MEDIA ALERT: INTERVIEW/PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITY

Jennifer Weismann
612-716-0556
Jennifer@owl-marketing.com

PRESS PHOTOS: https://www.vocalessence.org/2019-2020-season-press-photos

VOCALESSENCE TO PRESENT LIVESTREAM SING ALONG AND CONCERT
TO HONOR BLACK FATHERS AND FAMILIES THIS FATHER’S DAY

Associate Conductor G. Phillip Shoultz, III curates livestream benefit
with a lineup of guest song-leaders and premiere performances by Black musicians from across the United States

WHAT: This Father’s Day, Minneapolis choral organization VocalEssence has created a performance and participation event—to amplify and celebrate the value of the lives of all Black people, but especially fathers—who are often among the most negatively stereotyped. Envisioned and created by VocalEssence Associate Conductor G. Phillip Shoultz, III, this event will include Black song leaders and performers from coast to coast.

WHEN: Sunday, June 21, at 4 p.m. CDT, Lifting Every Voice to Inspire Change from VocalEssence will be livestreamed around the world at https://www.vocalessence.org/event/lifting-every-voice-to-inspire-change/.

WHY: “As a Black musician in a classical music scene mostly occupied by White people, I was searching for a vocational response to the recent resurgence of a systemic problem–violence against my (Black) people, ” said G. Phillip Shoultz, III. “I created this event in partnership with Black leaders in our community and leaders of our nation’s most prominent singing organizations as a way to honor Black fathers and father figures, celebrate Black families, and stand in solidarity as we demand justice and an end to systemic racism. I want to see 10,000 people singing together this Father’s Day. As a father to two young children, I can think of no better way to spend the day.”

The event will also encourage donations by participants to two organizations (announcement pending) to support economic recovery and wellbeing within communities of color.

WHO: VocalEssence has engaged song leaders from each corner of the country (Melanie DeMore in Oakland, Jason Max Ferdinand in Huntsville, Alysia Lee in Baltimore, and more) to lead singalongs honoring Black father figures, celebrate Black families, and call for justice and an end to systemic racism.

In addition to song leaders, the program will present premiere performances from EXIGENCE, a Sphinx professional vocal ensemble highlighting artistry within Black and Latinx communities, the Aeolians of Oakwood University, named the “2017 Choir of the World” in the World Choir Games, and Jovonta Patton, two-time Billboard Gospel chart-topper.

WHAT MEDIA SHOULD DO: Interview G. Phillip Shoultz, III from VocalEssence in advance and help spread the word. And then… please tune in to Lifting Every Voice to Inspire Change and sing!

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