Jubilee Singers come to L.A.
Choir highlights Gospel and new cantata
LOS ANGELES, Calif. —This Sunday at Saint Bernadette Catholic Church, the world renowned Albert McNeil Jubilee Singers will perform some of Gospel’s greatest music along with some of our history’s richest spiritual compositions.
In 1968, a young talented musician, Albert McNeil, established the ensemble of African American men and women ranging in age 22 to 70-something. At only 18-years-old, he was encouraged by some of America’s most influential musicians like Jester Hairston and Margaret Allison Bonds, to pursue his passion for music.
“I think our music is an unusual quality of singing, and we capture the miracle of singing,” the director said, referring to the spirituals the choir sings. “It is amazing that this music comes from illiterate people, but people with a strong devotion to God.”
Attendees will also have the opportunity to experience a new work by Linda Twine, who will direct the choir for the West Coast premiere of “Changed My Name.”
Saint Bernadette Catholic Church is located at 3825 Don Felipe Dr., Los Angeles. General admission is $20 and parking is free. The program begins at 4 p.m.
Alicia Keys has been tapped to sing the national anthem at the Super Bowl XLVII.
The “Girl on Fire” songstress will belt out “The Star-Spangled Banner” during the pregame fun at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. You’ll catch her performance prior to kickoff.
This is Keys’ third time participating in the Super Bowl. She joins a long list of legends who have sung the nation’s anthem ahead of the big game, including Diana Ross, Whitney Houston, Billy Joel, Faith Hill, Mariah Carey and more.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, Nov. 10, at 10:30 a.m. at Ward A.M.E. Church, 1177 W. 25th St., Los Angeles, for “The-e-e. Jammin’ Jai Rich,” whose sonorous voice and lively mixture of Jazz, Gospel as well as R&B helped formulate the background music for Black Los Angeles from the 1960s to the 1970s.
Rich died Wednesday. He was 78 years old.
Frank Edward Thomas, manager for noted organist Earl Grant, died Friday of cardiac arrest.
The Baldwin Hills resident was 69.
Born Nov. 16, 1941, in Birmingham, Ala., the second child of William and Velma Moore Thomas, he graduated from the city’s McCoo High School before moving to Los Angeles in 1960.
On July 28, 1968, he married Annette May, daughter of legendary Gospel recording artist Brother Joe May, and the couple enjoyed 43 years of marriage.
The WE CAN Foundation will host the Allensworth “Scat to Rap” Family Music Festival celebrating all the genres of Black music and African rhythms, including Blues, Gospel, Jazz, BeBop, DooWop, R&B and conscious Hip Hop. The festival will be held on Saturday, Sept. 10, and activities will begin at 11 a.m. at the Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park in Tulare County.
April 22 - 24
L.A. Zoo’s Big Bunny Spring Fling
The Los Angeles Zoo celebrates Spring with three days of pettable rabbits, funny bunny ears, crafts, and special entertainment for the whole family from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens, 5333 Zoo Dr., Los Angeles. Cost: Free with Zoo admission, $14 Adults, $9 Children (2-12). Info: (323) 644-4200 or www.lazoo.org
Saturday April 23
Easter Festival at the Orange County Marketplace
