EVS To Host Live Recording Sunday

To commemorate its 50th anniversary, the Lee University Evangelistic Singers will host a live recording on Sunday at North Cleveland Church of God at 4 p.m. 

“What better way to celebrate 50 years of music than with a live recording,” said Gloria Scott-Richmond, EVS director. 

The live recording will feature both current and alumni choir members, along with a director from each decade of EVS’s existence. Ms. Richmond anticipates more than 100 alumni members will be in attendance. Former directors Cecil Hepburn, Dr. Patricia Miller, Ms. Richmond, James White, and Sadie Worrell will direct throughout the course of the evening. 

Bishop Samuel Ellis, Bishop Quan Miller, and Dr. Patricia Miller, the three of whom founded EVS in 1967, will also be in attendance. 

The recording will culminate a weekend of celebration for the 50th anniversary of EVS. The choir will also have several alumni and member-only events that weekend including a fashion show, meet and greet, and other activities. 

Julie Elder, an EVS alum who has been serving on the mission field for 10 years, came to Cleveland earlier this month from Hong Kong in order to help Ms. Richmond and the current EVS members prepare for the Homecoming weekend and recording. 

“EVS had a major impact on my life,” said Ms. Elder, EVS member from ‘91-‘94. “It really prepared me to live and minister overseas.” 

Music from Dr. José Ruiz, assistant professor of music business, and Dr. Nathan Warner, assistant professor of music, will be featured during the recording. 

EVS seeks to honor God through the art of worship within the genres of spirituals, and both traditional and contemporary gospel music. In addition to the north and southeastern United States, the auditioned choir of over 60 students has performed throughout the Caribbean and South Africa. 

“People can get a taste of the program Saturday night at the Homecoming Music Festival, but to get the full experience, you will want to attend the live recording,” said Ms. Richmond. 

In addition to the 50th anniversary recording, the choir will also launch a special re-release of the 45th anniversary CD. 

This event is free, non-ticketed, and open to the public. 

For more information, email Ms. Scott-Richmond at grichmond@leeuniversity.edu.