History of RIGC / AIGC

After experiencing the singing of the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir (OIGC) in Arcata in the wake of the Rodney King riots in Los Angeles in 1992, a group of North Coast community members organized to form what became the Arcata Interfaith Gospel Choir (AIGC).  Having based our mission statement and vision on that of the OIGC, for nearly 30 years AIGC has sung predominately Black gospel music in the spirit of spreading joy and love to the North Coast community.

AIGC stopped meeting in early 2020 and used the pause that the universe gave us as an opportunity for the choir family to reflect and learn, and envision a new way forward.

Beginning in March 2022 under the umbrella of Playhouse Arts and the guidance of OIGC director Terrance Kelly, the Redwood Interfaith Gospel Choir (RIGC) is inviting interested community members to join the choir family. In line with the OIGC, it is the mission of the RIGC to inspire joy and unity among all people through Black gospel and spiritual music traditions. RIGC held its first rehearsal on March 26th and currently holds rehearsals each week on Mondays from 6 – 8 PM at the Arcata Playhouse under the artistic direction of Jenni Simpson and Jim Hubbard with guidance from Advising Director Terrance Kelly.

In addition to lending your talents to song, there are opportunities to bring your talents to the RIGC Board of Directors. RIGC operates under the 501.3c non-profit structure of the Arcata Interfaith Gospel Choir. Interested community members may contact a board member at redwoodinterfaith@gmail.com and/or visit the RIGC Facebook page.