The Harlem Gospel Choir, the most renowned gospel choir in America, is coming to Amherst College’s Buckley Recital Hall this Friday, February 22, at 8 p.m.

The fantastic group comprised of singers from the black churches of Harlem and the New York/tri-state area. They share messages of love, faith and brotherhood through their performances and try their utmost to give their audiences a better understanding of African American culture through music. The profits of each performance go towards a different children’s charity.

The Harlem Gospel Choir strives to urge people to make the world a more peaceful place to live. Every performance possesses the same theme, “bringing people and nations together and giving something back,” according to the choir’s website.

The Harlem Gospel Choir’s founder, Allen Bailey, got the idea to start up the choir during his attendance at a celebration honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the Cotton Club in Harlem. Bailey has been involved in the entertainment industry for over 40-years. He was a promotional director for such stars as Prince, Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie and the Commodores.

He has consistently been active in the Harlem community, coordinating the entertainment for the Nelson Mandela celebration held at Yankee Stadium. Bailey’s talents extend to charitable organizations as well. He aided in raising funds for the Leukemia Society, Cancer Foundation, and the United Negro College Fund.

He was also a chairman for the Martin Luther King Holiday Campaign, through which the Harlem Gospel Choir was born. He directed the Harlem Jazz Festival, the largest jazz festival in the world. Allen now dedicates the bulk of his time and energy to the Harlem Gospel Choir as their front-man and MC.

Aside from their impressive outlook on life is their resume. They have performed for such great musicians at Nelson Mandela, Pope John Paul II and Sir Paul McCartney. They have also performed alongside Sir Elton John, Whoopi Goldberg, Yolanda Adams, Cyndi Lauper as well as Jessica Simpson at the Walt Disney World Christmas Parade. The choir also made an appearance on “The Colbert Report” with Ambassador Young and most recently took the stage on “Good Morning America” to help collect over 155,000 coats for the homeless.

The choir never seems to take a breather. Every Sunday afternoon, the group gathers at the B.B. King Blues Club in Times Square for a festival of singing, dancing and food. The choir puts on a lively act filled with foot-stomping and hand-clapping. Their energy is contagious, empowering the audience to get up out of their seats and dance the afternoon away.

For some refueling, a home-style “all you can eat” soul food buffet is served and is constantly being refilled to ensure maximum pleasure for everyone. The tickets are a bit pricey, peaking at $37.50, but cover the show, the buffet, and beverages.

Harlem Gospel Choir merchandise, including any one of their three CDs, a stuffed kente elephant, or a multi-color “God Bless the Children” silicone wristband, can be purchased via their website . Every time someone purchases a wristband, the choir donates all of the proceeds to “Feed the Children” in honor of their distinct love for children.

Tickets for the Amherst College show are free and can be picked up at the Keefe Campus Center.

Heather Waxman can be reached at [email protected]