By Josh McCann
[email protected]
Community Impact Productions will hold a kickoff meeting Saturday for potential participants in its upcoming musical variety presentation “’Tis The Season of Joy.”
The production offers the opportunity to perform with special guest and multiple Grammy award-winning gospel recording artist Larnelle Harris in November.
Areas of participation include a mass choir, vocal ensemble, drama, dancers, lighting, costumes, make-up, behind the scenes and more.
Proceeds from the show will benefit nonprofit crisis assistance ministry Cooperative Christian Ministry.
Kickoff will last from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Hampton Inn & Suites on Weddington Road off Interstate 85’s Exit 49. Those interested will then meet again at a later date to start work on the show.
This will be the organization’s fourth and most ambitious production, said Andy Gazak, executive producer and director.
Gazak founded CIP, billed as a regional music and fine arts production outreach ministry, three years ago to aid relief efforts after Hurricane Katrina.
The group continues to work as “people helping people through music and fine arts,” he said.
“The bug bit, if you will,” Gazak said.
The group has high hopes for its upcoming show with Harris, with whom Gazak toured and worked together more than 30 years ago.
“We’re going to kind of launch the holiday season,” Gazak said. “We’re upping the stakes.”
Jeanie Love, who has participated in two CIP shows and attends New Hope Worship Center in Concord, said the experience of working with a variety of new people from other congregations has made her experiences rewarding.
Practicing for a show does require a commitment, she said, but the spirit of the cast makes the process go smoothly.
“The thing that makes it so great is it’s a nondenominational group,” Love said. “You’re helping the community, but it’s also a lot of fun.”
Details: Call 704-819-4429, e-mail [email protected] or visit http://www.communityimpactproductions.org.
• Contact Josh McCann: 704-789-9152.