Linda Plaut Festival of the Arts

Dennis Montgomery III and Pleasant Praise

He wowed us at last year’s Newton Piano Summit and now he‘s back with a full choir. Dennis Montgomery grew up singing and playing in Baptist churches around the upper Louisiana area under the tutelage of his father and mother. Shortly after he arrived at Berklee in 1983, Montgomery headed for the gospel choir which he believes is a fundamental ingredient of the American experience for international students. Montgomery states, “When I was young, I had to learn European musical styles. So when foreign students come to Berklee, I think it is important to educate them in a true form of American music.” The choir has launched some premiere voices in the music industry such as Paula Cole, Lalah Hathaway,