Urban Soul Café (USC) is best known for consistently bringing the hottest Gospel talent to the stage and this year’s “Access Granted” weekend promises to be the three biggest parties of the Stellar Gospel Music Award weekend, January 12-14, 2012. The weekend will host the coveted USC awards with honors going to Dr. Dorinda Clark-Cole, the Rance Allen Group and Kim Burrell; a host of performances by Canton Jones, Da’ T.R.U.T.H, Myron Butler, Shirley Murdock, Regina Belle, and so many more; and several special guest appearances including Stellar co-host Marvin Sapp. Tickets and a complete schedule can be found at www.UrbanSoulCafe.com.
The “Rose of Gospel,” Dr. Dorinda Clark-Cole is a musical evangelist who uses her gift of voice to testify about the perfect love of Christ. The second oldest sister in a family of Gospel legends, Clark-Cole’s fiery, penetrating vocals open vessels for praise. It is the Grace that saved her at the brink of death which saturates each note revealing a soul which only desires to bring others closer to Him.
It is the soul, which also responds to the unmatched sound of The Rance Allen Group (RAG). This year finds them celebrating a music ministry which has allowed them to bring forward a message of faith and fellowship for four decades. Creating music with a mass appeal that is as dynamic as Rance’s signature falsetto, RAG enjoys their own trailblazing space by bridging Gospel and R&B.
Dr. Dorinda Clark-Cole and the Rance Allen Group’s timeless contributions to Gospel are the reason they will be presented with the Urban Soul Café “2012 Lifetime Achievement Award.” During this event, Pastor Kim Burrell, will be also honored as USC’s “2012 Artist of the Year,” in recognition of her most recent effort, “The Love Album” which has been nominated for both Grammy and Stellar awards. Pastor Burrell’s unique and vibrant voice is captivating while revealing an undying passion for music as well as ministry.
All of the honors will be bestowed on Thursday, January 12 at the Cannery Ballroom. The event will begin at 7 pm and doors open at 6 pm. USC’s Access Granted will also welcome special guest Marvin Sapp and a number of other artists are scheduled to appear.
On Saturday, January 14 the Mid-Day Mixer will take place at the all-new Jazz & Jokes Lounge where the hottest acts in contemporary Gospel music will perform. Urban worship will fill the building when the doors open at 10 a.m. Everyone is free for the first hour.
After the Stellar Awards, Urban Soul Café’s Thank God I’m Fresh affair will undoubtedly be the most talked about event of the year! The hottest Urban hip hop Gospel stars will appear with music by One Accord DJ’s, and it all happens at the Limelight Entertainment Complex, doors open at 7:30 PM.
Please note that Urban Soul Café’s Access Granted weekend is expected to sell out! Tickets are on sale now at urbansoulcafe.com for $10 in advance online and $15 at the door. VIP passes providing access to ALL three events are on sale now for $50 (VIP access includes backstage passes and more).
Urban Soul Café’s Access Granted Weekend is sponsored by Crazy 1 Productions, Chamelon Entertainment, Judah Media Group, INC, Records, Ten 2 One Entertainment, Coram Deo Mgmt, American Family Insurance, 760 AM The Gospel, EMI Gospel, Light Records, Tyscot Records, The Lee Nathan Group, Soultowne, The Belle Report, DaSouth.com, One EnTiTy, The Fly Chick Entertainment, DW Promotions, 92Q FM, Clipper City, Happy People Network, and One Accord DJ’s.
About Urban Soul Café: Urban Soul Café has been showcasing the best talent in music since April 2005. Based in Nashville, Tennessee, USC has hosted events in Memphis, Huntsville, Houston, Tampa, New Orleans, Charlotte, and Atlanta, providing a platform for the freshest acts in Gospel music. Urban Soul Café has worked with over 200 artists in the entertainment industry, both novice and established, including Fred Hammond, Kirk Franklin, Marvin Sapp, Canton Jones, DeWayne Woods, Lisa McClendon, and the list goes on. For more information about upcoming Urban Soul Café events go to www.urbansoulcafe.com.
