LIBERTY — The African Children’s Choir has entertained thousands as they’ve toured all over Europe, Canada and Australia raising awareness for vulnerable African children. This December, they’ll be adding one more city to the list: Liberty.
On Dec. 2, Choir 44 will hold a special concert in the Liberty Civic Auditorium.
“This is a special year for us,” said Booking Manager Sarah Lidstone. “The program has been touring since 1984 so we’re wrapping up our 30 year celebration.”
The choir itself is made up of 18 kids ranging in age from 7 to 11. All the members of Choir 44 hale from Uganda.
“The kids are all from various villages and communities around Kampala, Uganda’s capitol,” said Lidstone. “They sing all over the world. It’s really a great show.”
According Lidstone, the point of the Choir is to raise awareness and funds to help destitute and orphaned children in Africa.
“They raise their voices to raise awareness,” she said. “These choirs have performed in front of Queens, Presidents and heads of state. They’ve had two tours in Australia.”
Which begs the question: Why Liberty?
“We hit both large and small venues but we decided to come to Liberty mainly because we’re making our way from North Carolina to Austin, Texas,” she said and laughed. “It’s on the way.”
Breaking with tradition, Choir 44 has changed up their set list a bit for this tour.
“They’ll be singing African music — the traditional songs — drumming, things like that,” said Lidstone. “But they are also going to be adding in some Christmas music, which is really exciting. This is the kind of thing that resonates with everyone, young or old.
“These kids, who can come from such hardships, they sing with so much joy that you can’t help but to leave inspired,” she added. “It’s a wonderful event for the whole family.”
The African Children’s Choir will perform at 7 p.m. Dec. 2 at Civic Auditorium, 314 W. Main St. in Liberty. Admission is free but donations will be accepted.
