Welcome to Keep Marching,
the last concert of Universal Gospel Choir’s historic 40th anniversary season! Today, we celebrate four decades of bringing joy, unity, and inspiration to our community. This performance is a tribute to the enduring power of gospel music to uplift, connect, and transform lives.
We acknowledge that most of our work takes place on the traditional, ancestral and unceded lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and səl’ilwətaɁɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples. While our choir members come with their own diverse backgrounds and experience, the majority of us are uninvited guests on this land. We carry that knowledge with us, acknowledge its importance, and let it inform our work and our art.
Set List
1. How I Got Over
Clara Ward, Arr. Lonnie Delisle
Soloists: Cristina Ciccone, Tracey Gabert
2. Be a Light
Joshua Miller, Matt Dragstrem, Josh Thompson and Thomas Rhett Akins
Arr. Tim Hayden, Adap. Lonnie Delisle
3. Melodies from Heaven
Kirk Franklin
4. How Excellent
Dick Tunney
5. A Safe Place to Land
Lori Mckenna and Sara Bareilles, Arr. Lonnie Delisle
Soloists: Lynley Lewis, Heather Olson
6. Orphans of God
Joel Lindsay and Twila LaBar, Arr. Lonnie Delisle
Soloist: Crescencia Goana
7. Your Love Divine
Richard Smallwood, Arr. Lonnie Delisle
Soloist: Erin Moroney
8. Faith
London Community Gospel Choir, Arr. Lonnie Delisle
Soloists: Tracey Gabert, Sherri Smith
INTERMISSION
1. Harriet Tubman
Walter Robinson, Arr. Diane Lines, Adap. Lonnie Delisle
Soloists: Sheena Clarkson, Rosine Dika-Balotoken, Melody Owen
2. Deep River
Traditional Spiritual, Arr. Mark Hayes
3. Responsibility
Words by Hillel the Elder (English Translation by Judith Clurman), Music by Mark Sirett
Adap. Lonnie Delisle
4. Nina Cried Power
Andrew Hozier-Byrne, Arr. Lonnie Delisle
Soloists: Heather D’Oyley, Chris Fowles, Jennifer Adams, Maegan Warren, Julia Somody,
Josh Andallo, Crystal Wuthrich, Yare Vargas
5. Hymn to Freedom
Music Oscar Peterson, Lyrics Harriett Hamilton, Arr. Lonnie Delisle
6. Keep Marching
Shaina Taub, Arr. Lonnie Delisle (based on Broadway Inspirational Voices)
Soloist: Rosanna Francis
7. Hold On
Ricky Dillard and Duane Shipley, Arr. Lonnie Delisle
Soloist: Cristina Ciccone
Message from Our Artistic Director
Lonnie Delisle (he/him)
Welcome to our 40-Year Soulstice Celebration!
For forty years, UGC has been singing songs of healing, justice, and unity across the spiritual spectrum.
For forty years, we have been singing our activism.
Throughout history, music has served as a voice for dissent, a challenge to authority, and a catalyst for social and political change.
Tonight, you’ll hear songs that champion the values of inclusion, equality, diversity, peace, and harmony — values that are being tested in today’s world, as authoritarianism and oppression rise around the globe. It’s easy to feel helpless. Hopeless.
But that’s exactly what oppressors want us to feel.
As we’ve rehearsed these songs over the past months, we’ve experienced something powerful as a choir: an infusion of hope. Hope is essential for anyone striving to be a force for good.
So tonight, our prayer is that you would be filled with hope as we sing our courage and sing our activism. And may we all leave here encouraged — and inspired — to keep marching.
“We did not end injustice, and neither will you, but still we made strides so we know you can too. Make peace with our incomplete power and use it for good, ‘cause there’s so much to do. The world can be changed, we’ve done it before — so keep marching!” — Keep Marching from the musical Suffs by Shaina Taub
About Universal Gospel Choir
For 40 years, Universal Gospel Choir has been a beacon of musical excellence and social impact in Vancouver. As the city’s only designated multi-faith choir, UGC blends beautiful music with powerful messages of justice, inclusion, and hope. We proudly represent a diverse spectrum of cultural and faith journeys, united by our shared love of gospel music.
Meet the Band
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Jonny Tobin
Resident Accompanist
Jonny Tobin is a GRAMMY and JUNO-nominated, multi award-winning keyboardist, producer, and beatmaker.
His original tunes have been transmitted through the underground radio waves all over the world, and his keys and production work have graced tracks from independent artists like NYC-based Sarah Kang to acclaimed electronic producer Trian Kayhatu to breakout hip-hop artist D. Smoke.
He has toured internationally, including festival headlining shows with gospel R&B powerhouses The Hamiltones, and breakout Chinese pop R&B star ZiZi (子子).
SWIPE TO SEE OTHER BAND MEMBERS
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Johnny Andrews
DRUMS
Johnny is an accomplished session drummer based in Vancouver, BC, with extensive touring experience across the globe. He has collaborated with a wide range of bands and artists, contributing his expertise to numerous recording projects.
As an endorsed artist, Johnny proudly represents Yamaha Drums, Istanbul Agop Cymbals, Vater Drumsticks, and Evans Drumheads, reflecting his dedication to high-quality sound and performance.
Beyond his career, Johnny is a proud dog dad to two French Bulldogs, Roger and Millie.
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JeanSe Le Doujet
BASS
Born in Pontivy, Brittany, France, JeanSe grew up surrounded by music, learning piano and bass under the guidance of his father. His passion for diverse styles led him to explore everything from rock and metal to jazz and pop, blending influences to create his unique sound.
Since moving to Vancouver in 2011, JeanSe has become a prominent figure in the music community, touring across Canada, Europe, and Latin America—all while balancing a career as an acupuncturist!
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Anthony Anderson
GUITAR
Anthony Anderson is a guitarist, award-winning producer, instructor, and songwriter. He has performed globally with a wide range of artists, including The Partland Brothers, Elise Estrada, and has opened for acts like Backstreet Boys and 50 Cent.
He currently performs with Vancouver artists such as Bukola and IAMTHELIVING, and tours with Tanika Charles and Robb Nash. As a producer and songwriter, Anthony has worked with artists signed to major labels including Universal, Sony, Warner, and Capitol. He also teaches guitar and bass at G&G Music.
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Brett Ziegler
KEYBOARD
Brett Ziegler is a seasoned music and sound professional with over two decades of experience.
As a keyboardist, he has played on more than 100 album projects, and has served as a live sound engineer, technical director, musical director, and worship leader throughout his career.
Since 2017, Brett has performed five nights a week with The Jones Boys at the Copper Room in Harrison Hot Springs Resort and Spa, bringing his signature musicianship and energy to audiences from near and far.
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Choir Members
Soprano
Advah Soudack, Andrea Smith, Ashley Burton, Carrie Turri, Claudia MacDonald, Crescencia Goana, Cristina Ciccone, Dionne Phillips, Eleanor May, Erin Moroney, Faith Auton-Cuff, Gysele van Hoogstraten, Heather Olson, Jennifer Adams, Kathy Anderson, Melody Owen, Naava Soudack, Rosanna Francis, Sasja Chomos, Sheena Clarkson, Sonja Ellingson, Susan Summers
Alto
Alex Friesen, Allison Warren, Beth Thompson, Carole Surin, Cathy Duerksen, Cathey Somerville, Christine Gordon, Claudia Luna, Crystal Wuthrich, Heather D'Oyley, Inge Siemens, Irene Kobylkin-Somody, Joanne Walton, Julia Somody, Lauren Palidwor, Maegan Warren, Olivia Frankel, Radina Voytcheff, Robyn McVicker, Rosemary Burd, Rosine Dika-Balotoken, Sherri Smith, Tara Twigg, Tracey Gabert, Yare Vargas
Tenor
Alex Operacz, Chris Lok, Guy Vallieres, Hannes van der Merwe, Jan Bryant, Jose Cervan, Josh Andallo, Lynley Lewis, Michael Marrapese, Mikhaila Tobin, Paul Dekleer, Ven Virah
Baritone & Bass
Anthony Grise, B Boonstra, Brian Landrigan, Charles Friesen, Chris Fowles, Dave Patrick, Dwight Cuff, Erjan Sydykbekov, John Warren, Matt Westphal, Patrick Giesbrecht
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Board of Directors
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Andrea Smith (she/her)
BOARD PRESIDENT
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Lonnie Delisle (he/him)
EX-OFFICIO
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Joanne Walton (she/her)
SECRETARY
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Josh Andallo (he/him)
DIRECTOR
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Maegan Warren (she/her)
DIRECTOR (PR COMMITTEE)
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Inge Siemens (she/her)
DIRECTOR (MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE)
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Faith Auton-Cuff (she/her)
DIRECTOR
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Claudia Luna (she/her)
DIRECTOR
Upcoming Events
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Pride at the Pier
To celebrate Pride Week, Universal Gospel Choir is thrilled to perform at Pride on the Pier — a vibrant collaboration between the North Shore Pride Alliance and the Shipyards Night Market.
This is a free event!
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Annual Yule Concert
Save the date for our Seasonal Yule Concert.
Dec 12 & 13, 2025
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For The Love Of Gospel with Karen Burke
Workshop and Concert
This annual event is perfect for singers of all levels who want to learn powerful harmonies and dive into the rich tradition of gospel music.
Learn exciting gospel music and sing together with UGC in a 2 day (Friday pm and Sat) workshop, then return the following day to perform with UGC in an evening performance.
Join us for a powerful Black History Month concert that celebrates the rich cultural legacy of gospel music.
Featuring the incomparable Karen Burke, Artistic Director of Toronto Mass Choir, UGC will be joined on stage by our Gospel Music Workshop participants.
March 6 - 8, 2026
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Gift Cards
UGC Gift Cards Are Here!
Looking for the perfect gift for the music lover in your life? Universal Gospel Choir Gift Cards are now available in denominations of $25, $50, $75, and $100.
Gift Cards can be used to purchase concert tickets or support a beloved choir member to help pay choir fees, making them a meaningful way to share the joy of music.
Alessandra Martino, Andrea Smith, Barbara Smith, Cameron Dehoney, Carrie Wertheim, Charles Friesen, Cindy McPherson, Doug Thorpe-Dorward, Elizabeth Wolber, Eva Wilms, George Reifel, Greg Glatz, Janette Rae, Jodi Scott, Josh Andallo, Julia Vallance, Justin Emilio, Keenan Neilly Personal Real Estate Corporation, Kesha Patel, Lorie Thomas, Lynne Westwood-Smith, Marilee Roome, Nancy Mortifee, Patricia Ezzy, Patrick Cotter, Patrick Giesbrecht, Perry Ehrlich, Peter Harmenzon, Philip Holton, Robyn McVicker, Rosine Dika, Sandy Hill, Sharon Kearney, Tracey Gabert, Wendy Mitchell
Donate
Support the Joy of Music!
UGC is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to uplifting and connecting our community through music.
Your donations help us continue this work, and all contributions come with a tax-deductible receipt.
Volunteers
A heartfelt thank you to our amazing volunteers!
Volunteers are the heartbeat of Universal Gospel Choir! From the excitement of concert entries to the buzz of raffle ticket sales at intermission, our volunteers are the unsung heroes making every one of our shows a success.
If you are interested in helping to create the magic of a UGC show and immerse yourself in the experience contact us today at info@universalgospelchoir.ca
Auditions
Love to sing?
Universal Gospel Choir is looking for passionate voices to join our vibrant, multi-faith choir community!
Be part of a 40-year legacy, performing powerful gospel music at exciting concerts and connecting with a supportive choir family.
Auditions will be held on July 7th
Location: 3333 Kaslo Street
Did you know we have a vibrant YouTube channel?
Catch past performances, behind-the-scenes moments, and special projects you may have missed.
🎥 Subscribe and sing along at: youtube.com/@universalgospelchoir
We acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia
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We acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia •