SummerStage to Present a Gospel Explosion with Shirley Caesar & More, 7/27

On Saturday July 27, SummerStage will present a Gospel Explosion with Shirley Caesar, Donald Lawrence, James Fortune and F.I.Y.A., Erica Campbell (of Mary Mary) and Ricky Dillard at Central Park, Manhattan. Recommended arrival time is 3:00 p.m. Showtime is 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. and admittance is free.

Shirley Caesar is the undisputed First Lady of Gospel Music. In a career that spans over 60 years, she is arguably the most beloved and celebrated Gospel artist of our timE. Caesar started out in the early 60's singing with the legendary group, The Caravans. From there, she ventured into a solo career in 1966. Since then, she has released over 30 solo albums, and has amassed an impressive collection of awards and accolades. Her latest album, GOOD GOD, is a brand new collection of songs that includes Caesar's signature dynamic delivery and beautifully crafted orchestration and production.

Artist Website: www.shirleycaesar.com/

Producer, composer and recording artist, Donald Lawrence is one of the most influential figures in modern Gospel music. Having worked with several groups, including the Tri-City Singers, before tackling his solo career, he transformed the group into an internationally acclaimed choir, with hits such as "The Best is Yet to Come" and "The Blessing of Abraham" which topped the Gospel charts. Lawrence's debut solo album, I SPEAK LIFE, earned him a Grammy nomination and seven Stellar Gospel Music Awards, including song of the year for "Healed." After a highly celebrated first album, Lawrence's success continued with his sophomore album, THE LAW OF CONFESSION PART 1 when it peaked at number two on the Billboard Gospel Album charts. The album highlights the unique gospel sound of Lawrence and his ten-plus member backing ensemble, The Co.

Artist Website: www.verityrecords.com/artist/donald-lawrence

Stellar Award winner James Fortune & F.I.Y.A. set the world ablaze with their breakthrough debut album, YOU SURVIVED and the lead single of the same name hit #2 on the R&B Gospel singles chart. Fortune amassed worldwide recognition in 2009 with the award winning emotionally charged song, "I Trust You" off of the sophomore release, THE TRANSFORMATION. A dynamic songwriter, producer and arranger, Fortune delivers a timeless message, that has earned him two ASCAP Songwriter of the Year Awards and several Soul Train and Stellar nominations. His 2012 release, IDENTITY debuted at #1 on Billboard's Top Gospel and Christian charts and is a powerful collection of soul-stirring songs of encouragement, hope and healing that speaks into the hearts of the religious and agnostic alike.

Artist Website: www.jamesfortunemusic.com

Ever since Erica Campbell, one half of the of Gospel duo Mary Mary, broke through in 2000 with the pioneering crossover hit "Shackles (Praise You)," the chart-topping sister act has never wavered from defying convention to fulfill its mission: sending uplifting messages through music and words that are relatable to everyone. An amazing thirteen years later, having earned 3 GRAMMY Awards, 2 American Music Awards, an NAACP Image Award and a BET Award, Erica Campbell has released a solo single, entitled "I Need Just a Little More Jesus."

Ricky Dillard's signature choir vocal arrangements and melodies are definitive and timeless. His newest CD, KEEK LIVING, is no exception. Recorded live at Second Ebenezer Church in Detroit, MI, the lead single "God is Great" became an instantaneous classic which continues to rise on the charts, and immediately encourages listeners to clap along. The record, which includes hits such as "I Am Saved" and "He Turned It," all bring Dillard and his choir on to another level of inspiration, and creates an immediate connection with audiences.

Artist Website: www.lightrecords.com/artists/ricky-dillard

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