Miami University junior JoJo Peregrina has never done any organized singing, or anything music related for that matter. That changes this Saturday, April 4, when she will perform in the Electric Root Festival’s community choir, the first of its kind.
“I’m really looking forward to meeting everyone, bonding over music and exploring this awesome event,” Peregrina said.
According to organizers, the community choir welcomes members of “all identities, ethnicities, beliefs and levels of singing experience.” Participants will rehearse together twice, first on Wednesday, May 1, and again on Friday, May 3, before the performance on Saturday.
Peregrina said the lack of required singing experience inspired her to participate.
“It’s a fun way to test out singing,” Peregrina said. “We’re gonna see how it goes.”
The community choir will perform four songs during its performance: “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” “How Deep is Your Love,” “Man in the Mirror” and “Electric Slide.”
Choir director and Electric Root artist-in-residence C. Anthony Bryant says that the choir was designed with a particular idea in mind.
“Everybody can sing, and music is for everyone,” Bryant said. “The voice is the only instrument housed in the body. Everybody has it, so why not use it?”
The community choir is just one of many celebrations of inclusive art taking place at the Electric Root Festival on Saturday, May 4, in Uptown Park. This is the third festival of its kind in Oxford. The first was in 2022.
Activities planned for the festival include creative art booths run by Miami University art education students, a relaxation station featuring opportunities for rest and mindfulness, and various informational stands. The event will also feature food trucks and other refreshments.
On the festival’s main stage, various performances will take place that celebrate a wide array of music and dance. As of May 2, the lineup for the festival is:
1:30 pm: Welcome and Mayoral Proclamation
2:00 pm: ASPIRE
2:30 pm: Zeta Phi Beta Sorority
2:45 pm: MUGS (Miami University Gospel Singers)
3:15 pm: Kizomba with CinciKiz
3:45 pm: Balla Drums
5:00 pm: Miami University Dancers
5:40 pm: Community Choir
Bryant says that they hope local residents will come out to experience the culture and impact their music has.
“I love everybody and everything about this,” Bryant said. “I hope everybody has a great time coming out to the festival.”
