The second-annual Vancouver InterSpiritual Chant Festival will be an opportunity to broaden and deepen the spiritual experience of chanting. It will be held on Saturday, March 31, at the Canadian Memorial Centre for Peace, W. 16th at Burrard. Admission: Early-Bird Full-Festival Pass until March 10, $45; after March 10, $55. Students, seniors always $35. Evening Chant only, $25/$20. Tickets are available from Banyen Books and Sound, 3608 West 4th Ave., Vancouver, or can be ordered by phone from Banyen at 604-737-8858. Check Vancouver Chants for program updates.

A full day of participatory chants from traditions around the world, to broaden and deepen the spiritual experience of chanting. March 31, 10-5 pm & 7:30 pm, Canadian Memorial Centre for Peace (W. 16th at Burrard).

Saturday, March 31 8pm SOWETO GOSPEL CHOIR Queen Elizabeth Theatre Tickets: $37 / $47 plus service charges Available at: Ticketmaster.ca / 604-280-3311 Direct from South Africa, the awe-inspiring Soweto Gospel Choir has been heralded as the most exciting group to emerge in gospel and world music in years, amassing a growing international fan-base and performing to sold-out audiences throughout the world. This 26-voice choir, drawn from the churches and communities around Soweto Township, continues to demonstrate their rare ability to transcend cultural boundaries and connect with diverse audiences through the power of their music. The Choir performs in six languages, blending traditional hymns, Western pop, and their native South African harmonies into a singularly, joyful sound. Their last Vancouver appearance was sold out a month in advance of their concert, so don’t wait to get your seats now!