over 40 racialized recording artists across Canada.  Verese served as the executive producer for the annual Joy In the City A Christmas Gospel Celebration from 2017 to present day featuring both Juno Award Winning Artists, Sharon Riley, Carlos Morgan.  She also served as the Artistic Director for the Guelph Black Heritage Society Juneteenth Celebration 2021.

Verese has gracefully shared the stage with Grammy Winner Cece Winans, reggae stars Third World, Joseph Hill & Culture, Shaggy, and Maxi Priest. Verese was also a backing vocalist for Jamaican reggae coroner Beres Hammond. 

In Canada, Verese has also shared the stage with Juno ward-winning artists Lance Anderson on concerts The Last Waltz tribute to The Band , Mariposa’s Blues & Gospel Festival as well as Kitchener Blues Festival – Gospel Breakfast and the Toronto Mass Choir.   She also was the featured Gospel Artist at The 2nd Annual Mel Brown’s Festival 2023.  She’s shared the stage with Rufus John, Adrian Raso, Londa Larmond, Quisha Wint, Ray Robinson, and Renee Rowe, Witness Choir.  Verese was a lead vocalist and former member of the Waterloo Region Mass Choir.