African Children's Choir returning here for two performances

They've sung at the White House, on "Good Morning America" and at some of the most prestigious music venues worldwide. Now the African Children's Choir is coming back to Yakima.

The choir, made up of children from the poorest regions of several African countries, is renowned for the simple purity of its songs as well as the complex, multi-layered choreography with which it performs them.

Established in 1984, the choir has helped millions of people through its educational outreach and fundraising. On a smaller scale, it has helped all of its members get access to their own education.

The choir, which first played Yakima two years ago, will perform Wednesday at Yakima Foursquare Church, 700 N. 40th Ave., and Thursday at the Southeast Yakima Community Center, 1211 S. Seventh St.

Both shows begin at 7 p.m., but Duane Anderson, a member of the United Ministers Alliance, which is hosting the visits, recommends arriving by 6:30 at the latest to guarantee a seat.

"Two years ago they were here and people got turned away, there were so many people," Anderson said.

He described the feeling of the performances as joyous because of the "excitement of the kids, how happy they are performing."

"It just leaves you with that feeling," he said.

For more information on the group, visit www.africanchildrenschoir.com. For information on the Yakima performances, call Anderson at 509-901-0938.

-- Pat Muir