NCC Presents 23rd Annual Gospel Extravaganza

A collection of choirs will perform rousing spiritual pieces Jan. 22 when North Central College presents its 23rd annual Gospel Extravaganza.

The Gospel Extravaganza begins at 7 p.m.,  Jan. 22, in North Central College's Pfeiffer Hall, 310 E. Benton Ave. Tickets are $15/adults, $8/students and senior citizens; call the North Central College Box Office at 630-637-SHOW (7469) or visit northcentralcollege.edu/showtix.  

The event concludes the College's annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Week and features a variety of energetic and enthusiastic gospel performers. In addition to North Central's own Voices of Praise gospel choir, performers include the 50-member Wheaton College Gospel Choir, Lisle-based DuPage African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church Gospel Choir and the 80-member Dexter Walker and Zion Movement Chorale.   Selections range from traditional African-American spiritual numbers to contemporary gospel music. Performers say the annual event is an unforgettable experience.  

"It's more cultured than your typical concert. It's a different kind of experience," says Brianna Simmons, a junior from Orland Park majoring in music performance.  

"It's an energizing and uplifting concert," says Voices of Praise choir member Sarah Miller, a sophomore from Wheaton who is majoring in finance and economics.  

Dexter Walker and Zion Movement Chorale was the first-place winner in Chicago's 2005 All-City Gospel Challenge Choir Competition, was named the Chicago Music Awards "Best Gospel Entertainer" in 2008 and honored as Hope Today Magazine's "People To Know" in 2008.  

Other events featured during Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Week at North Central College include Chicago Sinfonietta's Jan. 15 performance, "A Dream Unfolds," a prayer breakfast and other activities.  

Nicor and Sara Lee are sponsors of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Week and Black History Month events at North Central College. The College's 2010-2011 Sesquicentennial Fine & Performing Arts Season is supported by a generous grant from the Illinois Arts Council. USG Corporation and Navistar, Inc. are underwriting sponsors.  

This performance is one of many ongoing programs at North Central College to enrich and broaden the cultural and academic outlook for the College and community. For a comprehensive schedule of musical performances, theatrical and dance productions, art exhibits and lectures, including details about other Martin Luther King Week events, visit northcentralcollege.edu/show or call the box office at 630-637-SHOW (7469).