Hailing from the churches of this New York City neighborhood, the world-famous Harlem Gospel Choir will visit the Southern Theatre for two performances at 8 p.m., Feb. 21 and 22 to share an evening of incredible harmonies and blending of voices with musical instruments.
Walnut Ridge High School’s student choir, from the Columbus City School System, will accompany the Harlem Gospel Choir on stage for the opening performance.
“We are really excited to be able to bring this experience to the Walnut Ridge students,” says CAPA CEO Bill Conner. “To be able to interact and perform with a group as dynamic and inspirational as the Harlem Gospel Choir is the opportunity of a lifetime, no matter your age.”
According to Anna Bailey, manager and member of the Harlem Gospel Choir, "We are a ministry – we sing songs of hope, love and encouragement. Our goal is to spread the love of Jesus Christ to audience members and to have them take away hope when they leave. If they've had a bad day, we hope that their troubles have been diminished.”
Allen Bailey founded the Harlem Gospel Choir in 1986 after being inspired by a celebration honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the renowned Cotton Club in Harlem. Today, the choir travels the globe, sharing the joy of faith through music. They’ve performed for Nelson Mandela and Pope John Paul II, as well as with artists such as Andre Rieu and his Johann Strauss Orchestra, Donna Summer, Cindy Lauper, Yolanda Adams, Lyle Lovett, Diana Ross, U2 and Harry Belafonte.
Although the Harlem Gospel Choir has more than 40 members, it tours with a format of nine singers (three sopranos, three tenors, and three altos), as well as two musicians (keys and drums). No matter the number of members, the choir achieves a level of high energy, which enables its singers to achieve a feeling of freedom while performing. “We are people who love to sing and encourage people and to share the talents God has given us,” Bailey says.
The Harlem Gospel Choir’s performance is part of CAPA’s “Spectrum Series.” Tickets are $25 and $29.50. Students (ages of 13-19) may purchase $5 High Five tickets while available. Tickets are available at the Ohio Theatre Ticket Office (39 E. State St.), Ticketmaster outlets, or online at www.ticketmaster.com. To charge by phone, call 614-431-3600 or 614-469-0939. The Southern Theatre Ticket Office will be open for two hours prior to each performance.