OIGC’s 38th Annual Holiday Concert: “Living In Harmony”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Isa S. Chu, Marketing Manager, isa@oigc.org, (510) 587-9409
OAKLAND INTERFAITH GOSPEL CHOIR’S 38TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY CONCERT
“LIVING IN HARMONY”
Kumasi Aaron to host anticipated return to the Oakland Paramount Theatre
–– Saturday, December 2, 7 PM ––
OAKLAND, CA (November 7, 2023) –– OAKLAND, CA - The Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir (OIGC) is elated to host its 38th Annual Holiday Concert, set to take place on Saturday, December 2, 7:00 PM at the historic Oakland Paramount Theatre marking an anticipated return of OIGC to the Paramount Theatre after a three-year hiatus.
OIGC hosted its holiday concert at the Paramount Theatre for over two decades, until the COVID-19 pandemic forced the organization to pivot to virtual and outdoor events. “I’m looking forward to performing with the whole choir,” says tenor, Donald Lang, who like a handful of others, joined OIGC at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. “It will be my first OIGC Holiday at the Paramount!” For tenured alto Jae Phoenix, “I am so excited for all the things that are familiar. It's like we're coming home to be back at the Paramount”
“It’s where we served so many incredible years alongside our dear friend, Maestro Michael Morgan,” said founding artistic director, Terrance Kelly. “We are looking forward to feeling his presence in the room with us.”
This year’s concert, “Living in Harmony” will be hosted by ABC7 News Bay Area anchor Kumasi Aaron, who will guide the audience through an enchanting evening of joy, inspiration, and a message of unity and togetherness through unforgettable music. The lineup of distinguished guest artists includes the mesmerizing Jackie Tolbert and the incomparable Rev. Reginal Finley, both of whom will grace the stage with their powerful and soul-stirring performances. In addition, ASL performance duo Half-N-Half, featuring Sherry Hicks and Michael Velez, will once again captivate the audience with their dynamic and expressive sign language interpretations.
The concert will also showcase the talents of the Oakland Interfaith Youth Choir, the Oakland Interfaith Community Choir, and the renowned Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir. The choirs, consisting of diverse voices, will come together to create a harmonious and uplifting musical experience that reflects the unity within the community.
Tickets for the OIGC 38th Annual Holiday Concert are available at a range of prices, from $15 to $80. For those looking to elevate their concert experience, a limited number of $100 VIP Experience tickets are available. The VIP ticket includes premium seating, a limited-edition gift, and early entry into the historic Oakland Paramount Theatre for an exclusive pre-concert reception with opportunities to meet with guest artists, performers, and directors.
The December 2 Holiday Concert kicks off a month of performances for OIGC, including the Yuletide Youth Concert on December 16, South Bay Holiday Workshop and Concert in Mountain View on December 22, and wrapping up with the 34th Annual Christmas Eve Concert at the Great American Music Hall in San Francisco.
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, the Oakland Interfaith Kids Choir, and the virtual Oakland Interfaith World 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.
