The Amherst Area Gospel Choir’s annual retelling of the Christmas story in black gospel songs began seven years ago in Amherst’s Goodwin Memorial A.M.E Zion church and immediately outgrew the modest capacity of that venue.
This year set in Amherst College’s Johnson Chapel, the concert includes gospel arrangements of carols and spirituals, with jazz band accompaniment and commentary from the Virgin Mary and John the Baptist relating the Christmas story to social justice issues.The performance will feature solo singer Michelle Brooks Thompson and poet/performance artist Xinef Afriam.
Saturday at 3 p.m. Free admission; donations welcome.