UC Merced UpstART invites the public to Bobby McFerrin and Merced Community Choirs in Concert at the Merced Theatre, Saturday, November 18 at 3:00 p.m. General Admission tickets to the November 18th performance are $10 and can be purchased at the Merced Theatre Box Office, Tuesday through Friday, 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Students may attend for free, and can pick up tickets at the Merced Multicultural Arts Center, Wednesday through Saturday, 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m with student ID.
Bobby McFerrin, winner of ten Grammys and creator of the #1 global hit “Don’t Worry Be Happy,” continues to explore uncharted musical territory with his new group Gimme5, four virtuosic vocal improvisers who’ve been singing with him for decades in Voicestra. They will invite you to sing along and join in on a spontaneous adventure fueled by jazz, pop, R&B, classical and world music — or, more accurately, out-of-this-world music — all rolled into one. "Bobby McFerrin's greatest gift to his audience may be changing them from spectators into celebrants," says the Los Angeles Times, "transforming a concert hall into a playground, a village center, a joyous space."
The 10-time Grammy winner’s vocal ensemble Gimme5 is his latest vehicle for channeling the spontaneous adventure and laughter that occurs when folks join together in song — on and off the stage. Gimme5 is based on Circlesinging, a musical practice and philosophy that McFerrin has been honing since he began as a solo acapella performer, assigning vocal parts to his fans and transforming sold-out houses into impromptu choirs.
Bobby McFerrin is joined by Merced College professor Alex Simon and local Merced Community Choirs in a collaboration guaranteed to inspire and delight audience members. From his trailblazing solo acapella performances to his inspired collaborations with Chick Corea and Yo-Yo Ma and his iconic global No. 1 hit “Don’t Worry, Be Happy,” McFerrin’s calling has always been to connect with people through music.
For more information on the Bobby McFerrin and Community Choirs Concert, please contact Kim McMillon at kmcmillon@ucmerced.edu.
