Start Date: Mar. 30, 2012
Time: 7:00 PM
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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (March 6, 2012) – Jonathan Butler, CeCe Winans, and Kirk Whalum join forces for The Smooth Jazz Cruise Presents The Apostles of Gospel Tour, which kicks off in Crystal Lake, Ill. on March 30, 2012. Venue stops at churches and theatres are planned for the multiple-city tour featuring the star-studded lineup, who will be performing all their hits and new material.
“I’m excited to get out on the road and bring my music and Gospel experience to fans across the country,” said Butler. “To share the stage with Gospel greats such as Kirk and CeCe is an honor, and I know lives will be touched and people will be changed. Music is a spiritual and healing experience, and I hope my music will offer hope and joy to those who join us on our journey.”
The Apostles of Gospel Tour marks the first time this talented group of artists join together to bring their music and ministry to fans across the nation. Kicking off the tour in Crystal Lake, Ill. at Trinity Baptist Church International, the talented trio makes stops in Columbus, Ohio, Chicago, Ill., Jackson, Miss., Huntsville, Ala., Winston Salem, N.C., and Orangeburg, S.C. The tour is presented by The Smooth Jazz Cruise who is honored to present and be a part of the groundbreaking tour bringing an incredible live experience to Gospel music fans. The American Diabetes Association will be at several shows promoting Diabetes testing.
“For many years, Jonathan Butler has hosted a Gospel show on The Smooth Jazz Cruises,” explained Michael Lazaroff, executive director of Entertainment Cruise Productions. “These performances have been among the most exciting and memorable events of our cruises. Regardless of one's religious or spiritual beliefs, the Gospel shows have inspired, energized and enthralled our guests. It is time that we share our wonderful secret with the world and allow people from all over to enjoy and embrace this amazing show.”
“I'm excited to bring this inspirational experience to as many cities as possible,” said Whalum. “The Spirit visits us each time we perform The Gospel Hour on The Smooth Jazz Cruise. It's especially poignant because there are always so many folks from so many different walks of life and faith traditions - and even many with no faith tradition who are visibly moved by this music.”
Tickets for the Apostles of Gospel Tour will go on sale soon. Stay tuned to www.ApostlesOfGospel.com for more updates on ticket sales and added tour dates.
Jonathan Butler is known for achieving chart-topping success, Grammy ® nominations and other accolades for his recordings. His self-titled debut album put him on the map internationally and garnered two Grammy ® nominations, which include the R&B-pop vocal statement “Lies” and the poignant instrumental, “Going Home.” Butler produced, arranged, and played guitar, bass and keyboards on his upcoming new Gospel CD, Grace And Mercy.
Romance Language is Kirk Whalum’s 19th album as a front man since his 1985 solo debut, Floppy Disk. He topped the Billboard contemporary jazz album charts twice (And You Know That! and Cache) and amassed 11 Grammy ® nominations. Whalum took home a coveted Grammy ® in 2011 for a duet with Lalah Hathaway that appeared on his The Gospel According to Jazz: Chapter III. An ordained minister who earned a Master’s degree in the Art of Religion, Whalum has forged an unparalleled career path in both the secular and the non-secular music words, garnering hits, awards and accolades for his jazz, R&B and gospel recordings.
One of the most recognizable voices in gospel music, CeCe Winans has sold millions of albums during her 25-year music career. The charismatic singer has won numerous awards including eight Grammy ® Awards, 21 Dove Awards, gold and platinum albums, several #1 Gospel and Top Ten R&B hits, and a reputation as one of the friendliest people in the music industry. Coming off the success of Still, Winans is currently preparing for a new project due to release in 2012.
For more information on the tour, please visit www.ApostlesOfGospel.com. The Apostles of Gospel Tour is managed by Associated Talent Management, Sohayla Cude and Dan Levin. For more information, contact 310-850-2040.
For additional information on booking tour dates, please contact Jodi Mainello at 615-822-9714.
About The Smooth Jazz Cruise
Sailing since 2004, The Smooth Jazz Cruise: The Greatest Party at Sea (www.thesmoothjazzcruise.com) showcases the biggest and best artists in the genre, including Grammy winning legends, chart-toppers and dynamic new talent while aboard a luxurious 7-day Caribbean cruise. The sold-out excursions to paradise remove the velvet rope and backstage barriers allowing cruisers the rare opportunity to interact with and get to know the musicians in an extraordinary setting. The Smooth Jazz Cruise: The Greatest Party at Sea is owned, produced and promoted by St. Louis, Missouri-based Entertainment Cruise Productions (www.ecpcruises.com), the largest private music ship charter company in the world. Their other offerings include The Jazz Cruise (www.thejazzcruise.com), and they are proud to partner with Time Life for The Malt Shop Memories Cruise (www.maltshopcruise.com) and The Soul Train Cruise (www.soultraincruise.com). Entertainment Cruise Productions prides itself on providing first-class musical vacation experiences featuring marquee stars from their respective genres for loyal passengers, many of whom make the cruises an annual affair. With its current slate of excursions, Entertainment Cruise Productions will have produced 37 full-ship charter cruises.
