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Earlier this year, Donald Lawrence and the Tri-City Singers bade adieu with a concert/live recording entitled "Finale: Acts I & II." They will come together one more time in their first ever national concert tour which kicks off in Nashville, TN, October 11.
As a unit Donald Lawrence and the Tri-City singers had an illustrious 15 year stay in the gospel industry and are leaving behind a trail of memorable hit songs ("The Best Is Yet To Come," "Prayer of Jabez," and "Seasons ") and their signature sound as the backdrop for Prophetess Juanita Bynum's nuptial ceremony won't soon be forgotten.
Their parting performance earned industry-wide praise and brought forth the bountiful lead single, "The Blessing of Abraham" which set the record for the longest stay of a gospel single, 18 weeks in the #1 slot on the Radio & Records magazine gospel singles chart. EMI Records, their label, recently presented D Lawrence with both gold and platinum honors for "The Finale," the crowning release of their career.
The words of his biblically inspired song did not return to him void as, Lawrence's musical inheritance will continue with his seedlings, Dewayne Woods and The Murrills. Both acts are former members of the Tri-City singers and will be featured in the concert.
"The choir really wanted to do a tour because they haven't really toured in the past," says Lawrence, who's in demand as a soloist and a producer for artists ranging from Mary J. Blige to jazz great, Ramsey Lewis. "Also, I want to carry our message of empowerment across the nation...reminding them of their covenant relationship and the promise God has made to us all!"
A renowned perfectionist, Lawrence is staging a seamless production that boasts the choir's biggest hits such as ""Oh, Peter" and "The Best is Yet to Come." It also incorporates featured performances by DeWayne Woods and the Murrills, two extraordinary gospel artists with new releases on Lawrence's Quiet Water Entertainment recording label.
"Donald and his Tri-City Singers have always encouraged the body of Christ with timeless inspirational songs," says Shawn Tate, President of Tate & Associates which is producing the tour with Mpact Productions. "It's an honor to be part this historic event in gospel music as they travel the country to say farewell to their many fans." Martin Culpepper of Mpact Productions adds, "Mpact Productions is more than excited to be part of what promises to be a thrilling and historic tour - one gospel fans will still be raving about years from now."
The children's hunger relief organization, World Vision, has signed on as a title sponsor. "We are excited about the Donald Lawrence & Tri-City Singers Finale Tour, to be a part of something special that will have a great impact on the gospel community as well as the world," says Dawn Williams, Gospel Artist Representative for World Vision. "Donald Lawrence is an awesome talent with a huge heart for the plight of children in poverty, which makes our partnership successful."
"I'm very passionate about World Vision because they are doing REAL ministry which is healing," says Lawrence. "I'm glad that they are partnering to help spread this message of life, health & wealth."
World Vision, the Christian relief and development organization dedicated to helping children and their communities worldwide reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty. For over 50 years, World Vision has been at the forefront of America's effort to end hunger, the AIDS pandemic, and child exploitation by focusing on five major areas; emergency relief, education, health care, economic development and justice. For further information on individual dates, click HERE.
Meanwhile, Mona Austin caught up with Donald Lawrence. Please Scroll down to watch the interview.
Below: Donald Lawrence and the Tri-City Singers tour dates (*All Dates Subject to Change)
10/11 Nashville, TN / TBD
10/12 St. Louis, MO /Friendly Temple Missionary Baptist Church
10/13 Rockford, IL / First Assembly of God
10/14 Dallas, TX / TBD
10/15 San Antonio, TX /New Creation Christian Fellowship
10/18 Phoenix, AZ / Pilgrim rest Baptist Church
10/20 Seattle, WA / Washington State Church of God in Christ Headquarters
10/22 Oakland, CA / Beebe Memorial Cathedral
10/23 Las Vegas, NV / TBD
10/26 Denver, CO / Colorado Community Church
10/28 Kansas City, MO / Canaan Worship Center
10/29 Birmingham, AL / cathedral of the Cross
11/1 Jackson, MS / TBD
11/2 Baton Rouge, LA / Living Faith Christian Center
11/3 Shreveport, LA
11/4 Fort Lauderdale, FL / TBD
11/5 Atlanta, GA / TBD
11/6 Memphis, TN / TBD
11/8 Pittsburgh, PA / TBD
11/9 Philadelphia, PA / Baptist Worship Center
11/10 Charlotte, NC / University Park Baptist Church
11/11 Norfolk, VA / TBD
11/12 Greensboro, NC / TBD
11/15 Detroit, MI / TBD
11/17 Indianapolis, IN / TBD
11/18 Cincinnati, OH / Word of Deliverance
Mona Austin talks to Donald Lawrence:
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