North Central College celebrates MLK with Gospel Extravaganza

Clapping and standing ovations usually erupt at the end of a performance.

But at North Central College’s Gospel Extravaganza, the spirited, energetic voices rouse the audience to their feet even as the choirs are singing.

“The attitude is contagious,” said Amanda Mehok, a North Central senior from Lisle and co-president of the college’s Voices of Praise gospel choir.

The extravaganza — the culmination of a weeklong tribute to the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. at the Naperville campus — returns to Pfeiffer Hall at 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21.

This year focuses on college choirs rather than polished professionals, a lineup that will attract students, organizers say.

“To see young people with that expressive passion and belief in God through their music is just beautiful,” said Dorothy Pleas, the college’s director of multicultural affairs.

Pleas coordinated the event with the Rev. Lynn Pries, the college’s chaplain. And she’ll perform with the Voices of Praise choir from Lisle-based DuPage AME Church. Choirs from Wheaton College and Elmhurst College and North Park University’s step team also are slated.

For the first time, North Central’s Voices of Praise choir will join the alumni choir for a tribute to the college’s 150th anniversary during the extravaganza.

It all makes for a magnetic performance that draws those viewers — totaling 500 last year — out of their cushioned seats.

“You get carried away with it,” Mehok said.

Tickets — $15 for adults, $8 for students and senior citizens — are available at (630) 637-7469 or at northcentralcollege.edu/showtix.