The Harlem Gospel Choir, billed as "the most famous gospel choir in America," will perform in Cleveland on Tuesday, Jan. 20, as part of the Lee University Presidential Concert Series. The concert is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. in Dixon Center.
The choir, which includes singers and musicians from the churches of Harlem and other New York communities, has travelled around the world, and appeared earlier this year performing gospel spirituals as part of the papal mass of Pope Benedict in Yankee Stadium. Their visit to Cleveland is part of an annual tour celebrating Martin Luther King's birthday.
The group was formed in 1986 by Allen Bailey, inspired by a tribute to Dr. King at the legendary Cotton Club in Harlem.
Since that time, the group has logged almost two million miles in hundreds of concerts. "Our mission is to be ambassadors of African-American culture," said Mr. Bailey, "and to offer an evening of that joyous and inspirational music called 'gospel.'" The choir has shared the stage with a diverse list of major names in show business, ranging from bluesman B.B.King, rock star Bono and U2, and Andre Rieu and the Johan Strauss Orchestra, and many others.
"Lee University is bringing this exciting choir to our campus as a way for both the community and the university to celebrate the Martin Luther King Jr. events," said Lee officials. "In the Presidential Concert Series, we offer the community a wide variety of musical styles, and this dynamic group is a perfect fit for this special week in January."
Box office hours for this concert will begin Jan. 14, continuing weekdays through Jan. 19 from 3-6 p.m., and from 3 p.m. to concert time on Jan. 20. Tickets for the event are $10 for adults and $5 for senior adults 60 and above and area students.
"Will Call" tickets may be reserved by calling the Dixon Center Box Office (423-614-8343) and speaking with one of the box office staff during scheduled hours or by leaving contact info in a message on the box office voicemail. One of the box office staff will return calls during box office hours. For information regarding non-ticketed events, call the School of Music offices at 614-8240 or check the website calendar at www.leeuniversity.edu.