African Children's Choir performs in Bradenton

They've performed for the president of the United States and the queen of England. They've sung all over the world, and they've appeared on "The Tonight Show." On March 30, they'll perform for free, right here in Bradenton.

The African Children's Choir was founded more than 30 years ago in Uganda. Its singers are all African children between the ages of 7 and 12, so the membership is constantly changing. All the children of the choir come from extremely poor backgrounds, and many have lost one or both parents to AIDS or other diseases.

Their music is gorgeous, which is one reason they were invited to perform for President George W. Bush, and why such popular music luminaries as Bob Geldof, Paul Rodgers, Michael W. Smith, Michael McDonald and Annie Lennox have performed or recorded with them.

But the African Children's Choir is about more than just music. The choir travels the world raising money for the Music for Life centers in Africa, which care for hundreds of orphaned children.

The young people chosen for the choir are selected for their musical ability and academic potential, and because of dire family circumstances. They all attend schools that are just for the choir members. (The choir also funds schools in Africa for non-members.)

Admission to the Bradenton concert is free, but donations are welcome.

Details: 7 p.m. March 30, The Church of Bradenton, 2520 43rd St. W., Bradenton. Admission: Free. Information: 941-792-3462, tcabradenton.com.

-- Marty Clear

This story was originally published March 23, 2016 at 5:59 PM with the headline "African Children's Choir performs in Bradenton ."