San Diego Women’s Chorus to perform with special guests Black Storytellers of San Diego for ‘Still We Rise’ this weekend

SAN DIEGO – This coming weekend marks the 26^th annual San Diego Women’s Chorus (SDWC) spring concert, Still We Rise with special guests Black Storytellers of San Diego. The powerful, evocative program will be presented twice: Saturday May 4 at 7 p.m. and Sunday May 5 at 5 p.m. at the University Christian Church in Hillcrest. Still We Rise will explore the themes of equality, community, justice and love through the rich musical and oral tradition of the African American community. SDWC is honored to share the stage with special guests, the women of Black Storytellers of San Diego, who bring a dimension of exceptional strength and beauty that harmonizes wonderfully with the chorus’ musical offerings.

Through song and poetry, Still We Rise pays tribute to major players in women’s history and key events in the history of equality, but also acknowledges the daily, mundane struggles and triumphs that comprise a lifetime. “Each and every day, in ways big and small, we sing out for freedom, we speak up for justice, we stand up for love,” explains Heather Robert, SDWC’s vice president and outreach coordinator. “We soothe our babies and we fight for our families. Empowered by the community of sisterhood, we find our courage. We dare to be powerful. We prevail. Buried under bills and barriers, pains and pressures – still we rise.”

Enhanced by the powerful words of the Black Storytellers, SDWC will perform songs that speak to the universal themes of struggle, triumph, hope and love including “What About Love?” from the musical The Color Purple, the African American gospel “Keep Yo’ Lamps,” an homage to Martin Luther King Jr. in “Only Light, Only Love,” the gorgeous classically-inspired Latin piece “Nigra Sum,” and the Latin-American folk song “Duerme Negrito.” Other show-stopping numbers include Rosephannye Powell’s powerful “Still I Rise” and a medley of “Girl on Fire” and “Superwoman” by Alicia Keys.

During intermission concert attendees will have the chance to learn more about local organizations working to make a difference in our community, including Pazzaz, Inc, International Crisis Aid and Mama’s Kitchen. Attendees will also have the opportunity to enjoy refreshments and to win prizes from local vendors by bidding in the silent auction or purchasing opportunity-drawing tickets.

Pre-sale tickets are $15 for general admission and $12 for Seniors/Military/Children (3-17). Children under 3 will be admitted for free, but may be required to sit on an adult’s lap. Ticket prices at the door are $20 and $15. Tickets available at www.sdwc.org