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.
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.
The Super Bowl Soulful Celebration, a one-hour music special, in partnership with the NFL, tapes Wednesday, Feb. 7, at Pearl Theater, Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, in advance of Super Bowl LVIII, airing Sunday, Feb. 11 on CBS. Tickets on Sale Now at Tickmaster.com.
The Super Bowl Soulful Celebration will celebrate 25 wonderful years as the only event of its kind during Super Week when it tapes its annual special at the Pearl Theater inside the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas. Through the years, the celebration has brought together athletes and gospel artists during the biggest week in sports. Many times, it is the kickoff to Super Week and gives concertgoers a chance to see marquee athletes’ faith in action!
CBS today announced performances and player honorees for THE SUPER BOWL SOULFUL CELEBRATION 25thANNIVERSARY, (previously known as the “Super Bowl Gospel Celebration”), airing Saturday, Feb. 10 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network, and streaming on Paramount+ (live for Paramount+ with SHOWTIME subscribers, or on demand on Pluto TV and CBS.com the day after the special airs)*. Cedric the Entertainer and Tichina Arnold of CBS’ THE NEIGHBORHOOD will host.
The Super Bowl Soulful Celebration is marking its 25th anniversary this year — and our very own @NateBurleson will receive the Lifetime of Inspiration Award.
Also announced today on CBS MORNINGS, co-host, Nate Burleson, will be honored on the special with the “Lifetime of Inspiration” Award. The honor will celebrate Burleson’s substantial impact on the NFL and people of faith, as well as recognize his contributions to media, sports, philanthropy, and business. This accolade has been bestowed six times in the event’s 25-year history, recognizing truly exceptional individuals in football who embody excellence, resilience, gratitude, and inspiration, both on and off the field. Previous recipients include Tony Dungy (2009), Ray Lewis (2013), Tim Brown (2015), Troy Vincent (2017), and Deion Sanders (2022).
Additionally, the special will feature an electrifying performance lineup led by Earth, Wind & Fire, Kirk Franklin, Mary Mary and Robin Thicke. Also, the telecast will feature a performance by The Players Choir. This all-player ensemble has become a staple of Super Bowl weekend festivities, captivating audiences with its powerful harmonies and unique blend of NFL talent for 16 seasons. Additional performers will be announced at a later date.
The show will also pay tribute to outstanding NFL players for their remarkable contributions on and off the field. The following players will be honored for their exceptional achievements:
Damar Hamlin, Buffalo Bills (S), will be presented with the New Beginnings Award, recognizing his dedication, resilience, and inspiring journey in overcoming obstacles to achieve success.
Markquese Bell, Dallas Cowboys (LB), will be honored as the HBCU Player of the Year, celebrating his remarkable achievements and impact while representing Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
For a quarter-century THE SUPER BOWL SOULFUL CELEBRATION 25thANNIVERSARY has captured the hearts of millions through the shared love of music, faith and the exhilaration of football. Bridging cultures and igniting inspiration, the Super Bowl LVIII sanctioned special brings together NFL players with award-winning artists and acclaimed musicians from diverse genres onto a single stage. The result is an unforgettable evening that transcends boundaries and remains the sole multicultural and inspirational program sanctioned by the NFL during the electrifying Super Bowl week.
Tickets for THE SUPER BOWL SOULFUL CELEBRATION 25th ANNIVERSARY are on sale now and available to the public via Ticketmaster.com. Additionally, to mark this special occasion, exclusive commemorative 25th Anniversary limited-edition merchandise is available via the event’s official website SuperBowlSoulful.com, or on-site at the special taping in Las Vegas, allowing attendees to take home a piece of this historic celebration.
THE SUPER BOWL SOULFUL CELEBRATION 25thANNIVERSARY is executive produced by Melanie Few, with Valarie Benning Thompson serving as producer. Veteran television creative Leon Knoles serves as Director, with Grammy-nominated artist Adam Blackstone serving as music director.
*Paramount+ with SHOWTIME subscribers will have access to stream live via the live feed of their local CBS affiliate on the service. Paramount+ Essential subscribers will not have the option to stream live but will have access to on-demand on Pluto TV and CBS.com the day after the special airs.
For nearly sixteen years, the all-NFL Players Choir has delivered one of the most highly-anticipated musical performances during the biggest weekend in sports, the annual Super Bowl Weekend. Making its debut in 2008 in Phoenix, Arizona during the 9th Annual Super Bowl Gospel Celebration (now Super Bowl Soulful Celebration), the choir launched with more than 40 active and former NFL players under the direction of Grammy Award-Winning artist, Donnie McClurkin.
Developed by Super Bowl Soulful Celebration Founder and Executive Producer Melanie Few with a core group of NFL players who wanted to share their faith through song, last season the group delivered two fan-favorite performances on the highest-rated television variety competition show “America’s Got Talent,” (AGT) – the classic Bill Withers anthem “Lean on Me” and Justin Timberlake’s chart-topping “Can’t Stop The Feeling.”
To stay up to date with the latest Players Choir news and activities, please follow them on social @PlayersChoir.
EARTH, WIND & FIRE, KIRK FRANKLIN, ROBIN THICKE, MARY MARY, AND THE NFL PLAYERS CHOIR TO PERFORM AT SUPER BOWL SOULFUL CELEBRATION 25TH ANNIVERSARY AIRING ON CBS
Get ready for a soul-stirring musical journey just in time for the holidays as the “Best of Super Bowl Gospel Celebration,” Presented by P&G which premiered in national syndication on November 18, airing through January 28. Hosted by former NFL wide receiver and co-host of CBS Mornings, Nate Burleson, the “Best of Super Bowl Gospel Celebration” pays tribute to the iconic moments that have shaped this community-event-turned-television-special over the past twenty-four years. It’s a one-hour celebration of inspiration, a showcase of extraordinary talent, and a testament to the power of unity. Read more about the special, HERE.
All images courtesy of Super Bowl Soulful Celebration/Front Page Firm
Originally slated for two shows, the Jubilee Theatre stage debut of “Bone Soup: A Kwanzaa Story” has been increased to four shows across its debut weekend
Acting With Mrs. Davis & Jubilee Theatre have announced a collaboration presenting “Bone Soup: A Kwanzaa Story” written by “Culture Queen” Jessica Smith Hebron and directed by ShaVonne Davis. Show performances coincide with the 2023 Kwanzaa celebration and conclude this year’s impressive lineup of shows presented at Jubilee under the artistic direction of D. Wambui Richardson. This unique opportunity affords a crop of high school-aged aspiring thespians the chance to use their creativity to educate and inform the community about Kwanzaa through acting, singing, dancing and other artistic expressions. This presentation of “Bone Soup” is the culmination of a free after-school musical theatre program for underserved youth in Fort Worth. Mrs. ShaVonne Davis, a locally known theatre educator and recipient of a 2021 BeyGood Grant from Beyonce Carter and the NAACP serves as Director. ShaVonne Davis is a Fort Worth native and proud graduate of HBCU Clark Atlanta University where she received her Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts. Davis provides daytime and after-school theatre arts enrichment for various Fort Worth ISD campuses and local theatres. This youth production of “Bone Soup” furthers the goal of providing underserved youth equity in access to high-quality, free arts enrichment programs and opportunities.
Acting With Mrs. Davis teaches the transformative power of creative expression as a means of juvenile crime abatement. Many of the students experience unprecedented opportunities to explore the arts and discover a world beyond their imagination under Davis’ guidance. By the close of each program, students, learners, and artists are steps closer to destiny than they were when they began. At the bedrock of this historic collaboration is a desire to develop an interest in the arts, create performing artists to fill imminent opportunities, and ultimately, deepen the pool of local talent from which the Jubilee Theatre seeks to draw. In “Bone Soup: A Kwanzaa Story,” the citizens of Culture Kingdom use the seven principles of Kwanzaa to uplift their community with the celebration and implementation. Though not a traditional holiday, Kwanzaa was first observed in 1966 and is the original idea of Maulana Ron Karenga, activist, author, and professor of Africana. The tenets of personal and community advancement woven into “Bone Soup” teach both participants and partakers. Experience the enchantment of “Bone Soup” on Friday, December 29th, or Saturday, December 30th at the matinee or night performance.
Watch ShaVonne Davis on WFAA Midday with Tashara Parker
“Bone Soup: A Kwanzaa Story” is a magical play about the citizens of Culture Kingdom who use the seven principles of Kwanzaa to uplift their community.
Known for its iconic founder and ongoing productions, Jubilee Theatre is increasing its investment in the community with the advent of youth programming. This production powered by a youth-led ensemble is made possible in part due to the magic of Mrs. ShaVonne Davis, Acting With Mrs. Davis and Maroon 9 Community Enrichment Organization. Mrs. Davis extends her gratitude to The City of Fort Worth, North Texas Community Foundation, Arts Fort Worth, and United Way Tarrant County for their generosity and support of her work. These proponents of the Arts help make programs like hers a perennial success.
Ticket sales for “Bone Soup: A Kwanzaa Story” are underway and can be purchased at Eventbrite.
For some, the latest conflict in the Middle East is complex. For others, it’s clear cut. As Americans stand with Israel or Palestine, the desire for peace seems to be one that is shared. The March from the JFK Memorial to the Tarrant County Courthouse happened without interruption. However, during the rally, a woman interrupted the speaker and ran onto the courthouse steps yelling at the crowd. Law enforcement officers escorted her and her friends away from the gathering where she continued her tirade which surprisingly wasn’t against Israel but the violence perpetuated in the Middle East and on the West Bank. With no cease fire in sight, the conflict rages on. On American soil, the division remains equally stark.
Our coverage of these events are strictly for news gathering purposes. We were not present for either side of the conflict, but we are glad to have been able to present sentiments of Pro-Israel and Palestinian perspectives. As a bonafide media outlet, we take this part of our work seriously and hope to shed some level of insight on the many complex issues happening in our world, today.
Takiyah Wallace-McMillian became the change because of what she didn’t see. Nearly 11 years later, Brown Girls Do Ballet is a thriving philanthropic machine impacting change in the global dance community. Last Saturday, all of the work culminated in an evening of elegance, remembrance and a glance forward as current and past members and their families convened for the inaugural Ballerina’s Ball.
The Ballerina’s Ball is a celebration for Brown Girls Do Ballet ambassadors from around the world to raise vital funds supporting young dancers in their continued training. Brown Girls Do Ballet granted two scholarships and a small studio grant to help offset costs to young dancers in training. The grant will help fund classes, purchase pointe shoes and make equipment purchases possible for a deserving local small studio.
Watch our interview with Takiyah Wallace-McMillian, founder of Brown Girls Do Ballet and author of newly released best seller, “The Color of Dance.” We had the privilege of catching up with Mrs. McMillian moments before the ball at the Ridglea Theater here in Fort Worth. In our interview, founder and executive director Takiyah Wallace-McMillian spoke with us about the inaugural Ballerina’s Ball, what it means to the foundation, the dancers and why it was important to host it in Fort Worth.
The ball consisted of a mixer with hors d’oeuvres and entertainment provided by a DJ. Clover the Violinist provided entertainment in the foyer and inside the popup shop, dancers and their families had a chance to purchase BGDB swag and Wallace-McMillian’s newly released best seller. A mother-daughter duo entertained in the main room ahead of table seating and almost everyone flocked to the 360 photo booth!
The event was full of fun and the dancers each had a chance to bond with newfound friends from across the country. Many of the dancers and BGDB ambassadors met for the first time at the ball. The night featured performances from Ballet After Dark and Ballet Nouveau and Brown Girls Do chairwoman, Amber Cabral delivered the keynote address.
The ball drew dancers and their families from the east and west coasts and also presented an international presence. BIG things are on the horizon for the foundation and if they’re anything like the inaugural ball, they’re bigger than anything we’ve ever seen in our city!
