Joyful Noise: A Gospel Christmas "The Tenth Episode" by Omaha Performing Arts

joyful noise a gospel christmas "the tenth episode" December 2–3, 2023 Steelhouse Omaha

from the president You know the holiday season has officially arrived when Joyful Noise: A Gospel Christmas returns! For its first nine years, the Grammy Award®-nominated Salem Concert Choir filled the Holland Performing Arts Center with a celebration of cherished classics, contemporary choreography, and pure joy. Now, we’re thrilled to be celebrating this special tenth anniversary with them at our newest venue, Steelhouse Omaha. Joyful Noise has become an Omaha tradition recognized for its holiday classics as well as new arrangements performed by their extraordinary choir and soloists, guest artists, amazing dancers, and more. It’s uplifting and moving and reminds us why we celebrate this season. We are so very grateful for our ongoing partnership with Salem Baptist Church. It is our privilege to work closely with their leadership and choir members who participate in a wide variety of O-pa events throughout the year, including various performances and education and engagement programs. My very special appreciation to Pastor Bachus and Ananias “Markey” Montague for their years of leadership, friendship and support. They are true partners in every sense of the word. My thanks as well to all of the Salem Baptist Church participants, volunteers and congregation members. We are grateful to all of you. I hope you enjoy this special performance – and may this time together bring peace and joy to you this holiday. Happy Holidays,

Joan H. Squires President Omaha Performing Arts

from the pastor On behalf of Salem Baptist Church, Omaha, I welcome you to this momentous 10th production of Joyful Noise: A Gospel Christmas celebration. Tonight’s performance is the product of a decade of dedication to excellence and expansion of Salem’s Music and Fine Arts Ministry under the direction of Minister Ananias “Markey” Montague. Salem’s Music and Fine Arts Ministry is excited to have the opportunity to present to you the expertly choreographed dance and the dynamic music you’ll experience in tonight’s production. Salem has a rich musical history dating back over 50 years. We’re honored to highlight the lineage of gospel music from the voices of our mass choir. We’re also especially grateful for our special guests who will lend their voices in praise. Salem appreciates the opportunity afforded to us by President Joan Squires and her visionary efforts for community partnerships. We thank the Omaha Performing Arts team for their support in making Joyful Noise a success. We anxiously wait for this event year after year. I invite you to join us at Salem Church. Salem is a diverse congregation of people from a variety of backgrounds and experiences. Wherever you are on your journey of life, we welcome you to stop by and visit one of our weekly church services. The Salem family would like you to know that our doors are open to all because we believe that “The Best Season of Your Life is Just Ahead.” We hope that you will enjoy tonight’s production. Peace and Blessings! Rev. Dr. Selwyn Q. Bachus Senior Pastor

ananias “markey” montague Ananias “Markey” Montague was born and raised in Chicago, IL. Ananias is a powerhouse music director, singer, songwriter, instructor and author. His 2018 songbook with accompanying soundtrack, Remember Me Vol.1: Songs from the Cross, showcases his exceptional gift and artistry. A visionary creative and psalmist, Ananias has toured extensively, sharing his musical gifts with diverse audiences both international and domestic. He is recognized and celebrated throughout Europe where he has toured spreading the Gospel through song. He has worked with Richard Smallwood, Ricky Dillard, Kim McFarland, David Foster, Michael McDonald, Lyle Lovett and many others. Recently, Ananias served as the first African American Music Director at the Omaha Community Playhouse during their acclaimed musical production, Respect. A proven leader in arts education and organizational staff development, Ananias is a sought-after facilitator on topics of church administration and music ministry. He has been a featured instructor across the country, most notably through his involvement with Payne Theological Seminary assisting churches and ministries in navigating change and establishing virtual connections during the pandemic. Ananias is the founding creator of A Work On A Wheel, and the Director of Rise Up Let’s Go Conference - two innovative and comprehensive music and fine arts workshops that aim to fill the need for present-day music leaders to experience hands-on mentoring and training to excel in their craft. Ananias is currently working on his degree. He serves as Minister of Music and Fine Arts at Salem Baptist Church in Omaha, Nebraska. His motto is “Be authentic in everything.”

Chad Stoner

Daniel Martinez

Jennifer Kelley

Tonya Baker

The Kingsmen

Evelyn Hill

Jayde Dorsey

Elaine Stoner

Trini Lopez Massie

Enjoli

Emmanuel's Angels

Clifton Hobbs III

Kathy Tyree

Shirley Terrell-Jordan

joyful noise

A Gospel Christmas "The Tenth Episode"

Intermission We Three Kings | Emmanuel's Angels & Concert Choir Hallelujah | Clifton Hobbs III & Concert Choir Savior of The World | Shirley Terrell-Jordan & Concert Choir Mary Did You Know | Kingsmen Savior | Concert Choir & Lil Shouts of Praise Forever | Cece Dunn & Concert Choir King of Glory | Trini Lopez Massie, Concert Choir & Shouts of Praise Mighty God | Tonya Baker, Concert Choir & Spirits In Movement Zion Rejoice | Jennifer Kelley, Concert Choir & Dancers Joy To The World | Concert Choir

cast LEADERSHIP Rev. Dr. Selwyn Q. Bachus Ananias Montague, Executive Producer Lonnie Michael, Jr., Producer and Show Runner

Salem Music & Fine Arts Council Braymond Adams, Jazmon Breakfield, Linda Breakfield, Vernon Breakfield, James O. Brewer, Niccole Cannon-Brown, Dani Cleveland, Ron Coleman, Sandra Foster, Dominique L. Johnson, Shawntal Mallory, Lisa Medley, Lonnie Michael Jr., Ananias Montague, Minister of Music

Actors Joseph: Glenn White Mary: Shauna White Jesus: Shania White 3 Wisemen: Elder Anthony Haynes, Kevin Jones, Galen Walker

DANCERS BY SONG Savior Lil’ Shouts of Praise: Adison Felton-Coleman, Aubrie Foster, Ariauna Jackson, Arianna Shaw, Victoria Walker, Kania Williams

King of Glory Shouts of Praise: Liberty Adams, Nevaeh Bush, Alae Copeland, Savannah Devereaux, Kenaija Hamilton, Delraye Kizzee, Faith Mbengwie, TreShun McCain, Marissa Northcutt, Neeya Williams

Mighty God Spirits in Movement: Claudette Armstrong, Leonna Blake, Tiffany Devereaux, NaKiya Harris, Anna Kellogg, Lisa Medley, Aniya Montague, LaTia Shaw, Alexan Short, Juanisha Smith, Dorian Stanfield, Perrin Stewart, Shirleena Terrell, Mickayla Zellner

Zion Rejoice Selected Dancers

CONCERT CHOIR Darniece Amos Wynter Adkins Tamara Bailey Shiloh Baines Treasure Ballard LaJoyce Banks Andrea Brady Linda Breakfield, Assistant Director Gwendolyn Brown Jeff Brown Charlene Burns Emmett Carther Lillie Carther Barbara Cooperwood DeWaun Davis Larnisha Dortch Patti Duncan Rodney Gaines Corbin Griffin Sarah Hillman Terrie Jackson-Miller Duane Jenkins Shirley Terrell Jordan Marion Lloyd Shawntal Mallory Sherri Marks Michelle McCain Linda McKleny Kaynette McNair Tony Meeks Jennet Mesoe

Beatrice Morrow Doris Morrow Kelli Mosley Kathryne Murphy Carol Prince Sharon Reed Yvette Rountree Milton Scurlock Alisa Stewart Terry Whitner Nicole Williams

BAND Cristin Brenham, Keyboards Thomas Hardin Jr., Keyboards Al Meeks, Jr., Additional Production Jairus Reed, Organ Jonathan Sanders, Drums Jacob Sorensen, Bass/Musical Director

ENSEMBLE Linda Breakfield Fantashia Gates-Colbert Jarron Devereaux Eric Jordan Jennifer Kelley Trini Lopez Massie, Vocal Trainer Raquel Taylor Glynette Walker

CREW TEAM Vernon Breakfield, Lighting Director Malaby Byrd III, Camera Operator

Dr. Angela Coleman, Medical Support Ron Coleman, C4 Photography, Director of Photography Fabienne Foster, Grip Krysteena Foster, Camera Operator Kevin Kelley, Sound Duke Riggs, Sound Kenneth Stanfield, Assistant Lighting Director

VISUAL ARTS/DESIGN Ibsen Costume Gallery, Costumes House of Imon, Wardrobe Consultant

PROPS Braymond Adams Jr. James O. Brewer Shaun Michael Francisco Victor Mbengwie Jason Treylor

SPECIAL THANKS Nothing But Net O-pa Presenters Circle

PRESENTING SPONSOR