The City Lights Reporter - Vocal Extravaganza

For five years, Dr. William "Bob" Bailey has produced the nationally syndicated PBS television showcase "Vocal Extravaganza In Black". On March 13, 2002 he will be bringing this event back to Las Vegas at the Paris hotel's fabulous Theatre Des Art. You could describe this event as a centennial gathering of four Historically Black College and University (HBCU) Icons because all the schools involved are over 100 years old. This event is guaranteed to be one of the outstanding cultural evenings of the year as four outstanding HBCU choirs perform a musical history covering the legacy and impact of African-Americans in this country. The enthralling performances of these fresh talented young people are sure to thrill and inspire you.

American black music has a rich and enduring deep history from its roots in the West African slave trade to the daily life on the plantation work songs. From the emancipation songs after the Civil war to the riverboats performance and vaudeville concert halls, black music evolved from race music to pop music. In all it's variations and hues just like it's creators, black music spanned the cultural gamut of American history. Jazz, R&B, pop and now hip-hop are all ingrained in the American lexicon. On March 13th, four of the nation's finest black college choirs will gather together to take us through this rich history. In the cinematic style of PBS specials such as Ken Burns Jazz and Doo Wop 50, host storyteller Tony Brown of Tony Browns Journal will lead us through a rich variety of songs and stories. Each era will be highlighted with documentary style photos and drawing to evoke the feel of the era..

The choirs scheduled to perform are from Lemoyne-Owen College, Hampton State College, Bennett College and Kentucky State University. Each of these prestigious HBCU schools has it's own rich history in the evaluation of Black music. They have all, been through trials and tribulations in an effort to sustain and maintain its moral integrity and its educational pursuit of excellence. Each choir has toured and performed throughout the United States and Europe. But this show will be more then just another concert, it will showcase each school in a competition of soloist and vocal choirs that will help raise awareness of the needs of HBCU's as well as allowing the students to participate in master workshops and seminars.

Dr. Bailey founded the Las Vegas Vocal Extravaganza "in Black" in 1997 as a way to raise money to salute the Historical Black Colleges and Universities and support the Clark County Economic Opportunity Board. This event adds diversity to the entertainment offerings found here in the Vegas Valley. Sponsors for this fifth year performance is the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority, Power 88FM, American Airlines and The Las Vegas Review-Journal. Many sponsorship spots are still open for those that want to participate in this high exposure national event.

Today, we must celebrate with new vigor, opportunity and excellence, the voices that are still blooming in the HBCU vineyards. These are voices that instill excitement, passion and inspiration in all who hear them. "The Entertainment Capital of the World" is proud to host this national televised event - The Las Vegas "Vocal Extravaganza In Black". This is a must see event and we encourage all lovers of good music to attend what is sure to be the vocal highpoint for the Las Vegas music community. Many celebrities and community leaders will be in attendance. Tickets are available at the Paris Theatre Des Art box office or call 1-877-374-7469.

This web site contains "Trademarks" and "Copyrighted" material licensed to other entities and cannot be reproduced, altered, or used in any form without prior written permission. Please read our Terms Of Use for compliance information.

The Best Choirs In America

Are Returning To Las Vegas

Copyright © 2000 - 2001 by InterServe Networks, Inc. All rights reserved.

This web site contains "Trademarks" and "Copyrighted" material licensed to other entities and cannot be reproduced, altered, or used in any form without prior written permission. Please read our Terms Of Use for compliance information.