Ashley Allen Brings “The Rebirth” of Kirk Franklin to Birmingham with a Fresh Twist
/ News 10 Jun 2025News Story
On 12 June, Birmingham’s own Ashley Allen will take over the Jennifer Blackwell Performance Space at Symphony Hall with Ashley Allen & Friends Play the Rebirth of Kirk Franklin, a live reinterpretation of one of gospel music’s most iconic albums, The Rebirth of Kirk Franklin, on its 25th anniversary.
Speaking about the upcoming show, Allen is full of excitement. “I think it’s going to be quite a seminal gig in Birmingham’s live music history,” he says. “It’s more than just a tribute, this is us putting a Birmingham stamp on an album that means so much to so many.”
The idea came about naturally, during a chat with B:Music’s Head of Programme Chris Proctor. “We were talking about how it’s been 25 years since Rebirth, and just sharing our general love for that album,” Allen recalls. “Then I thought, why not do a Birmingham version of it? Kind of like how there have been reimaginings of Pharrell and Stevie Wonder. This could be our gospel edition.”
Ashley Allen & Friends play the Rebirth of Kirk Franklin
12 Jun 2025 7:30pm | Jennifer Blackwell Stage at Symphony Hall
Allen is assembling a dream team of collaborators for the event, pulling together artists from across Birmingham’s music scene.
“It’s really the spirit of ‘Ashley Allen & Friends’,” he says. “I’ve got Francis Mott and Lumi HD, both with gospel roots. Casey Bailey’s coming in, his voice in Birmingham is powerful and uplifting. Then you’ve got the BIMM Gospel Choir, which brings that fresh, contemporary vibe. And Town Hall Gospel Choir, I've been playing with them since 2011. They’re incredible.” He’s also involving younger talent through B:Music’s Gospel Ensemble workshop, B:and Together.
“They’re just an amazing group of young musicians and singers. It’s a great chance for them to share their gifts on a bigger stage.”
While Allen is keeping some of the show’s arrangements under wraps, he hints at a bold blend of styles. “Kirk was ahead of his time. He brought funk, hip-hop and gospel together in a way no one else did. I’m taking that same mindset but updating it with today’s sounds. So yes, you’ll hear some modern hip-hop flavours, definitely some funk, and my own jazz influences in the mix too.”
But for Allen, this show isn’t just about the music, it’s about what it represents. “Gospel music brings people together, whatever their background,” he says. “Even if you don’t believe in the spiritual message, you can feel the unity and the warmth. That’s what I want people to take away, just feeling uplifted, connected, inspired.”
There’s also a personal dimension. Allen credits Kirk Franklin’s music with helping guide him through his own teenage years. “Growing up in a rough environment, his message gave me something positive to hold onto. It was a real anchor.”
Now, as an established musician, Allen wants to pay that forward and show that instrumentalists have stories to tell as well. “You often see singers fronting tribute shows. But musicians, we’ve got a voice too. I hope this inspires other players in Birmingham to step out and lead.”
Ashley Allen & Friends Play the Rebirth of Kirk Franklin takes place on 12 June at Symphony Hall’s Jennifer Blackwell Performance Space. Tickets are available now via B:Music.
