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Westside Choir Set to Compete on Televised Show

Verizon’s How Sweet the Sound in L.A.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 7, 2013 – Chicago, IL. In a competition jam-packed with high excitement and musical entertainment, Chicago’s community choir Souls of Salvation (SOS) and its Director Harrison Spates III, won the top honors as the Regional Champs in Verizon’s How Sweet The Sound competition after their rousing performance of “God Is In Control.” The competition, which was held at the Arie Crown Theatre on Saturday, October 5, featured five other choir talents from the Westside, Southside and Milwaukee WI rivaling for the top prize. As the winning choir, SOS will represent the Midwest proudly in the upcoming televised national competition in Los Angeles on November 2nd at the Nokia Theatre. The How Sweet the Sound competition is a nationwide search for the best gospel choir in America, allowing local choirs an opportunity to display their musical talents among the best of the best.

“We are excited and proud to represent Chicago at the National competition in LA,” stated Choir Director Harrison Spates III. “Winning the competition is a plus for our group, but our hope and goal is to inspire people through our vocal interpretation and touch lives through our performance”

Souls of Salvation is a community choir comprised of individuals from various churches in the Chicago land area. Singing together for 23 years, this is the choir’s first main-stage competition. In addition to winning the top honors, SOS won two additional categories, including the Hope Line Award and The People’s Choice Award. This local choir walked away with prize monies totaling $18,000 and an all-expense paid trip to Los Angeles to compete for the grand prize – a gospel recording contract and $25,000.

About Souls of Salvation

Unparalleled! Inimitable! Anointed! These are the words that describe the sound of gospel for this generation and Chicago’s own “Souls of Salvation” affectionately known as (SOS). Founded in 1990, Souls of Salvation is under the musical direction of Harrison Spates III. Under his leadership, they have become one of the finest gospel choirs in the City of Chicago. Souls of Salvation have created a unique singing style that is all their own. This gifted choral assemble was birthed by members of Westinghouse High School “Vocal Jubilee” who desired to minister the gospel of Jesus Christ beyond their high school walls upon graduation. Their distinctive vocal agility, synchronized moves and exquisite style has afforded them the opportunity to share the stage with top gospel artists, including Kirk Franklin, Ricky Dillard and James Hall to name a few.

Down through the years, the Souls of Salvation has served Chicago’s Westside communities through spiritual development, social action and service initiatives. The Souls of Salvation truly exemplify the rich legacy of the choir and will continue to build upon that foundation to take gospel to worlds unknown through their innovative blend of traditional and contemporary music. Their sound is the epitome of gospel for years to come.

For media inquiries, interviews and photo-ops please contact Robert Clay @ reclay1@gmail.com

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