Voices of Glory performs Oct. 6

A musical trio that gained national attention by competing on the popular NBC television show, "America's Got Talent," will bring their talents to the Gordon Parks Celebration of Culture and Diversity next month.

Voices of Glory, a singing trio of siblings, will perform on Wednesday, Oct. 6, at the Ellis Family Fine Arts Center on the campus of Fort Scott Community College, 2108 S. Horton, as part of the seventh annual celebration. The free concert will headline the Celebration of Faith service that has been presented during the celebration since the festival's inception.

The trio includes Michael Cole, 17, Avery Cole, 14, and Nadia Cole, 10, whose unique style of singing harmonies makes them stand out, according to a news release.

The group started singing together in 2007 after their mother, Felicia, was involved in a head-on car collision with a drunk driver that landed her in a coma. They serenaded their mother for months and she eventually came out of the coma and started rehabilitation. They started traveling to nursing homes and other hospitals in an effort to help other patients.

In 2009, the trio outlasted more than 100,000 hopefuls to become one of the top five acts on "America's Got Talent." This accomplishment was very important to the group because they wanted to show their family and fans how much they inspired them. Parents across America hoped this talented trio would make it to the finals and they got their wish.

"We are extremely lucky to get Voices of Glory to perform at the Gordon Parks Celebration," Jill Warford, the director of the Gordon Parks Celebration, said. "What makes them incredibly inspirational is how these kids faced adversity with hope and a positive attitude. I am sure they will go for and when people see them in Fort Scott next month they will be amazed at their talent and convictions."

Voices of Glory appeared at a number of key events this summer, beginning with an appearance as presenters and performers during the preshow of gospel music's biggest night, the 41st annual GMA Dove Awards.

The siblings' heartwarming story and melodic and harmonic prowess not only led to their stint on "America's Got Talent," but also opened doors for a recording contract, their own music show in Branson, Mo., and an opportunity to sing before a crowd of more than 18,000 people in Madison Square Garden.

In May 2010, the family's story was aired nationally on Fox News Network as a Mother's Day weekend special. The popular Jet magazine also ran a story on the family for its Mother's Day special, and Gospel Today ran a story on Voices of Glory in its Buzz section.

As the group continues to make news around the world, they have repeatedly said and truly believe "that all the glory be to God," according to the news release.

"We want to go as far as we possibly can and let God take us wherever he wants to," Michael said in the release of his hopes for the group and their music. "Just let Him, let us be his instruments and just allow us to go as far as possible."

The event on Oct. 6 is free of charge to the public and doors will open at 6:30 that evening.

The complete schedule of events for the Gordon Parks Celebration is available on the website, www.gordonparkscenter.org. Tickets for other celebration events are on sale at the Gordon Parks Museum and Center for Culture and Diversity located on the FSCC campus, or at Country Cupboard, 12 N. Main St.

For more information, contact the center at (620) 223-2700, extension 515, or by e-mail at gordonparkscenter@fortscott.edu.