Temecula Gospel Fest 2010

Twenty-two dollars is all it takes to attend a dynamic afternoon or evening of Christian Contemporary and Gospel Performances in Old Town Temecula. The Temecula Gospel Fest returns on Friday, September 24th and Saturday, September 25th at the Old Town Temecula Community Theater. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Performing Arts program at Oak Grove Center for Treatment, Education & The Arts.

The festivities begin on Friday, September 25th at 7pm. Saturday's concerts are at 2pm and 7pm. Tickets cost $22 and there are discounts for military families. Additional ticket information can be found at www.TemeculaTheater.org.

This year's festival will feature Jean Johnson Witherspoon. Witherspoon was part of the cast of The Color Purple. Special guest Jean Johnson Witherspoon was born in East Los Angeles. During a lifetime in the entertainment industry, Ms. Witherspoon has performed as one of the Vandellas of Martha and the Vandellas singing songs like Jimmie Mack and Dancing in the Streets. She also worked with other leading artists including Michael Jackson on the Bad album, Man in the Mirror, Free Willy and his later recording Unbreakable. Most recently, Ms. Witherspoon performed at the funeral of Michael Jackson. Other artists that enjoyed collaborating with her include Madonna, Quincy Jones, Stevie Wonder, Julio Argyles and Gladys Knight. Ms. Witherspoon will be baked by her dynamic band at the 2010 Temecula Gospel Fest.

In addition, Gentry McCreary, Sr. will be awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award. McCreary began his career in the late 60's when he promoted artists like the Caravans, Rodena Preston and Edwin Hawkins. In the early 70's, he was the first black executive ever hired by Word Records in Oakland, CA. Throughout the 80's and 90's, McCreary dedicated his life to the Gospel Music industry by starting his own record labels: Luminar Records and Benson Records. McCreary has won various awards including the Bay Area's Black Diamond Dynasty Living Legend Award, Producer of the year, Lilly Mack Pioneer's Award. Currently, he continues to blaze the trails in the Gospel music industry with McCreary & Associates, a consulting company for numerous major and independent and label executives.



Other performances include the Mighty Women of Gospel, Immersed, Lillian Crawford, Teresa Taylor & One Heart Band, Shield of Faith, Scott Hill, Kimmie Morrow with dancers from the School of Arts and Enterprise. In addition, this year's choir sound-off will include adult and children divisions.

Tickets to the festival can be purchased by visiting www.TemeculaTheater.org.

More information about the artists performing at the festival and other event information can be found at www.TemeculaGospelFest.org.

Additional information about the beneficiary of the Temecula Gospel Fest, Oak Grove Center can be obtained by visiting www.OakGroveCenter.org.