DOWNEY - The 19th annual interfaith, multi-cultural Songfest, sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, will be held March 19 at the church's south Downey facility at 12425 Orizaba Ave.The eight-act program of music will begin at 7 p.m. Prelude music starts at 6:45 p.m. Admission and parking are free. Songfest will feature choral and gospel singing, and solo performances performed by talent from Downey and neighboring communities. Scheduled to perform are the New City Parish Choir, led by Mark Coates; the Voices of Inspiration and Immanuel Gospel Choir, led by Alexander Hamilton; Tapestry from Santa Monica; the Children's Choir of Bell Gardens (Spanish) and the Samoan Choir of Lynwood (100 voices). Soloists scheduled are Beverly Taylor and Larry Larsen, local leader of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Moravian Trombone Choir will provide an instrumental musical interlude. Founded in 1965, the choir has received worldwide acclaim and consists of John Cather, soprano trombone; James Winchell, alto trombone; Greg Pate, tenor trombone; and Steven Humenski, bass trombone. The choir is directed by Doug Shabe. "It is our pleasure to again offer an evening of music and togetherness to the people of Downey and neighboring communities," said Lois Buchanan, community relations director for the Downey stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, coordinator of the event. "It is also a great opportunity to meet as friends from various religions and from different cultures to promote understanding and friendship. May we continue to build upon the love and respect for one another throughout our communities. Everyone is invited to this free evening of musical harmony."

********** Published: March 17, 2011 - Volume 9 - Issue 48