The music will begin at 8 p.m. Sunday at Turner Pavilion in Veteran’s Park. The show is free and presented by the Springfield Arts Council.
“These are songs you can sing out loud, from the bottom of your soul and a down-home time lifting our voices,” said Nehemiah Foundation executive director Shelley Lopez. “It’s a wonderful avenue to worship under the stars.”
Lopez said this year has probably the most diverse set of participants yet, with men and women from many churches and cultures participating.
There will also be information in the hospitality tent to learn about the nonprofit groups associated with the Nehemiah Foundation, which will also offer T-shirts with its courage theme for $10.
Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken will be for sale during the concert.
This show will be bittersweet for Lopez, as it will be her last. She’ll leave her position on Sept. 1 to move to Buffalo, N.Y., after living in the community for 30 years.
But she’s seen it get better and better each year, and it’s a good way to leave it.
“It was part of my vision to bless the city. I wanted to leave a legacy and to see the city come together in unity. My prayer is to see more of that,” she said. “I’m grateful for the partnership with the Arts Council.”
Contact this contributing writer at bturner004@woh.rr.com.
How to go
What: When Springfield Sings! — The Nehemiah Foundation's Community Praise and Worship Celebration
Where: Turner Pavilion, Veteran's Park, Springfield
When: 8 p.m. Sunday, June 25
Admission: Free
More info: 937-324-2712 or www.SpringfieldArtsCouncil.org
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