The UMass Fine Arts Center presents South Africa's Soweto Gospel Choir on Wednesday, December 3rd at 7:30 pm in the Concert Hall. Formed to celebrate the unique and inspirational power of African Gospel music, the 26-member Soweto Gospel Choir draws on the best talent from the many churches in and around Soweto. Under the direction of David Mulohedzi and Beverly Bryer, the choir is dedicated to sharing the joy of faith through music with audiences around the world. Their performances feature a mixture of tribal, traditional and popular African gospel, with earthy rhythms, rich harmonies and charismatic performances that uplift the soul and express South Africa's hope for the future. Get your tickets now!

Special pre-performance lecture by Professor Olabode Omajola from 6:45 - 7:15 pm in the University Gallery.

Arts Give Back Community Partner
Amherst and Northampton Survival Center
In the spirit of the season, please bring a new, unwrapped toy, game, winter clothing item or non-perishable food item to donate to families through the Amherst and Northampton Survival Centers.

Our Artist Residency Fund, established with proceeds from the Fine Arts Center Gala, provides resources for our educational activities, allowing artists to hold workshops, lectures, and special demonstrations beyond their regularly scheduled public performances. Over 10,000 students and community members participated in a performing or visual arts residency last year. As you can see, your gift makes a critical difference in presenting artistic and educational experiences to our youth and community. To find out more about our Gala & Auction, which will be held on January 31st, or to make a gift directly to the Artist Residency Fund visit, www.fineartscenter.com or call 413-545-3671.

The Artist Residency Fund has supported such endeavors as a dance master class with artists from the José Limón Dance Company (pictured) and the Charles "Teenie" Harris photography exhibit at the Augusta Savage Gallery.

Shekadii Walaalo/Sister-Story is the culminating performance of a multi-year community-based project featuring the Pioneer Valley's own Somali community in a vibrant evening of live music, dance, video, poetry and storytelling—with special guest artists Onawumi Jean Moss, Irene Shaikly and Rashidah Ismaili.

TICKETS ARE: $15 - General Public; $8 - Seniors/Low Income; $5 - Students (with I.D.). Call FAC Box Office for tickets: 413-545-2511. For info about shows call NWT at 413-545-1972 or visit our website.

The performance is scheduled for Saturday, November 22 at 7:00pm in Bowker Auditorium.

There will be a post-performance dialogue following the Shekadii Walaalo! performance in Bowker Auditorium, moderated by Katwiwa Mule, Professor Comparative Literature and Afro-American Studies at Smith College.