Reviews from around the world have hailed Mahalia Jackson as one of America's leading gospel singers. She is certainly the best known, with a career that included television, radio and concerts. Her early repertoire leaned heavily on songs of her Baptist beginnings and are celebrated around the world. Well-known vocalist Dalannah Gail Bowen has created a special tribute to this wonderful singer and is bringing it to the Sunshine Coast. Songs such as He's Got the Whole World In His Hands, In The Upper Room and Walk In Jerusalem all are considered timeless treasures in gospel repertoires.
Bowen will perform these and others on April 7 at St. Hilda's Church in Sechelt.
Bowen is a frequent visitor to the Sunshine Coast, but hasn't performed here for a few years. She is offering this very timely gospel evening on Easter weekend as a fundraiser for this year's Gibsons Landing Jazz Festival, June 9 to 11.
She has a warm and engaging stage presence and her husky and soulful voice will be joined by vocalists Tom Pickett, Will Saunders and Joe Chappel. Musicians include some of the jazz festival's favourites, Michael Creber on piano, Rene Worst on bass and Chris Nordquist on drums. And the acoustics at St Hilda's are excellent.
Tickets for the 7:30 p.m. performance are $18 adults and $15 seniors/students, available at Talewind Books, Coast Books and Roberts Creek Health Food Store. For more information contact 604-740-5825 or www.coastjazz.com.
