Award-winning country music and bluegrass star Ricky Skaggs will be the headliner for the first “StarLight at the University of Mobile,” a free outdoor music festival with a family atmosphere.
Designed as a way to showcase the fine arts program at the University of Mobile (UM), the event will spotlight student music groups while featuring solo performances by Skaggs, Christian recording artist Alicia and an appearance by Jason Guy from CBS’ “Big Brother 3” reality show.
The concert will begin at 6:30 p.m. April 22 on UM’s campus at an outdoor stage in front of Martin Hall. It will end with a “bang” as fireworks light the sky and the UM chorale performs an inspiring rendition of “America, the Beautiful.”
“We were looking for a way to bring the community to campus and show off the outstanding talent in our music program,” said Mark Foley, UM president. “The variety of music to be presented at ‘StarLight’ will include something for everybody, including choral music, jazz, piano, guitar, wind ensemble and even a bit of opera. We want the community to see the talent of our students and give our students the experience of performing on the same stage as a legend like Ricky Skaggs.”
“StarLight” is the first project at UM being coordinated by Roger Breland, founder of Truth and now artist-in-residence at UM. Breland is working with Thomas Rowell, chair of the UM department of fine arts, to develop ways to showcase the music program.
Rowell said the evening will include performances of songs such as “Man of Constant Sorrow” and “Down to the River to Pray” from the movie “O Brother, Where Art Thou;” a medley of old gospel favorites; “May It Be” from the movie “Lord of the Rings;” and a variety of other vocal and instrumental selections.
In addition, UM’s touring ensemble VISION will perform contemporary Christian and Southern gospel hits.
Ricky Skaggs is one of the premiere country and bluegrass performers of all time. With 12 No. 1 singles, 14 country albums, five bluegrass albums and a gospel album, Skaggs has a broad appeal. He has received eight Grammy Awards, including the Best Southern, Country or Bluegrass Gospel Album of the Year in 2000 for “Soldier of the Cross.” He’s been named the “Christian Country Artist of the Year” and was named as one of the 100 most important artists of the last 50 years by Billboard magazine.
He has received numerous honors from the Country Music Association, Academy of Country Music, TNN Music City News Awards, International Bluegrass Music Association, Dove Awards and others.
Alicia Williamson Garcia, known simply as Alicia, is a well-known worship leader and Dove Award nominee. Her latest album is “We Win!” and was recorded live at Christ Tabernacle in Queens, N.Y. She lives in Mobile and previously directed UM’s touring ensemble, VISION. She has six albums to her credit, is an author and is involved in a variety of ministries including The Women of Faith Conference, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, the Gaither Homecoming Team, The Urban Alternative, The Brooklyn Tabernacle and Precept Ministries International.
Jason Guy burst onto the national scene as one of the houseguests on CBS’ “Big Brother 3” reality series. He finished the show in third place and earned an 86 percent popularity rating among viewers, making him the most popular houseguest from all three seasons. During the show he shared his faith with America not just in word but by action.
He was a UM student in the mid-1990s and worked at several radio stations in Mobile as well as hosting the “Fox 15 Breakfast Club” television show.
Parking is free at the UM campus. Those attending should bring lawn chairs and picnic suppers. Soft drinks and StarLight T-shirts will be available for purchase. In the event of rain, the concert will be held at First Baptist Church, North Mobile in Saraland.
For more information, visit www.umobile.edu/starlight or call 251-442-2215.
(UM)
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