GMS is Your premiere choice in Christian news sources. This Edition...Up Close with Lee Bailey, Minnesota Governor's Special Advisor on Faith and Community Service Initiatives... After Katrina/Minnesota 'The Big Easy to Big Freezy'...The Buzz - 'The Second Chance' movie Twin Cities promotional tour with co-stars Michael W. Smith & jeff obafemi carr...On Stage Review with Jasmine 'Jazzy' Avent, YiG Showcase™...TGR Weekender Free Calendar for the Twin Cities...

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Up CLose with Lee Buckley

Special Advisor to MN Governor's Faith-based Initiatives
By Prophetess SB Barber Stalling, GMS

The MN Governor's Faith-based Initiative is the 1st in the state; the appointment is the 1st; the appointee is the 1st African American to lead the Council. Lee Buckley was named Special Advisor on Faith and Community Service Initiatives by Governor Pawlenty on November 8, 2005 to lead the Council. Governor Tim Pawlenty recently named 15 Minnesotans to his new Council on Faith and Community Service Initiatives. The Council will partner with state and local agencies and existing religious and community organizations to ensure that groups have a level playing field to access grants and will encourage greater cooperation to successfully serve those in need.

A native Chicagoan, Lee Buckley has been a resident of the Twin Cities since 2000. She relocated from Chicago to Detroit where she lived 5 years and was employed four years with Northwest Airlines (NWA) as a high ranking executive. Her first year in the Twin Cities, she was heavily involved in contract negotiations [NWA] and extensive travel. It is evident that Lee has always been 'hands-on' in family, community & church, while at the same time meeting and excelling the demands of her corporate executive role. She shares a nugget from her life experience in networking. Lee, thank you in advance for allowing our audience to an Up Close with you.... Describe your early years.

LB:
I divorced when our daughter was a baby. When she was younger, I was fortunate enough to connect with four other women -- single moms -- who shared with me the same values and principles and goals. We actually bonded to make sure our girls had stability in their community and activities. We made sure that one of us was involved in their activities. My daughter is now 27 years old. I've been remarried now for over 3 years. We have a blended family -- a 21 year old in Nursing School; a set of twins, 19 year olds attending Hampton University and Lincoln university.

GMS:
Obviously, you saw the benefit of networking and having a support system in place. Share with us your opinion about the importance of having a support system in place for a parent who is heavily involved in their community or job.

LB:
I think it is really important for families to have a good base -- a good network, that's why I really like the church that I attend in St. Paul, Progressive Baptist Church. [Rev Dr. Earl F. Miller] because it does provide a great support system for the family, the children, the parents, and for the community at large. It's critical. It really does take a village to raise the kids -- you have to have it. My family was always very supportive and I always travelled professionally in my career. They [my family] were always there to provide that stability.

GMS:
What is your suggestion to a single parent, family that comes to Minnesota, let's identify the Twin Cities, and needs a support system, yet they are not connected to a church base?

LB:
The first year I lived here [Twin Cities], I was on the road alot. I personally didn't have an opportunity to connect with people other than my colleagues at work. Certainly, there were a number of other outlets -- the Urban League organization in both Minneapolis and St. Paul, UNCF [United Negro College Fund], the MLK [Martin Luther King, Jr.] Breakfast, I had the opportunity to participate and attend those functions. So, that oriented me to the community [Twin Cities], especially the African American community. I remember earlier on, the Minnesota State Baptist brought the National Baptist Convention here and I attended that. There were a number of events I had the opportunity to attend and network. And then again, eventually finding a church home which was very important to me....The people of the Twin Cities have been very receptive of me...my family. We've all made this our home. It's been good to and for us.

GMS:
What is the lifestyle change, if any?

LB:
None. Other than, the fact of having the opportunity to work on an initiative that will result in helping 'people' verses helping a 'franchise'.

GMS:
Minnesota Katrina retrospect -- Bring us up-to-date. A strong response was exhibited from the faith and community initiatives along with the business sector working in concert in providing aide and relief to the Minnesota Hurricane Katrina evacuees. The Minnesota statewide response overall made a temendous positive impact on the survivors. It was an example of how critical it is to support the efforts of the faith and community organizations. In your new role, will you build upon those valuable collaboratives?

LB:
That initiative [Minnesota Katrina Relief] is certainly an example of how critical it is to support the effort of the faith organizations. Those organizations had already come forth to provide aide -- housing, clothing and other resources to the [Katrina] families. They have joined with the families to assist in their relocation effort. So the whole idea behind the faith based community organization initiative isn't new. It's simply that we [Governor's office] want to enhance their [organizations] access to funding and support. Also identify the best practice, collaborations and inititives that are already out there and somehow recognize them.

GMS:
At the same time the aggressive and positive response to our Katrina survivors was evident, that response provoked concern and comments from many Minnesotans faced with existing financial, shelter and employment crises as to 'why hasn't the response to those exising needs been as aggressively addressed. Very strong and valid concerns have been posed to our Governor Pawlenty. How will this new Governor's Council or Initiative's role address those same existing needs of Minnesota residents?

LB:
Certainly, there are a number of organizations already actively involved in the Katrina effort. [an example] I met with the volunteer outreach coordinator, who's working through the Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches. She's now looking at the next phase of needs for those [Katrina] people. We [Council] just want to be a one-stop shopping resource or catalyst of information for faith and community organizations that are providing services to the community [inclusive a Katrina response]. We want to identify duplication of efforts. For instance in the community where there's a food bank, there's a church or faith organization wanting to also request funding for a food bank; maybe there's an opportunity for them to not provide the service on the same day but to do so on the alternate day of the other service to provide food for an individual in the community so that an individual can eat every day of the week. That's just kind of the example of the catalyst that we can be in disiminating information to these organizations, To say that we [Council] are going to meet the needs -- we just want to be the catalyst to make it easier for them [faith and community organizations] to provide those services to the community.

On a lighter side Up Close-- Lee shares...
Favorite Book - the Bible
Favorite Movie - "The Color Purple" and classic movies
Favorite Song - many favorite ones
Spend Time with a Person of Influence - would love to have sat with Mother Theresa; partial to older people because of their experience
Leisure & Relaxation - be with family; she's in a book club and sings in the church choir.

Publisher's note: (January 13, 2006 GMS ) Council appointees are Kim Jeffries; Bruce Robbins; Nancy Haapoja; Megan Doyle; Elsa Vega- Perez; Mariam Mohamed; Susan L. Hilgart; Richard H. Coleman; Yvonne Cheung Ho; Windell "Clint" Calvert; G. Paul Beaumaster; Andrew Parker; Patricia L. Peterson; Krishna M. Saxena; Richard Ober.

(GMS) The Minneapolis Urban League in collaboration with Home-Away From Home, a program of Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches, Sabathani Community Center, Kingdom Oil and Minnesota African American Hurricane Relief Effort sponsored 'The Big Easy to Big Freezy' on January2006. Grace Media Network's Campaign Literacy Awareness (CLA) October book drive partnered with MUL and the MN Hurricane Relief effort to donate a portion of collected books to the Katrina children.

In part, the event concept was an idea and passion of Zachary Metoyer, Hospitality Volunteer with MnAAHKRC and MN Hurricane Relief Effort. Back in September 2005, Metoyer expressed in an interview with GMS that he had an idea to do the' big easy to big freezy' which would help the MN Hurricane Katrina evacuees make their winter transition. He strongly believed that giving them winterization readiness and education would be a real aide in their transition. That idea became a reality when he partnered with the Mineapolis Urban League. "Everybody is crying about the big money needed to do things. Yet in the meantime, there are people ready to 'just do the work' to assist them." Metoyer's heart is simply full of compassion. "My family is from Louisiana and when I heard what happened {Gulf Coast hurricane devastation] I dropped everything including my campaigning for 8th Ward City Council. Sometimes you just know what you have to do and that's what I responded to. We still have people sleeping on cots in shelters.The Red Cross can only do so much; FEMA can only do so much, the same as the Salvation Army. It is up to us the community to fill the gap. It is up to us to do it."

'The Big Easy to Big Freezy' event was well attended by the Katrina families who received a 'southern-style dinner, fellowship, networking with one another and much appreciated winter survival resource information and winter gear from community services and organizations including Triple A and Catholic Charities. State Representatives Keith Ellingson and Neva Walker greeted the special guest Katrina faimilies. The children were very excited over the brand new books they received at the event from Campaign Literacy Awareness: The Right To READ® (CLA) -- 'From Campaign Literacy Awareness (CLA) to MN Katrina Kidz with Love! When the event was announced, CLA called on its intiative partner sponsors Network for the Development of Children of African Descent (NdCAD) and Bethany House Publishers to assist in donating new family-friendly books. Again, both organizations met the need.

Photo caption 1st row L-R: #1. 2005 CLA endorsed Book author Joyce Marrie (shown center front) surrounded by group of MN Katrina Survivor children who received new books 'From Campaign Literacy Awareness: To MN Katrina Kidz with Love! at 'The Big Easy To Big Freezy' event on Thursday, January 19, 2006.The event was sponsored by The Minneapolis Urban League in collaboration with Home- Away From Home, Sabathani Community Center, Kingdom Oil and Minnesota African American Hurricane Relief Effort; #2. Zachary Metoyer, Hospitality, MnAAHKRC; #3. Dinner Staff; second row #4. State Rep. Neva Walker; #5. State Rep. Keith Ellingson; #6. Deborah Easter, Mn Katrina Relief, MnAAHKRC; #7. Cheryl Morgan Spencer, Minneapolis Urban League; #8. Representative, Triple A; 3rd row #10, #11 & #12. Children of Katrina and volunteer families. Photo Courtesy: GMS/CASM

About MUL:

The Minneapolis Urban League is a minority, community-based organization that has served the African American community since 1926. It is one of the top ten affiliates of the National Urban League based in New York, NY. Each year, over 20,000 people look to the Minneapolis Urban League for assistance in overcoming barriers that prevent them from accessing quality employment, housing, education, social services, and health care.

About CLA:

CL A - Campaign Literacy Awareness: The Right To READ©® launched in 2001 to counterattack illiteracy through releasing the powerful gift -- The Right To READ®. CLA will mobilize community wide book drives; rally communities to embrace and promote literacy awareness; identify and support existing literacy/book giving programs; foster community wide volunteerism. In response to the damage in the South, MnHKR is partnering with Grace Media Network's Campaign Literacy Awareness (CLA) book drive to donate a portion of collected books to displaced children who come to Minnesota. In a similar effort, CLA donated 10,000 books to children in New York City following 9/11.

About NdCAD:

NdCAD - Network for the Development of Children of African Descent is a 501(c)(3) , non-profit organization based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. We work collectively, in the spirit of community, to identify and gather information and resources that positively influence our children’s cultural, spiritual, and academic development. We work with a broad range of partners and use a variety of strategies to connect resources and information to children and families as well as early childhood programs, schools, and other organizations that impact children of African descent.

A Chat with Co-stars Michael W. Smith and jeff obafemi carr of The Second Change
Movie coming Feb. 17, one day only

By Judah Powers-Stalling
YiG Showcase™

jeff obemfari carr (joc)
YiG™
How do you reach young people with your music and acting?

joc
Well I act, the reason why I like acting and movies is because it's a popular form of entertainment and it reaches a lot of people. A lot of people go to the movies. I figure that if I could do something positive on screen then it will inspire somebody like some of the positive people I saw when I was that age.

YiG™
How Old were you when you got inspired to do this [act]?

joc
I was eight years old when I saw my first play and I loved it.

YiG™
How did your parents support you?

joc
They believed in me and told me that I could do anything and they would never let me down.

Media note: jeff obafemi carr spells his name in all lower case as a gesture of humility. For more information, please visit jeff's official website: www.jeffobaf emicarr.com.

Michael W. Smith (MWS)
YiG™
How do you reach the youth with the music that you perform?

MWS
I just try to be as honest as I can, I don't think you can sing songs about youth unless you spend time with youth. So I spend a lot of time with kids. I'm very involved with the youth program at my church.

YiG™
What church are you from?

MWS
New River Fellowship in Tennesee.

YiG™
How old were you when you were inspired to start performing music?

MWS
I knew at 15 years old that this was what I would do for the rest of my life.

YiG™
How did your parents support you?

MWS
They are my biggest fans.

YiG™
Do you have kids and how do they feel about your music?

MWS
Yes, 5 children. I think they dig it. They are used to it. We are all very close.

Photo caption second row #4. Alyssa Green, YiG™ (Youth in Gospel™) and jeff obafemi; #5. John Sather, Director, Here's Life Inner City; #6. Judah Powers-Stalling, YiG Showcase™ Host and her little brother Meek Stalling, Co-stars Michael W. Smith and jeff obafemi. Photo Courtesy: GMS/CASM. Visit GMS Photo News Gallery.

The Second Chance is essentially a movie about two men - one from a White church in the well-to-do suburbs and one from a Black church in the inner-city projects. Although founded by the same man, each church manifest its mission in a very different way. This film authentically tells the story of how a rebellious son and a street-smart pastor struggle to bridge the gap between their respective churches and cultures. More importantly, at its core, The Second Chance is about being willing to step outside your comfort zone and serve where you are called. Jake Sanders (jeff obafemi carr) and Ethan Jenkins (Michael W. Smith) struggle to find common ground as they face street gangs, their own shortcomings, and those who would destroy the community church for political gain. Can the faith Ethan and Jake share overcome the prejudices that divide them to give themselves and a struggling urban church a second chance? Date release is February 17, 2006 -- countdown 20 days.

"The events of promoting The Second Chance movie were a wonderful success, but the real hope and desire is seeing people "journey" in understanding the issues of racial reconciliation and what a urban and suburban church partnership might look like for the glory of Christ," remarks John Sather, Director, Here's Life Inner City, www.hlictwincities..org.

Several promotional events were hosted in the Twin Cities (January 25, 2006) -- KTIS in partnership with Here’s Life Inner City and Kingdom Oil and co-hosts Pastor Jon Crosby, Christ Presbyterian Church and Rev. Al Gallmon, Friendship Missionary Baptist Church sponsored a Complementary Luncheon and Discussion on the issues of racism, classism and their impact on the Church with Michael W. Smith and jeff obafemi carr. The event was hosted by Jon Engen, KTIS station manager and morning show co-host, Testimony by Pastor Warren Carey, Tree of Life Family Church, Minneapolis. A time of Praise & Worship was lead by Michael W. Smith in The Blue Room at Northwestern College, St. Paul, MN. The VIP Reception and movie preview for the public followed that evening at Christ Presbyterian Church, Edina.

Photo caption second row #7. Co-stars jeff obafemi and Michael W. Smith with (center) John Sather, Director, Here's Life Inner City; #8. Event Co- hosts Rev. Al Gallman, Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, Minneapolis and Pastor Jon Crosby, Christ Presbyterian Church, Edina; #9. Julie Lovell-Fairchild, jeff obafemi carr, John Sather, Director, Here's Life Inner City and Michael W. Smith; #10. The Second Chance Co-stars Michael W. Smith and jeff obafemi carr. Photo Courtesy: GMS/CASM

GMS ePress
Your GMS ePR On DEMAND will promote your event, press release, project, talent, artist, new release, church, ministry, business and service separately. GMS will get you to the desktop of your audience at home or at work. Reply via Email: GMS_client@GMNetwork.cc

Your TGR Weekender calendar will list your announcement FREE...Submit current coming Spring conferences & events now...Reply with your Submission to: submissions@GMNetwork.cc

**Friday, February 3, 2006, 7:45 PM...Super Bowl XL Seventh annual Gospel Celebration Concert. The concert will help kick off Super Bowl Weekend featuring award-winning, singing sensation Patti LaBelle who will share the stage with the hottest artists in gospel music - The Winans, Mary Mary, The Clark Sisters and Hezekiah Walker and the Love Fellowship Choir and soul-stirring testimonies from NFL players and surprise guests. Super Bowl Gospel Celebration is presented by Sam's Club, and sponsored in part by Motorola, Burger King and media partners Ebony Magazine, Mix 92.3, the Detroit News and Detroit Free Press. Location: Masonic Temple, Detriot, MI.

**CANCLELLED February 10-13, 2006...Cruise to Royal Caribbean....Shiloh Temple Intl Ministries Gospel Cruise aboard Royal Caribbean Cruise Line's 'Majesty of the Seas'. Destination - the beautiful private island CoCo Cay and spend a day in Nassau, Bahamas. For more info: Church/Teriece 612.302.1463 or Hobbit Travel, 612.338.8880 x3020. Tell her you saw it on GMS.

**February 10, 2006 ...Valentines Extravaganza sponsored by Effective Millennium World Ministries Incorporated (EMWMI). A splendid evening of dining, dancing, and entertainment. For couples and single alike. Saturday morning join us for workshops on developing and maintaining healthy relationships. Dinner tickets and various Packages available. Some Packages include overnight accomodations and workshops. Contact: Antioch Christian Center at 651-222-4410 or email emwmi@yahoo.com. Location: Embassy Suites Hotel, 7901 34th Ave S, Bloomington, MN

**February 15-17, 2006...Gospel Heritage Praise & Worship '06 "Raising A New Standard". Get Ready! Get Ready Get Ready! It's going to be a power-packed weekend as Gospel luminaries converge on the Washington, DC metro area to celebrate the nation's largest and most prestigious Gospel music celebration during Black History Month. Already, there is excitement in the air regarding the keynote speakers and artists slated to take part in Heritage '06. Location: Reid Temple A.M.E., Glenn Dale, MD.

**February 17-19...Let's Stay Together Marriage Get-A-Way 2006 The Gift of Marriage hosted by Church of New Life Christian Ministries. For information: 612. 823.8622. Location: Oak Ridge Conference Center, 1 Oak Ridge Drive, Chaska, MN. Sunday morning service Location: 3536 Nicollet Ave., S., Mpls, MN

**February 17-22, 2006...NRB Annual Convention & Exposition. The largest nationally and internationally recognized event dedicated to assist, train and network professionals in Christian communications. Location: Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center Fortworth, TX.

**February 18, 2006, 10 AM...Honoring One of Our Heroes the late Dr. Hattie L. Smith presented by The City of David and A.H.H. Productions will be honoring one of our Heroes, with launching of a scholarship program in her honor. Location: Trinity Lutheran Church of Minnehaha Falls, 5212 41st Ave., So., Mpls., MN

**Sunday, February 19, 2006, 5:00 p.m ... Twin Cities Community Gospel Choir . Hosted by the College of St. Catherine O’Shaughnessy. An evening of gospel joy celebrating both the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Black History Month. Tickets are $20 for adults, $12 for seniors/children under 14. Tickets can be reserved by calling The O’Shaughnessy Box Office, 651-690-6700 or online at www.ticketmaster.com. Location: The O’Shaughnessy on the St. Paul campus of the College of St. Catherine, 2004 Randolph Avenue and offers free parking, St. Paul, MN.

**February 27, 2006...GRACE Media Network unveils webcast streaming on GMNetwork.cc. Featuring 5 Cyber Channels -- connect to the winners (conquerors) in media ministry experience -- the Lifestyle, Culture, History, Influence of and Access to faith based people from all walks of life. Sign-up NOW your program in a 30 minute time slot or your promotion. Location: www.GMNetwork.c c

March

**March 14-17, 2006...GMWA Board Meeting. Location: Town & Country Resort, 500 Hotel Circle North San Diego, CA.

**March 30,31-April 1, 2006...First IPYPU Midwestern Regional Conference "Back to Pentecost: Finding Our Way" hosted by M.W.D.D.C. Hotel Information: Minneapolis Hilton Downtown, 1001 Marquette Avenue, Minneapolis, MN., 612.376.1000. Block your room before Feb. 28. For more information: Pastor Tyrone Maxwell, 612-302-1463 or Minister Diane Johnson, 402-397-5006, Location: Shiloh Temple International Ministries, 1201 West Broadway Avenue North, Mpls., MN

April

June

**June 9-10, 2006...Let The Healing Begin Conference 2006. Hosted by The City of David/AHHProductions. Featuring special guest Dr. CindyTrimm of Fort Lauderdale, FL. Location: Mpls., MN

**June 13-17, 2006...MWDDC Summer Session. For more information: Pastor Tyrone Maxwell, 612-302-1463. Mpls., MN

July

**July 19-22, 2006...Mega Fest. Hosted by T.D. Jakes Ministries. Location: Atlanta, GA.

**July 29-August 5, 2006...Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc. Convention. Location: Anehiem, CA  

August **August 12-18, 2006 ...GMWA Annual Convention Location: Hyatt Regency Hotel at Reunion (Headquarters Hotel) Dallas, Texas. **August 16-20, 2006...NABJ 31st Annual Convention & Career Fair. The annual gathering is the largest convention for journalists of color in the nation. The convention features the nation's largest journalism career fair and many skills- based and topical workshops, plenary sessions, "super workshops on specialized topics," professional development breakfasts targeted to various journalism disciplines, an awards banquet and gospel brunch, media receptions, an exhibit area and so much more for veteran, young and future journalists. To , please call Convention Management Group at (703) 934-4700 or send an email to nabj@cmgexpo.com. For Booth Reservation, Convention, Lodging/Travel Schedules visit www.nabj.org. Location: Indianapolis Convention Center. Indianapolis, IN

Books...
*Debut book release 'Cherry Wood Finds A Home' by Joyce Marrie Speaks to behavioral issues of children

Joyce Marrie writes short stories and plays for youth to visualize and explore through real life situations. She feels it is important to challenge and equip youth to grow and break the cycle of wrong decisions, thus making positive choices. Her debut book release "Cherry Wood Finds A Home" uses trees as the characters to explore a real life situation on rejection, bullying, self esteem and friendship. This book targets ages up to 8 and aids any adult and professional therapist in dialoguing with their young ones on these issues. A Bonus CD is included. Joyce Marrie is the founder and director of Crossroads Panorama, a non-profit organization that focuses on youth education through drama. She has a MA in Human Development, an undergraduate degree in Psychology and is a Certified Drama Therapist. Read more About Authors and BUY NOW. For booking & media inquiries: Grace Media Services (GMS), 763.221.6894 or Email: GMS_client@GMNetwork.cc. For featured new book releases, visit link below and click on PR.

www.GMNetwork.cc

*Debut book release of "God Called Her...Josiah" by Josiah Jackson

Josiah Jackson says, "Whether churches are prepared or not, women will continue to play significant roles as leaders in the body of Christ." The debut book release of Josiah Jackson's "God Called Her...Josiah" is a penetrating and revealing autobiography that unlocks gifting and stirs confidence in the readers. "Although, many women are formally trained for leadership roles such as ministers, elders, pastors, and bishops, the time has come for shared responsibilities in the church," the author reveals in her book. Josiah Jackson earned a Masters of Divinity (M.Div) from Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, GA. She is honored in the 1992 edition of Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and colleges. Read more About Authors and BUY NOW.

Book "DOWN TIME" by Kelvin Pleasent reveals Hurricane Katrina before it happened...Now Available Online

Kelvin Pleasent is an accomplished National and International Speaker, Musician, Songwriter, and has shared the stage with award winning artists Hezekiah Walker, Kirk Franklin, Vickie Winans, Marvin Sapp and many other prominent artists. He is founder of Vision Ministries, Inc and Back Line Studios. Kelvin has completed an outstanding assemblage of life changing messages entitled “Down Time” from which his debut book is titled. "DOWN TIME" The Break Before The Breakthrough carries the believer, as well as the nonbeliever through a journey that deals with the inconceivable, perplexing, progression and recession of events between mountain top experiences. Kelvin is currently the National Minister of Music with the Powerhouse of Deliverance Churches, International, whose Headquarters is based in Hinesville, GA. He is an Operations Senior Noncommissioned Officer with Recruiting Command in the United States Army. Since 1986, he has ministered predominately to the military forces around the world -- now stationed and serving in the Southern Gulf Coast. Read more About Authors and BUY NOW.

On Screen...

*Gospel Superfest 6th Annual Salute to Black History, with Vivica A. Fox, Clifton Davis and Vanessa Williams, will air in syndication January 23 thru February 27, 2006 on The Word Network, PAX TV Network and The Daystar TV Network. Multiple specials from the session and a weekly series will follow throughout 2006, including Gospel Superfest Easter Jam, Gospel Superfest Most Memorable-2 and Gospel Superfest Back to School Jam-4. For more information on Gospel Superfest please visit: www.gospelsuperfest.com or contact The Gospel Superfest Information line at (212) 631- 4200.

*BET's Celebration of Gospel Hosted by Steve Harvey . The star-studded concert will airs on Black Entertainment Television, Inc. (BET) Feb 23, 2006, 9:00 ET/PT. *The Second Chance - Only in theaters on February 17, 2006. Starring: Michael W. Smith and jeff obafemi carr. For more details and theater listings please log on to ww.thesecondchancemovie.com

www.thesecondchancemovie.com

 

On Stage...Review

The Night Before Christmas at The Fitzgerald Theater, St. Paul, MN

By Jasmine 'Jazzy' Avent, GMS and YiG Showcase™

How do you make a Christmas tradition? Well, first you need a city full of great people, sprinkled with cheer, and of course, The Sounds of Blackness' 'The Night Before Christmas II'. Since 1978 this Christmas play has lit up the Twin Cities and wowed audiences both young and old. This year's show, held December 17th and 18th proved that this group and this musical has staying power.

The show's creator and musical director, Gary Hines, says that this play was a gift from God. "I loved the poem ['Twas the Night Before Christmas'], and God blessed me with a vision that was full of spirit and fun... It's [the musical] African American but it attracts all races." Greg Sears, who has been performing in the play for 15 years says that for him, the play's characters are close to home. "Somebody in this play reminds me of somebody in my family... [the play] helps me get into the holiday spirit."

One of the elements that keep audiences intrigued year after year is the music. All composed by Mr. Hines and performed by the Sounds of Blackness, the songs and arrangments lift the soul and bring Chirstmas cheer to every person in the audience. This play is full of fun, from dancing chitterlings, to singing socks, all while sending a strong message of the true meaning of Christmas-Jesus Christ. So if you haven't been able to witness this Twin Cities tradition for yourself, just hang tight. Santa and his sultry reindeer will be back again!

Publisher's Note: Miss Jasmine Avent, a senior at Howard University's Mass Communications program, was home in the Twin Cities for Christmas break. Jazzy (affectionately called) will graduate spring '06.

Jazzy -- We miss you already!

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