New Directions Veterans Choir March 10, 2013

Spring Forward and celebrate the return of Daylight Savings Time. Join BCCA as we salute veterans of the United States Military.

They are an award winning a capella group that sings renditions of doo-wop, soul, traditional gospel and popular music. The choir consists of current and former residents of New Directions transitional facility.

Pre-Concert Music will be performed by the Tehachapi High School Jazz Ensemble directed by Paul Grana.

Celebrate vocal music with the New Dimensions Veterans Choir. Join the Bakersfield Community Concert Association as we celebrate our 50th Anniversary Season.

"Through singing," George says, "we hope to let veterans who may be suffering know that there is hope for them." - George Hill, Director, Songwriter, and New Directions Graduate

The New Directions Veterans Choir is comprised of men and women who have served proudly in the United States Military. Another element they have in common: following their service to our country, they became homeless. The New Directions facility gave them hope and direction.

The New Directions Veterans Choir performed in 2010 for NBC's "America's Got Talent" and has been featured on the NBC Nightly News and E! Entertainment Television. They have performed at over 100 venues and events, including "The Donny and Marie Show," the Democratic National Convention and for members of the United States Congress.

In 2006, the Choir took to the stage for a production of Michael McFall's Dirty White Tuxedo Pants and a Brown Paper Bag, the tale of a homeless and schizophrenic Vietnam veteran living on the streets of Los Angeles. Despite their show business forays, the New Directions Veterans Choir has never forgotten their humble roots or their message of hope and redemption.

George Hill, choir founder and director, was homeless for 12 years, living in and around MacArthur Park. A graduate of New Directions, Hill is also an employee at the West Los Angeles Veterans Administration and is studying for a degree in Computer Information Systems at California State University Los Angeles.

This group of men and women have something else in common: they can sing!

Official Website: http://www.bakersfieldcca.org/