Gospel Voices of OC Celebrates Juneteenth and African-American Innovation at the Irvine Barclary

Gospel Voices of OC, an impactful Juneteenth celebration honoring the lives and legacies of African American artistic and innovation masters, will present its fifth production at the Irvine Barclay Theatre on Saturday, June 27 at 7:00 p.m.

Produced by Arts & Learning Conservatory Founder/CEO Debora Wondercheck M.S., ED, the multi-generational benefit concert will celebrate innovation among influential African American pioneers in honor of the nation’s 250th anniversary. Gospel Voices of OC is a vibrant blend of music and powerful performances tied to themes of freedom, resilience, and unity presented through choral, dance, band, spoken word, digital media, and theatre traditions.

“As our nation marks its 250th anniversary, this is truly the perfect time to celebrate all that African American pioneers have contributed to our nation and the world,” says Producer Debora Wondercheck.

The 2026 Gospel Voices of OC production team also includes Musical Director Jamond Dondrell McCoy and Production Manager Bruce Cecil. McCoy is a versatile musical director, vocalist and educator/vocal director at the Orange County School of the Arts and professor of music at Cal Baptist University and Cypress College. Twenty five-year entertainment veteran Bruce Cecil has worked with talent including Mary J. Blige, Chris Brown, 50 Cent, Shakira, The Black-Eyed Peas, Earth Wind and Fire, Stevie Wonder and Beyoncé.

Concert proceeds will support the nonprofit Arts & Learning Conservatory providing youth with access to quality arts programs based on the values of accessibility, acceptance, confidence, and creativity. Programs are offered in school districts across Southern Calif. at little to no cost.

Gospel Voices of OC takes place at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 27 and is appropriate for audiences of all ages. For tickets, visit https://thebarclay.org/or call (949) 854-4646; for underwriting opportunities, visit https://www.artsandlearning.org or call (714) 728-7100.

The Irvine Barclay Theatre is located at 4242 Campus Drive, adjacent to UC Irvine.

About Gospel Voices of OC/Arts & Learning Conservatory

Gospel Voices of OC is a powerful multi-generational production with diverse performers held annually in conjunction with Juneteenth. Created and produced by Debora Wondercheck, M.S., ED in 2022, the benefit concert is presented by the nonprofit Arts & Learning Conservatory. As Founder and CEO of Arts & Learning Conservatory, Wondercheck has a purpose-filled mission to make the arts belong to every child. With programs offered at little to no cost across Orange County, Los Angeles County, and the Inland Empire, she's opening doors for the next generation to create, grow, and shine.

Gospel Voices of OC is the organization’s largest and most rewarding production due to its powerful messaging and community impact.

For more information, visit https://www.artsandlearning.org.

About Irvine Barclay Theatre

Irvine Barclay Theatre is Orange County’s boutique theater experience, renowned for its intimate atmosphere and superb acoustics. Since opening its doors in 1990, the 750-seat

Irvine Barclay Theatre has developed into one of California's most imaginative performing arts showcases, welcoming over 3 million patrons over the last 36 years to an impressive array of varied performances by internationally recognized artists.

A unique collaborative venture between the City of Irvine, the University of California, Irvine, and private donors, Irvine Barclay Theatre is operated as an independent 501(c) (3) non-profit organization.

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