Washington, D.C.’s home grown talent, Gerald Scott & Co., is performing at the area’s first “Got Gospel” Open Mic night which presents nationally known recording artists such as Scott, newcomer Cheneta Jones and gospel music legend Lisa Page Brooks alongside amateur artists who sign up for open mic (karaoke) performances. The event also serves as a promotion for the all-star CD compilation entitled, “Got Gospel? The Best Indie Tracks, Yesterday, Today & Forever” (Habakkuk Music) that features Scott’s Top 40 single “Alright”, Jones’ “Be Like You”, Brooks’ #1 smash “I Want to Say Thank You” and other gospel grooves by Rance Allen Group, Bryan Wilson, Marvin Winans, Ricky Dillard, Canton Jones, William McDowell and Vickie Winans, among others.
WPRS Praise 104.1 FM afternoon drive hostess, Cheryl Jackson, will co-host this unique event with WYCB 1340 AM morning show announcer, Winston Chaney. Gerald Scott & Co. has become a fixture on the Washington gospel music scene. The soulful ensemble released its first album in 2008 and issued their third CD, “Incredible”, a few weeks ago. The new project features the feel-good Top 40 track, “Alright.” Lisa Page Brooks has been making classic gospel music for almost three decades, first as the charismatic lead vocalist of the female quartet, Witness, and then as a soloist for more than a decade. Her 2009 CD “Strong” launched the #1 radio hit “I Want to Say Thank You” and her current radio single, “Better Than Life” is racing up the gospel charts in anticipation of her forthcoming CD, “Better Than Life”, that will be released in October.
Aspiring artists who would like to perform can sign up and pay a $20 registration fee to audition at the “Got Gospel” showcase that takes place at the venue between 5-7 p.m. The event organizers will pick the best of those who audition to perform during the 7 p.m. program. General admission is free (register online and bring print out to the show) but there is also reserved seating at a cost. Reserved seats are $20 each and include a free “Got Gospel” CD. There is also a VIP package that includes VIP parking; reserved seating, the “Got Gospel” CD and a gift pack for $50 each ticket. Visit www.gotgospel-washdc.eventbrite.com to reserve seats online or to learn more.
All activities take place Friday, August 24, 2012 @ 7 p.m. at New Samaritan Baptist Church, 1100 Florida Avenue NE, Washington, DC 20002. To learn more about Habakkuk, visit www.habakkukmusic.com for more information.
