After a virtual year in 2020, a return to previous home sites of Atlanta and Nashville, the Stellar Gospel Music Awards return to the city that truly never sleeps! And, how could you with BIG events at each corner of the city? The Stellar Gospel Music Awards’ return to Las Vegas is heralded but the biggest night in gospel music isn’t the biggest event in the city. The Stellar Awards join the NBA Summer League action, Usher Raymond’s residency at Park MGM, Chris Tucker’s weekend at the Wynn Resort, the WNBA All-Star game, AAU West Coast Championships, AGT Super Stars LIVE, countless musical reviews and attractions.
However, the biggest night in gospel music could be getting even bigger! With a return to Las Vegas, the Stellar Awards are making room for gospel music lovers from all around the world. Early indications are that Saturday’s show is nearly sold out so if you plan to be there, you should probably have already bought your ticket!
The city is excited, the gospel music industry is excited but no one is more excited than Chairman & CEO, Central City Productions, Inc. Founder & Chairman, Stellar TV Network, Mr. Don Jackson. He says of this year’s Stellar Awards, “We’re back in Vegas and we’re there because the Stellar Awards has grown and to accommodate all of these wonderful nominees, the press, the performers and their families and all of that we have more than enough room in Vegas and we’re just so delighted at how they are receiving us at the Orleans arena.”
With the lineup that we have, I feel like a kid again!
Jackson continues, “They are happy to see us coming back to the Orleans. Vegas is a wonderful atmosphere for our pre-show, our involvement with the radio partners and radio stations where we are giving awards…” On Wednesday, during the Stellar Awards Youth Symposium, Mr. Jackson and the Central City Productions were honored with a proclamation proclaiming Saturday July 15th, Stellar Gospel Music Awards Day in Las Vegas by Councilman Cedric Crear.
Youth in attendance were treated to a sit down with Pastor Mike, Jr. and a dance session with celebrity choreographer Rosero McCoy. This year’s performing and visual arts camp carries a theme of passing the torch and Mr. Jackson seems to have passed the torch to his daughter Rhonda Jackson-Simmons who is behind much of the 2023 community involvement effort. This year, Central City Productions introduced the Stellar+ Experience which features one of a kind experiences with gospel music lovers, artists, media and friends leading up to Saturday’s big show.
The Stellar+ Experience comprises highly informative and engaging events as well as new events engaging gospel music lovers, artists, their representation and working media. This year’s show is hosted by Tasha Cobbs- Leonard and Jonathan McReynolds, transformative artists whose connections to listeners extend well beyond the confines of gospel music. Top nominees this year are: Pastor Mike, Jr. (10), Tye Tribbett (9), Maverick City x Kirk Franklin (6), Tasha Cobbs-Leonard (5), Zacardi Cortez (5). Other notable artists with multiple nominations include: Travis Greene & Forward City, JJ Hairston, Maranda Curtis, Bishop S.Y. Younger feat. Sounds of the Ramp, and Brent Jones.
CeCe Winans returned like she never left. After a 10 year hiatus, everything she has since touched has turned golden, adding another tier to her already legendary status. Acknowledging her return to dominance in both gospel and Christian music, Winans will receive the Aretha Franklin Icon Award. This year’s James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award will honor Reverend Milton Biggham, Pastor of the Mt. Vernon Baptist Church in Newark, NJ and founder of several mass choirs – The Miami Mass Choir, The Mississippi Mass Choir, the Dallas Fort Worth Mass Choir, and the Georgia Mass Choir. Songstress extraordinaire, Dottie Peoples will receive the Ambassador Dr. Bobby Jones Legend Award and Dr. Bobby Jones, recognized as a global ambassador of gospel music will receive the Thomas A. Dorsey Most Notable Achievement Award for his indelible contributions to gospel music.
The Stellar Awards have if nothing else a home away from home in Las Vegas. And with community roots growing and deepening, “sin city” could soon be known in posterity as “Stellar City.” Flights are landing, the saints are hitting the strip and over on Tropicana Avenue at the Orleans Arena, gospel music lovers are preparing to rock the arena and raise the roof with praise!
The Stellar Gospel Music Awards pre-show begins Friday night at 5 PM and the 38th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards begin at 4:30 Saturday afternoon. Record temps in the forecast, get your reprieve in the coolest seats in the city when the gospel music industry converges on the Orleans Arena for the 38th Stellar Gospel Music Awards. We’ll be there, stay tuned for our reports and red carpet coverage.
The Stellar Awards will premiere on the newly-launched Stellar TV network between July 24 and August 6, 2023, which can be found on Charter Spectrum, Verizon Fios and Xumo Play. Viewers may check with their local provider for availability in their area.
Central City Productions today announced the nominees in 25 categories for the 38thAnnual Stellar Gospel Music Awards taping on Saturday, July 15, returning to the Las Vegas Orleans Arena. The 38th edition of the Stellar Awards will premiere on the newly-launched Stellar TV between Monday, July 24 and August 6, 2023, as well as air in national broadcast syndication from August 7 through September 10, 2023. Gospel music’s most epic celebration is co-hosted this year by Gospel superstars and multiple Stellar Award winners Tasha Cobbs-Leonard and Jonathan McReynolds, who returns to share co-hosting duties for the 2nd year.
Don Jackson, Founder of the Stellar Awards and Chairman of Central City Productions, Inc. commented, “I am elated to celebrate this landmark 38th year of the Stellar Gospel Music Awards and its premiere on our very own newly-launched Stellar TV network. Our flagship show is one of the longest-running nationally televised African American awards programs in history – we couldn’t be more proud to bring this new inspirational network to viewers, while honoring the work of Gospel music artists and industry professionals who use their gifts to lift the spirits of many during troubling times. We look forward to another spectacular weekend of family-friendly entertainment in Las Vegas.”
Eleven-time Stellar Award winner Pastor Mike, Jr. leads the field of nominees this year with ten nominations. The trailblazing Gospel artist earned recognition this year for his work on the album “Winning” (Blacksmoke Music Worldwide), in the key categories of Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, Album of the Year, Producer of the Year, Male Artist of the Year, Contemporary Male Artist of the Year, Urban Inspirational Single or Performance of the Year, Rap/Hip Hop Song of the Year, Music Video of the Year and Contemporary Album of the Year.
With nine nominations, groundbreaking Gospel artist Tye Tribbett is being recognized by the voting body for excellence in the categories of Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, Male Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, Producer of the Year, Contemporary Male Artist of the Year, Contemporary Album of the Year, Rap/Hip Hop Song of the Year, Urban/Inspirational Single or Performance of the Year for his work on “All Things New” (Motown Gospel). In addition, the project received a nomination for Recorded Music Packaging of the Year, developed by Mike McKesey and Trent Nicholson.
Always appreciating a great musical collaboration, Stellar Awards voters recognized Maverick City Music x Kirk Franklin with six nominations for keeping the praise party elevated on their project “Kingdom Book One” (Tribl Records/Fo Yo Soul Recordings/RCA Inspiration), nominated in the categories of Artist of the Year, Contemporary Duo/Chorus Group of the Year, Song of the Year, Producer of the Year, Urban/Inspirational Single or Performance of the Year and Contemporary Album of the Year.
Stellar Awards 2023 co-host and fifteen-time winner Tasha Cobbs-Leonard continues to bless audiences with her gift and is rewarded this year with five nominations for her work on “Hymns” (TeeLee Records/Motown Gospel), including Artist of the Year, Albertina Walker Female Artist of the Year, Contemporary Female Artist of the Year, Praise and Worship Song of the Year, and Praise and Worship Album of the Year. Also earning five nominations each are Zacardi Cortez for his work on “Imprint” (Blacksmoke Music Worldwide), and DOE, nominated for the first time as a solo artist for her work on the album “Clarity” (Life Room Label/RCA Inspiration). DOE is going head-to-head with Cobbs-Leonard, Maranda Curtis, and legends CeCe Winans and Tamela Mann in the prestigious Albertina Walker Female Artist of the Year category. Mann, a sixteen-time Stellar Award winner, is nominated this year in four total categories for her project “Overcomer Deluxe” (Tillymann Music Group), including Album of the Year, Contemporary Album of the Year and Contemporary Female Artist of the Year.
Other artists earning multiple Stellar nominations include: Travis Greene & Forward City, JJ Hairston, Maranda Curtis, Bishop S.Y. Younger feat. Sounds of the Ramp, and Brent Jones.
An important tradition at the Stellar Awards, Founder Don Jackson will bestow special recognition upon Gospel greats who have elevated the genre. This year’s James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award will honor Reverend Milton Biggham, Pastor of the Mt. Vernon Baptist Church in Newark, NJ and founder of several mass choirs – The Miami Mass Choir, The Mississippi Mass Choir, the Dallas Fort Worth Mass Choir, and the Georgia Mass Choir.
The Stellar Awards also announced nominees for the Gospel Radio of the Year Awards in six categories, including Gospel Announcer of the Year. Those nominees include multiple Stellar Award winner Erica Campbell, host of the nationally-syndicated morning show, Get Up! Mornings With Erica Campbell; Darlene McCoy Jackson, host of The Nightly Spirit With Darlene on WPZE Praise 102.5FM in Atlanta, GA; Charles Johnson, from KOKA 980 AM in Shreveport, LA; and Melanie Pratt, host of Melanie In The Midday on WPZS Praise in Charlotte, NC.
The Stellar Awards show taping will return to The Orleans Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday, July 15, 2023 and is open to the public. Ticket prices range from $59 – $229, and are available now at www.ticketmaster.com. Additional announcements regarding ancillary events will follow. As previously noted, The Stellar Awards will premiere on the newly-launched Stellar TV network between July 24 and August 6, 2023, which can be found on Charter Spectrum, Verizon Fios and Xumo Play. Viewers may check with their local provider for availability in their area.
Some of the biggest names in Gospel will be appearing as participants in this year’s show – stay tuned for future announcements and follow @thestellars on Instagram and Twitter, or Stellar Gospel Music Awards on Facebook for the latest news and updates about the Greatest Night in Gospel Music.
The 38th Stellar Gospel Music Awards show is Executive Produced by Don Jackson, with Jennifer J. Jackson serving as Executive in Charge of Production and Producer. Michael A. Johnson will produce and direct this year’s award show.
Christmas this year is bound to sound a lot better with release of never before heard recordings and alternate takes of The Vince Guaraldi Trio’s “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” A few weeks ago, news broke that the iconic Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas Charlie Brown specials wouldn’t be airing on network television, this year. Instead, you can watch them exclusively on Apple TV+. Still, with the release of this Super Deluxe Edition of “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” music lovers have a chance to go inside the creative process that netted one of the most iconic Christmas AND jazz albums of our time. Now, music lovers everywhere can celebrate this album with 80 tracks of Guaraldi genius on LP’s, CD’s or digital downloads.
The iconic recording has influenced numerous covers, none more popular than the enduring Christmas carol, “Christmas Time Is Here.” Cyrus Chestnut’s 2000 replication of the album lionized the album and contemporized much of the flavor and flare of Vince Guaraldi’s incredible stylings. Each holiday season, the sounds of this album fill the air in some way, whether as background music in an ad, or to herald the season and command warm feelings with “Christmas Time Is Here.” Read more about once in a lifetime release in the press release provided by Craft Recordings.
“Consider this a ringside seat—a place of honor, watching and listening from the recording engineer’s booth—as the individual songs for this historic album were fine-tuned and ultimately laid down.”
Derrick Bang
CRAFT RECORDINGS ANNOUNCES DEFINITIVE, SUPER DELUXE EDITION OFA CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS FEATURING HOURS OF NEVER-BEFORE-HEARD RECORDINGS FROM THE VINCE GUARALDI TRIO
Recently certified 5x platinum by the RIAA, the newly mixed holiday classic will be available in a variety of special editions, while the original mix gets an annual refresh of colorful vinyl exclusivesSuper Deluxe 80-track digital collection and Deluxe Edition 2-LP set available now.
Deluxe Edition CD to release on November 4th with Super Deluxe 4-CD/1-Blu-ray audio box set coming December 2nd.
Craft Recordings proudly announces a definitive, bonus-filled edition of Vince Guaraldi’s timeless score from the beloved, 1965 animated PEANUTS® special, A Charlie Brown Christmas,from Charles Schulz and Lee Mendelson and Bill Melendez. While the album has remained a holiday staple for nearly 60 years (not to mention the best-selling jazz album of all time, alongside Miles Davis’ Kind of Blue, after earning 5x platinum certification by the RIAA in May), this latest edition showcases Guaraldi’s creative process like never before, thanks to hours of newly unearthed session tapes from Fantasy Records’ vaults. Now, fans can experience cues like “Christmas Time Is Here,” “O Tannenbaum,” and “Skating” as they take shape in the studio through dozens of previously unreleased alternate tracks.
In addition, the original 11-track album has been upgraded with a new stereo mix from the original two- and three-track sources by the GRAMMY® Award-winning engineer, Paul Blakemore. Both the new mix and original mix can be found along with hours of unreleased material on the Super Deluxe Edition(available as a 4-CD/1-Blu-ray Audio collection box set or as an 80-track digital release). The new stereo mix will also be available alongside a selection of thirteen studio outtakes on a Deluxe Edition2-LP or CD. The Super Deluxe 80-track digital collection and Deluxe Edition 2-LP are now available. The Deluxe Edition CD hits stores on November 4th with theSuper Deluxe 4-CD/1-Blu-ray audio box set coming December 2nd.
For those who prefer the classic mix, the perennial 1965 version of the album will come housed in a striking, embossed gold foil jacket for 2022, while a variety of collectible colored vinyl variants can be found exclusively at select retailers. Plus, a limited edition LP (750 copies), pressed on “Skating Pond” wax, is available exclusively at CraftRecordings.com. All gold foil versions are available now.
The Super Deluxe Edition offers fans an unparalleled deep dive into all aspects of A Charlie Brown Christmas—placing listeners in the studio as the musicians work through their arrangements. Disc one features the new stereo mix of the album, plus the original remastered 1965 mix, while disc two through four offer more than 50 never-before-heard outtakes from five recording sessions, as Guaraldi and his bandmates craft cues like “Christmas Is Coming” and “Skating.” Disc five delivers the new stereo mix in hi-resolution audio, as well as Dolby Atmos® on Blu-ray audio.
Housed in a hardcover book, the collection guides fans through the entire recording process, thanks to new, in-depth liner notes by Derrick Bang—a PEANUTS® historian and author of Vince Guaraldi at the Piano (McFarland & Company). Rounding out the package is a special message from the family of Lee Mendelson, the late Emmy® and Peabody Award-winning producer and co-creator of the PEANUTS® animated specials. Condensed liner notes are also included in the CD and 2-LPDeluxe Editions, which feature the 2022 stereo mix of the album, plus 13 highlights from the outtakes (see track lists below).
When A Charlie Brown Christmas first aired on December 9, 1965, no one expected just how monumental the half-hour animated special would be. While based on Charles M. Schulz’s immensely popular PEANUTS® comic strip, TV executives were wary of the unconventional format, which featured the voices of child actors, a jazz score, and no laugh track—all unprecedented for the era. Their worries, however, proved to be unfounded. Not only did the Emmy and Peabody Award-winning special capture nearly half of America’s TV audience that night, but it would quickly become an essential holiday classic and launch one of the 20th century’s most popular franchises.
It all began in 1964, when producer Lee Mendelson set out to make a TV documentary titled A Boy Named Charlie Brown about Charles Schulz and his beloved comic strip. To score the film, he hired Vince Guaraldi—a fast-rising Bay Area jazz artist—best known at the time for his GRAMMY®-winning instrumental crossover hit, “Cast Your Fate to the Wind.” Although the documentary never made it to the airwaves, Mendelson was struck by Guaraldi’s sophisticated work. When A Charlie Brown Christmas was greenlit one year later, he sought out the musician once again, marking the beginning of a long and successful creative partnership.
Yet, while many fans of Guaraldi and PEANUTS® are well acquainted with the history of the special, the story of how the music was actually made has never been told, until now. Thanks to the dialogue captured on these session tapes, Guaraldi’s creative process—as he worked alongside Mendelson and director Bill Melendez to craft the festive score—finally comes to light.
“The wealth of music captured in these half-dozen sessions is—in a word—amazing,” marvels Derrick Bang in his liner notes. “It’s also fascinating to observe how a given tune evolves, over the course of the six weeks these sessions took place, from September 17 through October 28, 1965…. Along the way, you’ll hear all manner of false starts, initially terrific takes that collapse when Guaraldi fluffs a few notes, and outré experiments that sound almost nothing like what we know today.” He continues, “Consider this a ringside seat—a place of honor, watching and listening from the recording engineer’s booth—as the individual songs for this historic album were fine-tuned and ultimately laid down.”
The five sessions featured in the Super Deluxe box set (captured at the Bay Area’s Fantasy Studios and Studio 16, as well as Southern California’s Whitney Recording Studio) are presented in their entirety, including blown takes and cross-chatter between the members of Guaraldi’s trio (bassist Monty Budwig and drummer Colin Bailey for many of them, as well as bassist Fred Marshall and drummer Jerry Granelli for others).
Among the highlights are 18 takes of “Christmas Is Coming,” a lively, bossa nova-influenced tune that took longer than others to take shape, as Guaraldi struggled to find a conclusion to the song and experimented with instrumentation and stylistic choices. Another selection, “Skating,” transforms over ten takes. The trio can be heard playing around with a series of energetic keyboard and drum bridges, which, Bang writes, are “marvelous from a jazz standpoint, but definitely too aggressive for the scene this tune is intended to back.”
Listeners will also hear Guaraldi putting his own touch on traditional fare, like “Greensleeves” and “O Tannenbaum.” Bang points out that one of the latter song’s outtakes actually appeared in the animated special, “immediately after Linus tells us ‘what Christmas is all about,’ as Charlie Brown exits the school theater carrying his forlorn little tree.” An outtake of “Linus and Lucy,” which became the instantly recognizable PEANUTS® theme, finds Guaraldi taking a fresh approach with the tune, which was first released in 1964 on Jazz Impressions of a Boy Named Charlie Brown. It was this earlier version, however, that ultimately appeared on A Charlie Brown Christmas.
Another favorite is “Christmas Time Is Here” which is presented on the original album in both instrumental and vocal versions. Initially, the song was written as an instrumental cue. But when Mendelson saw the opening sequence paired with the music, it seemed like something was missing. “I felt we should get some lyrics, and some voices,” Mendelson told Bang. “We couldn’t find anybody to write the lyrics, and I called all my Hollywood friends who were songwriters. But nobody took the assignment, so I sat down, and in about 10 minutes wrote the words to ‘Christmas Time Is Here’ on an envelope.”
Guaraldi enlisted young singers from San Rafael’s St. Paul’s Church Choir to perform the song (the children also served as stand-ins for the PEANUTS® gang as they sang “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing.”) Several of these singers shared their memories with Bang, including Dan Bernhard. “Vince and Lee wanted kids who sounded like kids,” he explained. “They used a version of ‘Hark, the Herald Angels Sing’ that was slightly out of tune, and [St. Paul’s Choir director Barry Mineah] threw a fit. But Vince and Lee used that one on purpose; we did a whole bunch of takes that were perfect, but they didn’t want those.”
Of course, it’s all of these imperfections that make the score to A Charlie Brown Christmas so…perfect. More than half a century later, new generations continue to fall in love with the holiday special and its enduring music, while year over year, the album remains one of the top-selling holiday and jazz albums. Remarkably, in 2021, A Charlie Brown Christmas reached its highest spot ever on the Billboard 200, landing at No. 6—56 years after its release. Among other honors, the multi-platinum soundtrack has been inducted into the GRAMMY® Hall of Fame and was added to the Library of Congress’s National Recording Registry.
39TH ANNUAL CEREMONY SET TO BE CO-HOSTED BY 2X EMMY AWARD WINNER LONI LOVE & RADIO PERSONALITY/COMEDIAN RICKEY SMILEY
Central City Productions recently announced the nomineesin 36 categories for the 39th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards taping on Saturday, July 20th, returning to Las Vegas at the Orleans Arena. Hosted by Emmy Award-winning TV personality and comedian Loni Love, alongside Marconi Award-winning radio/TV personality and comedian Rickey Smiley, the evening will bring together gospel music’s brightest stars for a celebration billed as “The Greatest Night in Gospel Music.” The 39th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards will premiere on the Stellar Network on Saturday, August 3rd at 8PM and 10PM EST and in broadcast syndication from August 10, 2024 – September 8, 2024.
Last year, The SMG Report rode a historic heatwave to arrive front and center with your favorite gospel artists. Check out our 2023 Stellar Awards recap!
39TH STELLAR AWARDS SET TO AIR ON THE STELLAR TV NETWORK SATURDAY, AUGUST 3RD AT 8PM EST AND 10PM EST AND IN NATIONAL TV BROADCAST SYNDICATION FROM AUGUST 10, 2024 – SEPTEMBER 8, 2024;
Don Jackson, Founder of the Stellar Awards and Chairman of Central City Productions, Inc. commented, “The Stellar Awards has always been a beacon of hope and inspiration, celebrating the very best in gospel music. We are thrilled to have Loni Love and Rickey Smiley as our hosts this year, and we know they will bring a special touch of joy and excitement to the evening.”
Celebrated artist Kim Burrell is set to receive the Aretha Franklin Icon Award; and GRAMMY Award and multiple Stellar Award winner Tye Tribbett is set to receive the James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award.
Tye Tribbett Tops Nominations List With 8; Pastor Mike Jr. and Ricky Dillard Earn 6 Nominations; Jonathan McReynolds and Erica Campbell Earn 5 Nominations View All Nominations, HERE
Adding to the excitement, this year’s Stellar Awards is part of the STELLAR PLUS week, a fun-filled extravaganza centered around the flagship show. From fashion and Afrobeats day events to masterclasses and more, the Stellar Plus week offers a diverse array of activities for attendees. Whether you’re a music enthusiast, fashion lover, or someone seeking inspiration, there’s something for everyone. For those planning to attend, a full list of events and ticket information is available at stellarplusexperience.com. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to be a part of gospel music history and celebrate the artists who inspire us all. Stellar Plus events are sponsored by: Amazon Music, Compassion, The Recording Academy and more. Stellar Plus Event tickets are available now at stellarplusexperience.com.
Stellar Awards taping Tickets are available now at www.stellarawards.com or Ticketmaster.com. Additional announcements regarding ancillary events will follow. Some of the biggest names in Gospel will be appearing as participants in this year’s show – stay tuned for future announcements and follow @thestellars on Instagram and Twitter, or Stellar Gospel Music Awards on Facebook for the latest news and updates about the Greatest Night in Gospel Music.
This year’s Stellar Awards is Sponsored by Procter & Gamble with Presenting Sponsorship provided by AT&T, State Farm, McDonalds, Disney, Walmart, AFLAC and General Motors.
The 39th Stellar Gospel Music Awards show is Executive Produced by Don Jackson with Jennifer J. Jackson serving as Producer and Executive in Charge of Production; Michael A. Johnson as Producer and Director, Erin Johnson as Talent Producer and Daniel Moore as Music Director.
A full list of the 39th annual nominees can be found on the official Stellar Awards website. For more information, please visit stellarawards.com and join the conversation using the hashtag #TheStellars.
Jekalyn Carrinternationally acclaimed and award-winning artist, author, actress, speaker, and entrepreneur wants to meet you in Atlanta for her fourth annual Jekalyn Carr’s You Will Win! June 21–22, 2024 at the Georgia International Convention Center. The empowering experience is your opportunity to discover purpose, break molds, shatter social & economic barriers, and win in every aspect of your life! This experience is the ideal incubator for conscientious entrepreneurs, ministers, and anyone with aspirations for greater.
Panelists from different sectors of the mainstream marketplace, including finance, healthcare, ministry, and entertainment, will instruct, counsel, and inspire attendees through instructional panels and amusing discussions. This year’s panels and learning sessions center on aspects of “Winning in the Marketplace,” “Winning in Business (Brand Development and AI),” “Winning in Faith,” “Winning in Finances,” and “Winning in Health.” You won’t want to miss a moment of the life-changing weekend, guided by Carr’s dedication to a lifestyle of fasting and prayer.
Panelists from around the globe will join Carr to inspire with winning strategies and formulas for your journey to success. Egypt Sherod and Mike Jackson, Prophetess Leslie Osei, Laterras R. Whitfield, Premadonna, Apostle Ryan Lestrange, Kerry Douglas, Catherine Brewton,Jeff Speaks, Ms. Skittlez, Uyi Abraham, Body By Demond, Angelina Postoev, and Dr. Jeri Godhigh are all slated as panelists and session speakers for the weekend.
On Saturday afternoon, Carr will host the Honorary Winner’s Circle Gala featuring Alton Walker and Martha Munizzi. Gala attendance is limited to VIP registrants in honor of local Georgians, whose indelible contributions have profoundly impacted the lives of the communities they serve.
Nightly services are FREE and feature the ministries of Prophetess Dr. Mattie Nottage (Friday) and award-winning recording artist and pastor Travis Greene (Saturday). The Jekalyn Carr and Friends Finale Concert featuring Jonathan McReynolds, Evvie McKinney, Blanca, Aaron Cole, Emoni Wilkins, Jericho Worship, and other notable artists will cap the power-packed weekend full of empowerment and inspiration. Conference registration is ongoing at www.youwillwin.org, where you can secure entry to the conference, gala, and concert. Follow Jekalyn Carr on Instagram @JekalynCarr, Facebook, and on her website: IAMJekalynCarr.com
Together We Sing 2024 will pay tribute to the beloved Christian and Gospel recording artist Mandisa and feature performances by multi-platinum Stellar Award-winning legend Marvin Sapp, 2024 American Idol contestant Odell Bunton, Jr., Dallas Black Dance Theatre, and more.
The Dallas Symphony Orchestra (DSO) and Project Unity today announce Together We Sing, the annual musical and special event fundraiser benefiting Project Unity’s signature community programs. In its fourth year, this incredible evening of inspiring gospel and classical music will inspire unity with multi-faith musical collaborations. Tickets for the performance start at $49 and are available now at dallassymphony.org or projectunity.net.
The annual Together We Awards will return with a special award presentation to United States Senator Reverend Raphael G. Warnock, for his work to unify multi-faith leaders across our nation to leverage the power of love and empathy for diversity, equity, and inclusion. Project Unity developed this honor to recognize champions who are working tirelessly to create new paths to confront and dismantle racism. Honorees will be celebrated during the Together We Awards reception at 6 p.m. and presented during the concert.
The soul-stirring performance will begin at 7 p.m., featuring multi-platinum Stellar Award-winning gospel recording artist Marvin Sapp; 2024 American Idol contestant Odell Bunton, Jr.; a special tribute to Christian and gospel sweetheart Mandisa, who recently passed away; a multi-faith musical moment; a special performance by the world-renowned Dallas Black Dance Theatre to music composed by DSO’s Vice President of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Social Impact, Glyne A. Griffith II and Melvin Wellington Lightford; Hollywood-famed orchestrator and conductor Leon Lacey; the Dallas Symphony Orchestra; and the show-stopping 200-voice Unity Choir comprised of choruses from more than 20 religious and faith organizations.
Project Unity is pleased to announce its title sponsors and co-chairs from the Dallas business and philanthropy community for this year’s signature fundraiser, including:
Cheryl Alston, Dallas Employees’ Retirement Fund
Marena Gault, Dallas Symphony Association Board of Governors
Peter Gault, Dallas Symphony Association Executive Board
Carol Glendenning, Member, Clark Hill
Don Glendenning, Partner, Locke Lord
Tracey Nash-Huntley, Community Leader
David S. Huntley, Retired, SEVP and Chief Compliance Officer, ATT
Jill Scovell, Woodbine Development Corporation
Dupree Scovell, Woodbine Development Corporation
Title sponsors for the event include Communities Foundation of Texas, Dallas Symphony Orchestra, and Project Unity. Additional sponsors are listed here.
Together We Sing will benefit Dallas-based non-profit Project Unity, a collaborative effort of programming and events hosted in partnership with segments of the Dallas community including faith, business, civic, philanthropic, grassroots and government entities. Project Unity and the Dallas Symphony Orchestra have collaborated in multiple events, including Gospel Goes Classical in 2019, Together We Sing in 2023 and a Unity Concert presented at the Meyerson Symphony Center in 2020 that honored those who lost their lives to racial violence and injustice.
“We are very excited for our ongoing partnership with the DSO and to have the opportunity to bring performers and audience members of all backgrounds together to promote unity,” said Richie Butler, founder of Project Unity. “I can’t think of a better way to move forward in our mission of togetherness than through music.”
The partnership between Project Unity and the Dallas Symphony Orchestra blends community and music,” said Debi Pena, chief administrative officer of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. “We extend an invitation to everyone in Dallas to join us to witness the transformative force of music in fostering unity.”
Internationally acclaimed and award-winning artist/author/actress/speaker/entrepreneur – has announced the 2024 plans for her fourth annual Jekalyn Carr’s You Will Win! Conference. The event will be held June 21 – 22, 2024 in Atlanta, GA at the Georgia International Convention Center. Registration is now open and available at www.youwillwin.org.
Jekalyn Carr’s You Will Win! Conference is a natural extension of Carr’s ministry – designed for conscientious entrepreneurs and serves as a tool to empower people to break molds, shatter social & economic barriers, and to win in every aspect of their lives. The conference is the ideal incubator for those with the will to win. During this two-day conference, Carr will equip attendees with lessons from all sectors of the industry with knowledgeable experts, instructors, entrepreneurs, influencers, label executives, film, health, music, business owners, and more, who are leaders of their industry. The family-friendly conference will feature live music and panels like “Winning in the Marketplace,” “Winning in Entrepreneurship,” “Winning in Faith,” “Winning in the Family,” and “Winning in Health.” All are invited to take part in this life-changing weekend, which is guided by prayer.
Jekalyn Carr’s You Will Win! Conference will also feature the Honorary Winner’s Circle Gala where Carr will present awards to several individuals in honor of their contributions to the communities they serve. The selected honorees have made indelible contributions to the global communities of music, ministry, and marketplace. The conference announcement comes upon the heels of an extremely successful season for Carr – who recently earned her eighth #1 single as a writer and producer with “Live Again” as performed by Kelontae Gavin. Jekalyn Carr’s current self-titled offering, JEKALYN, is available for streaming and purchase at all major digital retailers now. Follow Jekalyn Carr on social media using the handle @JekalynCarr, visiting Facebook and on the You Will Win website at: www.youwillwin.org.
One woman’s quest to end youth violence through the arts has taken on a new meaning after a deadly shooting on the west side of Fort Worth. ShaVonne Davis is a Theatre Teaching Artist concerned with the way youth in Fort Worth “act.” This goes well beyond behavior, but the expression of their aspirations as well as frustrations. Davis began her “Conflict Resolution Through Theatre” workshops as a pathway to deter youth from fighting and gun violence that affect both school time and after-school interactions. Following a drive-by shooting on the city’s west side, Davis is again acting with compassion.
Neighbors in the Las Vegas Trail neighborhood said they’re shaken up and worried about everyone’s safety following the shooting Wednesday night.
ShaVonne Davis talks about her conflict resolution workshop in the Las Vegas Trail area of Fort Worth.
The surge in peer-to-peer violence has revealed a startling truth: both the victims and the perpetrators are younger than before. The “Conflict Resolution Through Theatre” workshop recognizes the need for intervention and works to prevent future violence by teaching young people conflict-resolution techniques that resolve disputes in safe and non-violent ways. Juvenile deaths from gun violence outnumber those from auto accidents, suicide, and other forms of homicide. No life is expendable and, with a renewed sense of the preciousness of life, students may find themselves working to help preserve life instead of harming each other.
Upon returning from Clark Atlanta University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre Arts, the Fort Worth native taught in the Fort Worth, Dallas, and Grand Prairie School Districts. While teaching, she realized the potency with which she could reach her students through her love of Theatre Arts. Mrs. Davis has led numerous community initiatives that provide citizens with access to food, clothing, toys, life skills, and much more. Maroon 9 Community Enrichment Organization and Acting With Mrs. Davis regularly collaborate to host programs to avert juvenile delinquency and steer youth in the direction of a future replete with possibilities for life beyond high school.
Davis’ youth acting troupe, “Kids Acting with Purpose” is preparing for a production of “Harriet Tubman: Take My Hand and Follow Me” written by Kathryn Schultz-Miller this summer and is still riding high on the heels of four sold-out shows of “Bone Soup: A Kwanzaa Story” at Fort Worth’s historic Jubilee Theater. When asked what drives her passion and desire to reach youth through theatre arts, Davis said, “There are so many life skills to be learned from the study of Theatre. It is not only acting, but public speaking, critical thinking, team building, culture, and self-confidence are all by-products of the academia of Theatre.”
In 2023, Davis held a symposium on teen violence at Southwest High School which gave students a chance to speak with law enforcement and community leaders about the rise in violent crime among teenagers. Davis began this year teaching her conflict resolution workshop at LVT Rise community center in the area where the shooting happened and looks forward to continuing programming throughout the city.
For more information about Kids Acting With Purpose or how to bring the “Conflict Resolution Through Theatre” workshop to your school, community center, or church, contact Mrs. ShaVonne Davis at 682-200-9261
Since its inception in 2008 at the 9th Annual Super Bowl Gospel Celebration (SBGC) in Phoenix, Arizona, all-NFL group The Players Choirhas become synonymous with soulful performances during the biggest weekend in sports, the annual Super Bowl Weekend. Developed by Super Bowl Gospel Celebration Founder and Executive Producer Melanie Few, the choir boasts a lineup of NFL superstars, including Super Bowl Champions, Pro Bowlers, NFL Men of the Year, and Pro Football Hall of Fame inductees.
In 2024, the choir had the honor of gracing the stage at the CBS Broadcast of the Super Bowl Soulful Celebration 25th Anniversary Special during Super Bowl LVIII week in Las Vegas. Sharing the stage with music icon Kirk Franklin and the Southern University Human Jukebox drumline, their electrifying performance showcased their talent and passion for music.
Additionally, the choir showcased their musical prowess at the prestigious NFL Honors ceremony, broadcast on CBS. Their performances extend beyond the football field, with appearances at various NFL games and charitable events benefiting organizations such as St. Jude Children’s Hospital and the American Cancer Society. From The White House to The House of Blues, their soul-stirring performances have left an indelible mark on audiences across the nation.
Looking ahead, the choir is gearing up for another unforgettable performance alongside fellow AGT alums, the Detroit Youth Choir, during the NFL Draft Concert Series, which will take place as part of the 2024 NFL Draft in Detroit.
As they celebrate 16 years of soulful performance, The Players Choir continues to inspire with their harmonious melodies, philanthropic endeavors, and unwavering dedication to excellence both on and off the field.
STARRING THE CHOSEN‘S YOSHI BARRIGAS & CATHERINE LIDSTONE,FAMILY FILM TO GIVE NEW SPIN ON THE EASTER STORY
Reel Big Studios, Pinnacle Peak Pictures (God’s Not Dead) and Fathom Events present the new inspirational drama Forty-Seven Days with Jesus starring The Chosen’s Yoshi Barrigas and Catherine Lidstone. The film will be distributed through Fathom Events and Pinnacle Peak Pictures and will be shown in more than 800 theaters across the country for three nights only: March 11, 12 and 14, getting audiences in the Easter spirit before the holiday weekend.
Forty-Seven Days with Jesus tells the heartwarming Easter tale centered on the Burdon family, led by Joseph (Yoshi Barrigas) and Juliana (Catherine Lidstone). When the Burdons attend a reunion at Poppa and Nonna’s ranch, they realize just how disconnected their family has become. Facing marital hiccups, teenaged angst and Poppa’s health hurdles, the adults decide to share Poppa’s enchanting ‘Forty-Seven Days’ story with the kids, transporting us back in time to see the miracles of Jesus’ final 47 days on Earth. When an unexpected business opportunity places Joseph at a crossroads, his commitment to his family is tested. Can the Burdons pull together in the face of uncertainty? With Poppa’s tale as their guide, they embark on a journey towards unity and rediscover the true essence of walking in faith.
Featuring an unforgettable original soundtrack, Forty-Seven Days with Jesus contains a powerful portrayal of Jesus’ life that reminds us all of The Gospel’s enduring impact.
Alongside Barrigas and Lidstone, Forty-Seven Days with Jesus also stars Cameron Arnett (Overcomer) and Joshua Triplett (Grey’s Anatomy). The film is directed by Emilio Palame and David M. Gutel who also wrote the film with the Executive Producer Rolland Jacks. Palame is producing alongside Donald Nguyen and Kristen Brancaccio for Reel Big Studios in conjunction with Vero Entertainment. Words and music written by Jacks, arrangements and orchestration by Palame (Nickelodeon’s Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide), vocal arrangements/production by Grammy Award-winner Darlene Koldenhoven (Sister Act 1 & 2) and underscore composed by Palame, Guy Moon and Michael O’Neill.
“This movie radiates hope. It’s about a modern-day family that is very relatable: they’re dealing with health challenges, they’re putting work first and they’re just so disconnected from one another,” shares Producer Kristen Brancaccio. “Forty-Seven Days with Jesus is a gentle, non-judgmental reminder to step back and reevaluate what really matters. Whether you’re someone who is seated in a pew every Sunday or knows absolutely nothing about the Easter story but wants to leave the theater feeling inspired—this movie has something for everyone.”
Tickets for the Forty-Seven Days with Jesus are available now for purchase HERE and can also be purchased via participating theater box offices. A complete list of theater locations (subject to change) can be found at Fathom Events.
For more information on Forty-Seven Days with Jesus, please visit FortySevenDaysFilm.com.
The Breathe Life Bible is available at major retailers including Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Walmart, as well as independent Christian bookstores.
In the aftermath of George Floyd’s death, Michele Clark Jenkins and Stephanie Perry Moore asked the Lord, “What shall we do in the face of continued injustice and oppression?” The answer came as the duo’s third Bible project with Thomas Nelson, “The Breathe Life Bible.” Looking to replace hopelessness and despair with hope scriptural clarity, the project aims to elucidate the truth of the gospel that racism and prejudice have for centuries obscured and tried to eliminate.
As believers around the world grappled with the aftereffects of a modern-day lynching, many believers grappled with what their response should be. Armed with their answer from God of what they should do, the Sisters in Faith sought the answer to with whom they should partner. Each contributor brought their wealth of gospel knowledge and principles for practical application to this project. What readers experience in “The Sky,” “The Air,” “We Speak,” “Life Support,” “Inhale-Exhale,” #Oxygen, and “Release,” sections clarify the immutable message of the gospel in a clarion call for believers for these ever-changing times.
Many Americans remain cynical about the role of faith in the pursuit of justice and equity. Given the track record, many are right in their skepticism of the impact of faith in this fight. While watching helpless unarmed citizens breathe their last breath at the hands of police brutality and racial violence, the puzzling paradox of how Christians should respond has become the precipice of a paradigm shift.
Features throughout the Bible include “The Sky” which in three captivating articles guides readers into deeper fellowship with God. In “The Air,” readers take a look at the content and themes of each book of the Bible. Uniquely, this section provides a 21st-century scriptural context relevant to people of color. “We Speak” guides the reading of the Bible through the lens of 49 people in the Bible. Readers will learn through their lived experiences to inspire faithful living today.
“Life Support” fosters a deep sense of discovery through the examination of 10 selected passages. In the passages, readers will discover God’s truth in palpable ways that inspire faith-filled action. “Inhale-Exhale” is a Q&A formatted section that addresses some of life’s most challenging scenarios. The sections provide scriptural support that empowers the reader to lean on their faith to overcome life’s issues when they feel powerless and susceptible to succumb to them.
#Oygen, the prevailing theme of the project, features 98 snippets and draws upon the wisdom of the Word to illuminate the deep truths of the Word that inspire action. “Release” brings the B.R.E.A.T.H.E. acronym into focus, with 49 devotions written by foremost Christian pastors and teachers. These lessons edify the readers, extract gospel truth, dispel injustice, and equip the reader to become a change maker.
Other contributors include Bishop Marvin Sapp, Bishop Vashti McKenzie, Pastor Debra B. Morton, Bishop Kenneth Ulmer, Dr. Franklin Perry, Sr., Dr. Charrita Danley Quimby, Dr. Eric Lee, Pastor Derrick Moore, Arthur Satterwhite, Pastor Tommy Kyllonen, Dr. Helen Delaney, Pastor Tommy Stevenson, LaKeesha Walrond, De’Leice Drane, First Lady Jamell Meeks, James Guitard, Dr. Lakeba Williams, Walter Kimbrough, and Jekalyn Carr.
The Breathe Life Bible’s include articles that explore Scripture through the lens of the BREATHE acronym (Believe, Reconcile, Exalt, Act, Trust, Hope, and Elevate), Q&A format articles addressing difficult life situations, short biographical profiles, and more features.
“I’m grateful for the team of editors and writers who have created the notes for The Breathe Life Bible,” said Philip Nation, vice president and publisher of Bibles for Thomas Nelson. “This is an edition that leads us to put action to our faith. I hope that their work will give everyone greater courage to stand strong during days that feel overwhelming, shed light on the dark places of this world, and activate us to walk boldly in faith.”
Believers searching for biblical guidance as they pursue justice in the world will find The Breathe Life Bible an important addition to their spiritual library.
For Jenell Jones and her family, adding a family member has been a journey filled with anything but joy and she wrote about the harrowing journey in her book, “Shattered.” Jones’ daughter Mercy is at the center of an ongoing yet enlightening ordeal for adoptive parents. Fostering and adopting children is heart work not for the faint of heart. This was well known to Jones and her family as they have welcomed several children to their home. What shook the Jones’ to their core was the undisclosed, underlying issues troubling her daughter, Mercy.
Not Without My Daughter
What unraveled in the aftermath is a harrowing journey to save a young lady and fight the system that sought to villainize the loving mother. As you can imagine, this has taken quite the toll on the Jones’. Her relentless pursuit of justice has put her at odds with everyone who work to help children like Mercy. How does this happen and how could it happen to a loving mother who wants nothing but the best for her children? Jones is working tirelessly to ensure this never happens to another parent and child while struggling to put her family’s broken pieces back together. Jones could simply consider the adoption a fail and cut her losses before they consume her family. She isn’t backing down though, and won’t quit until she and her family are made whole.
The adoption process is naturally complicated. Jones is not a first time adoptive parent so there was very little that she was in the dark about when adopting her child. An unreported or underreported mystery sent Jones and her family spiraling into despair and on the brink of destruction. What Jones discovered about her child sent her searching for help only to be turned away and turned on by the system she once trusted. Jones has committed to see this fight through. She will not rest until Mercy is back home, her name is cleared and the systems again work for families and not against them.
The search for solutions was futile, soon, Jones found herself facing Arizona’s Department for Child Safety. Pitted against the child she loves, DCS eroded the trust that once fostered hope. She wasn’t only working to save her child, she was working to save herself, her reputation and her family. In the wake of the chaos caused by this, Jones is now an advocate for children and families who don’t find needed help in government agencies and child safety systems.
During the convocation, Jones’ book was a featured release and was well received by bookstore visitors. “Shattered” is available now and can be found at all online major book retailers. In the impromptu interview, I was able to learn about Jones’ journey and her daughter’s plight. Adoption is a matter of the heart and to see Jones and her family ripped apart by the people and systems who could easily help them is disheartening. She remains steadfast in her pursuit of justice for her daughter and will do everything in her power to ensure that she gets the help she needs!
Jones has setup a crowd funding page for readers and friends to support this journey and help get justice for Mercy. You can donate at the link, below.
Hi I am Jenell Jones and I am the mother of Mercy Jones as describe in the book Shattere… Jenell Jones needs your support for Medical Expenses for Mercy Jones
THE 66TH ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS PREMIERE CEREMONY® WILL BE HOSTED BY ACCLAIMED SONGWRITER/PRODUCER, ACTIVIST AND CURRENT GRAMMY® NOMINEE JUSTIN TRANTER ON SUN, FEB. 4 AT PEACOCK THEATER
PATTI AUSTIN, JIMMY JAM, NATALIA LAFOURCADE, CARLY PEARCE, MOLLY TUTTLE, RUFUS WAINWRIGHT TO PRESENT; ADAM BLACKSTONE, BRANDY CLARK, KIRK FRANKLIN, ROBERT GLASPER, BOB JAMES, LAUFEY, TERRACE MARTIN, HARVEY MASON SR., AND GABY MORENO TO PERFORM; OPENING NUMBER BY J. IVY, LARKIN POE, PENTATONIX, SHEILA E., AND JORDIN SPARKS
Acclaimed songwriter/producer, activist and current GRAMMY® nominee, Justin Tranter will host the 66th Annual GRAMMY Awards Premiere Ceremony®, live from Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. Kicking off the ceremony, the opening number will feature a performance by J. Ivy, Larkin Poe, Pentatonix, Sheila E., and Jordin Sparks. Other artists scheduled to perform include current nominees Adam Blackstone, Brandy Clark, Kirk Franklin, Robert Glasper, Bob James, Laufey, Terrace Martin, and Gaby Moreno, as well as GRAMMY-nominated recording artist/drummer Harvey Mason Sr. Presenters for the first GRAMMY Awards® of the day include Patti Austin, Natalia Lafourcade, Carly Pearce, Molly Tuttle, Rufus Wainwright, and five-time GRAMMY winner and former Recording Academy® Board of Trustees Chair Jimmy Jam. Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason jr. and Chair of the Board of Trustees Tammy Hurt will provide opening remarks. The 66th GRAMMY Awards Premiere Ceremony will stream live on Sun, Feb. 4, at 3:30 p.m. ET/12:30 p.m. PT on the Recording Academy’s YouTube channel and on live.GRAMMY.com. City National Bank, the Official Bank of the GRAMMY Awards, is returning for its second year as the presenting sponsor of the Premiere Ceremony.
“The Premiere Ceremony is the most incredible lead-up to Music’s Biggest Night®.,”“With an amazing line-up of presenters and performers, we’ll reveal and celebrate the winners of more than 80 Categories, spanning the diverse genres and crafts that have contributed to such a spectacular year in music.” – Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy.
Most of the Premiere Ceremony performers, presenters and host are current 66th GRAMMY® nominees. Austin is nominated for Best Jazz Vocal Album (For Ella 2 Featuring Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band); Blackstone is nominated for Best Jazz Performance (“Vulnerable (Live)” Featuring The Baylor Project & Russell Ferranté) and Best Jazz Instrumental Album (Legacy: The Instrumental Jawn); Clark is nominated for Best Musical Theater Album (Shucked), Best Country Solo Performance (“Buried”), Best Country Song (“Buried”), Best Americana Performance (“Dear Insecurity” Featuring Brandi Carlile), Best American Roots Song (“Dear Insecurity” Featuring Brandi Carlile), and Best Americana Album (Brandy Clark); Franklin is nominated for Best Gospel Performance/Song (“All Things”); Glasper is nominated for Best R&B Performance (“Back To Love” Featuring SiR & Alex Isley) and Best R&B Song (“Back To Love” Featuring SiR & Alex Isley); James is nominated for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album (Jazz Hands); J. Ivy is nominated for Best Spoken Word Poetry Album (The Light Inside); Lafourcade is nominated for Best Latin Rock Or Alternative Album (De Todas Las Flores); Larkin Poe is nominated for Best Contemporary Blues Album (Blood Harmony); Laufey is nominated for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album (Bewitched); Martin is nominated for Best Progressive R&B Album (Nova with James Fauntleroy); Moreno is nominated for Best Latin Pop Album (X Mí (Vol.1)); Pearce is nominated for Best Country Duo/Group Performance (“We Don’t Fight Anymore” Featuring Chris Stapleton); Pentatonix is nominated for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album (Holidays Around The World); Sparks is nominated for Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song (“Love Me Like I Am” with for KING & COUNTRY); Tranter is nominated for Songwriter Of The Year, Non-Classical; Tuttle is nominated for Best Bluegrass Album (City Of Gold with Golden Highway); Wainwright is nominated for Best Folk Album (Folkocracy).
The 66th GRAMMY Awards Premiere Ceremony is produced by Branden Chapman, Ruby Marchand, Chantel Sausedo, and Rex Supa on behalf of the Recording Academy. Greg V. Fera is executive producer and Cheche Alara is music producer and music director.
The 66th Annual GRAMMY Awards® will broadcast live following the Premiere Ceremony on CBS Television Network and stream live and on-demand on Paramount+ at 8-11:30 p.m. ET/5-8:30 p.m. PT. See here for the full list of nominees at the 66th Annual GRAMMY Awards. Learn more about how to watch the 66th Annual GRAMMY Awards.
