From the ghetto comes a miracle of sound

From the depths of the ghetto comes a miracle of sound

Straight from the heart of New York City, the Harlem Gospel Choir tours New Zealand this October and November with a show that tributes the spirit of humanity. This well known choir travel the world as international ambassadors of African American culture and have been applauded by the likes of Nelson Mandela, Pope John Paul II, U2, Whoopi Goldberg, The Chieftains, Lyle Lovett, Diana Ross and Jimmy Cliff.

As part of their God Bless the Children world tour eight New Zealand cities will be visited by Harlems most celebrated gospel singers and musicians, who energise audiences with their irresistible voices. The stage is filled with the mighty sound of Gospel and peppered with some jazz and blues classics.

Formed in 1988 by Director Allen Bailey, the Harlem Gospel Choir draws its members from a core of talented and highly motivated singers from various black churches in the Harlem community. Bailey, who has worked in the entertainment industry for 30 years alongside the likes of Lionel Ritchie & the Commodores, Prince, and Michael Jackson, is accompanying the Choir to New Zealand.

Since its debut 17 years ago, at the renowned Cotton Club in Harlem, this choir has developed an awe-inspiring reputation.

In 1990 the Harlem Gospel Choir performed for Nelson Mandela at Yankee Stadium; for Pope John Paul II in Central Park in 1995; backed U2 in their 1988 hit single "I Still Havent Found What I am Looking For" and featured in their film, Rattle & Hum.

Following their Give Peace a Chance world tour in 2003 the Choir was granted a private audience with Pope John Paul II in recognition of the choirs work. Later that year the choir performed again for the Pope in the Vatican Christmas concert titled Sala Nervi.

In 2004 the Harlem Gospel Choir performed again with U2 at an AIDS charity trust, the World of Hope Concert at Rockerfeller Centre in New York, and featured in the hit TV series John Safran vs God. The group has also performed with Whoopi Goldberg, the Chieftains, Lyle Lovett, Diana Ross and Jimmy Cliff.

The Harlem Gospel Choirs divine repertoire includes traditional and contemporary gospel, as well as jazz and blues from such luminaries as Billie Holliday, Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald and Dizzy Gillespie. Always enthusiastically encouraging people to come together in celebration, lively audience participation is an integral and popular aspect of the Choirs concert performances.

This year's world tour includes Australia, the UK, New Zealand, Japan and Italy.

Joyous music ... irresistible message of celebration of the human spirit West AustralianThey blended the groovy with the sassy, the funky with the sweet ... all the singers were strong in both solo and in harmony The Herald Sun, Melbourne

I feel truly blessed. Thank you for the tribute Nelson Mandela

"Standing room only: It's an apt term in this case, because Harlem Gospel Choir's electrifying performance of hand-clapping, foot- stomping music had the audience on its feet for much of the night" Martha's Vineyard Times

The music blessed itself and danced with huge energy and 200 percent commitmentits energy is truly amazing New Zealand Herald

For more information on the Harlem Gospel Choir visitwww.harlemgospelchoir.com

Tour details:

New Zealand Tour Details

Auckland, The Edge, ASB Theatre, 29 October

Rotorua, Civic Theatre, 30 October

Napier, Municipal Theatre, 1 November

Palmerston North, Regent on Broadway, 2 November

Wellington, Westpac St James Theatre, 3 and 4 November

Christchurch, James Hay Theatre, 5 November

Timaru, Theatre Royal, 6th November

Dunedin, Regent Theatre, 7th November

Booking Details

Auckland, The Edge, ASB Theatre, 29 October, Ticketek or Box office 09 307 5000

Rotorua, Civic Theatre, 30 October, Ticketek or Box Office 09 305 2254

Napier, Municipal Theatre, 1 November, Ticketek or Box Office 06 835 1059

Palmerston North, Regent on Broadway, 2 November, Ticket Direct or Box Office 06 367 9740

Wellington, Westpac St James Theatre, 3 and 4 November, Ticketek or Box Office 04 384 3840

Christchurch, James Hay Theatre, 5 November, Ticketek ot Box Office 03 377 8899

Timaru, Theatre Royal, 6th November, Ticketek or Box Office 03 377 8899

Dunedin, Regent Theatre, 7th November, Ticketek or Box Office 03 477 8597

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