The 22nd "The Harvest Is Plentiful" concert will take place on Sunday, Nov. 4, at 6 p.m. at SS Columba/Brigid Church on the corner of Eagle and Hickory streets, Buffalo.
The Harvest Is Plentiful Concert has been a joint effort of SS Columba/Brigid Church's Gospel Choir under the direction of Lynda Martin and St. Joseph Voice and Handbell choirs from Fredonia under the direction of Lucy Hurley. The concert will begin with both choirs singing "Mighty God" by Karen Washington, which is explained by Martin as being the reason these two choirs have been able to come together for the past 22 years. In response, the concert's theme is "Give Thanks" which is also the title of a praise song by Henry Smith that will be performed by the joint choirs. Give thanks will also be echoed in many of the other song selections chosen such as "Grateful" by Tom Tomaszek, arrangements by Sarah Hart, Rick Modlin and Gus Pappelis and 'Malo! Malo! Thanks Be to God" by Jesse Manibusan and Ken Canedo. This very energetic song with a reggae beat says "thank you" in 14 different languages. It will also lend to audience participation. Each year the concert incorporates many different styles of music with a variety of instrumentation. Some of the Gospel style selections will include "Higher Level of Praise" by Prince E Yelder, which is a peppy feel good kind of song as well as "Continue To Bless Me" by Steven Warren. The worship song, "I've Got A Praise" by Gary Blevins will also be on the program.
Tyler Foreman and Timothy Jackson will be putting a youthful spin on the traditional "Amazing Grace" with their arousing harmonies. Moderate rock will be the style for "Joyfully Singing" by Mike Balhoff, Gary Daigle and Darryl Ducote. Hurley states that throughout "Joyfully Singing," the audience will be delighted by the improvisation by saxophonist Codee Spinner. For jazz enthusiasts, Dr. Lucyanne Georger has arranged Ernest Sands' "Sing of the Lord's Goodness" into Dave Brubeck's "Take Five" with a multitude of instruments playing the infamous Brubeck melody over the choral parts also arranged by Georger. The soulful "Jesus, What a Beautiful Name" by Tanya Riches will have snippets of familiar melodies as well as a "doo wop" section that has been a favorite of the choir members. St. Joseph Church's Handbell Choir will also echo the "Give Thanks" theme as they perform "The Ash Grove" which is arranged by Anna Laura Page. Page's arrangement is a fun-filled setting with various articulations throughout the piece which gives it a dance-like quality. The ringers are very busy throughout the piece with all the different techniques that have been incorporated into this arrangement. Not only is it challenging but fun piece to play, the audience will also find it quite entertaining to watch and to hear. The handbell choir will return for the final selection of the concert as they help accompany the choirs' signature song, "Rejoice" by Kenneth W. Louis with handbell arrangement by Hurley. This is just a taste of what the audience can look forward to.
"The Harvest Is Plentiful" concert is a very energetic, fun-filled evening. Each choir will perform individually as well as together. It is free of charge and everyone is welcome.
St. Joseph Church will have a bus for anyone from the community to ride to the concert. To help with the cost of the bus, bus tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children 10 and under for those who can afford it. The church is also asking for donations (large or small) to cover the cost of the bus so individuals or families who cannot afford it may attend. Families with children are most welcome.
Tickets are available at St. Joseph Church, 145 E. Main St., Fredonia during the week from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. or after any of the weekend Masses (Saturday at 4:30 p.m., Sunday at 8:30 and 11 a.m.)
For more information, contact St. Joseph Church at 679-4116.
