Shirley Caesar, Tye Tribbett, LCGC for huge gospel event

A NUMBER of events under the umbrella Gospel Grand Summit 2007 are set to take place at London's Hackney Empire from 16th to 28th October. The BBC Gospel Concert will take place on 16th October; The Gospel According To Broadway featuring the Harlem Gospel Ensemble, the London Community Gospel Choir, Michael Terry Singers and the BBC Concert Orchestra takes place on 18th-20th October; He Becometh A Man, a play by Frederick Douglass on the 20th; All Nations Praise, a multi-lingual conference hosted by worship leader Muyiwa and journalist George Luke on the 24th; Bridge Tower, a new jazz opera by Julian Joseph and Mike Phillips starring Cleveland Watkiss on the 25th; Summit Main Industry Day on the 27th; and Shirley Caesar and Tye Tribbett on the 28th October.

Said Summit organiser Juliet Fletcher, "This year is a unique opportunity because of the commemorations related to slavery. It really is time for gospel music in the UK to as it were 'break free' to be nationally recognised and experienced as a viable and exciting part of the music scene - in its own right. We've tried to reflect this through the programming - something for all tastes and styles from acappella to holy hip-hop. There is even a special Summit Workshop Choir for those who would like to 'give it a go.'"