SEQUIM — Friday will be a night for renewed inspiration, Michael Rivers promises.
For the 11th year, the Peninsula Men’s Gospel Singers will step up to unite their voices at the Benefactor’s Concert, an annual exchange of resources.
The 16 men, along with Rivers, their director, pianist Penny Hall and sign language interpreter Karen Coles, will sing about love and hope.
And in return, they ask for donations to keep the choir going into its coming season of concerts: in auditoriums, Clallam Bay Corrections Center, retirement homes and yes, a variety of churches.
The one for the Benefactor’s Concert is in Sequim’s United Methodist Church, 100 S. Blake Ave., at 7 p.m. Friday.
Admission is by donation and refreshments will be served.
“The singers will be focused on delivering this season’s newer numbers, including ‘Lean on Me’ and ‘You Raise Me Up,’” Rivers said, while his choir will also stir in their time-tested numbers: “Deep River,” “Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen” and “My Soul’s been Anchored in the Lord.”
“There will be a couple of numbers during which the alumni of PMGS will be invited to sing again with their brothers,” added Rivers, who founded the choir in 2001.
“The real focus of the evening is to re-inspire all of us, benefactors and singers alike,” he said.
“We work hard . . . we work, we sing, for a kingdom of love here and now. Wherever they’re performing, the men’s gospel singers’ goal is to bring melodies of healing and hope,” Rivers said.
“We have a great time doing what we do.”
Yet another part of Friday’s concert: a piece involving part of the Little Brass Band, a subset of men who, beside singing in the choir, play saxophones and other horns in a small ensemble.
They will debut another number, Rivers noted, in preparation for their performance of the Battle Hymn of the Republic at Coast Guard Air Station/Sector Field Office Port Angeles on Ediz Hook for Veterans Day next Tuesday.
This annual Benefactor’s Concert provides “an inside look at our vision, goals and ministry for the year,” Rivers said.
The Peninsula Men’s Gospel Singers are always grateful for the support, both financial and spiritual, that comes from those who join them for the concert, added baritone Michael Craig, a longtime member.
The atmosphere is a relaxed one, he said.
It’s “open to all . . . donations are not required, but will be appreciated.”
To ensure that there are plenty of refreshments for everyone at Friday’s concert, the singers ask that listeners RSVP to Peninsula Men’s Gospel Singers president Gordon Shipps at 360-457- 5374.
More information about the choir is at www.PMGospelSingers.com.
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Features Editor Diane Urbani de la Paz can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5062, or at diane.urbani@peninsuladailynews.com.
