[MUSIC] Plattsburgh State Gospel Choir presents "A SoulFUL Christmas 2025" with a Downton Abbey Theme; Sun Dec 7th @ 5:00pm.

[Dwayne Butchino]

*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*

*Contact Information:*

*Plattsburgh State Gospel Choir*
Email: gospelchoir at plattsburgh.edu
Phone: (518) 564-2704
133 Hawkins Hall, SUNY Plattsburgh
Website: www.plattsburghstategospelchoir.org
------------------------------

*PLATTSBURGH STATE GOSPEL CHOIR PRESENTS "SOULFUL CHRISTMAS 2025" WITH
DOWNTON ABBEY THEME*

*Annual Holiday Concert Features 50-Voice Chorus, Special Guests, and 1920s
Best Dressed Contest*

*PLATTSBURGH, NY* — The Plattsburgh State Gospel Choir invites the
community to experience the magic of the holiday season at their annual
"Soulful Christmas 2025" concert on Sunday, December 7, 2025, at 5:00 PM in
the E. Glenn Giltz Auditorium, Hawkins Hall, SUNY Plattsburgh.

This year's performance takes inspiration from PBS's Downton Abbey,
encouraging attendees to embrace the elegance of the 1920s era with a
best-dressed contest offering prizes for the most authentic period attire.
Let your inner Dowager Countess or Lord Grantham shine through!

Under the artistic direction of Dr. Dexter L. Criss, Professor of Chemistry
and Music Adjunct, and Associate Artistic Director Andrea D. Ogle, the
50-voice chorus will present a harmonious fusion of traditional gospel,
urban gospel, and contemporary Christian music, blended with Caribbean and
Afrocentric rhythms.

*PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS*

The two-hour concert will feature beloved holiday classics reimagined with
gospel arrangements, including:

   - Richard Smallwood's "Anthem of Praise"
   - "Children Go Where I Send Thee" arranged by Kevin Phillip Johnson
   - Norman Hutchins' Christmas classic "Emmanuel"
   - Music City Mass Choir's energetic version of "Hark the Herald Angels
   Sing"
   - A soulful adaptation of "Hallelujah Chorus" arranged by Quincy Jones

*SPECIAL FEATURES*

*Guest Performers:*

   - Minor Adjustments (SUNY Plattsburgh's premier a cappella group)
   - Faith Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church Youth Praise Dancers

*Master of Ceremonies:* Bill McColgan, CEO/President of Mountain Lake PBS

*Additional Performances:*

   - SUNY Plattsburgh Gospel Choir Praise Dancers
   - Pre-show traditional Christmas carol sing-along (4:40 PM - 4:55 PM)
   led by music educators Alex Malsan and Jonathan Ellwanger

*ABOUT THE PLATTSBURGH STATE GOSPEL CHOIR*

With 20-30 performances annually, the internationally acclaimed choir has
traveled to Japan, the Caribbean, and performed at NYC's Lincoln Center.
They have shared stages with notable artists including Lyle Lovett, Myra
Flynn, Sheila Raye Charles, and served as the opening act for The Kingdom
Choir, who performed for the Queen of England.

The choir's unique sound and energetic performances have made them a
cornerstone of the North Country's cultural landscape, bringing together
students, faculty, staff, and community members in celebration of gospel
music traditions.

*EVENT DETAILS*

*Date:* Sunday, December 7, 2025
*Time:* 5:00 PM - 7:15 PM (Doors open at 4:30 PM)
*Location:* E. Glenn Giltz Auditorium, Hawkins Hall
*Address:* 47 Beekman Street, Plattsburgh, NY 12901

*TICKET INFORMATION*

*Student Admission (College, K-12):*

   - Advance (Nov 10 - Dec 6): $8 online
   - At the door: $10

*General Admission:*

   - Advance (Nov 10 - Dec 6): $20 online
   - At the door: $25

*Children 4 and under:* FREE (must share seat with adult)

*Purchase tickets online:* www.plattsburghstategospelchoir.org

This family-friendly concert coincides with the City of Plattsburgh's
festive holiday weekend celebrations, making it the perfect way to embrace
the Christmas spirit in the North Country.

For more information, high-resolution images, or to schedule interviews
with Dr. Dexter L. Criss or choir members, please contact
gospelchoir at plattsburgh.edu or call (518) 564-2704.
[image: MUS2025FL_Gospel_SoulfulChristmasWEB.png]


*DWAYNE T. BUTCHINO*

Office Assistant 1 - Music & Theatre

Advisor - Cardinal Tabletop Guild Campus Gaming Club

123 Myers Fine Arts

101 Broad Street
<https://maps.google.com/?q=101+Broad+Street+Plattsburgh,+NY+12901&entry=gmail&source=g>

Plattsburgh, NY 12901
<https://maps.google.com/?q=101+Broad+Street+Plattsburgh,+NY+12901&entry=gmail&source=g>

(o) 518-564-2243

Office Hours M-Th 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

*plattsburgh.edu <http://plattsburgh.edu/>*
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://ls.plattsburgh.edu/pipermail/employee-digest/attachments/20251206/5b3af833/attachment.htm>
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: MUS2025FL_Gospel_SoulfulChristmasWEB.png
Type: image/png
Size: 426688 bytes
Desc: not available
URL: <http://ls.plattsburgh.edu/pipermail/employee-digest/attachments/20251206/5b3af833/attachment.png>