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A Mother’s Pride

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Capping an evening benefiting the Pacific Chorale at the Orange County Performing Arts Center in Costa Mesa, vocalist-conductor Bobby McFerrin led the choir in a version of the 23rd Psalm that he dedicated to his mother, Sara McFerrin.

Having a son who is spiritual and artistically successful (Bobby McFerrin has won 10 Grammys) “is very rewarding,” said Sara McFerrin, a Pacific Chorale board member, during a pre-concert dinner for about 150 people in Founders Hall. “It really makes you count your blessings. People ask me if he studied voice and I say, ‘No. He did this all on his own.’ ”

Landing McFerrin to sing and conduct at the benefit concert was a coup for the chorale, observed center President Jerry Mandel. “He’s one of the most inventive entertainers out there,” he said, adding that McFerrin “does incredible things with his voice.”

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Proceeds from the May 19 event co-chaired by Jan Landstrom and Dorcas Preston are estimated at $100,000. The money will be used for chorale expenses and children’s education programs.

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