Bay Area

Brian McKnight and Oakland Interfaith Choir Bring ‘Church’ to S.F. Symphony

Published

6 years ago

December 19, 2019

It was chilly and rainy in San Francisco on December 10, but guests basked in the warmth of the Christmas spirit at Davies Hall’s third annual Holiday Soul concert.

Featuring singer-songwriter Brian McKnight, guests were brought to church as the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir, ushered in the Holy Spirit. Some praise-danced in the aisles, while others joyfully sang along with McKnight accompanied by the famous San Francisco Symphony with Thomas Wilkins as guest conductor.

The Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir (OIGC), led by Wilkins and McKnight, took the audience on a gospel odyssey of nearly a dozen songs. Dressed in a light gray suit that set off his salt-and-pepper beard, McKnight, also a producer and multi-instrumentalist, told the audience that he was thrilled to be in the Bay Area. “I love the Bay Area and tonight I have an opportunity to sing many songs I don’t get the chance to, so San Francisco, this one’s for you.”

The sultry-voiced McKnight demonstrated his melodic range, as he sang traditional holiday songs such as “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year” and Nat King Cole’s “The Christmas Song.” The orchestra and the OIGC band brought the bass as McKnight sang his popular love song “Shoulda Been Loving You.” The opening harp of “Still in Love With You” was also performed by McKnight along with “Still.”

McKnight dedicated “All I Need,” to his wife, Leilani Malia Mendoza. “She is my rock and keeps me grounded,” said McKnight. The heartfelt “When the Chariot Comes,” inspired by the death of a friend, gave McKnight an opportunity to sing beyond love songs and the spirit of Christmas. The award-winning McKnight has created 19 albums in the last 25 years.

Brian McKnight at Davies Hall in San Francisco for the third annual Holiday Soul concert featuring the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir (OIGC) and the San Francisco Symphony. Photo by Carla Thomas.

The Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir (OIGC) featured director Terence Kelly performing Handel’s “Messiah,” Hairston’s arrangement of “Wade in de Water,” Dourox’s “Give Me a Clean Heart,” Kennicott Davis’ “Drummer Boy,” Walker’s “Amazing,” and Jones’ “Open Your Mouth and Say Something.” OIGC band members included David Belove on bass, Miles Lathan on drums, Jae Phoenix on tambourine and Louis Burrell and Ben Heveroh on keys.

The OIGC, in its third year at the SFS Holiday Soul concert, brings together singers and instrumentalists of diverse races and cultures. Founded in 1986, the choir’s mission is to inspire joy and unity among all people through Black gospel and spiritual music born out of Terrence Kelly’s Gospel Music Workshop from Living Jazz’s Jazz Camp West.

Wilkins has served as music director of the Omaha Symphony since 2005, as principal conductor of the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, artistic advisor of education and community engagement with the Boston Symphony and holds Indiana University’s Henry A. Upper Chair of Orchestral Conducting.

Carla Thomas

Posts by Carla Thomas

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Alameda County

Seth Curry Makes Impressive Debut with the Golden State Warriors

Seth looked comfortable in his new uniform, seamlessly fitting into the Warriors’ offensive and defensive system. He finished the night with an impressive 14 points, becoming one of the team’s top scorers for the game. Seth’s points came in a variety of ways – floaters, spot-up three-pointers, mid-range jumpers, and a handful of aggressive drives that kept the Oklahoma City Thunder defense on its heels.

Published

1 week ago

December 4, 2025

Oakland Post

Seth Curry is a point guard on the GSW team.Photo courtesy of the Golden State Warriors.

By Y’Anad Burrell

Tuesday night was anything but ordinary for fans in San Francisco as Seth Curry made his highly anticipated debut as a new member of the Golden State Warriors. Seth didn’t disappoint, delivering a performance that not only showcased his scoring ability but also demonstrated his added value to the team.

At 35, the 12-year NBA veteran on Monday signed a contract to play with the Warriors for the rest of the season.

One of the most memorable moments of the evening came before Seth even scored his first points. As he checked into the game, the Chase Center erupted into applause, with fans rising to their feet to give the newest Warrior a standing ovation.

The crowd’s reaction was a testament not only to Seth’s reputation as a sharpshooter but also to the excitement he brings to the Warriors. It was clear that fans quickly embraced Seth as one of their own, eager to see what he could bring to the team’s championship aspirations.

Warriors’ superstar Steph Curry – Seth’s brother – did not play due to an injury. One could only imagine what it would be like if the Curry brothers were on the court together. Magic in the making.

Seth’s debut proved to be a turning point for the Warriors. Not only did he contribute on the scoreboard, but he also brought a sense of confidence and composure to the floor.

While their loss last night, OKC 124 – GSW 112, Seth’s impact was a game-changer and there’s more yet to come. Beyond statistics, it was clear that Seth’s presence elevated the team’s performance, giving the Warriors a new force as they look to make a deep playoff run.