In a welcome change, the 21st Chicago Gospel Festival has stepped up from the Petrillo Music Shell in Grant Park to Millennium Park’s acoustically superior Jay Pritzker Pavilion.
THE WILLIAMS BROTHERS
The popular Mississippi family is one of the longstanding groups in gospel, with more than 30 years of recordings to its name. 8:30 p.m. Friday
DANA KRISTINA-JOI MORGAN
This concert pianist brings her classical conservatory training to gospel. She also owes a special debt to singer Albertina Walker, whose foundation awarded her a scholarship. 5:45 p.m. Saturday
SOLOMON BURKE
A giant of classic American soul music will sing about a different kind of love at this event. Here Burke is performing with the Destiny Worship Center Choir and will undoubtedly make every utterance a big one. 7:30 p.m. Saturday
A TOUCH OF CHICAGO’S GOSPEL PIONEERS
The most rewarding custom of this festival is its Sunday spotlight on gospel’s living originators. This year, pianist Geraldine Gay will join Rodessa Barrett Porter (of the renowned Barrett Sisters), Luvonia Whittley, Robert Williams, and host Dr. Lucius Hall. 5:20 p.m. Sunday
MAHALIA JACKSON TRIBUTE
Chicago gospel singers Gina Thurston, Annette Lenox, and LaWonda Campbell pay homage to the great American musical icon. 6:50 p.m. Sunday
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More information on the Chicago Gospel Festival can be found at www.cityofchicago.org/specialevents. Phone: 312-744-3370.
