Events on February 16, 2024

THE SOUNDS OF ZAMAR

Trey McLaughlin & The Sounds of Zamar have carved a unique place for themselves in the music industry through soul-stirring arrangements of contemporary gospel, musical theater, and rich original compositions. The ensemble, organized in 2009, has performed with gospel greats such as William McDowell, Kierra “Kiki” Sheard, Richard Smallwood, VaShawn Mitchell, Earnest Pugh, and James Fortune.

Hailing from Augusta, GA, Trey McLaughlin & The Sounds of Zamar are known for their opulent harmonies and beautiful blends, which are showcased throughout their 2012 album Limitless. The 14-track compilation is sprinkled with ballads and anthems of original songs that will bring inspiration and joy to the hearts of those who listen.

In addition to their distinct gospel style, Trey McLaughlin & The Sounds of Zamar have inspired audiences with clever arrangements of musical theater covers. Always providing a fresh perspective, the group’s sound is truly authentic while capturing the essence of the original piece.

Their robust social media following boasts over 80 million YouTube views.

Trey McLaughlin & The Sounds of Zamar have toured extensively throughout the United States, including performances in major markets like New York City, Chicago, Boston, Los Angeles, San
Francisco, Seattle, Austin, and more. Transcending cultural boundaries, the group’s music is sung all over the world. Their international travels have included Paris, France; Krakow, Poland; Menorca, Spain; Rajadell, Spain; and most, recently, Latin America’s biggest cultural event, the Festival International Cervantino in Guanajuato, Mexico (October 2023).

This Winter 2024, the ensemble embarks on their first Canadian tour, which features performances at the iconic Place des Arts in Montreal and the Isabel Bader Center in Kingston; as well as key domestic engagements at the Oberlin Conservatory, The Kentucky Center, Ball State University, and the Flint Institute of Music.

TREY MCLAUGHLIN

Trey M. McLaughlin is a passionate vocalist, educator, composer, arranger, and clinician. Known for fusing together an eclectic mix of musical genres, he arranges and performs original works with his own touring and recording ensemble, The Sounds of Zamar. Trey currently serves as Director of Worship and Arts at Tabernacle Baptist Church of Augusta, Georgia, and is the Artistic Director of the non-profit performing arts youth group, Creative Impressions, of which he was once a member and Student Director. Trey serves as adjunct faculty at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota, teaching graduate level courses in conducting, vocal technique, composition, arranging, and piano.

Born in Augusta, GA, Trey M. McLaughlin graduated from the John S. Davidson Magnet School in 2002. He attended Columbus State University (The Schwob School of Music) in Columbus, GA, graduating in 2008 with a Bachelor of Music Performance Degree with emphasis in Vocal Pedagogy. Trey is a member and past president of the professional music fraternity Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, and is a former director of G.E.N.E.S.I.S., the Columbus State University Gospel Choir.

In 2014, Trey had the honor of performing and teaching at the L’Opéra de Massy in Massy, France. In October of 2015, he conducted a 300-voice choir in Krakow, Poland as the guest clinician of the annual 7x Festival. Domestically, in January of 2020, Trey led workshops with twelve local Boston choirs, culminating in an electrifying joint performance at Harvard University. Locally, he often serves as guest clinician for Honor Choruses throughout the state of Georgia.

In February 2024, Trey will be a featured guest artist/conductor at the Southwest American Choral Directors’ Association (SWACDA) Conference in Denver, leading their gospel honors choir. Preceding this, Trey will be a resident guest artist at the College of Fine & Performing Arts at Western Washington University.

As a performer, composer, clinician, educator, and mentor, Trey M. McLaughlin is an ambassador for the Augusta Arts community. His international, national, and local work provides rich cultural and artistic experiences for all of whom he encounters.

The Unexpected Guest

By Agatha Christie

Directed by Karen Kessler

University Theatre

February 9-10, 13-16 at 7:30 pm
February 10-11 at 2:30 pm

A stranger seeks refuge in a nearby house, only to find a man shot dead and his wife standing over him with a smoking gun. The woman’s dazed confession is anything but convincing, and the unexpected guest decides to help. As the ghosts of a past wrong begin to emerge, a tangled web of lies reveals family secrets and chilling motives, where the real murderer turns out to be the greatest mystery of all.

“The Unexpected Guest” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com