Tag Archives: Gospel music

‘GOSPEL SOUL OF ELVIS’ wows crowds in Mineola Texas

MINEOLA, Texas /ScoopCloud/ -- Elvis Presley is a state of mind. Mark Rios would be the first person to tell you this. Rios is a lifelong fan of The King. But it wasn't until relatively recently that this North Texas actor and director was able to converge his acting and directing careers and dedicate them to exploring his long-standing dream of exploring Elvis Presley's spiritual side.

This dream came together in his new traveling play, "The Gospel Soul of Elvis."

After debuting in Dallas, Rios and crew performed the play at the oldest continuously operating theatre in Texas - the historic Lake Country Playhouse, 114 N. Johnson St in Mineola.

The cast included Rios, Mary Lee Gonzalez, Malik Johnson, Randy Burk, Dasiana Preston, Olivia Simms, Ben Tinsley, and J. Douglas Barker.

The show ran in Mineola for three days April 28-30 to much acclaim.

Neita Fran Ward, ART CONNECTION OF EAST TEXAS, said she really appreciated what the cast did with the performance.

"Every Elvis fan has heard the gospel songs Elvis loved and performed,' she said. "Mark Rios and his backup music group thoughtfully transported the audience back into the music and stories of The King of Rock and Roll with their performance in a relaxed and casual setting. Great voices and entertaining stories."

A friend and colleague of Rios, Victor Rjesnjansky ("Slick Vic" from the hit A&E TV series "Storage Wars Texas") was also impressed.

"Not being a huge fan of Elvis, this was a look into his life from a different venue - hanging out in his penthouse after the show with all his friends," Rjesnjansky said.

Rjesnjansky said it was educational to find out these things about Elvis. "I found myself riveted with interest during the whole show after speaking with creator Mark Rios," he said. "Mark informed me that every show is a little different with little tweaks here and there."

"Definitely worth the trip to see the show. I give it five stars," Rjesnjansky said.

Indeed, Rios has carried the idea for the show around for some time. But it was only in recent months that he transformed his idea into "full-on musical reality."

A lot of Mark's colleagues know him as a great local actor whose mobster show "A Family Thing," is really starting to catch fire on several venues.

But up until recently, not many heard Rios say a word about an Elvis show.

Ben Tinsley, Rios' assistant director and the actor who plays Col. Parker in the show, was initially quite surprised. "Mark called me one day, talking about a stage show with him playing Elvis, and I was like, 'Do WHAT?'" Tinsley said.

Tinsley, like Rjesnjansky, had never before experienced an Elvis-related show. But Tinsley knew a winner when he saw it. He said it was an honor to be asked to join the cast as Col. Parker.

"When I first saw Mark do Elvis during the show, I thought to myself, 'Whoa. He's NOT doing some silly Elvis charactature or impersonation. He's really digging deep.' I was astounded."

The Texas Theater presents The Gospel Soul of Elvis on Friday, August 18 2023 at 8 p.m., Texas Theater - Waxahachie, TX.

Learn more: https://www.thegospelsoulofelvisshow.com/cast.html

Elvis Presley is a state of mind. Mark Rios would be the first person to tell you this. Rios is a lifelong fan of The King. But it wasn't until relatively recently that this North Texas actor and director was able to converge his acting and directing careers and dedicate them to exploring his long-standing dream of exploring Elvis Presley's spiritual side.

Related link: https://www.thegospelsoulofelvisshow.com/

New critically-acclaimed Elvis stage show explores the spiritual side of ‘The King’

MINEOLA, Texas /ScoopCloud/ -- Mark Rios, the writer, director and lead actor of the acclaimed indie mobster TV series "A Family Thing," has created and produced an intimate new stage show about Elvis Presley that explores The King's undeniable love of gospel music, cast member Ben Tinsley announced today.

"The Gospel Soul of Elvis," inspired by true events, will be performed with amazing music by seasoned actors and singers. It soon will regionally debut at the oldest continuously operating theatre in Texas - the historic Lake Country Playhouse, 114 N. Johnson St in Mineola, (903) 569-2300.

A statement issued by the theatre expressed great enthusiasm for Rios' upcoming show. "We are excited to bring it to you," the statement read. "We think you will absolutely love it, as it is a glimpse into the more private side of this stellar performer."

This glimpse into the private side of the beloved artist recently previewed to a packed house in Dallas. Written to be interactive with the audience, this show's "soft opening" was a crowd-pleaser.

"The audience really enjoyed it," Mark Rios said in a recent interview. "We got great positive feedback and vibes. Many members of the audience were visibly moved with emotion."

As it stands right now, the show runs in Mineola for three days - April 28 at 7:30 p.m., April 29 at 7:30 p.m., and April 30, 2023 at 2 p.m.

Rios, who has spent two decades in stage and film, attracted a following with his show "A Family Thing." Many of the actors who work for one of Rios' projects say they often end up working on another.

"Being part of Mark's theatrical orbit is really helping our acting careers," said Ben Tinsley, who plays Col. Parker in the Elvis Show and "Bennie Few Words" on "A Family Thing."

The cast includes Mark Rios, Elizabeth Dykes, Malik Johnson, Randy Burk, Dasiana Preston, Olivia Sims, Ben Tinsley, Joe Dobbs and J. Douglas Baker.

For info on performances and tickets, go to https://allevents.in/mineola/10000559941649547

Or https://www.thegospelsoulofelvisshow.com/cast.html

Mark Rios, the writer, director and lead actor of the acclaimed indie mobster TV series "A Family Thing," has created and produced an intimate new stage show about Elvis Presley that explores The King's undeniable love of gospel music, cast member Ben Tinsley announced today. “The Gospel Soul of Elvis,” inspired by true events, will be performed with amazing music by seasoned actors and singers.

California Soul Food Cookout and Festival to Benefit Regional Charities

PLEASANTON, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- This two-day California Soul Food Cookout and Festival is not only filled with food, fun and music, but purpose too. For 12 years running, this premier food and music event has grown to be a regional favorite. This year's festival will be held at the Alameda Fairgrounds on September 17 and 18, 2022 and will donate a portion of revenue to different charities in the Bay area who work to help the homeless and domestic violence victims.

Upwards of 5,000 people per day are expected to attend and the food and entertainment is setting up to be off the hook. In addition to some of the region's top food vendors, Chef Milly, a Hell's Kitchen celebrity, will take center stage.

For music lovers, R&B artists and gospel greats will include: Musiq Soulchild, Kevin Ross, Angie Stone, Marsha Ambrosius, Fred Hammond, James Fourtune, Karen Clark Sheard, Charles Jenkins and Bishop Cortez Vaughn.

And, football fans have something to get excited about too. Several sports' greats will be there to meet with attendees through "Meet the Football Legends" supported by the NFL Northern California Former Player's Chapter. Shake hands with the likes of Anthony Bell of the Raiders; Honor Jackson from the Patriots and Giants; Mike Meriwether of the Steelers and Vikings; Anthony Simmons of the Chargers and Cowboys; and more.

Annette Jackson, CEO of The California Soul Food Cookout and Festival, says, "This will be the ideal place to get family and friends together while celebrating the power of positivity through food, fun and music and giving back to the community at the same time."

To date, 35 food truck vendors are signed up and a job fair and career expo are scheduled to take place each day. There will also be many other vendors and specialty shops set up for people to enjoy.

Corporate partners are invited to help underwrite the California Soul Food Cookout and Festival, while showcasing and promoting their company's services and products.

Customized sponsorship packages are available here: https://eventhub.net/events/California-Soul-Food-Cookout-and-Festival_3027

"The California Soul Food Cookout and Festival serves as a platform for people to gather, celebrate and spread peace and love throughout the community for a long time to come," Jackson shares. "We also want everyone to have access to the event, so we're providing complimentary tickets for various community organizations to distribute."

For event information: https://www.californiasoulfoodcookoutandfestival.com/

SOCIAL MEDIA:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/soulfoodfestCA

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calisoulfoodfest/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/calisoulfoodfest

This two-day California Soul Food Cookout and Festival is not only filled with food, fun and music, but purpose too. For 12 years running, this premier food and music event has grown to be a regional favorite. This year's festival will be held at the Alameda Fairgrounds on September 17 and 18, 2022 and will donate a portion of revenue to different charities in the Bay area who work to help the homeless and domestic violence victims.

California Soul Food Cookout and Festival: An Event with Purpose

PLEASANTON, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- The California Soul Food Cookout and Festival is an exclusive, two-day weekend event being held on September 17 and 18, 2022 at the Alameda Fairgrounds. In its 12th year, this year's lineup will feature some of the state's top food vendors, hottest R&B artists and gospel greats. What's more, Chef Milly, a celebrity chef from "Hell's Kitchen," is the food venue host at the heart of it all.

Having earned a reputation as, "The Bay's Premier Outdoor Event," this exciting festival is focused on bringing friends and family together through good old-fashioned fun, family-style cooking and music. A Job Fair and Career Expo will also take place on both days.

Event organizers are expecting more than 12,000 attendees, 35 food truck vendors and a variety of small business vendors. To date, 11 musical artists are confirmed with a combined number of 3 million Instagram followers.

"That's an impressive number of people for sponsors to reach," says Annette Jackson, the CEO of The California Soul Food Cookout and Festival. "We'll be posting often and the excitement we're building is sure to pay off. It's all coming together in one great location and we've put every precaution in place to ensure a safe, entertaining and successful event."

Corporate partners are invited to help underwrite the California Soul Food Cookout and Festival, while showcasing and promoting their company's services and products. Customized sponsorship packages are available here: https://eventhub.net/events/California-Soul-Food-Cookout-and-Festival_3027

"The California Soul Food Cookout and Festival is sure to evoke a spirit of unity, wholeness, peaceful gathering, love, celebration and memories that will resonate within the souls of all those who attend, while transferring positive energy back into the community," Jackson says.

A portion of the proceeds raised will provide much-needed resources to organizations throughout the Bay Area that help victims of domestic violence and the homeless population. To ensure that all members of the community get to participate, The California Soul Food Cookout and Festival will also provide complementary tickets to various community organizations, so those less fortunate may attend.

"We look forward to working with great community organizations and corporate partners to make this year one of the most unforgettable family entertainment experiences yet," Jackson adds.

As Margaret Mead once said: "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."

For event information: https://www.californiasoulfoodcookoutandfestival.com/

SOCIAL MEDIA:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/soulfoodfestCA

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calisoulfoodfest/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/calisoulfoodfest

The California Soul Food Cookout and Festival is an exclusive, two-day weekend event being held on September 17 and 18, 2022 at the Alameda Fairgrounds. In its 12th year, this year's lineup will feature some of the state's top food vendors, hottest R&B artists and gospel greats. What's more, Chef Milly, a celebrity chef from "Hell's Kitchen," is the food venue host at the heart of it all.

Indie Music Star Luanne Hunt delivers ‘Chicken Soup for the Soul’ message in her Top 40 hit single, ‘WE RISE’

LAS VEGAS, Nev. /ScoopCloud/ -- Amid the Coronavirus lockdown, award-winning, critically acclaimed indie music star Luanne Hunt decided to use her free time to tap into her creativity and write the Top 40 Gospel/Inspirational hit "We Rise," a song the Hollywood Digest calls an "anthem for our times."

The uplifting song can be heard on radio stations around the world and is currently climbing the Adult Contemporary and Christian Music charts.

Other reviewers see it as a musical dose of inspiration, bringing the same type of hope and healing found in Jack Canfield's "Chicken Soup for the Soul" stories. According to Troy Johnston of FAME Magazine, "We Rise" is just what the doctor ordered to lead people from all walks of life to a brighter and more abundant tomorrow.

"Beautifully presented and enchanting from the start, Luanne Hunt's 'We Rise' is the Chicken Soup of song we humans need," said Troy Johnston of FAME Magazine. "It's a winner of a tune that puts humanity back into perspective and reminds us as listeners that thinking positive and spreading joy to others is as simple as it gets."

Hunt, who lives in Las Vegas, Nevada, wrote "We Rise" as the theme song for a philanthropic organization she is preparing to launch in early 2021 called, "We Rise Women's Network."

The network will aim to provide women across the nation opportunities to gather, make lasting friendships, heal from wounds of the past and tap into their inner strength through the power of togetherness, Hunt said.

"When I began making plans for the Network, the first thing I did was write the theme song for it," said Hunt, a native of Conshohocken, Pennsylvania. "As 'We Rise' came together in the studio, I realized it holds a message that people need to hear right now. So many are running out of hope but united, we are strong. I have no doubt we can rise above everything that's threatening all we hold true and dear."

Over her 25-year career, Hunt has scored numerous No. 1 hits on country, folk and gospel charts around the world. The award-winning, Grammy-balloted recording artist is best known for her chart-topping single, "Christmas Without You," which was named by Sweden's largest daily newspaper, Dagens Nyheter, one of the Top 25 Christmas Songs of All-time.

She also is the recipient of three CD of the Year awards from the National Traditional Country Music Association (NTCMA) and six American Songwriting Awards.

The adult contemporary/contemporary Christian-inspired "We Rise" follow's Hunt's award-winning, critically acclaimed country album, "Backroads, Bottles & Blues," which features her No. 1 hit duet with Steven Bankey, "Lightning in A Bottle."

"Fans that love the Andra Day song 'Rise Up' should take a chance on Luanne Hunt's 'We Rise,'" said Garth Thomas, reviewer for the Hollywood Digest. "I'm positive that Hunt's country fans will stick with her and love this song, which is both inspiring and entertaining."

Find Luanne Hunt at
* https://www.luannehunt.com/
* https://www.facebook.com/luannehuntindiecountrystar
* https://www.twitter.com/luannehunt

VIDEO (YouTube): https://youtu.be/VAOi0xi3J9Q

*PHOTO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-0521s2p-we-rise-album-300dpi.jpg

Media contact
Luanne Hunt
Star Creek Entertainment
starcreekentertainment@gmail.com
760-684-9622

Amid the Coronavirus lockdown, award-winning, critically acclaimed indie music star Luanne Hunt decided to use her free time to tap into her creativity and write the Top 40 Gospel/Inspirational hit "We Rise," a song the Hollywood Digest calls an "anthem for our times."

Related link: https://www.luannehunt.com/