Residents will be treated to an inspiring musical experience while lending support to a program of healing Saturday, Feb. 16, during the Howe Sound Performing Arts' event, Live! Love! Sing!
The Universal Gospel Choir and special guests The Sea to Sky Singers and the St. John's Children's Chorus take the stage at the St. John's Anglican Church next weekend to help raise funds for the Sea to Sky Support and Recovery House, located in what was formerly used as the church rectory.
The gala fundraising event features the multi-faith, multi-cultural community choir, involving 45 singers and a band performing eclectic numbers with roots African-American, Cuban, African, European, Asian and Native American influences."It's going be a fabulous concert," said promoter Rev. Mike Stuchbery, Rector at St. John's Church.
In partnership with the church, the Sea to Sky Community Services established the permanent support recovery house last year, providing a supportive environment for individuals healing from alcohol and drug addiction. The church and Vancouver Coastal Health spent $25,000 to renovate the home's interior last year, and Stuchbery said he hopes an additional $5,000 will be raised to fix the roof and provide more insulation than the single-pane windows offer.
"The recovery house is a very worthwhile program to support," said Stuchbery. "I talk to people going through there on a regular basis and I see huge, huge differences in them. It's something this community needs. The church is fully behind this, and the neighbours support it."
The Universal Gospel Choir is donating its talents through their own healing program: Sharing the Spirit. Dedicated to the community-building power of shared song, the gospel holds regular concerts in areas such as Vancouver's struggling Lower Eastside, and reserves dates for outreach events in areas outside the city, such as Squamish. They also perform in hospitals, hospices, homes for the elderly and for those struggling with poverty, abuse or addiction, who are unable to attend concerts.For more information on the choir, go to www.universalgospelchoir.ca.
Tickets can be purchased at Billie's Bouquet, Mostly Books, 樱桃视频Adventure Centre and at the door for $30 per adult, and the concert is free for children 12 years and younger.
