CLC's Salute to Gospel program goes virtual this year
Chicago native and No. 1 Billboard Gospel artist Jonathan McReynolds will take the virtual stage at 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27, and for an encore at 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 28, to lift up audiences at the free 37th Annual Salute to Gospel Music Program hosted by the College of Lake County.
"The college is proud to bring this gospel music tradition to homes in Lake County and around the country," said Derrick Harden, CLC vice president and chief of staff.
"While we all want to be in the same room to feel the vibe of live music together, this free virtual delivery lets our audience enjoy this cultural engagement safely from their homes. And without restrictions of time, place and paid tickets, our message will be heard even louder than when we sold out Genesee Theatre last year."
The annual event began in 1986 as a performance opportunity to support the college's gospel choir and has since evolved to be one of the most popular music programs put on by CLC.
Over the years it has attracted some of the gospel music industry's best, including The Winans, Shirley Caesar and, last year's feature performer, Bishop Hezikiah Walker and the Love Fellowship Choir.
"The program is more than just a concert," Lakeshore Special Projects Coordinator JoHaan Cotton-Wilson said. "It serves as an outreach activity to encourage African American youth to appreciate the many advantages of a CLC education while motivating attendees to better their communities."
What was born in McReynolds' dorm room in the presence of a few friends has graduated to Christian music's biggest stage. And Jonathan, now 31, did it with an incredible voice and an honest approach to songwriting. His latest EP, "People," is a collection of what McReynolds frames as "Life Music."
"My albums are about being authentic and genuine, pure and transparent," Reynolds said. "Life Music is concerned with showing others, and reminding myself, how the faith doesn't just fit every part of life, but should frame every part of life."
Effie Rolfe, a Chicago-based media personality, speaker and author, will serve as master of ceremonies along with Cotton-Wilson. Additionally, the 2021 Harambee Award of Excellence will be presented to Waukegan Township Supervisor Patricia Jones and the Rev. Rick Harris of the First Baptist Church of North Chicago.
Special musical guests include MC4 from Evanston and The Sounds of Blackness.
While purchased tickets are usually required to attend, this year's Salute to Gospel is free. Advanced registration is required. Visit www.clcillinois.edu/events/salutetogospel.
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