Acclaimed gospel-classical cross-over musicians “VERITAS” will appear in live concert in Loma Linda Saturday night, Aug. 26. The five-member male vocal group is making a second appearance at Loma Linda University Church, having previously been featured there with five-time Grammy-winning soloist Sandi Patty during her national farewell concert tour last February.
Describing VERITAS at that time, Patty commended their classical style and sound as “like hearing five Josh Grobans at the same time.” Their return for the upcoming full concert reflects the enthusiastic acceptance they received from concertgoers at the earlier event, according to Dr. Bob Soderblom, local coordinator for both musical performances.
The group chose its name – Latin for “truth” – to reflect their spiritual and musical values, they explain. Their powerhouse vocal style reminds fans of contemporary classical groups such as Il Volo, Il Divo, and others, including by extension The Three Tenors who started it all: Placido Domingo, Jose Carreras, and Luciano Pavarotti.
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The five singers’ official debut concert was in Albany, Georgia, in 2012. Members then and now are Jeff Anderson, first tenor; James Berrian, baritone; Andrew Goodwin, second tenor; Jordan Johnson, first tenor; and Lucas Scott Lawrence, bass. Their self-titled, first full-length album was released in 2014.
The concert at Loma Linda University Church is a musical high point of that congregation’s month-long “camp meeting” tribute during August of each year. Services and special events at the church during that period are marked by more informal dress and music, and programs reminiscent of a bygone camp-meeting era, according to the pastors.
The Aug. 26 VERITAS concert is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m., with doors opening at 6:30.
Tickets are available in advance from iTickets.com, either online or by telephone at (800) 965-9324. They range in price from $10 to $30, Soderblom says, and popular credit cards are accepted. The $30 “prime” tickets provide up-front seating with early admittance (6 p.m.) and opportunities for meeting and photos with the musical artists, he adds
Ticketholders are assured of seating within their respective price-range section, but individual seat choices within each section are first-come, first-served, Soderblom advises. Tickets purchased from iTickets are subject to a nominal service charge.
Local hosts of the concert are the University Church, at 11125 Campus St., Loma Linda, and Calimesa Community Concerts. Collaborating in sponsorship of the Loma Linda concert is the Calimesa Seventh-day Adventist Church, which also celebrates an annual August camp meeting series with special speakers, lively music, and old-time revival programming.
Loma Linda concertgoers will have access to free parking in a covered structure opposite the
church. A dedicated local telephone line provides free recorded concert information and directions at
(909) 795-4960.