Juanita Bynum: Leading Star-Studded 'Women's Empowerment Festival'

By Karu F. Daniels, BlackVoices.com

UPDATE: On April 15, producers of the concert canceled the event citing "scheduling conflicts." According to event spokesperson Gwendolyn Quinn, On The Rocks principals Derrick Sanders and Shelby Joyner are "working with talent and Radio City Music Hall on securing a new date in the future."

Tickets ordered through Ticketmaster Phones or Ticketmaster Online have already been automatically credited to the purchaser's credit card account.

All heaven is expected to break loose on April 19 when some of the biggest female names in gospel music get together for the 'Women Empowerment Gospel Festival.'

Presented by On The Rocks Entertainment, Inc. the star-studded event -- hosted by Prophetess Dr. Juanita Bynum (pictured center) and featuring performances by Shirley Caesar (right), Yolanda Adams (left) and The Clark Sisters -- will take place at New York's storied Radio City Music Hall.

In addition to musical performances, the Rev. Dr. Carl L. Washington, current officiating pastor of New Mount Zion Baptist Church located in Harlem, will be a special guest speaker.

According to the production's spokesperson Gwendolyn Quinn, a host of celebrity speakers are expected to join Rev. Washington in sharing positive and powerful messages for women of all spiritual backgrounds.

"The event will give women the opportunity to come together and highlight the efforts of some of the most non-vocal, yet obedient disciples of the Lord," she said. "Several women of the Gospel who are true advocates of inspirational empowerment for women and embody the power of worship and the impact that comes along with it will be honored during the event."

Honorees include First Lady Elder Karen Bernard of Brooklyn mega-church Christian Cultural Center; Pastor Subrenia McDaniel from The Lord's Church Family Worship Center in the Bronx; Evangelist Gail Bligenof from Manhattan's Salvation and Deliverance; First Lady Kim Michelle of Manhattan's Salvation and Deliverance; Rev. Pura M. DeJesus of the Bronx's Love Gospel Assembly; First Lady Joanne Gregori of the Crossway Christian Center in The Bronx; First Lady Peggy Moales of the Prayer Tabernacle, Church of Love Inc. in Bridgeport, CT; and Co-Pastor Jeanette Spencer Rush of Hartford, Connecticut's Ebenezer Temple.

"There are so many people suffering and experiencing difficult times spiritually and personally -- especially women," added Quinn. "This festival will provide hope, comfort and healing for the churched and unchurched."

The promoters have extended their grassroots marketing reach with a flurry of promotional initiatives, including point of purchase signage and a full throttle radio campaign.

Starting April 10, a special "Buy One Get One Half Off" ticket promotion became available for five days. "This event marks a rare occasion at Radio City Music Hall," noted Quinn (pictured left), who also reps major music superstars Aretha Franklin and Kirk Franklin.

"Events of this caliber are few and far between at major A-list union venues such as Radio City and gospel artists are not touring, ministering and performing at these venues on a regular bases," she added. "Even with the financial hardships of some, I'm praying that people can come out in large numbers to experience a blessing of a lifetime."

Ticket prices range from $50 to $125 and a portion of proceeds from the event will benefit The Corratta L. Walker Educational Scholarship Fund for Children, a foundation that provides enrichment and personal growth by providing financial assistance for educational opportunities to individuals 17 - 25 years of age.

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