Our beloved holiday tradition returns this December, and it returns with soul. We are thrilled to welcome back gospel stars LaRhonda Steele and JerMichael Riley to join Oregon Repertory Singers for a celebration rooted in community, warmth, and the kind of joy that fills a room and refuses to leave. Beloved classical and seasonal favorites meet the electrifying energy of gospel music in a concert that reminds us why we gather, why we sing, and what we mean to each other.
We are honored to partner once again with Lift Urban Portland (LiftUP) in support of their vital work addressing food insecurity in our community.
December 6, 12, and 13, 2026 | 4 PM
First United Methodist Church of Portland
1838 SW Jefferson St.
Portland, OR 97201
Oregon Repertory Singers is proud to join Lift Urban Portland for Glory of Christmas again this year to ensure every neighbor has access to nourishing food. LiftUP is a community-focused organization dedicated to serving low-income residents with a focus on reducing hunger, fueling food security, and fostering social connections. Together, we want to keep hope alive through programs like Preston’s Pantry, Delivered Groceries, onsite pantries, and Supper Club cooking nutrition classes, supporting more than 33,000 neighbors. Please support this important partnership by bringing canned soups, nut butters, or shelf-stable milk to your Glory of Christmas concert or making a financial contribution: every $10 donation provides 7 meals for members of the community. We’ve set a goal to raise 500 food items and $250.
December 6, 12, and 13, 2026 | 4 PM
Tickets starting at $31.50*
First United Methodist Church of Portland
1838 SW Jefferson St.
Portland, OR 97201
Know Before You Go Information Page.
*Prices given include all fees
Arts-for-All, Group Discounts, & Student Rush available. Details here.
Guest Artists
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LaRhonda Steele, a blues and gospel singer and songwriter, is recognized as one the region's best rhythm and blues vocalists. She has been dubbed "The First Lady of Portland Blues”—a title of leadership that she lives up to as she shares songs that carry forth directly from her soul and spiritual life-force. LaRhonda enjoys performing with her band at local festivals, theaters, private parties and clubs. Working as a Vocal Coach she enjoys helping others find their voice. Her Discography includes: Artistic Differences 2009, My Souls Song 2010, Yes Please 2015, Rock me Baby 2016, Spirit of Freedom 2018.
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Dr. JerMichael Riley, originally of Greenville, MS, is former Music Director at the Jerusalem Temple Church of God in Christ. JerMichael also serves as Music Director for the Greenville District of the Churches of God in Christ and as a state director for the Northern Mississippi Jurisdiction where Bishop William Dean, Jr. is the prelate; Former Music Director for Jackson State University’s Gospel Choir, former director of the Greenville-Weston Voices of Liberation, executive board member of the National COGIC music department, and is a lead vocalist of the Grammy/Stellar Award- winning and world renown Mississippi Mass Choir. In 1996, JerMichael became a member of the renowned Mississippi Mass Choir.
Since then, JerMichael has been blessed to tour with the choir throughout the United States of America as well as many countries abroad. The tours have included Spain (11 visits), Italy, and South Africa. JerMichael’s jazzy riffs and runs have been heard singing lead with the Mississippi Mass Choir on the following albums and compact discs: Emmanuel: The Lord Shall Reign; Not by Might, Nor by Power: If I Be Lifted Up; and We See the Star: Unfailing Love.
JerMichael has shared the stage, worked with, and introduced many of today’s gospel artists such as the Clark Sisters, Kurt Carr, and Carolyn Traylor. He has also shared the stage with Pattie LaBelle, The Williams Brothers, Donnie McKlurkin, Richard Smallwood & Vision, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, John P. Kee, Vickie Winans, Kim Burrell, Kierra Sheard- Kelly, Lucretia Campbell, Smokie Norful, Debbie Allen, Beverly Crawford, Marvin Sapp, The Canton Spirituals, the late Rev. James Moore to name a few. He also serves as a workshop conductor, songwriter, soloist, vocal trainer, and training in the choir ministry/leadership roles. JerMichael wants God to get the glory out of everything he does.
In 2012, JerMichael starred in the first off-Broadway showing of The Color Purple Musical, where he was the star role of Mister for 6 sold- out shows.
JerMichael served as Music Director for the Passin’ Arts Black Nativity (2022–23) theater production that was completely sold out for all of the shows.
God gave me this talent for one reason, and that’s to give Him the glory and honor that He deserves.
Dr. Riley has an earned PhD in Educational Leadership and Administration (Jackson State University). He currently serves at Emmanuel Temple in Portland, Oregon as a Fine Arts Director. He also is excited to announce that his new single, “I AM” is available on all social media platforms.