Harlem Gospel Choir February 16, 2007

This program presents an extraordinary evening of foot-stomping and hand-clapping blues, jazz, and gospel spirituals from the world-famous Harlem Gospel Choir. As a gathering of the finest singers and musicians from various churches in New York’s storied neighborhood, the Harlem Gospel Choir is one of the pre-eminent congregations of spiritual voices in the world. Founded in 1986 by Allen Bailey during a celebration in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the theme of every concert, “bringing people and nations together and giving something back” creates a better understanding of world culture while striving to make it a more peaceful place.

From the heart of Harlem in New York City, the Harlem Gospel Choir travels the world as the ambassadors for African-American culture, and is loved for its dynamic and joyous music that is shared with thousands of people from various nations, backgrounds, and cultures. The Harlem Gospel Choir has performed for Nelson Mandela and Pope John Paul II, and with U2 in their movie Rattle and Hum, Lyle Lovett, The Chieftains, and Diana Ross. In addition, the choir primarily raises funds for “Feed the Children, ” an international, non-profit Christian relief organization with a mission to deliver food, medicine, clothing children and families in need. As a result of their global impact of both musical and charitable influence, the choir’s twentieth anniversary, January 15, 2006, was proclaimed “Harlem Gospel Choir Day” in New York City.

Official Website: http://www.usc.edu/student-affairs/spectrum/events.html?event=021606a