Choir rehearsal of "Change" and "Bridge Over Troubled Water"

► http://samharris.com/change

Sam brings you along to the choir rehearsal before his concert to open the BOK Center in Tulsa, a brand new 20,000 seat convention and concert venue. A multi-faith inspirational concert with Sam as lead singer, The New Dimensions Chorale and a 400+ person choir. Sam works with David Smith, the music Director of the chorale! Go behind the scenes of what goes into a one night appearance for a Sam show.

You hear bits of two songs... "Change Is On The Way" and "Bridge Over Troubled Water".

http://samharris.com/free

► http://SamTUNES.net
... to download Sam Harris songs and full albums.

* October 4, 2008... Sam Harris in Concert Cal Poly Arts Center San Luis Obispo, CA

* October 26, 2008... Benefit Concert Appearance Desert SIDS Project Los Angeles, CA

* November 29, 2008:... Sam Harris in Concert Pike Performance Center Indianapolis, IN

* December 7, 2008:... Sam Harris Christmas Concert VanTrease PACE Performance Center Tulsa, OK
http://tinyurl.com/samokxmas

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BOK Center opens with a multifaith blessing
http://tinyurl.com/sambok2

Music rocked the BOK Center downtown Sunday afternoon as thousands gathered for a multifaith celebration and blessing of the new building.

Fired by a 450-voice choir from about 85 houses of worship, the crowd often rose to its feet in applause and joined in the singing.

Recording artist Sam Harris, a native of the Tulsa area, said he was thrilled to be at the celebration, which was part of the grand opening for the arena.

"What a blessing it is to be in this place," he said while catching his breath after belting out, "Change Is on the Way," from his album "Free."

Harris was backed by the New Dimensions Chorale.

He asked the audience to join him in an old favorite children's worship song with the lyrics: "This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine."

He urged the audience to "seek goodness everywhere, and wherever it is found, let it be free and unashamed."

Master of ceremonies John Erling quipped: "This is the day that the taxpayers have made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it."

He thanked Rick Fortner, music director at All Souls Unitarian Church, for providing the spark years ago that resulted in the celebration, and for directing the community choir.

Near the end of the celebration, 11 faith leaders representing the major religions of the world offered prayers of blessing for the new facility.

Sitting side-by-side on the podium were spiritual leaders who were Methodist, Charismatic, Roman Catholic, Mormon, Greek Orthodox, Jewish, Hindu, Muslim, Unitarian, Buddhist and African Methodist Episcopal.

"We decided to call it a multifaith event, rather than an interfaith event, which carries some connotations," said Jim Mishler, executive director of Tulsa Metropolitan Ministry, who helped plan the celebration.

"We asked faith leaders to pray in their own tradition."

As a result, several leaders used the term "in Jesus' name," a phrase generally frowned upon at interfaith events.

Another prayed to Allah in Arabic, and another prayed in Sanskrit. Bishop Edward J. Slattery, of the Catholic Diocese of Tulsa, prayed in Spanish.

English translations of the foreign language prayers were displayed on the scoreboard as the leaders prayed.

A common theme running through the prayers was that the arena would be a blessing to the Tulsa community.

Erling said the participation of such diverse faith leaders at one event "has probably never been done in our city to this degree."

Mayor Kathy Taylor and BOK Center General Manager John Bolton spoke briefly.

As the crowd streamed out of the arena, Jeramy Auld said of the celebration, "I thought it was great."

"We're taxpayers," his wife Libby Auld said. "We thought it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be here."

MORE: http://tinyurl.com/sambok2

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Category:

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Tags:

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[1DRock37167]

Shoulda been sung at the convetion...

[SamHarrisCOM]

1D

How about the inauguration?...

S

[1DRock37167]

I guess I can settle for that.

Daryl

[SamHarrisCOM]

Daryl... and everyone!... A bazillion singers wanted to be heard at the DNC, so, it's tough to get through. But, don't give up! There are many Obama events to follow... so keep bugging the Obama sites, myspace, youtube channel etc. and give them the link to the song... see "more info" to the right of the video.

Sam's web guy

[KabulaIsTrying]

No studio recording can ever capture the LIVE sound I've seen here. BRAVO!

[PaganArtGuy]

Amazing...amazing...amazing...­what else can be said about such beauty

[1DRock37167]

Done! Thanks again,

D

[lillindap]

Sam, I just wanted to thank you from the bottom of my heart for an absolutely amazing weekend. The celebration itself was one of the extraordinary things I've seen in a long time, and your performances were inspiring.

Most of all, thank you for sharing your talent, wisdom, humor, and compassion! I feel blessed just to have had the opportunity to enjoy your voice and wit. You have brought so much joy to the world.

Thanks, Linda

PS: Angela thinks you ROCK!

[iluv2singnchoir]

Can our choir go with ya??

This weekend was a blast, Sam! You are a joy to be around. I wish I could've had time to get some hugs from precious Cooper! Call me if your nanny quits. I'm ready for a new career and a "change, change, change, change chaaaannnnge!" For real! ((hugs))

-Nancy

[regamom3]

I love this version, sassy!!!