The MSU Concert Choir is hosting a Chili Cook-Off Dinner and concert on Thursday, March 10 at the First Baptist Church, 123 East Main Street, Morehead. Guests can eat from 5:30 – 7:00 with the concert beginning at 7:30.

The all-you-can-eat chili dinner will include peanut butter sandwiches, crackers, dessert, and beverage. The proceeds will go to support future Concert Choir tours.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for students. Tickets can be purchased from choir members or reserved by calling Sarah Jarman at (937) 217-6788.

If you are interested in bringing a pot of chili and competing for the “Best Chili Gold Card”, please contact Sarah Jarman by leaving a message at the above phone number. You will receive a free ticket to the dinner for your competition entry.

The annual Morehead State University Winter Choral Showcase Concert will follow at 7:30. Chamber Singers, Vocal Jazz Ensemble, and the Black Gospel Ensemble will join Concert Choir for the evening concert. The directors of the ensembles are Dr. Roosevelt Escalante and Dr. Greg Detweiler and collaborating on piano is Mr. William Murphy. Concert Admission is free.

Chamber Singers will open the concert with four selections. Included are “Come Let’s Rejoice” by John Amner, “In Remembrance” by Eleanor Daley, “Esto Les Digo” by Kinley Lange, and “Die Harmonie in der Ehe” by Franz Joseph Haydn.

Using the theme, Music for the Spirit to Soar, Concert Choir will feature pieces from Appalachia including “Bright Morning Star” from Harlan County and “Every Night When the Sun Goes Down.” Dr. Eric Brown will join the choir for the latter piece. The ensemble will also sing “Exsultate Deo” by Alessandro Scarlatti, “Dios Te Salve Maria” by Richard Burchard, and “Song of Triumph” by Dale Grotenhuis.

Jazz Vocal Ensemble will follow with Oleo arranged by Paris Rutherford, “’Round Midnight arranged by Anita Kerr, and “No More Blues” arranged by Dave Barduhn.

The concert will conclude with the Black Gospel Ensemble. They will sing “Bread of Heaven” by their director, Roosevelt Escalante, Jr., “Rain” by Morgan and Pastorius, “Since Jesus Came into my Life” by Kirk Franklin, and “He’ll Welcome Me” by John P. Kee.

“This dinner concert was a very popular annual event before the pandemic and we are so happy to be able to present it again. We will be taking Covid-19 precautions as we serve the meal,” said Dr. Detweiler.