The St. John’s Boys’ Choir brings the spirit of the French Quarter to St. Cloud

“Such a wonderful evening – no detail, big or small, was missed!” 

— 2024 gala attendee

The St. John’s Boys’ Choir will bring the spirit of New Orleans’ French Quarter to St. Cloud during their annual Spring Gala on Saturday, April 5. French Quarter Fête will raise funds to help the SJBC thrive in their mission to educate young singers, instill in them an appreciation for arts and culture, and empower them to contribute to their communities.

“The gala was so beautifully put together. We so enjoyed the evening,” one guest remarked at last year’s gala, “Bloom.”

“Listening to the choirs reminds us about all that is good in this world.” In addition to dinner, speakers, and performances by each choir of the SJBC, exciting games and a silent auction will round out the event.

More about French Quarter Fête

French Quarter Fête – The SJBC’s Spring Gala will begin at 5 p.m. at River’s Edge Convention -Center in St. Cloud. After social hour and time to bid on silent auction items, dinner from Custom Catering by Short Stop and dessert from Flour & Flower Bakery will be served. Alumni speakers, performances by the four choirs of the SJBC (including the debut of this year’s Training Choir), and games like Heads or Tails and a cash raffle will round out the event.

More from Neil and Kelly Fandel, honorary gala chairs

Neil and Kelly Fandel will serve as honorary chairs for this year’s gala. They write:

“Our sons Sam and Jacob thoroughly enjoyed their experience with the SJBC. They enjoyed the creative outlet of music with kids from other communities, which provided a balance with their sports. They thrived on the challenging expectations, and striving to meet and exceed them as a group. They loved the travel opportunities and the beautiful historic structures they were able to sing in. As parents, we enjoyed watching them mature as young men, gain confidence in communicating with others, grow in self esteem, and understand the value of community. Please join us in supporting this incredible organization!”

More about the SJBC’s spring gala

Since 2009, the SJBC has raised significant funds through its annual spring gala. These funds are used to support the four choirs of the organization (including singers from 3rd- to 9th-grade) and programs like Sing in the Summer, KidSing, various collaborations with musicians around the community, and annual tours. SJBC families make a tuition pledge each year to cover some or all of the cost of their singer’s participation, and the rest is covered by grants, scholarships, and fundraisers.

If you go …

• French Quarter Fête – The SJBC’s Spring Gala

• Saturday, April 5

• Doors open for social hour at 5 p.m.

• River’s Edge Convention -Center, St. Cloud

• Tickets available until March 22 at www.sjbchoir.org/gala

About the St. John’s Boys’ Choir

Now in its 44th season, The St. John’s Boys’ Choir continues the tradition of enabling boys to express themselves through music and provides an environment that nurtures and encourages creativity. Founded in 1981 by Br. Paul Richards and the Saint John’s monastic community, the organization self-incorporated in 1993 and has grown to include four choral ensembles which perform more than 50 engagements annually. Members of the choir represent public, private, and home schools in more than 15 communities around Central Minnesota.