Rev. Stef and Jubilation in concert January 15, 2012

When you hear the name “Rev. Stefanie R. Minatee and JUBILATION”, you know there’s going to be jubilation in the house! JUBILATION is a culturally mixed aggregation of auditioned voices committed to singing African American sacred music, with an “emphasis” on Gospel music. The choir’s primary focus is preserving the history and legacy of this genre.

JUBILATION was created by Rev. Minatee at the request of New Jersey Performing Arts (NJPAC) CEO Larry Goldman and Newark Councilman/Assemblyman Donald K. Tucker. After several seasons at NJPAC, Rev. Minatee launched out with JUBILATION as an independent entity.

The choir has travel internationally to Japan and Russia to spread the good news of the gospel. JUBILATION was also featured on the holiday classic CD/DVD, “Ray Charles Celebrates a Gospel Christmas with the Voices of Jubilation”. This critically acclaimed release rose to #2 on the BILLBOARD Gospel Charts. This project remains a holiday favorite.

JUBILATION’s freshman CD, “The Launch Out Project,” was recorded “live”, and released by (Habakkuk Records/Fontana/Universal Christian Music Group). Their release “The Launch Out Project” was nominated for a Stellar Award in 2009 for “Best Traditional Female Vocalist” featuring Nancey Jackson Johnson.

In 2010, Rev. Stefanie R. Minatee and JUBILATION participated on the title track along with Queen Latifah (EMI compilation CD, “Oh Happy Day”) and won a Grammy Award for, “Best Traditional Gospel Album”. Simultaneously, JUBILATION was also nominated for Stellar and Dove Awards.

JUBILATION’S sophomore release “Just Like Sunday Mornin’!” was released in November 2011. This CD houses a variety of music synonymous to the genre of gospel music including praise and worship, message music, traditional and contemporary gospel songs, and hymns.

JUBILATION has shared the stage with renowned Gospel Music artists including: the late Bishop Walter Hawkins; the Queen of Gospel, the late Albertina Walker; Kurt Carr; and Pastor Donnie McClurkin. JUBILATION has shared the stage in collaboration with several secular artists including: Dionne Warwick, the late Isaac Hayes, Kenny Loggins, and Patty Griffin.

JUBILATION also participated in “American Idol Gives Back 2010” with famed guitarist Jeff Beck and singer Joss Stone. Rev. Stefanie R. Minatee, JUBILATION Artistic Director, holds a Master of Theological Studies Degree from Drew University. Rev. Minatee also holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Kean University in the area of Music Performance and New Jersey K-12 teaching certification in Music Education.