Straight from the southern belt of the United States comes the Blackwood Quartet. Immersed in gospel history, this four-piece arrives at the Arden Theatre on March 13 to perform some of Elvis Presley’s favourite gospel songs.
A spiritual singer, Elvis felt particularly connected to the timeless songs that were rooted in traditions that date to the 17th century.
Songs such as Amazing Grace, You’ll Never Walk Alone and Crying in the Chapel are just a few of the songs the Blackwood Quartet includes in its program.
Considered one of the giants of the gospel world, Blackwood has an 80-year history where they received eight Grammy Awards and 27 Dove Awards.
Cecil Blackwood was a childhood friend of Elvis. They attended Sunday school together and formed the gospel quartet The Songfellas before Elvis rose to fame as King of Rock ’n’ Roll.
When Elvis’ mother died he sent a plane to North Carolina and brought the group to Memphis for the funeral. And when Elvis’ funeral was held, James Blackwood sang How Great Thou Art.
The concert starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $55 plus an additional facility fee. Call 780-459-1542 or purchase online at ticketmaster.ca.
MacEwan University’s Faculty of Fine Arts and Communications performance series presents the second concert of the season with Tom Van Seters.
Several special guests join Van Seters including two St. Albert top-tier jazz musicians – vocalist Chandelle Rimmer and bass player John Taylor.
A native of Montreal, Van Seter has been an influential part of Canada’s music scene for more than 20 years as a pianist, composer and educator.
In his extensive career, he has performed with jazz luminaries such as Mike Murley, Don Thompson, Kevin Turcotte, P.J. Perry and Jim Head.
Tickets are $16.75 to $22. Call 780-420-1757 or purchase online at tixonthesquare.ca
