Artists

City Sings Gospel Festival

June 2008

Bernard Henry

Self proclaimed ‘Solider of Christ’, Brendan aka Shawn Henry is a rapper from Mobile Alabama. Shawn sent the beats out to the crowd at Liverpool Lighthouse at City Sings Gospel International Concert and will perform at the Festival of Hope on the 14^th of June.

Beverley Trotman

Beverley is the best known for her magnificent performances on X Factor. She is a primary school teacher, a job she adores. She has been singing in choirs since the age of four and is a member of the award winning Kingdom Choir, who have performed as backing vocalists in the past on both The X Factor and Grease Is the World. Beverly lives in Luton with husband Jonathan and their two children Tianna, 12 and Luke 10. Beverly is from a large family; one of her nephews, Leon Barnett plays for West Brom. Don't miss her performance at the Feast of Choirs on June 13th.

Billinge Choir

Chan

Chantelle Codner 'CHAN' (pronounced 'Shan') is a Gospel artist with a warm, vocal style that harks back to the Jazz, Blues and Soul singers of the 60's and early 70's. Today her sound is described as Neo-Soul. Originally from Huddersfield based in Manchester, her lyrics are subtle and stark all at the same time. Chan speaks straight from the heart on contemporary issues that hit at the core of the human condition today.

In 2006 she won the National STAR Award, Unsigned Singer/Songwriter Talent at the Symphony Hall in Birmingham. Her recent release Restoration highlights her song-writing gift and honey-rich vocals to take you on a virtual melodic journey. Her trademark song ‘Battleground’ is already very popular and is being hummed throughout the UK.

In 2007, after many high profile performances Chan released her debut EP 'Restoration'. She will perform this year on June 14th at the Festival of Hope on Hope Street in Liverpool.

To learn more about her music click on: http://www.chanmusic.co.uk/

Chevelle Franklin

Jamaican born, Chevelle Franklyn has emerged on the gospel music scene as one of the most outstanding Ministers of Music over the past nine years. Her energy as a performer, insight as a songwriter/producer, vocal capacity as a singer, and her anointing as a worshiper has ensured her success as a leading, international, multiple award-winning Psalmist.

As a child prodigy in the industry, Chevelle recorded her first single – “Here I Am,” in her early teens. Public reaction to her debut was incredibly positive. Nurtured by some of the top names among Jamaica’s music producers, Chevelle soon marked out a distinctive territory in Jamaica’s dancehall culture scene becoming a household name in American and the Caribbean. She recorded her smash hit “Nice and Naughty”, followed by another single, “No Pushover” in 1992. She has collaborated with household names such as Shabba Ranks “Mr. Lover Man” and acclaimed Beenie Man.

Chevelle, took a different direction with her music in the late 90’s and collaborated with with Papa San, in 2000, on his award-winning album, Victory. Her new album ‘Joy’ stirred up an international storm when it was released in 2001, and led to a tour around the UK, the Caribbean and the USA. Europe audiences loved her 2006 gospel album ‘His way’

Join Chevelle Franklin at the Festival of Hope 2008 on Hope Street Liverpool on June 14^th.

Denis Arnold

DJ Fitz

Waterfront Festival favourite, DJ Fitz returns in 2008 to the main stage of the Festival of Hope outside the Anglican Cathedral. Catch him from 6pm onwards on the 14^th of June.

DJ Zorro

DTWG (Desire to Worship God)

DTWG which is becoming a renowned name in the UK Gospel industry was founded in 2003 in Manchester. In October of the same year it held its first Gospel concert, which was heralded a success and featured finalists from the GMTV Gospel Competition. DTWG has since hosted a number of successful community based Gospel Events in Manchester and London. The DTWG Family increased in 2006, with DTWG London being brought into existence.

As a group DTWG is dedicated to serving the community by providing a channel for people to get together and socialise in a musical environment.

They will perform this year on June 14th at the Festival of Hope on Hope Street in Liverpool.

To learn more about their music click on: http://www.dtwg.co.uk/

JEWELS

Wowing audiences all over the UK and Europe since their formation in 1998, Jewels, a band from the midlands will be performing at the City Sings Gospel International Concert on the 7^th of June 2008.

‘Unorthodox but exciting’ is how they describe their current music. Their catchy tunes make audiences want to dance with them. Each member’s tale is borne out a strong church culture, with songs that are self penned and borne out of a range of experiences.

Described by Nikki Tapper (BBC Radio WM) as “harmonies like Virtue, a band to watch out for”, the band has gone on to develop its unique sound best described as “a fresh Urban sound with a ‘touch’ of soul”. Their performances bring a wide range of influences and vision to an audience leaving them wanting more.

Joel Brown

Originally born in Jamaica but raised in Bradford this up and coming singer will blow audiences away with his smooth and moving voice. Joel Brown was runner up at the Star Awards 2008 and we believe he is a star in the making and definitely one to watch. He will perform at the City Sings Gospel International Concert on the 7^th of June.

Kathy King

Kathy King has had a colourful singing career performing in the US and all over the world and looks back fondly on her cruise ship years when she worked as a headline entertainer. After twelve years, however, Kathy returned to the US to teach the fifth grade. It was around this time that she saw a missionary singer/songwriter perform and decided to sing and praise the Lord by writing music and songs. Kathy remarks of this time, “Within the span of a couple of hours, I went from ‘Hot Stuff’ to ‘How Great Thou Art!’” Over the next two years, she wrote and recorded her second album ‘Step into Grace’ which was released in 2002.

In 2006 Kathy King decided to put teaching, travelled to Wales and Romania and began recording music for her third album. She sang at the Liverpool Anglican Cathedral as part of the 24/7 prayer week and also performed at Liverpool Lighthouse.

Kathy King will appear at Ykids children’s zone and one the main stages at the Festival of Hope on the 14^th of June. She will be also performing on 15th June during the Tunnel Walk.

Kaleidoscope Commnity Choir

Kaleidoscope- Liverpool’s over 50's North Liverpool Community Choir will be appearing at this year’s City Sings Gospel festival. They’ll be performing a repertoire of songs that appeal to all ages. The choir has grown out of the Kaleidoscope History and Heritage Programme for the over 55s at Liverpool Lighthouse in Anfield. They regularly perform in Liverpool at high profile events including serenading thousands at the launch of Liverpool’s 800^th birthday celebrations.

Kaleidoscope Community Singers will be singing as part of the mass choirs at the Feast of Choirs, at Liverpool Anglican Cathedral on the 13^th of June. They will also sing on the Community Stage on Hope Street during the Festival of Hope.

Kelechi

The multi-talented Kelechi Ify is a multi-instrumentalist, producer, sound engineer and a sociologist. Kelechi has played on more than 2000 albums in West Africa, before moving to UK. He shot to fame after the release of his album ‘Global praise’ (Celebrity) in London, with the group of worshippers the ‘Praise Miners’. In 2000, he was awarded the most disciplined guitarist of the Millennium in Abia State.

He has ministered and performed in many churches and cities throughout the United Kingdom and will be performing at the Festival of Hope 08 on the 14^th of June.

Ken Klaudt

A great great great grandson of the famous Sitting Bull, Ken Klaudt is a proud Native American jazz gospel singer. Also a keen Native American historian, Ken has worked with many American Indian tribes at reservations where he sees the challenges facing ‘ America’s forgotten people’.

He is from the Original Klaudt Indian Family Gospel Singers that have performed and ministered as a group for more than 70 years. The family’s sound has been described as having a jazz flavour. Ken has performed musically for more than 50 years in the professional gospel music industry, and has sung in such places as the Grand Ole Opry, Ryman Auditorium, the John F. Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, the Atlanta Braves Stadium and will soon be performing in Liverpool at the Festival of Hope 08.

Ken is pictured wearing his grand father’s headdress which was reportedly worn during the famous battle of Little Bighorn.

Liam Moore

Liverpool singer and preacher, Liam first tasted the limelight when he appeared on “Stars in their eyes”, a British TV talent contest, in 1996. His appearance and makeover as Phil Collins, led him to travel the world, culminating in singing in front of the legendary Phil Collins and subsequently being endorsed as the Phil Collins No.1 Tribute act.

In April 2005 Liam released an EP CD called "In The Air Tonight". In 2006, Liam released his album "You're the Voice" and will perform during the Festival of Hope on Hope Street Liverpool.

Liverpool Philharmonic Gospel Choir

The Liverpool Philharmonic Gospel Choir has a reputation for exciting and inspirational performances, and is increasingly in demand for concerts across Merseyside. Directed by renowned Gospel musician Tyndale Thomas, the choir sings a mixture of traditional and contemporary gospel and inspiration music, as well as some of Tyndale’s original repertoire. Past performances have included supporting Nina Simone and Ladysmith Black Mambazo, and in 2005 the choir performed its first headline concert at Philharmonic Hall, to celebrate its 10th anniversary.

The Liverpool Philharmonic Gospel Choir will perform at Hope Inspired on the 14^th of June 2008 as part of City Sings Gospel at Christ the King Metropolitan Cathedral Liverpool.

Lilas

Born in Paris, with Congolese parentage, Lilas "La Fleur" Mukendi is a versatile artist. She writes, models, sings, plays the piano, guitar and produces her own music. Her songs are in English, French and the Congolese language Lingala.

Based at Grace Covenant Ministries in Stockton-on-Tees near Middlesbrough in the North East of England, Lilas describes herself as a worship leader with a ‘a heart for the lost’. She reaches out to people with her gospel music.

Since 2006 when Lilas released her debut single “Don’t worry” her worship career has been growing from strength to strength when she was ‘discovered’ in 2007. She set up her own record company, La Fleur Records. She released her first book “Step into your calling; worship leading” in 2007.

Watch out for her debut English album later this year- “Never Let Go”. Catch her at the 2008 Festival of Hope on Hope Street Liverpool.

Love and Joy Gospel Choir

Love and Joy Gospel Choir enjoys an enviable reputation as one of Brittan’s most outstanding gospel choirs and is constantly in demand to perform in concerts, in festivals and on national and international radio and television broadcasts. The choir formed in 1987 under the directorship of Dr. Tani Omideyi. This vibrant, multi-racial choir is based at Temple of Praise in Liverpool. The choir was heavily involved in Liverpool's Capital of Culture bid, writing the music for the theme song 'We've got the go', and performing in the House of Commons and in Belgium to promote Liverpool’s music.

Last year the choir performed on BBC Songs of Praise with Ken Dodd and will be hosting a fundraising concert on the 5th April at Liverpool Lighthouse. They will perforn at events throughout the festival.

Magda Piskorczyk

Magda is a singer with an unusual, low voice timbre. The Female Vocalist of the Year 2003, 2004 and 2006 in Poland in the Blues Top polls. Two time Semifinalist of the most important international blues competition: IBC, Memphis. The author of “Blues travelling" album recorded with friends and Michał Urbaniak - a worldwide known jazz violinist.

Magda’s music is her own tasteful arrangement of blues, gospel, soul, jazz and rock standards as well as modern songs inspired by these genres. She creates the music which is deeply set in the African-American tradition and is innovative at the same time.

Gospel, close to blues, is the second great fondness of Magda Piskorczyk. She appreciates achievements of many gospel singers, but the output of Mahalia Jackson is the most appealing for Magda. At the beginning of 2007, Magda Piskorczyk prepared a special program titled "Tribute to Mahalia Jackson" with new versions of songs known from Mahalia’s records.

Catch Magda’s hot blues beats on June 7^th and again on June 14^th. Magda will perform at the Festival of Hope and later at Hope Inspired at the Metropolitan Cathedral.

To learn more about Magda and her music click on: www.magdapiskorczyk.com and

www.myspace.com/magdapiskorczyk

Morphine Dancers

Liverpool’s popular urban dance troupe Morphine Dance Co. will be performing during ‘Over and Under the Mersey’ on Sunday the 15th of June. This fresh, funky and unforgettable street dance crew describe their work as ‘addictive’ and they like to leave audiences shocked, dazzled and screaming for more.

Muyiwa Olarewaju

One of Britain’s most acclaimed Gospel artists and DJs who has worked with Ron Kenoly, Karen Clark-Sheared, Michelle Williams of Destiny Child, Fred Hammond & Radical For Christ, Donnie McClurkin and has featured on 'Something Beautiful' by Graham Kendrick. This award winning musician is also a worship leader, founder of Riversongz and presents 'Worship Tonight' on Premier Radio. Muyiwa returns to Liverpool Lighthouse where last year he delighted the sell out audience at his concert during the ‘Amazing Grace Festival’.

New Direction

The saga continues for the ground breaking gospel group from south London. For the ones who are new to the name, NEW DIRECTION CREW, are a four piece collective whose aim is to uplift and enlighten through their music

The group has been performing for nearly 10 years and continue to perform up and down the country in youth clubs, churches, universities, schools and mainstream venues. They have also worked with the Lambeth council and have been awarded by the Lambeth EBP (Education Business Partnership) for their contributions to their local area through their music.

Ni-cola

Manchester’s sensation Ni-cola will perform at this year’s free street party, the Festival of Hope in Liverpool. She has been described as “an artist with such versatility, that you just can’t put her in a box, she can sing Pop, Soul, Funk and [her debut album] would still be great”. Her unique sound fuses R’ n ’B and gospel.

Ni-Cola was nominated for Best Female Newcomer at the Gem Awards in 2004 and went on to win Best Newcomer at the Oasis Awards in 2006. Her music has received much airplay from radio stations across the country including Premier Christian Radio and Choice FM.

Ni-Cola studied Performing Arts at the University of Salford. Aged 25, her passion in music began at an early age; she performed in a dance group and supported artists such as Elaine Hanley and International Reggae Artist Lieutenant Stichtie. Ni-Cola toured throughout Europe with Elaine Hanley before going on to pursue her own career.

Nouvelle Alliance

Join this soulful Congolese vocal band on June 14^th. Dance in the streets of Liverpool to their Lingala African beats.

Pacific Spirit

A team of cultural and contemporary dancers from the islands of New Zealand, Samoa, Tonga and Cook Islands who present the gospel of Jesus Christ through dance and drama. Pacific Spirit travel around New Zealand, America and UK. Pacific Spirit brings knowledge to the youth about their cultures in the pacific islands through the use of dance and drama by holding interactive sessions in religious education and geography classes at schools.

Phillipa Hanna

Royal Priesthood

Royal Priesthood are a dynamic three-piece edgy rap/ hip hop band from Mobile Alabama. They have a message of hope from young people for young people, using their own passionate and energetic music. Their goal is to minister the gospel and relate the kingdom of God through the avenue of music. Royal Priesthood originated in 2002 and its members are: L.T Pap ,Peachez, and D.Scuddy. They write, produce and arrange their own material. Their music style is unique but the most important aspect is the strong lyrical content based on biblical principles which encourages and uplifts the youth.

Stavanger Gospel Choir (S.G.C.)

The Choir was formed in the late 80's in Norway by Alf Magne Petterson. Petterson, together with keyboard player Oscar Jansen, invited singers from the local churches in Stavanger to join. S.G.C. grew, creating a very unique sound unheard of in Norway. They soon became one of the leading choir’s in Norway, receiving standing ovations after every concert since their debut concert in 1988. Stravanger Gospel Choir started to receive invitations to youth festivals and church meetings all over Norway. With a very skilled, professional band, talented lead singers, well trained and versatile choir and a dedicated conductor, S.G.C. received media attention with the release of their successful albums. In 2007, Liverpool audiences admired the Stavanger Gospel Choir’s fantastic performance during the John Newton Musical Event.

Sandra Godley

Sandra is the recipient of the prestigious 2005 UK (GEM) Gospel Entertainment Award for 'Best Female Newcomer'. Dubbed a 'Gospel Diva' by Cross Rhythms Magazine, she sings with an unapologetic passion and enthusiasm which the youngest of singers can only dream about.

She's supported the 'King of Gospel' Jessy Dixon twice and has established 'Coventry Praise' a regional worship night attended by over 1200 people at the internationally acclaimed Coventry Cathedral where is the Events and Conference Manager. She's performed on many BBC and Christian network channels. Her debut album 'Sweet Surrender' caused quite a stir, her second album 'One thing' is due for release summer 08.

During Festival of Hope on 14^th June she will bring her signature energetic powerhouse vocals with an abundance of love and encouragement.

S.O.

In a world filled with hate and deceit, a place where teenagers are portrayed by the media as socially uncontrollable characters, comes a positive voice for the youth called S.O.

Deemed “the future” by his peers, Seun Otukpe a/k/a S.O. has a calling to encourage, give hope and reach a ‘lost’ generation with his rhythm and poetry (RAP).

Nurtured by UK Gospel group New Direction, S.O. is a rising star on the UK Gospel scene. Although regularly performing, S.O is now pursuing a degree in Theology in Durham University.

Terry Hazzard

Dr Terry Hazzard is an acclaimed vocalist from Mobile, Alabama. A regular performer in his home state, Terry has travelled to Liverpool especially to perform at the City Sings Gospel International festival. He’ll perform at Hope Inspired and during the Festival of Hope on the Community Stage.

Toscha Comeaux

Toscha Comeaux, the ‘dynamic diva’, is a Jazz singer from Hartford, Connecticut who has shared the stage with such greats as Nat Adderly, Lou Rawls, Ray Charles, Johnny O’Neal and Diana Ross. She continues to perform throughout the United States and in Europe.

Toscha will be performing at Hope Inspired, on June 14^th as part of City Sings Gospel.

Strongly influenced by the likes of Diane Reeves, Dee Dee Bridgewater, EllaFitzgerald, Sarah Vaughn and Stevie Wonder, Toscha has two albums: Toscha 2004 and This Could Be Love 2007.

Among her credits are musical training at the Greater Hartford Academy of the Performing Arts and Bachelor’s Degree in Vocal Performance from Bethtune-Cookman University in Daytona, Florida. During this time she performed with The Connecticut Opera and the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra.

Voices in Praise

Leeds based choir, Voices In Praise, originally formed in the 1970’s and their members have worked with many of the

’s hottest artists. Their powerful and professional sound lifts the mood and spirits of audiences throughout the

This popular choir performs at annual Christian events ‘Spirit in the City’ and ‘Feasts of the Nations’ held in Leeds City Centre. We are delighted to have them perform at the City Sings Gospel International Concert and at Hope Inspired at the Metropolitan Cathedral, Liverpool on the 14^th of June.