Terrance Kelly, Artistic Director
“There’s no reason to be quiet about joy, especially when it is sung by the angels. …The way the choir members moved body and soul with welcoming hands opened wide, real inner smiles and bright, gloriously gifted voices gliding through texture and dynamics like sonorous lilies in a pond. That, ladies and gentlemen, spread the good time like butter on a biscuit.”
–Jean Bartlett, Pacifica Tribune
Under the direction of Emmy winner Terrance Kelly, the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir brings together singers and instrumentalists who embody a community of diverse races, cultures and faiths. They share an uncontainable passion for music with a mission to inspire joy and unity among all people through black gospel and spiritual music. Doors open early at 1 pm for guests to enjoy waffle sandwiches prepared by the food truck Stuff My Waffle, available for separate purchase.
Founded in 1986, the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir was born out of a gospel music workshop at Living Jazz’s Jazz Camp West. It became an independent nonprofit organization in 1991. Since then, the award-winning choir’s exquisite harmonies and stirring gospel repertoire have led to performances with a variety of esteemed groups, such as Joshua Nelson, the Prince of Kosher Gospel; the Five Blind Boys of Alabama; and the Duke Ellington Orchestra. The choir also appears on Grammy-winning albums by Linda Rondstadt, MC Hammer, Tramaine Hawkins, and others.
Awards
Dr. Edwin Hawkins Excellence Award, Edwin Hawkins Music & Arts Conference, 2013
“Best Church Music,” East Bay Express, 2009
“Best Gospel Choir,” East Bay Express, 2006
Videos
The Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir, featuring Valeria Scott, sing “Glory, Honor”
The Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir, featuring Daniel Strauss, sing “Wade in the Water”
Doors open at 1pm.