Voices of Unity coming to Niswonger

On Saturday, April 26, a Fort Wayne inner city youth ministry will come to life on the stage of the Niswonger Performing Arts Center.  The World Champion Voices of Unity Youth Choir will explode onto our stage in a concert of positive musical energy.  This is the finale of the Community Concert Series this year; one that started with a hugely successful Debby Boone concert in October and now culminates on April 26 with this magnificent show!

The Voices of Unity Youth Choir is Unity’s acclaimed Youth Choral Program.  It is their premier soulful choral group comprised of young people ages 7 to 19 from various backgrounds in the Fort Wayne community and beyond. One of their members this year is Van Wert’s very own, James DeFore.

The youth choir is one of just many facets of this performing arts organization established in 2000 by founder, leader and music director, Marshall White.  The purpose of the organization is to empower and develop young people in the areas of character, artistry, and leadership.  The focus is on soulful art forms through education, training, and entertainment in the areas of choral music, dance, drama, creative writing, oratory, and instrumental music.  Their core values include quality, equality, integrity, accountability, and respect.  Those who know or have experienced Voices of Unity are well aware of its success in transforming lives in a very positive way.

If you have never experienced a Voices of Unity Youth Choir performance, get ready for a night of soulful inspiration and mega-entertainment!  Much of their show they are bringing to the Niswonger will feature tributes to Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston.  I had the opportunity to see the show earlier this year and it is full of energy, talent, and inspiration.  Not only do the kids sing and dance well, they also inspire you with their respect and excellence in behavior and professionalism.

You may be aware that they took gold medal honors at the World Choir Games held in Shaoxing, China, in 2011 and returned in 2012 to the World Choir Games in Cincinnati and received gold medals in Popular Choral Music and Gospel categories.  They have performed the National Anthem for the Indianapolis Colts and performed with John Mellencamp and Stephen Stills at the opening celebration at Lucas Oil Stadium.  They have backed up other performers such as Roberta Flack, Josh Groban and two years ago appeared on our stage with Livingston Taylor, where they brought the house down in a big finale with Livingston’s hit Gospel song, “Step by Step!”

There’s no mistake that the heart and soul of this choir and the entire Unity Program is its leader, Marshall White.  White is a divinely inspired person whose heart is all about youth and making them successful in life through life-changing experiences.  The concert we present on April 26 at the Niswonger will be just one more step in that direction.  Marshall tells the kids, “To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance.”  (I believe someone else made this statement many years ago.  We now have holidays that celebrate His birthday and His resurrection.)  We will have the opportunity to experience this talented group of youth on Saturday night at 7:30 on April 26.

We will also be unveiling our new 2014-15 Community Concert lineup.  It will be an exciting night once again at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center.  Get your tickets now!

Happy Easter to all.  I trust you enjoy a good celebration at one of our local churches this Sunday as we celebrate in word and song that He is risen!

FINÉ.