A Call for Unity

This article was published on 09.06.07

PRELUDE

Lam Vong Pao

Please enjoy a pre-show performance by young women from the Nong Shala Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. These 12 to 18-year-old performers will express spiritual harmony and peace through the rhythms of the Lam Vong Pao or “Dance of Unity.” The dance is considered a symbol of the joy and unity of the Laotian people. The performance will take place on the main terrace as guests arrive.

ACT I

Roland Pollard and Friends

“Couldn’t Keep It To Myself” words and music by Roland Pollard Sr.

“Hungry For You” words and music by Roland Pollard Sr.

Didjeridoo Player Catherine Mandella, with percussionists Paula and Ira Mandella

“Sounds of Nature”music by Catherine Mandella

Sacramento Gay Men’s Chorus

“Celebrate” by Bill Russell and Janet Hood, arrangement by Chad Weirick; soloists: Paul Jones and Gregg Rasmussen

“Till the Walls Come Down” music by Lon Beery

Jeff vonKaenel, SN&R

Neo Kyma

Performs traditional folk dances from the Neo Monastiri village in the Greek-Bulgarian region of Thrace.

Intermission

ACT II

Nong Shala Youth Choir

“Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing” or “Thov Vajtswv Foom Koob Hmoov” words by Robert Robinson, music by John Wyeth, translation adapted by the Nong Shala Ward

Young women from the Nong Shala Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Ken Cross, Sacramento Habitat for Humanity

Film: Sacramento Habitat for Humanity

Sufi Zikr Choir

“The Sufi’s Call” by His Holiness Shahmagsoud Sadegh Angha, music and arrangement by Ali Mostaghimi and Katharine Bayer

“The Law of Unity: La illaha illa Allah” by His Holiness Shah Maghsoud Sadegh Angha, music and arrangement by Ali Mostaghimi

A partial translation of “La illaha illa Allah” verses:

In annihilation, I cast out my ignorance,
Until awareness of my heart overcame me.
Suddenly, words had no meaning,
And the truth was revealed to my awaiting heart.
There is no god but God. There is no god but God.

2007 Building Unity Award

Reverend Dr. David Thompson presents the Building Unity Award to winner Kais Menoufy.

Diamond Club of California

Performs Bhangra, a Punjabi folk dance.

Bayside of South Sacramento Worhsip Team and Choir

“Still Standing” words and music Cindy Cruse-Ratcliff and Israel Houghton

“In The Sanctuary” words and music by Kurt Carr

*Lineup and times are subject to change.