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May 1, 2017

Lakewood Area Choral Society to Present a Concert of Sacred and Patriotic Music The Lakewood Area Choral Society (LACS) will present its inaugural concert of the 2017 season Sunday, May 7 at 3PM at the First Congregational Church, 421 E. Bridge St., Portland Michigan. LACS now in its 32nd year is pleased to be able to perform in the newly rebuilt historic church, which was severely damaged by a tornado in 2015. The church has been back in operation since last May, providing a space for worship as well as community events such as this concert of sacred and patriotic music. This concert features some LACS favorites as well as many new songs. In addition to the full LACS choir, the Lakewood Area A Capella Choir (LAAC) and many soloists will be performing. LAAC will open the concert with a rousing song, “Consecrate the Place and Day” by Lloyd Pfaustch. The full LACS choir will then join in with another new piece of repertoire, “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” arranged by LACS founder and Artistic Director, Robert C. Oster. Among the sacred numbers LACS will perform are “Lord, Here Am I,” by John Ness Beck, Softly and Tenderly,” arranged by Joel Raney, “Abide With Me,” arranged by Molly Ijames, “Victory in Jesus,” arranged by Joseph M. Martin, “How Great Thou Art,” arranged by Dan Forrest, and “An Old English Prayer,” arranged by James Gossler. “Hallelujah” by Ludwig von Beethoven from Mount of Olives will feature Sue Morton, LACS accompanist, playing the challenging orchestral reduction to this stirring piece. LACS will also perform “Sea and Shore” by Frank K. DeWald, a work commissioned for the 25th Anniversary of LACS with a wonderful text by Henry Van Dyke. Several spirituals will also be performed, including two Moses Hogan arrangements: Deep River” and “Walk Together Children,” and LAAC will sing “Precious Lord, Take My Hand,” arranged by Dr. Oster. Patriotic music will include “Song for the Unsung Hero,” by Joseph M. Martin and “For Spacious Skies,” arranged by David L. Brunner, with soloist Scott Taylor. Other special music includes “Do They See Jesus In Me?” by Carlson/Mann, with Cherie Snoap-Andrakowicz, soloist, and a trio, “Lift Thine Eyes,” by Felix Mendelssohn, with Mary Kuhlman, Cindy Olson, Hannah Petersen, soloists. “This Little Light of Mine,” by Addison Road with Jean Weygandt, soloist, and Rachel Pung, signing for the deaf. The concert is free and open to the public. In lieu of tickets a freewill offering will be taken.