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| Catalina Island Hosts The First Annual Gospel Music Festival Catalina Island to host the first annual Catalina Island Gospel Music Festival on Saturday, March 21st at the legendary Casino Ballroom in Avalon. The renowned Temptations Review, featuring Dennis Edwards; Vicki Winans, a six time Grammy-award nominee and the Starlights, voted the House of Blues' Best Male Gospel Group will all be performing. These giants of the gospel music scene will inspire gospel enthusiasts with exceptional gospel music in the intimate and unique art deco setting the Casino Ballroom. Dennis Edwards, one of the remaining members of the original Temptations spans a four decade singing career. Mr. Edwards was lead singer during many of the Temptations' long string of number one hit records, such as Ball of Confusion, Cloud Nine, Can't Get Next to You, and others, which culminated in 14 gold albums, seven Grammy nominations, and Five Grammy Awards. Utilizing his unique style, and smooth delivery, Mr. Edwards and the Temptations Review inspires audiences across the generations, from preteens to mature citizens. Award-winning singer Vickie Winans comes from a large family of gospel singers. She began her career when she was a small child in Detroit, performing with her family at church. All grown up, she completed her debut solo album in 1985 which earned her a Grammy nomination for Best Female Contemporary Soul Gospel Album. It was the first of a long line of recordings that would bring her a number of hits and music awards. In her over 20-year career, Vickie Winans has received many accolades including five Grammy Award nominations; eight Stellar Awards, and an NAACP Image Award. Ms. Winans music can be deeply gospel, contemporary Christian, or any mixture in between and is loved by many. The Starlights are a local Southern California group whose members were born and raised in Long Beach and Compton. The group, consisting of Greg Botts and his three nephews, began singing together in 1980. They have played to audiences from West Hollywood to Chicago to New Orleans to Myrtle Beach and were awarded the "Best Male Gospel Group" that has ever performed at the House of Blues. They continued touring in Europe and their nouveau traditional style induces audiences to a rousing, foot stomping finale, appealing to people of all ages and backgrounds. Catalina Island, with its clear, blue waters and Mediterranean charm, is located just 22 miles off the coast of Southern California and can be reached in about one hour by boat or 15 minutes by helicopter. write your comments about the article :: © 2009 Jazz News :: home page |