Kirk Franklin, Donnie McClurkin and Fantasia and Diane Barrino are headlining the Chicago Gospel Fest this weekend.

Admission is free.

"This year’s special lineup will be a tribute to the many genres within gospel music, drawing from classical to R&B to traditional gospel music performed by the industry’s top, award-winning artists,” said Megan McDonald, executive director of the Mayor’s Office of Special Events.

For more information about the festival go to the Chicago Defender.

Join me on Facebook at Karlayne's Gospelrama.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 9:50 AM in Events | Permalink
                       

Gospel Hill, which made its debut last summer during the Democratic National Convention, is opening the Hollywood Black Film Festival today.

The movie includes an eclectic source of music, including gospel, as the backdrop for a story about racial tension in a southern town.

The movie is set during the Civil Rights era, where the church, choir and negro spirituals are part of the empowerment movement.

"Woke Up This Morning With My Mind Stayed on Jesus" is one of the gospel songs in the independent film, which stars Samuel Jackson, Angela Bassett, Danny Glover, Giancarlo Esposito, Nia Long, Adam Baldwn and Taylor Kitsh.

To read more, go to the Los Angeles Independent.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 10:37 AM in Events | Permalink | Comments (1)
                       

Grammy and Oscar-winning Jennifer Hudson is set to perform tonight at a Democratic National Committee fundraiser in California where President Barack Obama is expected to be in attendance, according to KTLA.com.

Hudson seems to have won fans in the DNC, having performed her soulful, gospel-toned "Star Spangled Banner" last year during the party's national convention in Denver.

Hudson is a gospel talent whose voice continues to give depth to music by reaching back to her youthful days in the church choir. As a result, she has a fuller sound, which can be heard on her self-titled CD.

She recently concluded her first concert tour with R&B artist Robin Thicke.

Since returning to public life earlier this year, after mourning the brutal slayings of her mother, brother and nephew last fall in Chicago, the former "American Idol" contestant has been on a roll and it doesn't appear that her time in the spotlight will be dimming any time soon.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 12:18 PM in Events | Permalink | Comments (3)
                       

Former NBA great and jazz musician Wayman Tisdale was buried yesterday in Tulsa, Okla.

Fans, friends and family members remembered Tisdale, who played 12 seasons in the NBA. After retiring from basketball, Tisdale recorded eight jazz projects, many of which included gospel music. 21 days was his only complete gospel project.

During the funeral service at the BOK Center, gospel artist Fred Hammond spoke to the thousands in attendance, according to newsok.com.

"For what I came here to do, it's way too quiet in here," Hammond said, and then urged for the music to be turned up louder: "This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad."

Other gospel artists in attendance included Kirk Whalum and Jonathan Butler.

Tisdale, a jazz bassist, recorded with artists from various genres, including country music's Toby Keith. In remembering Tisdale, who died earlier this month at 44 from bone cancer, many attending yesterday's events spoke of his infectious smile, his humanity and his commitment to music.

Funeral attendees included: jazz artist Dave Koz, former University of Oklahoma teammates and coaches, and former NBA players such as A.C. Green, who played with Tisdale on the Phoenix Suns.

Last night, Koz was among many artists who also held a jazz concert to benefit the Wayman Tisdale Foundation for cancer research.

Read an Associated Press story.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 2:23 PM in Events | Permalink | Comments (2)
                       

Karen Morrison was among the many in Tulsa, OK to go to a public viewing yesterday of Wayman Tisdale at Friendship Baptist Church, according to The Associated Press.

But she didn't want to go inside because she didn't want to shatter the memories of Tisdale, who she knew when she was a junior in high school.

"I want to remember that smile," Morrison sobbed as she talked to an Associated Press reporter. "That smile."

Tisdale, a former Oklahoma basketball star and popular jazz musician, died in his hometown last week after a long battle with cancer.

"My belief is he's resting," said Morrison.

To read more, click here.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 9:35 PM in Events | Permalink
                       

The "Queen of Soul," who was to receive an honorary doctorate of music at Brown University on Sunday, has cancelled her appearance because of a family emergency.

Brown University officials say they hope to honor Aretha Franklin on a different ocassion.

Read the full report here.

Franklin, whose foundation in gospel music propelled into the limelight earlier in her career, has stayed in the headlines since of her release of her Christmas CD last year through to her appearance at the inauguration of President Barack Obama.

Her schedule has been quite full ever since.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 1:52 PM in Events | Permalink
                       

Baltimore gospel artist Jonathan Nelson is leaving Maryland for new opportunities in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.

Nelson, the minister of music for Empowerment Temple where the Rev. Jamal Bryant is the pastor, will join the Faith Center International, according to a news release.

“Bishop Henry Fernandez will be my new pastor and covering,” Nelson said about his new church. “This has been a very emotional time for my family and myself to leave this family of believers that we’ve known and loved for so long but God has called us to a new place.”

The release didn't indicate whether Nelson would be minister of music at the Ft. Lauderdale Church.

Nelson has written or co-written numerous gospel hits, including the Youth for Christ’s “The Struggle is Over.” In 2007, that song was No. 1 on Billboard magazine’s Hot Gospel songs chart for 12 weeks. He also penned Donald Lawrence’s "Healed,'' Bishop T.D. Jake's Grammy-winning "A Wing and a Prayer'' CD and "The Right Place'' for Rudolph McKissick Jr.

This year Nelson won several Stellar Awards for songs on his latest CD, Right Now Praise, which includes the ever popular “My Name is Victory.”

A farewell concert has been planned at Empowerment Temple in honor of Nelson and his family. The event on May 31 at 6 p.m. will include performances by Karen Clark-Sheard, Tye Tribbett, Chrystal Rucker, VaShawn Mitchell, Stephen Hurd, J.J. Hairston & Youthful praise and more.

I hope to speak with Nelson about the celebration and his plans for the future in Florida later. Stay tuned!

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 9:27 AM in Events | Permalink
                       

Gospel artists VaShawn Mitchell, Aaron Neville and the Rance Allen Group highlight the New Orleans Jazz Festival this weekend.

Mitchell and Friends will take the stage tomorrow, Neville Saturday and the Rance Allen Group on Sunday.

The fest isn't just for music that helps you to chill, it has made room for music that helps you get inspired.

Last weekend, Mavis Staples, formerly of the gospel and R&B group The Staple Singers, was the highlight of a gospel show that paid tribute to the late New Orleans native and gospel queen Mahalia Jackson.

Read more about the jazz fest and its itinerary for the weekend in The Times Picayune.

Read a review of the Mahalia Jackson tribute in The Los Angeles Times.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 9:45 AM in Events | Permalink
                       

Mega preacher, author, filmmaker, television and radio commentator and gospel artist are just some of the roles that the Rev. T.D. Jakes has had in his life.

And the roles are interconnected, because all seem to come from his life as a spiritual leader of the Potter's House in Dallas, Texas.

His awe inspiring message from the pulpit has a lot to do with how his life experiences have shaped him from his youth to adulthood.

Jakes is one of many prominent blacks who can be seen tonight in a Baltimore screening of The Black List: Volume 2, the second chapter of an HBO series about the inspirations, aspirations and preservations of black America from a personal perspective.

Read more about the film's showing in on Baltimoresun.com.

Jakes' latest movie, "Not Easily Broken,'' was also recently released on DVD.

Filmmaker Tyler Perry is also featured in The Black List. His rags-to-riches story is amazing. His gospel music plays all started with an idea he had while he was homeless.

Lately, though, his stardom has cost him personally. Read more here.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 10:20 AM in Events | Permalink
                       

Marvin Sapp's Never Could Have Made It Without Mom tour is coming to Baltimore on May 10 at 1st Mariner Arena.

Joining him will be Yolanda Adams and Kirk Franklin.

But before Sapp makes it here next month, he has to make a stop in Nashville this week where for the first time in his solo career he is nominated among the ranks of top gospel artists at the Dove Awards.

We'll see if he wins tomorrow at 8 p.m. His song, "Never Would Have Made It," made history last year, topping the gospel radio charts for 47-weeks.

He's won BET and Stellar awards for this song, which is a selection on his Thirsty CD.

Sapp of Grand Rapids, Mich., is a preacher, husband and father of three who is also up for Male Vocalist of the Year and Artist of The Year.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 10:15 AM in Events | Permalink
                       

Natalie Grant, who will be in Baltimore this month and in September, is connectng her gospel sound with a cause she believes in.

She is one of the first Christian artists to raise awareness about human trafficking, according to the Houston Chronicle.

Grant learned about human trafficking after watching an episode of the NBC series Law and Order.

In 2005, she founded the HOME Foundation, which helps organizations educate people, build shelters and orphanages, and provide medical equipment to those ministering to the victims of trafficking.

To read more click here.

Grant is on the "Make It Matter Tour" with Chris Sligh and Meredith Andrews. They perform in Baltimore April 25 at Bridgeway Community Church, 9189 Red Branch Road, Columbia. Tickets are $15-$20.

Grant is also up for five Dove Awards, including Female Vocalist of the Year and Song of the Year ("I Will Not Be Moved''). The program airs April 23 on Gospel Music Channel.

In addition to the “Make It Matter” tour stop, Natalie will also be part of the REVOLVE tour coming to Baltimore on Sept.25-26.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 8:50 PM in Events | Permalink
                       

Denyce Graves, the world-famous mezzo-soprano, will headline the 70th Anniversary Marian Anderson Tribute 3 p.m. Sunday at the Lincoln Memorial.

Anderson, a black opera star from Philadelphia, was not allowed to sing at the DAR Constitution Hall in 1936, so the NAACP and other organizers got permission to have her give a concert before 75,000 on Easter Sunday, April 9, 1939, at the Lincoln Memorial.

This event marked a push toward the Civil Rights Movement.

The anniversary program of spirituals and arias includes performances by Sweet Honey in the Rock, the Chicago Children's Choir and the U.S. Marine Corps Band.

Gen. Colin Powell will read portions of Lincoln's second inaugural address. Two hundred people will become U.S. citizens.

To read more about the event, go to The Philadelphia Inquirer.

To read more about the significance of the Children's Choir participation in the program, go to the Chicago Tribune.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 1:53 PM in Events | Permalink | Comments (1)
                       

By the time Mary Mary, Erica and Tina Campbell, get to their next gospel club tour date, I'm sure they'll have worked the kinks out of their show.

But according to the Washington Post, the sisters' act at Rams Head wasn't stellar, yet it had a rousing ending.

And what better way to send an audience off after a full concert.

Read the Post review here.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 3:57 PM in Events | Permalink
                       

Crowns, the peacock-colorful musical adapted from a book of photos called "Crowns: Portraits of Black Women in Church Hats," tells the story of a troubled young Brooklyn girl whose brother gets shot. The back story is told in a hip-hop prologue.

The girl goes to live in the South with family members who fancy church hats and tell stories through inspiring gospel performances.

Read the Washington Post review of the show at the Lincoln Theatre through April 26.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 11:19 AM in Events | Permalink
                       

Mary Mary begin their gospel club tour Wednesday in Annapolis.

Sisters Tina and Erica Campbell will bring The Sound, their first new album since 2006's A Mary Mary Christmas, to life on stage.

Since the release of their popular single "Get Up,'' the two have enjoyed a successful run, including singing at the White House and serving as judges on the BET talent show Sunday Best.

On Sunday, the ladies will share the faith lessons they've learned on Lift Every Voice, another BET show.

Check out video from the show, which airs on BET at 10 a.m. Sunday.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 12:17 PM in Events | Permalink
                       

Jeff Jacobs will do a live recording Friday at The Palladium. It will feature Kurt Carr and the Kurt Carr Singers.

WCAO, HEAVEN 600 DJ the Rev. Lee Michaels will host the 8 p.m. program at 2900 Liberty Heights. Wear your Sunday best because the evening will feature a high-definition video recording of Jacob's single "He's Alright."

For more information, call 443-854-8512.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 9:45 AM in Events | Permalink
                       

Donnie McClurkin waited five years to recorded his new CD We All Are One (Live In Detroit).

We all have to wait on the Lord to give you a thing to do,'' he said in a telephone interview. "There are artists who record every few months. God had to give something that meant something. I try to take my time.

"God was maturing me in some things,'' he says referring to his calling as pastor of a href="http://www.perfectingfaith.org/"> Perfecting Faith Church in Freeport, N.Y. "He put this (my music career) on the back burner.''

In this his music, he says,"I'm just trying to relate (the music) to the truth of God. We forget that love is the main focus of God''

McClurkin is planning a 40 plus city tour, which includes Baltimore. The dates have not been set.

However, McClurkin said the tour will do more than just promote his CD. He wants to work with pastors and elected officials of each city to coordinate job fairs and health fairs around the time of his concerts, which he expects will be affordable. He wants each patron bring can food to be donated to the charity he works with, Feed The Children.

"We don’t have a lot of good jobs (in this economy). We have to now teach what is in your hand - entrepreneurship,'' he said. "The church has got to take a active roll,''

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 11:19 AM in Events | Permalink | Comments (3)
                       

I recently read a piece by Monica Johnson of Baltimore who questioned whether Mary Mary's gospel club tour was grounded in biblical principles

Her blog begins,"There is an old testimony that rings true for many Christians. It goes like this: "The things I used to do... I don't do anymore. The places I used to go...I don't go anymore." Well, it's time to get a new testimony because now Christians are free to go back to the nightclub and par-tay with gospel singing duo Mary Mary. The chart-topping ladies of Mary Mary will be kicking off their "gospel club" tour on April 8th in Annapolis at the Rams Head On Stage ..."

It goes on to discuss the blurring of the lines between faith-based music and secular music, because many artists such as Mary Mary have found huge success in crossing over from gospel to R&B.

"In an era where beats and user-friendly lyrics are regarded higher than exalting the Lord, these are just some of the areas that the Christian/Gospel music community is succumbing to a lower standard,'' Johnson writes.

After several more paragraphs citing Bible verses to support the premise of her column, she ends with:" Mary Mary, it is quite contrary to go to a club to praise the Lord, but have no fear, church is still a great place to find Him.''

Gospelrama broke the news about Mary Mary's tour on earlier this month.

It's my belief that the music is reaching an audience that will soak up the faith message no matter what the venue, whether at a concert stage in a larger venue such as 1st Mariner Arena or the Rams Head club stage in Annapolis.

Tell me what you think of the Mary Mary club tour.

To read Johnson's blog, click here.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 10:48 AM in Events | Permalink | Comments (23)
                       

Mary Mary will start their spring gospel club tour at Rams Head On Stage in Annapolis next month.

The duo, sisters Erica Campbell and Tina Campbell, have had a phenomenal year thus far, starting with last year's release of The Sound. The song "Get Up" was a hit on both gospel and R&B charts.

And they have been matched with some of the best talent in gospel on other projects, such as Deitrick Haddon and Ruben Studdard's "Love Him Like I Do.'' The two have also recorded several songs ("Choose to Be Dancing'' and “When You Love”) with Pastor Donnie McClurkin, whose new CD will debut Tuesday.

Most recently, the ladies, who are judges on BET's Sunday Best gospel talent show, were invited to the White House to honor Steve Wonder. They sang his notable "Higher Ground'' during the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize event.

And in April they could become Dove Award winners as well. They are nominated in several categories, including Group of the Year and Contemporary Gospel Album and Urban Recorded Song.

Here are the list of tour dates:

4/8: Annapolis, MD Rams Head On Stage
4/9: New York City Sound of Brazil "S.O.B.'s"
4/13: Alexandria, VA Birchmere Music Hall
4/14: Foxboro, MA Showcase Live
4/17: New Orleans, LA House of Blues
4/18: Lake Charles, LA Lake Charles Civic Center
4/24: Las Vegas, NV House of Blues
4/25: Phoenix, AZ Celebrity Theatre
4/26: Los Angeles, LA Sunset Strip House of Blues
4/27: Oakland, CA Yoshi's
4/28: Sacramento, CA Crest Theater
4/29: Anaheim, CA House of Blues

SOURCES: Foxbusiness.com and Black Voices .

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 12:16 PM in Events | Permalink
                       

Gospel lovers have until Monday to submit a record, videotape or wrte a story about how the Bible has affected your life as part of the "Get Their Story" contest by The American Bible Society.

The winner will get the opportunity to attend the Dove Awards on April 23 in a package that includes two tickets to the ceremony, free hotel accommodations, food and transportation.

To learn more about the contest and The American Bible Society, which is a Dove Award charity, go to The Christian Post.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 10:00 AM in Events | Permalink
                       

A Stellar celebration for Baltimore's Jessica Greene will be held tomorrow night at 7:30 at the Church of The Redeemed of The Lord in east Baltimore.

Greene is celebrating the Stellar Award for Best New Artist she won in January at Nashville's annual ceremony that celebrates gospel artists.

The lineup includes Terrell Hunt, Kevin Levar, Ryan Mitchell and Fresh Fire.

Stellar- and Grammy-winning artists Maurette Brown Clark and Jonathan Nelson are expected to attend the event. It is not known if they will perform.

Nelson also won several Stellars this year and is up for a few Dove Awards. The annual Gospel Music Association's Dove Awards will air on the Gospel Music Channel on April 23.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 11:37 AM in Events | Permalink
                       

Four-time Grammy Award-winning opera singer Jessye Norman's series Honor!: A Celebration of the African American Cultural Legacy, produced by Carnegie Hall, began last week.

Norman presented a program of music from the three “Sacred Concerts” at the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine.

"These three suites, composed between 1965 and 1973, are for anybody, not just for adepts of jazz or Christian believers. They don’t entirely depend on the irreproducible magic of Ellington’s own musicians: they include gospel choirs...,'' reads a review of the program in The New York Times.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 10:38 AM in Events | Permalink
                       

The Rev. Marvin Winans, member of the famed Winans gospel family, will star in Tyler Perry's "I Can Do Bad By Myself,'' according to blackvoices.com.

Winans will join Taraji P. Henson, Gladys Knight and Brian J. White in the movie, which will begin filming on March 16 at Tyler's new studio in Atlanta.

Read blackvoices.com for more on Perry's other new ventures.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 10:22 AM in Events | Permalink
                       

Gospel artists will be in Philadelphia on Sunday to give their words of wisdom about how to get into the gospel industry.

Donald Lawrence, Yolanda Adams and Tye Tribbett will participate in Radio One's second annual Music & Entertainment Conference at the Marriott downtown.

They will discuss the future of gospel music, songwriting, producing, music sampling and just about everything you want to know about the industry.

To find out how you can participate, go to radioandrecords.com.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 9:56 AM in Events | Permalink
                       

Carnegie Hall in New York premieres its Honor! program tonight, starting off a 19-day festival that honors every genre of music, including gospel.

The gospel program, which will take place March 22, will include performances at the Apollo Theatre by Shirley Caesar, Donnie McClurkin, Sweet Honey In the Rock, Richard Smallwood, Smokie Norful, Hezekiah Walker and more.

Honor! is being curated by opera star Jessye Norman. Tonight's opening includes R&B's Ashford and Simpson, Freddie Jackson, Ryan Shaw; jazz artists Geri Allen, James Carter, Ron Carter; and hip-hop artists MC Lyte and Doug E Fresh.

Read more about the event in the Star Ledger.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 10:53 AM in Events | Permalink
                       

Jennifer Hudson/ Robin Thicke tour dates, according to Hudson's label:

March 31 - Albany, NY @ Palace Theatre
April 2 - Newark, NJ @ New Jersey Performing Arts Center
April 3 - Philadelphia, PA @ Tower Theater
April 4 - Baltimore, MD @ Lyric Theatre»
April 5 - Washington, D.C. @ DAR Constitution Hall»
April 9 - Mashantucket, CT @ MGM Grand at Foxwoods
April 10 - New York, NY @ WAMU Theater at Madison Square Garden
April 12 - Norfolk, VA @ Chrysler Hall
April 15 - Atlanta, GA @ Fox Theatre
April 17 - Charlotte, NC @ Ovens Auditorium
April 18 - Greensboro, NC @ Special Events Center
April 19 - Richmond, VA @ Landmark Theater
April 23 - St Louis, MO @ Fox Theatre
April 24 - Detroit, MI @ Opera House
April 25 - Chicago, IL @ Arie Crown Theater
May 2 - Los Angeles, CA @ Nokia Theatre L.A. Live
May 3 - Oakland, CA @ Paramount Theatre
May 7 - Dallas, TX @ Nokia Theatre
May 8 - Houston, TX @ Verizon Wireless Theater

SOURCE: MTV.com

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 11:16 AM in Events | Permalink | Comments (2)
                       

Gospel music shows to look for this weekend.

Bobby Jones Classic Gospel airs 11 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. tomorrow on the Word Network.

Bobby Jones, Lift Every Voice, Video Gospel will air Sunday at 9 a.m., 10 a.m.and 10:30 a.m., respectively, on BET. Gospel artist Damita Haddon will be the guest on 106 & Park: Generation Gospel.at noon.

The Gospel of Music with Jeff Majors at 9 a.m. on TVONE.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 3:06 PM in Events | Permalink
                       

Jennifer Hudson is on a roll.

Hudson minutes ago won the Outstanding New Artist Award at the NAACP Image Awards in Los Angeles.

She received a standing ovation as she received the award.
"Don't start me to crying again yall,'' said the bright-eyed Oscar winner and recent Grammy winner. "It always feels like home coming here. Thanks for all your amazing support. ...Of course, I want to thank God for this. He is keeping me and my family back home.''

Minutes later it was announced that Beyonce beat out Hudson for Outstanding Female Artist.

Hudson is also nominated for:
Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration featuring Fantasia
Outstanding Music Video “Spotlight”
Outstanding Song “Spotlight”
Outstanding Album “Jennifer Hudson”
Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Motion Picture “Secret Life Of Bees”

Hudson is returning to public life after three months of mourning the deaths of her mother, brother and nephew, who were murdered in Chicago. Her return to the spotlight began at the Super Bowl where she sang the National Anthem.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 8:04 PM in Events | Permalink
                       

I'll be chatting with Grammy- and Stellar Award-winning gospel artist Donald Lawrence today as he makes his stop in Baltimore to promote his CD "The Law of Confession, Part 1.''

The CD is based on a forthcoming book by the Rev. Bill Winston, pastor of Living Word Chrisitian Center in Chicago, which is also Lawrence's home church.

Lawrence recorded the CD at the church in August. It includes the single "Back II Eden,'' currently in the top-10 on gospel radio.

The CD was released last week and is No. 2 on Billboard’s Top Gospel Chart, No. 2 Christian/Gospel Title on iTunes and No. 71 on Billboard’s Top 200 Chart.

Lawrence will also talk with WCAO Heaven 600 AM today for a live interview sometime this afternoon.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 10:18 AM in Events | Permalink
                       

Jennifer Hudson will perform a "surprise duet" at a Grammys party honoring music exec Clive Davis tonight in Los Angeles.

"Very touchingly, [Hudson] called me when she read of my lifetime achievement award, [and said] that she wanted to be part of it, that she wanted to come back with her musical life, so, of course, that is touching," Davis told the Associated Press.

Hudson's return to the "spotlight" comes after her stirring performance at last Sunday's Super Bowl. In October, her mother, brother and nephew were killed in Chicago.

Read more on Davis thoughts about Hudson.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 8:57 AM in Events | Permalink
                       

The Press Association is reporting that actor, comedian and R&B artist Jamie Foxx wants to reunite with his Dreamgirls co-star Jennifer Hudson to go on tour.

"Hopefully, we will go out on tour together and, you know, heal the world with our music," the actor told Entertainment Tonight, according to the report.

Would you go see a Foxx-Hudson concert?

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 8:30 AM in Events | Permalink | Comments (1)
                       

All eyes were on Jennifer Hudson Sunday night at the Super Bowl when she stepped onto a platform to sing the National Anthem, making her first public appearance since the October deaths of her mother, brother and nephew in Chicago.

After she took a deep breath, the Oscar winner looked into a sea of 72,000 football fans (with millions more watching by television) and delivered a jazzy gospel-like anthem before the Steelers and Cardinals championship game in Tampa.

Dressed in black figure-hugging pants, a white blouse, and a frilly black jacket with gold buttons, the Grammy nominee hit every high note while motioning with her hands, head and eyes. She pumped her fist in the air as she closed the song, according to the Associated Press.

Hudson's performance, which came minutes after country artist Faith Hill and a gospel choir sang "America the Beautiful," signifies her return to the stage. She is expected to perform next Sunday during the Grammys, where she has been nominated for three awards for her self-titled debut CD.

Read more about other Oscar winners who also sang the National Anthem at the big game in The Los Angeles Times.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 6:17 PM in Events | Permalink | Comments (25)
                       

President Barack Obama has been in office for more than a week now yet the discussion surrounding his inauguration is still abuzz!

Talk has moved past the swearing-in take 2, Michelle Obama's fashion and their darling children — Sasha and Malia.

Instead, Aretha Franklin's "Super Bow'' hat continues to be the butt of jokes, which shall we say, has gone into overdrive, or maybe overkill.

Franklin's hat is probably more popular with churchgoing women, who typically wear oversized hats on many occasions. And Franklin is a churchgoing, soul-stirring singer, who will always be the daughter of a preacher.

Last week, the designer of the hat said he is experiencing an uptick in sales since Franklin's appearance at the swearing-in where she sang "My Country Tis of Thee.'' (Easter is just around the corner. Get ready!).

But not everyone is fond of the head piece. Joining talk show hosts Ellen DeGeneres and Jay Leno are cyberspace comedians.

Click here to see the political humor created by the hat.

Click here to see big bow parodies.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 8:37 AM | Permalink
                       

Apparently everyone either loves or hates Aretha's hat from the inauguration. What do you think?

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 3:54 PM in Events | Permalink | Comments (2)
                       

If you plan to audition this weekend in Chicago or next weekend in D.C., here's what the show asks that you be prepared to sing. There's no deviating from the list if you want to be considered:

"Amazing Grace How Sweet the Sound"

"Jesus Is Love"

"In the Morning"

"What About the Children"

"Love Is the Reason"

"For Every Mountain"

"His Eye on the Sparrow"

"Great Is Your Mercy"

"Great Is Your Weapon"

"Lean on Me"

"Never Would Have Made It"

"No Weapon"

"Yes Jesus Loves Me"

"You Brought the Sunshine"

"Look At Me"

"Open My Heart"

"Running Back To You"

"Tomorrow"

"When the Saints Go to Worship"

For more info, call the "Sunday Best" hotline at: 1-866-405-BEST (2378).

For audition particulars, go to BET.com.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 10:57 AM in Events | Permalink
                       

Gospel artists were out in full force in Washington to celebrate the new president.

I attended the People's Gala Gospel concert on Sunday, which featured several gospel groups, but was headlined by Richard Smallwood and Vision.

Yolanda Adams and Bebe Winans were among the gospel artists who were in demand.

Read more about where these two showed up here.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 12:07 AM in Events | Permalink
                       

Josh Groban, Israel Houghton, Anita Baker, BeBe and CeCe Winans, George Duke, Slash, Naz, CHIC, Robert Randolph, Donnie McClurkin and Gary Morris are among the host of stars at the Heroes Red, White and Blue Inaugural Ball on Tuesday in Washington.

For Houghton, McClurkin, and BeBe and CeCe Winans, it's an opportunity for these gospel artists to show their continued support of President-elect Barack Obama, who will officially take office on Tuesday.

To read more about the event, go to www.breathecast.com.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 10:53 AM in Events, Gospel in the news | Permalink
                       

Grammy Award-winning artist BeBe Winans will host the We the People Gala on Inauguration Day, where he is expected to sing his tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., "I Have A Dream," which includes text of King's famous 1963 speech.

Other artists on tap for that night include Tony Rich, Andres Useche and Deja Bryson.

The event will take place at the Hyatt Regency Washington, Regency Ball Room at 6:30 p.m.

To learn more about the event, go to www.wethepeoplegala.com.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 9:38 AM in Events, Gospel in the news | Permalink
                       

The master of "Total Praise'' will be in concert Sunday at the Lincoln Theatre in Washington.

Grammy Award-winning artist Richard Smallwood, whose mix of traditional and contemporary gospel was part of the August Democratic National Convention festivities, will showcase his talent during this concert, which is expected to be a musical anthology tracing the African-American experience.

For more information on Smallwood, click here.

Tickerts are $85. Call (202) 397-SEAT (7328) or www.thelincolntheatre.org.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 1:56 PM in Events | Permalink
                       

Grammy Award-winning artist Smokie Norful will be performing at Inaugural Ball of Legends hosted by Yolanda Adams and Dionne Warwick Tuesday night in the nation's capital.

Norful will also be one of the many performers on BET's Celebration of Gospel, airing Jan. 25 at 8 p.m.

You'll likely be seeing, and more importantly, hearing more from the Chicago minister, who in April will release Smokie Norful Live, a project he recorded at the Cannon Center in Memphis in which he collaborates with Heather Headley and Tye Tribbett.

Headley, who released her CD Audience of One on Tuesday, and Norful unleash their talents in the remake of "Jesus Is Love,'' a song written and produced by Lionel Richie. The song appears on Headley and Norful's project.

The first single to be released from Norful's project will be "Justified.'' Tribbett is featured on "God's Gonna Do It." This EMI Gospel project was written and co-produced by Norful, who when he isn't singing is senior pastor of Victory Cathedral Worship Center.

SOURCE: GQ Media & Public Relations, Inc

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 1:28 PM in Events | Permalink
                       

Heather Headley, who recently returned to her gospel roots with the release of "Audience of One,'' will be among a host of stars to perform Sunday at the inaugural celebration at the Lincoln Memorial on Saturday.

Other entertainers expected to perform include John Legend, U2, Beyonce, Shakira, Usher, Stevie Wonder, John Legend, John Mellencamp, Herbie Hancock, James Taylor, Sheryl Crow, Will.I.Am, Josh Groban, Mary J. Blige, Garth Brooks and Renée Fleming.

"Everybody is going to do one song, but there were will be duets and trios and choirs," executive producer George Stevens Jr. told The Washington Post.

And there are other stars who will do a reading to highlight the historic celebration of the first African American president.

Read more in The Washington Post.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 9:17 AM in Events, Gospel in the news | Permalink
                       

A play honoring Mahalia Jackson, known as the "Voice of the (civil rights) Movement,'' will open later this month at the Cleveland Play House.

"Mahalia: A Gospel Musical'' follows the life of the beloved gospel singer, from her birth in New Orleans as a grandchild of plantation slaves to her national and international fame on the gospel scene. Jackson died in 1972.

Read more about the play, which will open Jan. 30, on playbill.com.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 10:11 PM in Events | Permalink | Comments (1)
                       

"Speeches and music-making are typically mixed at concerts honoring Martin Luther King. That combination worked out particularly well last night, when the BSO and Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture presented the 23rd MLK Tribute at the Meyerhoff.

This month's inauguration in Washington was referenced often in remarks by various participants, but King remained the center of attention, especially in the major work on the program. His words are integrated into "New Morning for the World," a 1982 score by Joseph Schwantner, one of the most effective pieces for narrator and orchestra since Copland's Lincoln Portrait."

Read more here.

The program will be showcased at The Music Center at The Strathmore tonight at 8. For ticket information, go to ticketmaster.com

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 3:07 PM in Events | Permalink
                       

Church affiliations throughout the U.S. will assemble for their own black-tie event at the The African American Church Inauguration Ball Jan. 18 at the Grand Hyatt Washington.

The event will begin with a 6 p.m. reception.

A who's-who list of African-American church leaders, political figures, celebrities and artists are on the guest list for this event, including the Rev. Joseph Lowery, Congressman John Lewis, Bishop Desmond Tutu, the Rev.Al Sharpton, Dr. Marion Wright Edelman, Dorothy Height, Gen. Colin Powell, actress and singer Della Reese and many others.

The program also includes gospel artists Shari Addison, a runner up in BET's Sunday Best American Idol-like show, Micah Stampley, Regina Belle, Jackie Farris and many others.

To get the full details about the event, go to africanamericanchurchinauguralball.com

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 10:44 PM in Events | Permalink
                       

Israel Houghton is going solo for his new CD, The Power of One, which will be released in March.

Houghton will also go on tour beginning in January with praise and worship artist Chris Tomlin.

The tour will stop in Baltimore Jan. 24 at the 1st Mariner Arena.

To read more about the new CD, go to The Tennessan.

Go to newbreedmusic.com for more on the concert tour.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 12:48 AM in Events | Permalink
                       

Isaiah D. Thomas and Elements of Praise will be in concert on New Years Day.

Thomas and his group, whose most recent CD is "The Greatest,'' have been nominated for the Stellar Award for Choir of the Year. Thomas has also been nominated for Producer of the Year and Best Male Vocalist of the year.

Thomas and Elements of Praise won the 2008 Contemporary Choir of The Year.

The concert will take place soon after the new year rings in at 1 a.m. at Holy Christian Missionary Baptist Church, 5110 Nannie Helen Burroughs Ave., NE, Washington.

The Rev. Steve Young is senior past of the church. For more information, call 202-396-7720.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 12:42 AM in Events | Permalink
                       

The African Children's Choir, a group of orphans up to 12 years old, is one of the highlights of the Holiday Spectacular in Baltimore, which continues through tomorrow at Meyerhoff Symphony Hall.

To read Baltimore Sun critic Tim Smith's review of the performance, which also includes headliner Sandi Patty, click here.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 10:49 AM in Events | Permalink
                       

Throughout the next few weeks, I will be posting gospel events as part of the inauguration for the first African-American president, Barack Obama.

Here's something I came across this morning:

Inaugural Prayer Breakfast Coalition events at the Hyatt Regency in D.C.: See gospel artists such as Marvin Sapp, Beverly Crawford, Micah Stampley, V3, Lancer Clark, Accord and more.

The price range for the various events, which include a gala, are from $25 to $250.

Click here for more information.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 8:08 AM in Events | Permalink
                       

About 18 congregations will come together to form a 100-voice Syracuse community choir that will perform Saturday in a benefit concert for the Rev. Timothy Wright.

Wright's family has sought financial assistance from the public to help defray costs of his treatment of multiple spinal injuries sustained during a July 4 accident that left him paralyzed but killed his wife and grandson.

The event, presented by Friends of Timothy Wright, is one of many that have been held for the Grammy-nominated artist, who is lovingly called the "godfather of gospel.''

Go to The Post-Standard for more details about the event.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 12:48 PM in Events | Permalink
                       

With songs sung in English and in their native languages, the African Children's Choir is the highlight of this year's Holiday Spectacular at the Meyerhoff.

Hosted by gospel's Sandi Patty, the annual show got a special lift from the diverse sound of the 26-member choir, while the BSO played in the backdrop.

The choir accompanied Patty on many songs, but was given its own time in the spotlight as it went through a medley of Christmas songs that spoke of faith in God.

The auditorium was not at capacity, but the music of the night filled the hall for an audience that appeared to be in the spirit of the season.

To read more about the Holiday Spectacular, read this story by Baltimore Sun reporter Rashod D. Ollison.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 8:13 PM in Events | Permalink
                       

You don't have to be a person of faith to listen to The Soweto Gospel Choir, which will be in concert tomorrow at the Strathmore in Bethesda.

The group, which is on its U.S. tour, has a whole repertoire of songs that range from gospel to pop and bridge all cultural and religious backgrounds.

Read how they go about that in the Express.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 3:19 PM in Events | Permalink
                       

The Queen of Soul continues to promote her new CD This Christmas at an unheard of pace, even for her.

I guess with the downturn in the economy, she's had to get her hussle on full throttle.

And it's working.

This weekend Aretha Franklin will be in concert in Times Square as part of a benefit for the nonprofit Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Coast Guard and Airmenn's Club Inc. The event at the Nokia Theare is sponsored by NewYork.com, which promotes tourism.

The concert by the No. 1 singer of all time by Rolling Stone will begin at 7 p.m. and with Kevon Edmonds of After 7 opening. Tickets aren't cheap. Go to ticketmaster.com for more information.

Soldiers', Sailors', Marines', Coast Guard and Airmen's Club Inc. helps military families, creating a "Home Away From Home.''

Handout photo of Aretha Franklin

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 9:30 AM in Events | Permalink
                       

The Super Bowl isn't just for football fans. It's also for fans of gospel music.

The weekend of the big game will include a Super Bowl Gospel Celebration on Jan. 30 at the University of South Florida's SuperDome.

Performers include Marvin Sapp, Mary Mary and Hezekiah Walker. Other artists will be announced.

The 2009 concert will also feature the return of the NFL Players All-Star Choir with league stars and longtime supporters such as Michael Gaines (Bills), Ovie Mughelli (Falcons), Richard Seymour (Patriots), Troy Vincent (Redskins/Retired), and Pro Bowlers Tommie Harris (Bears) and Ray Lewis (Ravens).

More than 40 players participated in last year's first-ever performance under the direction of Donnie McClurkin, a Grammy Award-winning artist.

For more information, go to blacknews.com.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 11:43 AM in Events | Permalink
                       

The Grammy Award-winning Soweto Gospel Choir, which will be at the Strathmore on Friday, is making its way to Maryland.

They are performing in Philadelphia tomorrow. The choir, which sings in six of 11 South African languages, has performed for Nelson Mandela and Bill Clinton.

Read a story about the choir's style of gospel in The Philadelphia Inquirer.

For tickets to the Friday event in Bethesda or to listen to audio of the group, click here.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 11:37 AM in Events | Permalink
                       

This weekend's Holiday Sing at the Harborplace Amphitheatre will include a tribute to the late Ruby Glover, who was the host of this event for four years.

Glover, who died last year after suffering a stroke while performing, was also a judge for two years for the UniSun Gospel Celebration concert sponsored by The Baltimore Sun and its African-American lifestyle section, UniSun.

The beloved artist was known as "Baltimore's Godmother of Jazz."

Leslie Summery, winner of this year's Billie Holiday Vocal Competition's RUBY Award, will perform with The Rodney Kelley Experience in Glover's honor. Glover helped to organize the Billie Holiday competition.

The Holiday Sing showcases local choirs from a variety of backgrounds. It is sponsored by WEAA FM Radio, 88.9 FM, UniSun, the William G. Baker Jr. Memorial Fund and March Funeral Homes.

Continue reading "Holiday Sing to honor Ruby Glover" »

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 12:05 AM in Events | Permalink
                       

The Morgan State University Choir and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra took to the stage last night at the Meyerhoff to perform a version of the classical Handel's Messiah, which was written in 1741.

They will perform the holiday show again tonight at the Strathmore in Bethesda. The show starts at 8 p.m. There's another family concert Saturday in Baltimore at 11 a.m. at the Meyerhoff.

"Billed as 'Too Hot to Handel' and subtitled 'The Gospel Messiah,' this kinetic reworking of a baroque masterpiece refashions the music through several contemporary styles — jazz, R&B and rock, as well as gospel,'' writes Baltimore Sun critic Tim Smith.

Read about what you can expect in Smith's story , which also includes ticket information.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 11:43 PM in Events | Permalink
                       

There will be thousands of events to attend on Jan. 20, when President-Elect Barack Obama becomes the first African-American president to be sworn into office.

The cost of most of these events will more than likely be expensive, costing thousands of dollars for a historic night of celebration.

Add to the list the Legends Ball at the Marriott Wardman Park in Washington, which will be hosted by Dionne Warwick and gospel artist Yolanda Adams.

Featured performances will come from gospel artists Kirk Franklin, Marvin Sapp, The Caravans, and Smokie Norful.

Other acts include Rodney Atkins, George Clinton, Chaka Khan, The Temptations (Dennis Edwards), Harold Melvin's Blue Notes, and the H.B. Barnum Orchestra. The dress code is formal: tuxedos, ball gowns and "all of your finery."

That same night, there will be an "Urban Ball" hosted by Ludacris.

For more on both events, click here.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 9:16 AM in Events | Permalink
                       

Grammy Award-winning artist Sandi Patty, who is known as "The Voice," will be in Baltimore later this month performing with the BSO and the African Children's Choir.

But before she arrives here, Patty's making a few concert stops.

Read this article about her stop in Hattiesburg, Miss.

Patty will be featured in the annual Holiday Spectacular at the Meyerhoff from Dec. 12-23.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 8:39 AM in Events | Permalink
                       

Bethel AME Outreach of Love Choir and Greater Paradise Christian Center Mass Choir, two groups that performed during the UniSun Gospel Celebration in September, are taking the stage this weekend as part of Holiday Sing at the Harbor.

Holiday Sing is a free vocal music festival featuring music groups such as the Community College of Baltimore County Essex Chamber Ensemble, Maryland Mass Gospel Choir, Kids LEAD, Western High School's Sounds Unlimited and other groups.

The outdoor assembly will take place at the Harborplace Amphitheater Dec. 6 from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and Dec. 7 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Greater Paradise and Bethel are scheduled to perform Dec. 6.

Event organizers ask that the public donate a new book, unwrapped toy or canned good, which will be donated to The Preston Mitchum, Jr. Foundation and the Baltimore Reads Book Bank.

Organizer Cheryl Goodman will discuss Holiday Sing on WEAA 88.9 FM today at 11:20 a.m. Kids LEAD will be on "The Morning News" on WBFF TV 45 on Dec. 5 to promote the event.

Holiday Sing 2008 is presented by Harborplace & The Gallery and produced by Eagle Arts & Entertainment Services, Inc. Co-sponsors include WEAA 88.9 FM; UniSun, a product of The Baltimore Sun Media Group; William G. Baker Jr. Memorial Fund; and March Funeral Homes.

For additional information, visit www.holidaysing.info or call 410-370-8994.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 11:00 AM in Events | Permalink
                       

Singer Heather Headley, who is set to release a gospel CD Audience of One in January, is one of the headliners for The Lighting of the Macy's Great Tree, a 61-year-old tradition. The Thanksgiving night event is held at Lenox Square in Atlanta.

Headley is a Tony and Grammy Award-winning Broadway actress who will share the spotlight with other stars, including Jewel and Michael Warren.

Entertainment Tonight's Jann Carl will be there to help host the TV special, which will be broadcast nationally throughout the holiday season.

SOURCE: broadwayworld.com

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 12:00 PM in Events | Permalink
                       

The Clark Sisters have had a remarkable year, after winning several Grammys and other awards for their latest effort The Clark Sisters: Live - One Last Time.

Still, they are considered an unsung gospel group. Their story will be featured as one of four segments on the new TV One series "UnSung," which will begin airing tomorrow at 7 p.m. The series is a one-hour biographical look at artists or groups who have made a living in the spotlight but never achieved superstardom.

The show starts with a look at the group Debarge. The show will also look at the lives of soulful crooner Donny Hathaway and Phyllis Hyman.

To read more, go the Afro-American.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 11:50 PM in Events | Permalink
                       

Dove- and Stellar Award-winning artist Martha Munizzi will be in concert Dec. 6 at Pleasant Grove Christian Community Church in Frederick.

Munizzi headlines a night of gospel music that includes other local acts and will be hosted by R&B artist Lil' Mo and gospel artist Phillip Bryant.

Tickets for the 7 p.m. building fundraiser are $25, and can be purchased online at brownpapertickets.com from Shepherd's Table Bookstore. Tickets can also be purchased through the church office at 301-253-0107. Go to pleasantgroveccchurch.org for more information.

Munizzi's latest CD is Change The World.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 10:38 AM in Events | Permalink
                       

Micah Stampley, who this month released the CD Ransomed, will be performing Sunday at the Greater Mount Calvary Holy Church's 10:45 a.m. service, according to a release from his publicist.

Stampley's project has 16 tracks, including "The Corinthian Song,'' "Be Encouraged,'' "Ransomed,'' and "Lend Your Song to Me.''

To hear samples of his CD, go to Amazon.com.

The church is located at 610 Rhode Island Ave. NE.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 4:36 PM in Events | Permalink
                       

Dottie Peoples and Vashawn Mitchell will appear on "Christmas with Ami Rushes" at 4 p.m. today on the gospel cable station Word Network.

The show will include the debut of Rushes' latest Christmas video “Mary Did You Know.”

The show also includes appearances by Jawn Murray of the Tom Joyner Morning Show, Teresa Hairston of Gospel Today Magazine and Veda Brown of Black Gospel Promo.

The show will repeat on the Word Network at the following times:

Tuesday, 6 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 2 - 4 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 6 - 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 9 - 6 p.m.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 8:48 AM in Events | Permalink
                       

Bob Marley's "One Love" and Bob Dylan's "I'll Remember You", are on the Soweto Gospel Choir's new CD, Live at The Nelson Mandela Theatre.

The CD was recorded at Mandela's apartment.

"Mandela, South Africa's 90-year-old former president, is both a fan and an active supporter of the choir,'' according to anarticle about the choir.

"Every time there's a special occasion, like his birthday, we're invited by him to sing," says Shimmy Jiyane, the choir's leader and choreographer. "When we won Grammy awards for our two previous albums, Blessed and African Spirit, we took them to him because he's such an inspiration for us. Whatever we do, it's for him and our country. We often go to sing for the kids in his foundation [the Nelson Mandela Foundation]. He likes people who give back to the community when they're successful..''

The choir is on its U.S. tour and will be in Bethesda at the Strathmore in December.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 11:30 AM in Events | Permalink
                       

Gospel artist and radio host Donnie McClurkin will perform Friday and Saturday with the Soulful Symphony, which will open its 2008-2009 season in "Say Amen Somebody.''

McClurkin, who recorded a CD late last month, will sing some of his hits, including "Stand" and "We Fall Down" -- two songs that have become Christian anthems. No word on on when the CD will be released.

McClurkin and the symphony will perform twice in this series, on Friday night at the Music Center at Strathmore and Saturday at the Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. Both performances are at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20-$65. Go to ticketmaster.com.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 1:30 PM in Events | Permalink
                       

The Soweto Gospel Choir sings more traditional African music than it does African-American gospel. Still, its message is about the Christian faith.

Many of its songs speak to South African pride, says a newspaper in Ann Arbor, Mich., where the group will be in concert tonight. The group's music grew out of South Africa's struggle during apartheid, a system of legalized racism against the black majority.

Read the story here.

The Soweto Gospel Choir will visit the Music Center at Strathmore, Bethesda, on Dec. 12.

To see a complete schedule, go to the Soweto Gospel Choir web site.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 2:30 PM in Events | Permalink
                       

The How Sweet The Sound church choir contest in Los Angeles, sponsored by Verizon Wireless, was a star-studded red carpet affair.

Stars such as Sanaa Lathan, Mekhi Phifer and Robin Thicke sat in the audience at the Memorial Sports Arena Monday.

Contestants can win up to $50,000 and the opportunity to be featured on V CAST.

Getty Images photos of (from left) Mekhi Pfifer, Sanaa Lathan, Javen and Robin Thicke courtesy of Verizon.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 12:00 PM in Events | Permalink
                       

Betty Wright has a song called the "Clean Up Woman'' about a woman who will take a man when his own wife or girlfriend neglects his needs.

This oldie but goodie has a lot in common with the play by the same name and similar theme directed by J.D. Lawrence, which opens Tuesday night at the Murphy Fine Arts Center.

Lawrence says the lessons of "The Clean Up Woman'' apply to men and women.

The gospel play, which stars Jackee' Harry, Telma Hawkins and George Wilborn, among others, is a dramedy that will keep the audience laughing and thinking.

"It's a family-oriented show,'' he said recently while the cast was practicing. "It has adult themes, but it will not jeopardize who you are as a Christian.''

Lawrence is often compared to Tyler Perry.

"I'm very honored by that,'' Lawrence said of the comparison. "But I don't think he has opened doors for me. God has opened every door that I have. When it's your season, it's your season.''

"The Clean Up Woman'' has traditional and contemporary gospel music as its backdrop, including Marvin Sapp's "Never Would Have Made It,'' and "Your Blessing is Here, Right Now.''

The show continues through Sunday. Click here for times and ticket information.
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Posted by Karlayne Parker at 8:03 PM in Events | Permalink
                       

• To see photos of the concert, click here.

A capacity crowd stood to its feet, clapped and waved their hands, as they listened intently Saturday night to songs by five area choirs and two national artists at the third annual Macy's presents UniSun Gospel Concert at the Lyric Opera House.

Bethel AME's Outreach of Love Choir, Southern Baptist Church's Maximum Anointing Choir, Divine Voices of Praise from Ark Church, Greater Paradise Christian Center Mass Choir and El Shaddai Temple Mass Choir delivered songs of faith such as "For Every Mountain,'' "Amazing Grace,'' "Be Still and Now" and "He Keeps Blessing Me.''

The spirit of the night was taken even higher by national recording artists Donald Lawrence and Jason Nelson.

Nelson, pastor of Greater Bethlehem Temple in Randallstown, sang some of his older but notable songs such as "I Shall Live'' and "Know It's Alright.'' He set the stage for Lawrence, a Stellar and Grammy Award-winning artist.

Lawrence, accompanied by background singers, sang from his catalog of songs made popular with the Tri-City Singers, a choir he led for 13 years.

The capacity crowd sang along with songs such as "Encourage Yourself,'' "Giants'' and "Seasons.'' At times in his presentation, Lawrence seemed to have the audience in a trance.

The evening was capped with Lawrence's "Blessings of Abraham,'' sung in unison by the five choirs, Nelson and Lawrence.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 10:11 PM in Events | Permalink | Comments (6)
                       

The Ark Church Divine Voices of Praise choir, which will be releasing its first CD later this year, will be in concert at twice this weekend.

Locally, check them out at the Lyric Opera House as part of the third annual Macy's presents UniSun Gospel Concert on Saturday at 7 p.m. with four other local choirs. Donald Lawrence and Baltimore's own Jason Nelson will headline the event.

Today, Ark will compete against choirs from these Washington and Maryland area churches: Miracle Temple Non Denominational Church, Southern Baptist Church Praise and Worship Center, Union Temple Baptist Concert Choir, Byrdges, Greater Canaan Land Church, andRedeemed Christian Church of God as part of Verizon's How Sweet the Sound contest.

We wish them the best as they vie for the opportunity to compete in the contest finals held in Atlanta in November.

To read more about the Verizon contest, click here..

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 2:00 PM in Events | Permalink | Comments (1)
                       

Elder David T. Stokes of Marantha Apostolic Temple will celebrate his 12th anniversary with the church Friday night in a program that features Stellar Award-winning artist Maurette Brown Clark of Baltimore.

The 7:30 p.m. program will be held at 701 E. 25th St. Tickets are $20 in advance.

For more information, go to the church Web site.

Clark won a Stellar for her latest CD The Dream, which includes her hit songs "It ain't Over'' and "One God.''

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 9:30 AM in Events | Permalink
                       

WCAO Heaven 600 on-air personality Doresa Harvey and the One Accord Gospel Quartet will headline a locally written and produced play by Ursula V. Battle called "DisChord in the Choir.''

The performance at Coppin State University's James Weldon Johnson Auditorium also includes
appearances by "Grandma Gee," "Miss Maybelle," "Brenda O," Travis Winkey, legendary Arena Players actress Verna Day, Bishop Alonzo Jones of Family Life Ministries and Carlton C. Douglass.

"DisChord in the Choir" is a gospel musical comedy set in a small church called Pressing Forward in the Name of the Lord Tabernacle on the Hill Hallelujah Baptist Church. The focal point of the play is the discord that follows the death of the longtime organist. The search for a new musician proves to be a challenge that extends from the choir to the usher board and to the entire congregation.

And of course, the play has a spiritual message. Battle, who is director of the Office of University Relations at Coppin, has written other stage productions, including "The Teachers' Lounge."

Four shows are scheduled for "DisChord in the Choir": Sept. 19 at 7:30 p.m., Sept. 20 at 7:30 p.m., Sept. 21 at 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. On Friday night only, VIP tickets are available for $50, which include preferred seating, a reception and an opportunity to meet-and-greet the cast.

For tickets and information, contact Ursula V. Battle at 410-262-4809 or Dena Wane at 410-409-6327. Or visit www.dischordinthechoir.com.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 11:30 AM in Events | Permalink | Comments (3)
                       

The Blind Boys of Alabama and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band are on tour, beginning next week.

They stop by The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in D.C. on Sept. 28.

The tour comes months after the two released a CD, "Down In New Orleans." The CD is a tribute to the Big Easy, which has weathered tragedy in the past several years, including the most recent storms and Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

In a taped interview, one of the members of The Blind Boys of Alabama said the group wanted to record in New Orleans so they could leave a message with the people that through faith, everything would be all right.

To read a review of the CD, click here.

To read more about the group and its tour, click here.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 3:12 PM in Events | Permalink
                       

I dropped in on the Gospel Music Channel's Christmas Carol-oke Summer Jam event last weekend at Owings Mills Mall.

Although the people trickled in, the sound of the beautiful voices was music to the ears of everyone in attendance. I'll share footage of the event later today.

For those who think they can sing, here's another opportunity to prove it.

Comcast Cable and the Gospel Music Channel will hold auditions on Saturday at 11 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at the Westfield Annapolis mall. Contestants are invited to sing Christmas carols for a chance to win a trip for two to Atlanta in December to appear on GMC's The Kitchen Sink. Call 410-513-3155 for more information.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 9:13 AM in Events | Permalink
                       

You can hit the high seas in November with the wind at your back, the sun on your face and sounds of cool jazz in your ear during the Dave Koz And Friends At Sea Caribbean cruise.

About 40 artists will partake in the annual ritual, including guitarist Jonathan Butler and Deniece Williams, whose style includes pop and gospel music. The weeklong cruise launches from Fort Lauderdale on Nov. 2.

Learn more about the cruise here.

2006 handout photo of Deniece Williams

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 8:07 AM in Events | Permalink
                       

Listening to Jason Nelson singing from his catalog of music is like listening to a soft spoken preacher who gently blends music and Bible verse to convey an intended message.

That's how it felt at a recent concert at a District Heights church, where Nelson and his group of musicians sang for 40 minutes.

Much of the music was solemn, but powerful and uplifting for a night that was built on learning how to worship in song.

Nelson didn't take that night's concert, or even his success as a rising gospel artist, for granted.
He's had two solo contemporary gospel CDs, "I Shall Live," which was recorded live in Baltimore and released in 2005, and "Place of Worship,'' which was released today.

Nelson says the music complements his ministry as pastor of Greater Bethlehem Baptist Church in Randallstown.

"It's great to be a blessing to the people,'' Nelson said. "Being the pastor of a church enhances me as a psalmist. You can really set the the tone.''

Continue reading "Jason Nelson's gospel complements his preaching" »

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 3:30 PM in Events | Permalink
                       

Mighty Clouds of Joy celebrates its 48th anniversary Aug. 30 at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church of Lanham.

The 4 p.m. program also includes performances by: The Canton Spirituals; Swanee Quintet; The Fantastic Violinaires; The Sensational Nightingales; The Windy City Spiritualaires; Rev. Charles McClain; Larry Goodwin & the Divine Shepherds; Joe White & Company; The Queens of Faith and more.

Earlier this year, the group lost one of its members, Michael Cook, who died of an apparent heart attack. To read my post about Cook's death, click here.

To read more about Mighty Clouds of Joy, click here.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 7:30 AM in Events | Permalink | Comments (1)
                       

Michael W. Smith and Steven Curtis Chapman, both contemporary gospel artists, hit the tour trail in October.

The duo will come to Bethesda's Music Center at Strathmore on Oct. 31 at 7:30 p.m.

Smith sang at a memorial for Chapman's daughter, who died in a tragic accident in the driveway of the family home.

The men will perform music from their respective CDs. Chapman's This Moment CD was released last October. Smith has a new CD, A New Hallelujah, with an expected release of Oct. 28.

To read more about the tour, click here.

To read more about the Chapman tragedy, click here.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 1:33 PM in Events | Permalink
                       

Dorinda Clark Cole, one of the Clark Sisters, will not be in concert but will be speaking at 8 p.m. Friday at Pillar of Truth Church of the Apostolic Faith, 2505 E Madison St., her publicist clarified last night.

But don't be surprised if she sings before she delivers her spirit of gospel in word.

In addition to being a gospel artist, Cole has several other projects she is working on - all connected to spreading the gospel.

She will soon have her own self-titled entertainment program on TCT Television Network, which airs on DIRECT TV; she will host a nationally syndicated radio program, called “Serving up Soul with Dorinda Clark Cole,'' which will air later this year; and she most recently taped two songs from the CD Take It Back for the upcoming season of BET’s Bobby Jones Gospel.

Cole's CD, released last spring, is her third solo album, It's No. 14 on Billboard's top gospel album chart.

I saw Cole in April at 1st Mariner Arena soon after she and her sisters won a Grammy for The Clark Sisters Live: One Last Time.

Cole shows her enthusiasm for gospel music in word and dance. To read a Q&A with Cole, visit Gospelflava.com.

For more information about the Baltimore performance, call 410 276-1655.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 8:38 AM in Events | Permalink
                       

Next month make sure your calendar is open for the opportunity to attend various gospel music events, which will be going on as part of Gospel Music Month.

The Baltimore Sun is hosting the Macy's presents UniSun Gospel Concert at the Lyric Opera House. The event includes five local choirs and a concert by Stellar Award-winning artist Donald Lawrence featuring our own Jason Nelson, who has worked with Lawrence and his twin brother, Jonathan Nelson with Purpose in previous years.

For more information, go to lyricoperahouse.com. Tickets are $20 and are available at the Lyric or ticketmaster.com.

I'll be posting other events throughout September.

NPR has a discussion of how Gospel Music Heritage Month came in to existence here.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 12:21 PM in Events | Permalink
                       

Gospel artist E. Ricky Fowler of Baltimore will be remembered in a services
at First Apostolic Faith Church on Saturday.

The service, which will begin at 10 a.m. at the church on South Caroline Street, will include a 100-voice choir assembled specifically for the occasion. Those wanting to participate in this choir are invited to practice Wednesday and Friday. Call Heaven 600 AM at 410-366-7600 for details.

Fowler died Thursday, according to Rhemamedia.com, which designs Fowler's web site, www.erickyfowlerministries.com. The cause of death has not been made public.

Fowler performed with some of gospel's elite, including the late Rev. James Cleveland, the late Rev. Isaac Douglas, Shirley Caesar, The Williams Brothers, The Mighty Clouds of Joy, Dr. Bobby Jones, and John P. Kee and many more, according to his Web site.

He was ordained in 1997 by Rev. Errol Gilliard, Sr of the Greater Harvest Baptist Church in Baltimore. Until his death, he served as a National Evangelist of Transforming Word Ministries.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 7:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
                       

Marvin Winans Jr., son of the legendary Marvin Winans Sr., is stepping into the gospel music world with the release of his new single "Never Let Me Down'' from his CD Image of a Man, to be released next month.

The single is a Caribbean-style gospel song produced by Rodney Jerkins, who has worked with Jennifer Lopez, Michael Jackson and Beyonce.

Winans, formerly of Winans Phase 2, is also making his acting debut this week with a cameo appearance in Love Forgotten, a musical by Washington playwright Patrice Reynolds. The play is based on her book, Let Tomorrow Come, Breaking the Cycle of Bad Relationship.

Winans' mother is gospel diva Vicki Winans, who is most notably called "the hardest working woman in gospel."

Previews of the play are 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the Duke Ellington Theater, 35th and R streets, N.W., Washington. The play will also run Aug. 30 and Aug. 31.

Tickets are $25 to $35 and available at www.ellingtonschool.org or www.opticadais.com.