Amar Khalil Hosts a Night of Healing, Unity, and Celebration
OAKLAND INTERFAITH GOSPEL CHOIR PRESENTS ITS 39TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY CONCERT AT OAKLAND’S PARAMOUNT THEATRE
– Saturday, December 7, 7 PM –
Tickets available at www.oigc.org/paramount
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
media@oigc.org | 510-587-9409
OAKLAND, CA (November 19, 2024)— The Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir (OIGC) invites the Bay Area to experience an evening of soul-stirring music, holiday spirit, and interfaith harmony at its 39th Annual Holiday Concert. This year’s event will be hosted by the talented Amar Khalil, renowned singer/songwriter, member of 3TOB, and former lead vocalist of Tony! Toni! Toné!.
Taking place on Saturday, December 7 at 7 PM at the Paramount Theatre in Oakland, this concert will celebrate the healing power of music and the season’s message of Healing Through Song.
Under the direction of Artistic Director, Terrance Kelly, OIGC returns with a captivating blend of cherished gospel songs, holiday classics, and sacred music to uplift audiences. Highlights of the evening include Donald Lawrence’s stirring “Healed,” a powerful rendition of “O Holy Night” arranged and performed by Kelly, and scooping up joy together during the all-choir finale, “Joy to the World.”
Guest vocalists JaCoree Prothro, Reverend Reginald Finley, and Jackie Tolbert will take the stage, along with Half-N-Half’s (Sherry Hicks and Michael Velez) animated ASL interpretation, creating a more inclusive celebration for all.
A Voice for Freedom–As a nationally recognized cultural bearer of African American folk traditions, OIGC is committed to promoting freedom, inclusion, and healing through Black gospel and spiritual music traditions. “The mission has always been to bring joy and foster unity for everyone regardless of your background or beliefs.” says Isa Chu, OIGC member since 2005. “This concert is for anyone who values the freedom to be their true self.”
Joining the OIGC on stage are the Oakland Interfaith Community Choir and the newly energized Oakland Interfaith Youth Choir, creating a powerful intergenerational performance that exemplifies the healing power of music.
“At a time when our community and country face deep divisions, we need music to bring us together and heal. We want everyone to discover joy and a sense of belonging through this shared experience,” says Kelly. “It's a reminder to the world that people with differences can come together to create something truly beautiful.”
“It’s a reminder to the world that people with differences can come together to create something truly beautiful.”
Celebrate the season with OIGC and experience a powerful night of music that embodies the spirit of resilience and community. This is not just a concert; it’s a call to celebrate and uphold life and freedom.
Tickets range from $15 to $80 and are available through Ticketmaster or the Paramount box office. Attendees can use code OIGC39 for a 30% discount.
VIP tickets are available for $100, which include a pre-concert reception with food and drinks, meet-and-greet with directors and guest artists, premier seating, and an exclusive gift. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit www.oigc.org/paramount.
To arrange interviews or request performance spots: contact media@oigc.org or call 510-587-9409. Visit www.oigc.org/holiday for OIGC’s full December lineup.
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About the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir
The Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir, founded in 1986 by Terrance Kelly, unites over 300 singers across multiple choirs from diverse faiths, races, and cultures. The namesake award-winning choir performs 25-30 times annually, including notable events such as jazz festivals, tours, and inauguration ceremonies. Additional ensembles include the Oakland Interfaith Youth Choir, the Oakland Interfaith Community Choir, and the Oakland Interfaith Kids Choir. In 2022, OIGC acquired the Oakland Youth Chorus, further expanding its youth program and outreach. With their mission to inspire unity and joy among all people through Black gospel and spiritual music traditions, the OIGC continues to touch the hearts of audiences around the world.
