Alan Berg’s documentary The Jones Family Will Make a Way, that made its premiere back in March at SXSW is now available on iTunes, and on the film’s . The film follows Bishop Fred Jones and his family, that have performed on the southern gospel circuit for years, and largely unseen by those outside the Pentecostal faith. When the Bishop, despite objections from many within his faith, decides to to take his family’s musical ministry outside the church, he unexpectedly connected with the oddest of allies – a jaded, atheistic rock critic, who also happened to be a gospel historian. To Michael Corcoran, the Jones Family Singers represent a living link to a style of gospel he thought had disappeared. These most unlikely of friends bonded through perhaps their one shared trait — a deeply rooted rebelliousness.
The film received positive reviews, including The Austin Chronicle’s Joe O’Connell who wrote, “Berg’s film is brimming with both music and a certain religious hope that never bangs you over the head.” Since its premiere, the film has went on to play Dallas International Film Festival, Galway Film Fleadh in Ireland and most recently TD Jakes’ International Faith & Family Film Festival as part of Mega Fest.
Attendants came from all over the world to participate in Mega Fest in Dallas, Texas on Thursday, August 20, 2015.
The Jones Family Singers have continued to gain significant exposure with their July release of their latest album Live From Mt. Zion, recorded at the family’s home church in Markham, which Bishop Jones has led for over 30 years. Recently returning stateside after traveling to Germany, the Netherlands and a two-week tour in Russia, the band spent the summer making the rounds at some of the most iconic festivals, including Newport Folk Festival, Playboy Jazz Festival, Winnipeg Folk Festival, and BAM R&B Festival in New York. The band is set to continue their musical ministry on September 20 at Monterey Jazz Festival.