Gospel concert benefits arts in Milwaukee | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Sharon Selz
July 19, 2016
Enjoy a night of music and community for a worthy cause at the Gospel Showcase, presented by Parklawn Assembly of God Church and St. Ann Center for Intergenerational Care. Set for Friday, July 29, 7 p.m., at Parklawn, 3725 N. Sherman Boulevard, the event is a fundraiser for the building of a band shell in the heart of Milwaukee’s near north side.
The concert, featuring the world-renowned Chicago Mass Choir and local gospel artists, will jumpstart construction on the Indaba Band Shell to be built at St. Ann Center’s Bucyrus Campus, 2450 W. North Avenue. The 500-seat venue will be the site for concerts, dance, dramatic performances and other multicultural arts events and community celebrations.
Headlining the fundraiser, the Chicago Mass Choir will perform selections from their new album, We Give You Praise, currently in the top 20 on the Billboard gospel charts. “Milwaukee is one of our favorite places to perform,” said Dr. Feranda Williamson, the choir’s president and CEO. “We’re excited and humbled to part of this amazing event.” Eighty members strong, the choir includes singers, ranging in age from 22 to 60-plus, from all walks of life, Williamson adds. “We have educators, police officers, lawyers, ministers…all active in church ministry.” The choir offers a mix of traditional and contemporary gospel music with spirit-lifting choreography and audience participation.
Radio personality La Rita Winston will emcee the Gospel Showcase. Known for her radio ministry, “Stand up 4 Love,” La Rita is a 2016 winner of the Milwaukee Gospel Legends Award. The exciting lineup of local praise and worship performers include Min. Diante Harris & Pure Worship, the Parklawn AOG Praise Team, the Majestic Community Choir, soloist Courtney Epps Howard, Christian comedian Lynell “Choc” Moore and the Signature Dance Company.
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“This special event will bring us closer to making the dream of the Indaba Band Shell a reality,” said Tony Phillips, director of the band shell project. Parklawn and St. Ann Center are partnering in fundraising efforts for the new venue. In traditional African culture, Indaba refers to a gathering to resolve issues affecting the village, where each individual has a voice and where there is a common story created for all to share after they leave. “The band shell will bring the power of the arts back to the community,” Phillips added. “A music-rich experience for children benefits them academically. Plus, the band shell will provide a very needed way to bring people together and realize we are one.”
Tickets for the Gospel Showcase are $20. No tickets will be sold at the door. Buy tickets online via eventbrite.com, or visit stanncenter.org/bandshell. Tickets are also available at the St. Ann Center Bucyrus Campus, 2450 W. North Avenue, and at the Center’s Stein Campus at 2801 E. Morgan Avenue. For more information, contact Tony Phillips at 414-210-2490.