On America’s birthday weekend, Dr. Dexter Criss will offer North Country listeners a uniquely American genre of music as he leads his Lake Champlain Mass Choir — the summer ensemble of the much-loved Plattsburgh State Gospel Choir, comprised of vocalists from both sides of Lake Champlain — in a program ranging from traditional Gospel favorites to patriotic classics at Plattsburgh’s Harborside Stage on July 3 at 7:30 p.m.
Allowing Gospel music to continue thriving during the summer months when the Plattsburgh State Gospel Choir’s student members return to their homes, the Lake Champlain Mass Choir’s musicians hail not only from New York locales from Plattsburgh to Lake Placid to Glens Falls but also from Vermont municipalities such as St. Albans, Montpelier, and Burlington. From traditional Gospel spirituals to more contemporary Gospel offerings, this group covers a wide array of genres, backed by a talented instrumental combo.
Most recently heard at the City of Burlington’s first-ever city-wide Juneteenth celebration, the Lake Champlain Mass Choir has become a mainstay at festivals, churches, and community gatherings throughout the region in the summertime, building upon the stellar reputation that the Plattsburgh State Gospel Choir has amassed since its creation in 1991.
The Harborside Stage is stationed in the parking lot near Dock Street, close to the Plattsburgh City Marina. Attendants will begin parking vehicles on a first come, first served basis at 6:30 p.m. for this concert, with tickets available at the gate. Admission is only $20 per carload — not per person — with the box office proceeds going to the artists.
Attendees have the option of bringing a lawn chair or blanket and sitting outside near their vehicle to watch the concert, or remaining in their car, where they can listen to the music by rolling down their windows or by turning on their car radios and hearing the broadcast over an FM frequency directly from the stage.
Attendees are not required to wear face masks but are respectfully requested to refrain from bringing alcohol or pets (service animals are welcome) into the concert venue.
This concert is generously sponsored by Twenty-Six & Co. and the Plattsburgh Boat Basin, whose kind financial contributions have allowed this program to take place as an affordable live music offering in the North Country.
For more information, please contact Benjamin Pomerance at pomerance.benjamin58@gmail.com.
Upcoming Live Events
7/3 Lake Champlain Mass Choir
7/9 Ursa & The Major Key
7/17 Hill & Hollow Music Presents: Mazel Tov Cocktail Party
7/24 Beartracks
