With one week left, World Choir Game tickets are selling fast

CINCINNATI - The largest choir festival in the world is one week away from kicking off in Cincinnati.

The World Choir Games starts July 4, bringing the best singers in the world to the Tri-State.

Event officials say they're ready for the 15,000 international participants traveling to Cincinnati next week. Members of the game's international committee have already arrived to help put the finishing touches on the more than 200 events.

Cincinnati native Drew Lachey is emceeing the two Champions Concerts on July 8 at the Aronoff Center, and July 14 at Music Hall.

Lachey is a member of 98 degrees and won ABC's 'Dancing With The Stars'. He told 9 News he's excited to share his hometown with the world.

"I have high hopes for the impact that the World Choir Games can have on the city. Downtown right now was bustling, it looks beautiful down here. I think it's just another way to get people interested and get people to bring their events to Cincinnati and also to get Cincinnatians to realize we've got a lot going on here," said Lachey.

He said he hopes locals get involved in the international activities, too.

"I've seen videos of some of the choirs that are going to be competing here, and the level of competition is going to be so high. I've heard it referred to as 'Glee on Steroids', and that is a pretty true analogy. It's not just people getting up there and singing, it is a full performance," he explained.

There are still tickets available to most events, but officials say they're selling fast. Officials say 75% of tickets to the Opening Ceremony have been sold, and 83% of the tickets for the Closing Ceremony have sold.

"Just come check out one. I guarantee if you watch one show, you're going to be hooked and your going to want to keep coming back. This really is an amazing experience and to be a part of it and have it here in Cincinnati is something we should be honored about," said Lachey.

The 7th World Choir Games is being held July 4-14. There are more than 200 events that include competitions, concerts, workshops, and almost 60 free public performances throughout the tri-state.

Tickets to all events are available at www.2012WorldChoirGames.com or by calling 513-977-6363.