The Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir has canceled its popular Christmas Eve shows, which have been a beloved holiday tradition in the Bay Area for more than three decades.

The Choir, under the guidance of longtime artistic director Terrance Kelly, was scheduled to perform two shows at the Great American Music Hall on Dec. 24. But, with COVID-19 cases surging in the Bay Area, the acclaimed choir is playing it safe and canceling the performances.

The Choir is also canceling its performance scheduled for the Golden State Warriors game at Chase Center in San Francisco on Dec. 23.

“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the cancellation of the remainder of OIGC’s Holiday 2021 season,” organizers said in a statement found on Great American Music Hall’s website. “This has been such a joyous season for our choir, coming back together in song after almost two years. We have worked hard to keep everyone safe at half-a-dozen performances earlier this month.

“Today’s decision comes after extensive consultation with our medical and emergency management experts, and input from our singers, board, and staff. We are making the incredibly tough choice to ‘care on the side of caution’ – but as we promised last year, we will not stop singing! We will reschedule our show at Great American Music Hall in early 2022 and we promise to scoop up lots of joy with you then!”

Ticket holders for the Dec. 24 shows will be automatically refunded for their orders within 14 business days, according to the venue’s website. For more information, visit gamh.com.

Source: www.mercurynews.com