A good time in the Lord is promised by Gospel International at the “Dave & Sam / Elaine & Aretha Dinner Concert.” The gala event takes place on Saturday October 2, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., at Doubletree by Hilton Hotel, 21333 Hawthorne Blvd., in Torrance.
According to Dr. Joyce Logan, founder of Gospel International, the event food, fellowship and uplifting music including traditional gospel selections and classic pop tunes. Also, a comedienne Ramona Stephens will share a series of hilarious vignettes.
“This concert gives guests an opportunity to dress up again and enjoy an elegant evening listening to Dave Shirley sing gospel songs from his album, “Reflections of Dave Shirley,” and Elaine Gibbs sing gospel tunes including her new single, “Yes God is Real,” said Logan, who is also the owner and producer of the Gospel International Channel on broadcast on ROKU and Fire TV.
“The second half of the concert features Dave singing standards by Sam Cooke such as “Darling You Send Me,” “A Change is Gonna Come” and more. Elaine will sing Aretha Franklin’s timeless hits like “Respect,” “Natural Woman” and “Don’t Play That Song,” added Logan, a recent inductee into the Gospel Industry Network Hall of Fame.
Dr. Pres Blackmon, a veteran radio announcer heard on KALI Radio, and Dr. Susie Jones, pastor and Internet TV co-host of “Touch the World Ministries” will serve as emcees for the program. As for dinner, guests can select from brisket, roasted chicken, or a vegetarian meal.
Shirley has garnered quite a following during his long entertainment career. In addition to acting in leading plays, he has also performed with top artists including Stevie Wonder, The Mighty Clouds of Joy, Shirley Caesar, Kirk Franklin, and The Temptations. Due to his incredible vocal imitation of Sam Cook, Shirley is often requested to sing his tunes faith-based and secular functions.
Gibbs is equally talented, as indicated by her commissioning by TVOne to sing on their video, “Martin Can You Hear Us,” which was broadcast during Black History Month. Her resume includes performances in 25 countries alongside artists such as Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Tramaine Hawkins, Kenny Lattimore, and Rev. James Cleveland and singing at banquets honoring Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, Angela Bassett, Stephanie Mills, and Chaka Khan.
Tickets are available online at Eventbrite or gospelinternational.com or at Word of Life Christian Bookstore, 6321 West Blvd., in Los Angeles.
