A group of young performers, led by a Richmond-based lawyer, will be joining the Universal Gospel Choir (UGC) in an online holiday concert on Dec. 12.
Before the pandemic, Christmas was always the busiest time for ShowStoppers, a group of performers from across B.C. who sing, dance and entertain under the direction of Richmondite Perry Ehrlich.
“Christmas has always been a very special time for us. We normally perform at VanDusen Botanical Garden, Vancouver Santa Claus Parade and the Vancouver International Airport. But that was in non-COVID times,” said Ehrlich, who is a lawyer by day.
“We had hoped that even if we couldn’t perform or be seen in person this year, people could still feel joy through music.”
Ehrlich’s wish came true when he received an invitation from UGC, Vancouver’s longest-running gospel choir to join it in a virtual concert. “There’s Still My Joy,” will includes footage from UGC’s past performance at the Orpheum Theatre in 2018 and five new virtual choir videos, as well as live performances.
For their contribution, ShowStoppers learned and recorded their choreography and songs individually. Later, their voices will be complied with UGC, said Ehrlich.
This free program open to the public will be live-streamed on YouTube and Facebook Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
In the past, UGC’s live concerts have attracted thousands, but this online event may garner even more fans since people can enjoy joyful music without leaving their homes, said Ehrlich.
For more information, visit the Universal Gospel Choir website: https://www.universalgospelchoir.ca/. Charitable donations are welcome.
