Some of gospel music’s hottest artists will perform for the Greater Lansing Area Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Commission’s fifth annual “Music of the Dream” concert.
Co-headlining the show are Tamela Mann (pictured top left) and Tye Tribbett (bottom left.) Mann is an accomplished gospel singer who began as a featured soloist with Kirk Franklin and the Family before striking out on a solo career. She has released four albums, and her 2012 release, “Best Days,” peaked at #1 on the Billboard gospel charts and #14 on the Billboard 200.
“We selected Tamela because the community was very interested in bringing her in,” said Elaine Hardy, council chairwoman.
In addition to her vocal talents, Mann is also a popular actress. She is best known for the role of Cora Simmons/Brown in Tyler Perry’s “Madea” films, a role she carried over into the TBS television spinoff “Meet the Browns.” Her husband, David Mann, is a formidable talent himself. He also began his career as a singer with Kirk Franklin, and plays the role of Deacon Leroy Brown, Cora’s father, in “Meet the Browns.”
A new reality show starring the couple, “It’s a Mann’s World,” made its debut last week on BET. According to BET, viewers will have a chance to watch the couple as they “balance being celebrities, entrepreneurs, and parents to four adult children — all while maintaining their 26-year-old marriage.”
Tribbett, making his second appearance at “Music of the Dream,” is back by popular demand. His performance at last year’s event left the audience begging for more.
“He is one of the most energetic praise leaders you will encounter,” Hardy said. “He reminds you of a Christian version of Prince.”
Tribbett is a versatile vocalist and multiinstrumentalist, who has collaborated with artists as diverse as Faith Hill, Don Henley, India Arie, John Mellencamp and The Roots. His latest release, “Greater Than,” netted him two Grammys: Best Gospel Album and Best Gospel Song for the track “If He Did It Before…Same God.”
The concert will also feature up-and-coming singer Geoffrey Golden. Golden is the season seven winner of BET’s “Sunday Best,” a competition show for gospel singers. Winning the competition earned him a cash prize and a recording contract with Kirk Franklin´s Fo Yo Soul/RCA record label.
Local pastor Larry Trice Jr. will open the event with his new Music of the Dream Orchestra. This new project will fuse gospel music with orchestral string and wind arrangements.
“We’re excited to bring symphonic music to a gospel audience,” Hardy said.
In its fifth year, the “Music of the Dream” concert has become a popular local event. “We started in a church, but we ran out of space,” Hardy explained.
Last year the event moved to the Wharton Center’s Great Hall to accommodate a larger audience.
While the commission’s events are focused around the February holiday, the group is active throughout the year. The commission awards scholarships for graduating high school students, holds an essay contest for junior high and high school students and recognizes local citizens for exemplary public service.
According to a statement from the commission, it has awarded over $90,000 in scholarships and $50,000 in grants to community organizations.
The “Music of the Dream” concert is the finale in a full slate of holiday events organized by the commission. This year is especially meaningful for the group; the commission is recognizing the 50th anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery March and is celebrating its own 30th anniversary.
“Our challenge is to help the community remember the legacy of MLK,” Hardy said. “We want to pass this legacy on to the next generation.”
—TY FORQUER
“Music of the Dream”
7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24 $38.50-$61.50 Wharton Center 750 E. Shaw Lane (517) 353-1982 whartoncenter.com
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