Arts & Entertainment
Gospel Comes to the Coast
The choir and three of its Coastside members will fill the Community United Methodist Church in Half Moon Bay on Saturday evening with its signature sound.
Beautifully complex harmonies and dynamic arrangements with that "gospel surprise": that's what Miramar resident Peter Bland promises those who stop by a Half Moon Bay church to hear the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir sing this Saturday.
For the last five years, local members of the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir [Bland, Kellie Morlock (Half Moon Bay soprano) and Nancy Zumwalt (Moss Beach alto)] had been talking about bringing the group across the bay to the coast.
"We get very good representation from the Coastside at our annual holiday concerts at the Paramount Theater in Oakland and at the Mountain View Center for The Performing Arts," Bland said, a tenor and musician who performs regularly in the local folk scene.
Find out what's happening in Pacificawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
"We've been inspired by the Coastsiders' willingness to drive long distances to attend our concerts, so we’d like to pay them back by bringing the choir here," he said.
On Saturday evening, the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir's youth contingent will perform a 10-minute set, Bland said. The adult choir will give a full concert.
Find out what's happening in Pacificawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
"Our music ranges from traditional Negro Spirituals and work songs to modern and contemporary gospel originals and standards," Bland said.
Both choirs sing a capella or with a full band (keyboard, bass and drums), depending on the song.
The repetoire of every choir member is impressive. "Each choir member knows by heart a range of 60 to 100 songs, knowing that any song can be 'called' any time," Bland said.
All music is arranged by Artistic Director Terrance Kelly. Kelly directs the adult choir. Marcellus Kidd directs the youth choir.
Get a preview of the choir's powerful harmonies by watching the video in the media box to the right.
The concert runs from 7:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. and will be located at the , 777 Miramontes St.,
Half Moon Bay.
Tickets: $25 for adults, $22 for seniors and under 18. Advance purchases can be made from in Strawflower Shopping Center, online here or at the door the evening of the concert.
To follow news about Pacifica and surrounding areas and stay up on local events, visit Pacifica Patch on Facebook and "like" us. Follow us on Twitter, too.
