The 70-member Brookinaires Gospel Choir (BGC) will record a live CD and video concert on Saturday, May 27, at 5 p.m., at the historic First AME Church (FAME), 2270 S. Harvard Blvd., in Los Angeles.
The event will be directed by Dr. Henry Jackson, a leading gospel singer, songwriter and musician who has performed with musical giants such as the Rev. James Cleveland, Lou Rawls, Natalie Cole, Patti LaBelle and Aretha Franklin.
According to 82-year-old Margaret (Mary) Johnson, who has traveled the world with the choir for the past 40 years, the upcoming concert will be better than ever.
“It’s going to be wonderful,” said Johnson, “Through the years we’ve had a lot of concerts, but nothing as big as this one.”
Johnson considers the choir as “one big family” that brought her solace after losing her mother 15 years ago. One person that she formed a special bond is 85-year-old Erma Jones, who is marking 45 years as a BGC member.
As part of the chorale, these two ladies have traveled the world performing at various local churches and venues throughout the country, including Atlanta, New York, San Francisco CA, Texas and Washington D.C. The choir has also performed internationally in Germany, Israel, Italy, Japan, Paris, Rome, South Africa, and Sweden.
“The songs we sing keeps me uplifted,” said Jones. “I look forward to coming to rehearsals.”
“It’s been a wonderful experience,” said Johnson. “It gives me things to do, places to go and people to meet.”
The concert will feature traditional gospel music and is open to the public. The ticket donation ranges from $25 – $50 for adults and $12.50 for children and are available at famechurch.org.
BGC is named in honor of the late Right Rev. Hamel Hartford Brookins, the former pastor of FAME as well as the 91st bishop of the AME Church. Past BGC directors include Joe K. Westmorland, former FAME minister of music and Charles May, pianist. Both men composed the choir’s signature song, Grace of God.
Currently, the choir performs spirit-filled hymns and traditional gospel songs on the third Sunday of the month at FAME where the Rev. J. Edgar Boyd serves as senior pastor.
To learn more, call (323) 735-1251.
