Oakland Youth Chorus' benefit for Christopher Rodriguez March 19, 2008

Chris Rodriguez is a 10-year-old former OYC student who is currently paralyzed from the waist down after being hit by a stray bullet while attending a piano lesson on January 10th, 2008. Chris and his family face a difficult road ahead, and will need all the support and donations you can give.

Featuring performances by Keith Terry and Crosspulse Percussion Ensemble, 'Chelle and Friends, East Bay Annointed Voices, Singers from the OYC, and The Chancel Choir of First Unitarian Church of Oakland.

Crosspulse is a non-profit arts organization dedicated to the creation, performance & recording of rhythm-based, intercultural music & dance. Crosspulse Percussion Ensemble features Amber Hines, Tacuma King, Evie Ladin, Omar Ledezma, and Artistic Director Keith Terry.

CHELLE! and Friends is made up of some of the most accomplished musicians in the Bay Area. Artistic director Michelle Jacques was Chris' teacher when he studied music with OYC. With drums, percussion, bass & voices, CHELLE! and Friends delivers a rich performance that transcends boundaries, uplifts, brings news, protests, motivates and honors our richness and diversity.

Music lies at the heart of worship services at First Unitarian, and is a community-building force in the congregation. The Chancel Choir is a mixed-voice, all-volunteer ensemble. The choir sings music from a wide variety of cultures, genres, faith traditions, and time periods.

East Bay Anointed Voices (EBAV) is an inter-denominational, multi-racial ministry that seeks to comfort those who are disillusioned, depressed or disappointed. Under the direction of Donald Taylor and Rachelle Rogers-Ard, these talented musicians of all ages set new standards for gospel music. EBAV's compositions are a mix of traditional and contemporary gospel styles, infused with jazz, Latin and Afro-Cuban rhythms, using traditional and non-traditional harmonies and blends to appeal to every listener.

Hosted by the award-winning Oakland Youth Chorus.

$15 in advance; $20 at the door; kids under 12 $5 advance/$10 door.

Official Website: http://www.oaklandyouthchorus.org