Khan, Warwick, Winans and Company to Sing 'Songs of Soul and Inspiration'
Chaka Khan, Dion Warwick, CeCe Winans, Shirley Caesar and more will join together as part of a once-in-a-lifetime line up of female vocalists at the AARP’s 50th Anniversary event entitled, Songs of Soul and Inspiration. The two-hour musical event will be held at the Philips Arena in Atlanta, GA on June 21, 2008 also featuring performances from Yolanda Adams, Jamia, Patti Austin, the Fire Choir, Ann Nesby and Paris Bennett. “I am honored to help AARP celebrate its 50th Anniversary and I’m looking forward to spending this special evening with my friends who share a passion for the extraordinary music featured in Songs of Soul & Inspiration,” said Chaka Khan. Dionne Warwick added, “Congratulations to AARP for 50 years of inspiration this is only the beginning, and I look forward to celebrating in Atlanta!” The event will feature a wide range of musical genres and vocal styles -- from the intimate jazz of Patti Austin and the silky pop of Dionne Warwick to the funk soul of Chaka Khan and the re-styled hip hop of Queen Latifah -- all fused with the messages of hope and inspiration. Underscoring the power of music to connect people of all ages, backgrounds and walks of life, Ann Nesby will pair her R&B stylings with her 19-year-old granddaughter Paris Bennett, one of the top 5 finalists on the fifth season of American Idol. Renowned choreographer Debbie Allen will direct the program, which tells the story of how these soulful superstars began singing in church choirs before taking their music to the world in their own distinctive styles. Additionally, the winner of AARP and Radio Ones One Love Gospel Cruise national church choir competition, the Fire Choir, will perform with the stars. Tickets are currently on sale for AARP members through an exclusive AARP pre-sale event, and go on sale for the general public on April 21st. AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole.