The Decatur High School Concert Choir is spreading the news: the annual choir extravaganza scheduled for March 7 could propel them all the way to New York City in April for what may be the most prestigious high school choir competition in the nation.

The Concert Choir will travel to New York City April 5 and 6 to perform in the National Invitational Festival of Gold, the most exclusive competition held during the International Heritage Music Festival.

Nationwide, only 25 choirs are invited to compete in the Invitational Festival of Gold.

Community members can support the choir by attending Cabaret 2008, "New York, New York," which will be held in the Performing Arts Center, located at 2800 S.W. 320th St., Federal Way.

Concert organizers promise a delightful evening of musical theatre combined with silent and live auctions.

The gala event on Friday, March 7, will include a complete dinner catered by Chopstix Restaurant and Piano Bar in Tacoma.

KIRO Radio personality Dave Ross will serve as MC and Auctioneer.

Doors will open at 5 p.m., with dinner scheduled for 6 p.m., and the show set to begin at 7 p.m.

Because the show is often a sell-out, show-goers are encouraged to buy their tickets early. On Thursday evening, March 6, the show will be held - sans dinner and auction - at 7 p.m., with a $5 admission charge.

Refreshments will be available for a nominal charge.

Please contact Steve Gorringe, Choir Director at 253-945-5302 for tickets and general information.

Decatur High School Choir students, with the support of the Choir Boosters, hold an extravaganza each spring to finance travel to cities such as San Francisco, New York, Anaheim, and Vancouver, B.C.

They have earned recognition as one of the top performing choral groups in the nation.