GOSPEL EXPLOSION 2008 SET TO IGNITE IN MONTREAL WITH 3 CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED RECORDING ARTISTS
Montreal, QC (May 13, 2008) - - Montreal is set to experience a magical live concert event this summer. The highly anticipated music showcase billed as Gospel Explosion 2008 will feature three of today’s most celebrated Gospel recording artists, Ricky Dillard & New Generation Chorale from the United States, along with Jennifer Meade and Danny Eason & Abundant Life from Montreal.
On Sunday July 13th, one of America’s most dynamic recording choirs – Ricky Dillard & New Generation Chorale (Chicago, Illinois) will bring their electrifying stage performance to La Belle Province. With multiple Stellar, Dove and Soul Train nominations, along with Hollywood motion picture appearances in such features as Leap of Faith (Steve Martin) and Fighting Temptations (Beyonce), Ricky Dillard & New Generation Chorale have established themselves as one of the most flamboyant, energetic choirs of the new millennium.
As an acclaimed artist and musician, Ricky Dillard also has credits as head musical consultant for the blockbuster movie, Sister Act (Whoopi Goldberg). Ricky Dillard & New Generation Chorale have earned their title as one of America’s favourite recording choirs with seven Billboard chart-topping releases, including his 2007 album entitled, 7th Element: Live In Toronto. The 50-voice chorale endearingly known as Ricky Dillard & New G will bring their unforgettable live act to Gospel Explosion 2008 one day after their encore appearance at the Ottawa Blues Festival.
Gospel Explosion 2008 will also feature two of Montreal’s most respected Gospel recording artists. Oftentimes referred to as the First Lady of Gospel music in Montreal, Jennifer Meade’s artistic imprint on the local scene is undeniable. As a charismatic choir director and founder of a professional vocal school, Jennifer founded the pioneering contemporary community chorale known as Jennifer Meade & The Genuine Faith Choir that has inspired the artistic careers of such local recording celebrities as Carl Henry, Desi Di Laura and the platinum selling, Corneille. As an esteemed vocalist and music professional, Jennifer Meade also vocally supported artistic giants on stage such as Michael Bolton, the late Oscar Peterson and the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin during past performances in Montreal. In 2008, Jennifer Meade released her long-awaited, self-entitled, debut album – Jennifer Meade – to wide industry and fan approval.
Gospel Explosion 2008 will detonate with the high voltage performance by Montreal’s most sought after Gospel choir, Danny Eason & Abundant Life Montreal. An original New York City native, Danny Eason first gained his citywide reputation as the youth choir director at Love Fellowship Tabernacle Church in Brooklyn where Grammy Award-winning artist, Hezekiah Walker, was his pastor. Danny Eason would go on to craft his directorial skills working with Gospel luminaries such as John P. Kee, Timothy Wright and Jerry Williams. Today, Montreal’s most dynamic choir director overseas a 40-voice choral symphony that has performed in recent times at the Ottawa Blues Festival, Festival Gospel de Repentigny and on TVA’s prime-time show, Sucré Salé. Danny Eason & Abundant Life Montreal are set to launch their highly anticipated debut CD, Endurance, in September 2008.
Gospel Explosion 2008 kicks off on Sunday, July 13th at 7pm at The Resurrection Center (1850 St-Antoine) in Lachine, QC. Tickets are available through Admission (514.790.1245) at $20 (Early Bird Tix), $30 and $40 (Door). For more information, visit www.gospelexplosion2008.com. For artist interviews and press materials, contact Jennifer Belot at 514.699.4755 / jenniferbelot@gmail.com. For more information, images and music from artists, visit the following websites.
Ricky Dillard - www.rickydillardnewg.com / www.myspace.com/newgchorale / www.myspace.com/rickydillard Danny Eason - www.myspace.com/dannyeason1 Jennifer Meade - www.jennifer-meade.com / www.myspace.com/jammeade