Tri-Octaves singing in 'The Spirit of Christmas Love'

For a decade, three United Methodist Church staff members, calling themselves the Tri-Octaves, have met at Christ United Methodist Church in East Brainerd to present a Christmas concert. Audiences have grown as word of mouth has spread about this concert's soulful harmony.

Willie Kitchens Jr., Doug Richesin and Michael Rodgers pick a theme for each year's show. For their 11th Christmas concert this weekend, it's "Spirit of Christmas Love," says Kitchens, one of three music directors at Christ UMC and pastor of Bethlehem-Wiley United Methodist Church.

"We will be taking Christmas songs and some favorite love songs - like 'Misty' and 'I'm in the Mood for Love' - and arranging them. There will be love songs all the way through mixed with Christmas songs. At the end, we have a celebration - upbeat tunes, there may even be dancing in the aisles if you wish."

But the spirit of love is also reflected in the purpose of the concert. Although admission is free, a love offering will be collected for donation to the Bethlehem Center in support of its youth and children's programming.

"The Spirit of Christmas Love" will be presented at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, and 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2, in Christ UMC at the corner of East Brainerd and Morris Hill roads.

Kitchens has put together a band to back the trio led by Danny Sample. The band includes Sandi Asplund and Rhonda Sims, keyboards; Gretrell Watkins, guitar; Stanley Elder, bass guitar; Darrell Kelley, drums; Tommy Ogle, saxophone; and Stephen Bearden, trumpet.

Singing back-up vocals will be Neshawn Calloway, Barbara Kitchens and Ethel Woods.

Anyone planning to attend should come early to get a seat. They'll be entertained by saxophonist Trinity Sharpe, who will play a prelude as guests arrive.

Contact Susan Pierce at spierce@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6284.