The signature sound of repeat Dove and Grammy Award-winning recording artist David Phelps will be showcased in “Christmas for Columbus” Saturday, Dec. 19. The concert in Whitfield Hall’s Rent Auditorium on the Mississippi University for Women campus begins at 7 p.m.
In his second visit to the Golden Triangle, Phelps and his musical entourage will be joined by a mass choir of about 100 area singers.
“David is coming back due to the overwhelming response we enjoyed following his performance two years ago,” said Andy Tentoni, a member of United Methodist Men of First United Methodist Church in Columbus, which is presenting the event. “We would love to have the auditorium filled to capacity to enjoy and experience this outstanding tenor. A performer of this quality and accomplishment doesn’t show up here that often.”
The concert is a charity event. All proceeds after expenses will benefit the Good Samaritan Medical Clinic, Helping Hands and The Father’s Child Ministry, all of Columbus.
The music of Christmas
In a phone interview Thursday, Phelps talked of what he enjoys most about performing seasonal music. Even though this is his 16th annual Christmas tour, the nationally celebrated vocalist never tires of it.
“Every year when we pull these songs out, there is this excitement that we get to do them one more time,” he said.
While his shows do not always include a choir, Christmas seems to call for it.
“It just adds so much energy,” said Phelps. “If there’s any time of year people want to hear choirs, it’s Christmas.”
The Tomball, Texas, native is well known as the powerful tenor for the multiple Grammy and Dove Award-winning Gaither Vocal Band and has become a leading voice in contemporary Christian music. He has performed at prestigious venues around the globe, including the White House, New York’s Carnegie Hall and the Sydney Opera House in Australia.
While earning his degree in vocal performance from Baylor University, he was often encouraged to channel his talents toward opera, Broadway or secular genres. Phelps, however, was sure he was being called to Christian music.
“I’ve never had any regrets,” he said Thursday. “And a wonderful thing that has happened now is that I get to do some of those songs as well.”
Family is of paramount importance to the singer. He met his wife, Lori, at Baylor; she has been his staunch partner for more than two decades. The Phelps are parents of four children and live outside Nashville, Tennessee.
His sister performs on trumpet in his shows, and the audience in Columbus should not be surprised to see one or both of his daughters on stage as well Saturday, he said.
Music and ministry
Phelps’ Classic Christmas concert includes many songs featured on his “O Holy Night” recording, as well as his recently-released “Freedom” recording. Even traditional carols receive the artist’s custom touch.
Sue Burkhalter of Columbus volunteers for Phelps’ music ministry, sometimes traveling to assist with concert production. She is also the pianist for the mass choir rehearsals set for Saturday morning and afternoon.
“He puts his own unique twist on some familiar songs,” she said. “He’s one of the top tenors in the world, and this is a great way to get in the Christmas spirit, a good family experience.”
Edward Yeates is CEO of The Father’s Child Ministry, one of the entities that will benefit from the event.
“It will really help tremendously toward next year. We’re very appreciative for all the support,” Yeates said. “It’s always so encouraging to see people behind the vision, helping end fatherlessness in our city and county.”
Saturday’s concert is one of many presented in the past 15 or so years by the United Methodist Men of FUMC, Tentoni said.
“We hope we can continue to receive the community support we always have so we may bring even more top-notch Christian artists to our community.”
How to go
General admission tickets are $25 (Artist’s Circle $35) at the FUMC office at 602 Main St. Or get them at iTickets.com; the site adds a fee. For more information, contact the church, 662-328-5252.
FUMC music director Dr. Doug Browning coordinates the mass community choir and reminds singers that music for the choir’s numbers may be accessed by clicking on Phelps’ image on the church website, at columbusfumc.org.
Rent Auditorium is located at 1100 College St., Columbus.
Jan Swoope is the Lifestyles Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.
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