Nationally known gospel artist Lamar Campbell will be the featured performer when Cal U's Young and Gifted Gospel Choir hosts its annual Joyfest gospel concert.
Nationally known gospel artist Lamar Campbell will be the featured performer when Cal U's Young and Gifted Gospel Choir hosts its annual Joyfest gospel concert.
The Heritage Gospel Chorale of Pittsburgh and the Coatesville (Pa.) High School Choir will join Campbell and Cal U's gospel singers onstage at 7 p.m. March 24 in Steele Hall Mainstage Theatre.
Campbell is the founder of Lamar Campbell & Spirit of Praise. The choir made its debut on Tyscot Records in 1995 with "Ready." Three years later the choir moved to EMI Gospel and six of its albums have made the Billboard magazine Gospel Albums chart. Among Campbell's chart-making albums are "I Need Your Spirit," "When I Think About You," "Confessions of a Worshipper" and "Open the Sky."
Before he formed his large choir, Campbell was known as a songwriter for a number of groups, including GMWA Women of Worship.
"The (Cal U) choir is excited to have someone of Lamar Campbell's caliber coming to sing with us," said Dr. Randy Tillmutt, director of the Young and Gifted Gospel Choir and an assistant professor in the Department of Music and Theatre.
"His songs are known to produce a worship experience and I am sure those who attend
Joyfest will witness this."
Founded in the 1970s, the Young and Gifted Gospel Choir is open to all Cal U students.
Its repertoire includes traditional spirituals and African-American gospel music.
At Joyfest, choir members have the opportunity to learn from and perform with a gospel
music professional.
Campbell is a role model for Cal U students to emulate, Tillmutt said.
"I believe he epitomizes what a student can become after leaving this fine institution
of higher learning."
Admission to Joyfest 2018 is free. Tickets are not required, and the public is welcome
to attend. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
For more information, contact Tillmutt at 724-938-4735 or email tillmutt@calu.edu.