A "Global" SoulFUL Christmas with Shidaa Project presented by the Plattsburgh State Gospel Choir
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Get ready for a soulful celebration! Join us for a special evening featuring the SUNY Plattsburgh Gospel Choir and a vibrant guest performance by the Shidaa Project from Montpelier, Vermont. Come experience the powerful rhythms, West African dance, and traditional arts that make the Shidaa Project a truly inspiring performance. We can't wait to share this festive experience with you!
Hosted by Dr. Vincent Carey, History Professor at SUNY Plattsburgh. Born and raised in Ireland, he specializes in the social, intellectual, and colonial history of early modern Europe. His signature wit and engaging storytelling will set the perfect tone for a wonderful evening.
Sunday, Dec 6th 6:00pm to 8:15pm (Doors open at 5:30pm)
E. Glenn Giltz Auditorium (Hawkins Hall - SUNY Plattsburgh) / 47 Beekman Street, Plattsburgh, NY 12901
PRESS RELEASE:
The Plattsburgh State Gospel Choir, led by Dr. Dexter L. Criss and Andrea D. Ogle, is proud to present "Soulful Christmas 2026: A Global Celebration." Experience the choir's signature sound—a vibrant, harmonic fusion of traditional and urban gospel, contemporary Christian music, and rich Caribbean and Afrocentric rhythms. Featuring a powerful 50-voice chorus and a stellar 5-piece band, this event promises to fill your holiday season with spirit and soul. Don't miss our incredible musicians: jazz percussionist Keith Gibson, Jeff Wheel (Lead Guitar), Chris Shacklett (Congas), Dexter Criss (Keyboard), Jonathan Ellwanger (Keyboard), and Morris Norelus (Bass Guitar).
Join us for a soulful celebration featuring iconic holiday arrangements, including Whitney Houston’s unforgettable spin on "Joy to the World," Broadway Inspirational Voices’ energetic renditions of "Great Joy" and "Have You Heard About the Baby," Sister Act’s crowd-favorite "Joyful Joyful," and Patti LaBelle’s powerful foot-stomper, "Are You Ready for a Miracle"!
This Soulful Holiday Global concert will feature brilliant performances by our talented student soloists, including Lexi Woodward, Candance Nelson, and Kimolie Heslop, alongside community members Barbara Criss, Gina Lindsey, Barbara Jackson, Jimmy Canales, and more. This packed two-hour show includes soulful solos, duets, ensembles, and dynamic appearances by our Praise Dancers. Arrive early to join the Holiday Ensemble for a special pre-show sing-along of your favorite traditional Christmas carols, accompanied by the classic arrangements of our music educator, Jonathan Ellwanger.
SPECIAL GUEST: Shidaa Projects, Inc. is a Vermont-based dance and drum troupe dedicated to fostering cultural awareness and empathy through the arts. They provide educational enrichment by sharing traditional West African dance, drumming, and cultural practices with the community. Their programming—which includes school residencies, workshops, public performances, and an annual summer camp—offers hands-on experiences such as drum making, Adinkra fabric printing, beading, and traditional cooking. Designed for participants of all ages, their mission is to use these cultural activities to create inclusive, safe spaces that empower community members to become more engaged and appreciative global citizens.
SUNY PLATTSBURGH GOSPEL CHOIR:
Under the artistic leadership of Dexter L. Criss, Ph.D. (Professor of Chemistry and Music Adjunct), the choir has traveled internationally to Japan, St. Martin/Maarten, Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa as well as to the Caribbean Island of Trinidad and Tobago where the choir gave a private performance for President Anthony Carmona and his staff. The choir performed at NYC's Lincoln Center in 2017 and has shared the stage with Daisy Joplin (NYC), Lyle Lovett (Burlington), Darius Brooks (Chicago), Ron Rucker (Japan) Josh Panda and with Sheila Raye-Charles to name a few. In 2019, the PSGC was the warm-up act for internationally renowned “The Kingdom Choir” who has performed for the Queen of England. We have worked with world renown choral-clinicians Dr. Raymond Wise, Stan Spottswood, Dr. Anthony Leach and John Harrison. With 20-30 performances a year, the gospel choir can be found performing on the SUNY Plattsburgh campus, churches, music festivals, workshops, weddings, memorials and community events. In March 2019, the choir traveled to Memphis/Little Rock/Clarksdale and the surrounding locations to perform in local churches and community centers. In fact, the choir performed a standing room only concert at the historic Little Rock Central High School, the battle ground location for “Brown vs Board of Education”. All the choir members, especially our students, returned from this southern tour informed, empowered and inspired.
Andrea D. Ogle, a UVM graduate in Early Childhood Special Education and SUNY Plattsburgh alum, serves as Associate Artistic Director and Choreographer. Alex Malsan, a K-12 Music Educator, serves as the choir’s Vocal Coach, Assistant Director; Jonathan Ellwanger, retired principal and K-12 Music Educator, serves as Assistant Director; Danielle Criss, Activity Coordinator, serves as Assistant Director, Praise Dance Leader and Student Advisor. Rosinda Anthony serves as the Choir Advisor.
TICKET PRICING AND AVAILABILITY
Student Admission (College, K-12)
Advance: $5 (Oct 1st to Dec 6th) - online
Door $10
General Admission
Early Bird: $15 (August 1st to Sept 30th) - online
Advance: $20 (Oct 1st to Dec 6th) - online
Door $25
Age 4 & under FREE (must be willing to share a seat with adult)
ONLINE TICKETS:
https://cglink.me/2us/r391338
TICKET LOCATIONS: (Oct 15th to December 6th)
---Christian Supply Center (164 Prospect Ave. Plattsburgh)
---Gospel Choir Office (Hawkins Hall 133)
---Gospel Choir Members
Contact Us:
---email: [email protected]
---Phone: (518-564-2704)
Hosted by Dr. Vincent Carey, History Professor at SUNY Plattsburgh. Born and raised in Ireland, he specializes in the social, intellectual, and colonial history of early modern Europe. His signature wit and engaging storytelling will set the perfect tone for a wonderful evening.
Sunday, Dec 6th 6:00pm to 8:15pm (Doors open at 5:30pm)
E. Glenn Giltz Auditorium (Hawkins Hall - SUNY Plattsburgh) / 47 Beekman Street, Plattsburgh, NY 12901
PRESS RELEASE:
The Plattsburgh State Gospel Choir, led by Dr. Dexter L. Criss and Andrea D. Ogle, is proud to present "Soulful Christmas 2026: A Global Celebration." Experience the choir's signature sound—a vibrant, harmonic fusion of traditional and urban gospel, contemporary Christian music, and rich Caribbean and Afrocentric rhythms. Featuring a powerful 50-voice chorus and a stellar 5-piece band, this event promises to fill your holiday season with spirit and soul. Don't miss our incredible musicians: jazz percussionist Keith Gibson, Jeff Wheel (Lead Guitar), Chris Shacklett (Congas), Dexter Criss (Keyboard), Jonathan Ellwanger (Keyboard), and Morris Norelus (Bass Guitar).
Join us for a soulful celebration featuring iconic holiday arrangements, including Whitney Houston’s unforgettable spin on "Joy to the World," Broadway Inspirational Voices’ energetic renditions of "Great Joy" and "Have You Heard About the Baby," Sister Act’s crowd-favorite "Joyful Joyful," and Patti LaBelle’s powerful foot-stomper, "Are You Ready for a Miracle"!
This Soulful Holiday Global concert will feature brilliant performances by our talented student soloists, including Lexi Woodward, Candance Nelson, and Kimolie Heslop, alongside community members Barbara Criss, Gina Lindsey, Barbara Jackson, Jimmy Canales, and more. This packed two-hour show includes soulful solos, duets, ensembles, and dynamic appearances by our Praise Dancers. Arrive early to join the Holiday Ensemble for a special pre-show sing-along of your favorite traditional Christmas carols, accompanied by the classic arrangements of our music educator, Jonathan Ellwanger.
SPECIAL GUEST: Shidaa Projects, Inc. is a Vermont-based dance and drum troupe dedicated to fostering cultural awareness and empathy through the arts. They provide educational enrichment by sharing traditional West African dance, drumming, and cultural practices with the community. Their programming—which includes school residencies, workshops, public performances, and an annual summer camp—offers hands-on experiences such as drum making, Adinkra fabric printing, beading, and traditional cooking. Designed for participants of all ages, their mission is to use these cultural activities to create inclusive, safe spaces that empower community members to become more engaged and appreciative global citizens.
SUNY PLATTSBURGH GOSPEL CHOIR:
Under the artistic leadership of Dexter L. Criss, Ph.D. (Professor of Chemistry and Music Adjunct), the choir has traveled internationally to Japan, St. Martin/Maarten, Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa as well as to the Caribbean Island of Trinidad and Tobago where the choir gave a private performance for President Anthony Carmona and his staff. The choir performed at NYC's Lincoln Center in 2017 and has shared the stage with Daisy Joplin (NYC), Lyle Lovett (Burlington), Darius Brooks (Chicago), Ron Rucker (Japan) Josh Panda and with Sheila Raye-Charles to name a few. In 2019, the PSGC was the warm-up act for internationally renowned “The Kingdom Choir” who has performed for the Queen of England. We have worked with world renown choral-clinicians Dr. Raymond Wise, Stan Spottswood, Dr. Anthony Leach and John Harrison. With 20-30 performances a year, the gospel choir can be found performing on the SUNY Plattsburgh campus, churches, music festivals, workshops, weddings, memorials and community events. In March 2019, the choir traveled to Memphis/Little Rock/Clarksdale and the surrounding locations to perform in local churches and community centers. In fact, the choir performed a standing room only concert at the historic Little Rock Central High School, the battle ground location for “Brown vs Board of Education”. All the choir members, especially our students, returned from this southern tour informed, empowered and inspired.
Andrea D. Ogle, a UVM graduate in Early Childhood Special Education and SUNY Plattsburgh alum, serves as Associate Artistic Director and Choreographer. Alex Malsan, a K-12 Music Educator, serves as the choir’s Vocal Coach, Assistant Director; Jonathan Ellwanger, retired principal and K-12 Music Educator, serves as Assistant Director; Danielle Criss, Activity Coordinator, serves as Assistant Director, Praise Dance Leader and Student Advisor. Rosinda Anthony serves as the Choir Advisor.
TICKET PRICING AND AVAILABILITY
Student Admission (College, K-12)
Advance: $5 (Oct 1st to Dec 6th) - online
Door $10
General Admission
Early Bird: $15 (August 1st to Sept 30th) - online
Advance: $20 (Oct 1st to Dec 6th) - online
Door $25
Age 4 & under FREE (must be willing to share a seat with adult)
ONLINE TICKETS:
https://cglink.me/2us/r391338
TICKET LOCATIONS: (Oct 15th to December 6th)
---Christian Supply Center (164 Prospect Ave. Plattsburgh)
---Gospel Choir Office (Hawkins Hall 133)
---Gospel Choir Members
Contact Us:
---email: [email protected]
---Phone: (518-564-2704)
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Where is it happening?
Giltz Auditorium, ChargePoint, 47 Beekman St, Plattsburgh, NY 12901, United States
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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Host or PublisherPlattsburgh State Gospel Choir