Total Experience Gospel Choir Gives Farewell Performance at The Moore

Total Experience Gospel Choir Gives Farewell Performance at The Moore

Published on

Story and Photos by Susan Fried

The line of people wrapped around Moore Theatre and all the way to Third Avenue on October 7, folks eagerly waiting to see the final concert of the Total Experience Gospel Choir and it's incredible leader, Patrinell Wright.

Hundreds of people showed up to the free concert to show their love and respect for Wright, who has lead the choir for 45 years, and to the amazing singers who make up this iconic Seattle gospel choir.

The choir sang all over the United States and in 22 countries, performed back-up for artists including Dave Matthews and Ann Wilson of Heart and performed the national anthem for Presidents Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama.

The three-hour extravaganza featured performances by the Total Experience Gospel Choir and alumni and the Black Nativity Choir. Dancers and others made tributes to the choir, especially Pat Wright.

Toward the end of the celebration Pat Wright, put on a wig and fur coat and paid tribute to Aretha Franklin, singing her iconic 1967 hit "Respect." It was a perfect end to a wonderful celebration.

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Monica McAfee performs a praise dance during the 45th and final performance of the Total Experience Gospel Choir.
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Pastor Pat Wright sings the Aretha Franklin anthem "Respect" during the 45th and final anniversary concert of the Total Experience Gospel Choir.
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Josephine Howell and Nicole Eskridge sing the gospel song "Standing in the Need" during the 45th and final anniversary concert of the Total Experience Gospel Choir, October 7.
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Sam Townsend directs the Black Nativity Choir during during the 45th and final anniversary concert of the Total Experience Gospel Choir, October 7 at the Moore Theatre.
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Pastor Pat Wright, Director X Jones and soloist Gena Brooks and all the singers perform the final number of the 45th anniversary and final performance of the Total Experience Gospel Choir October 7th at the Moore Theatre.
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Tap dancer Pam Yasutake performs for Pat Wright and the Total Experience Gospel choir at their 45th and final anniversary concert October 7 at the Moore Theatre.
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Choir member C.J. Dudley acknowledges the star power of Pastor Pat Wright after she sang Aretha Franklin's iconic song "Respect" during the the Total Experience Gospel Choir's 45th and final anniversary concert October 7th at the Moore Theatre.
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Tyrone Hashimoto sang Mandela, a song he wrote after Mandela's death during the Total Experience Gospel Choir 45th and final anniversary concert, October 7th at the Moore Theatre.
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Long time friend and chaperone of Pastor Pat Wright, Robert Stevenson welcomes the performers to the stage for the 45th and final anniversary concert of the Total Experience Gospel Choir.
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Madame King and Pastor Pat Wright sing together during the 45th Anniversary concert of the Total Experience Gospel Choir.

Featured Photo: Pastor Pat Wright tears up at the end of the 45th and final anniversary concert of the Total Experience Gospel Choir, October 7 at the Moore Theatre.

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