This event was to raise money for playgrounds and creative activities for children in Uganda. Children there have to work hard at home as well as at school and need a chance to play.
It featured the Three Valleys Gospel Choir, the no-audition choir that does not sound like a no-audition choir, as well as smaller groups Corista and Sailah.
Corista’s songs were often less familiar ones, some with a nature theme. There was also a vibrant performance of a new song, ‘Maker’s Mark’, celebrating a worker’s victory over the bosses.
Sailah’s songs were more traditional, including a beautiful performance of a favourite song of this reviewer’s, ‘The Parting Glass’.
The Three Valleys Gospel Choir concentrated on gospel, including old favourites like ‘Oh, Happy Day’, ‘Down in the river to pray’, and ‘Amazing Grace’, performed with artistry and feeling. There were also powerful renderings of more modern songs like ‘Love’s in need of love today’ and ‘Stop in the Name of Love”. The concert concluded with a song of blessing: ‘May you see diamonds’.