Village Church Announces The Season of Praise Concert Series

FORT MYERS, Fla. (November 2, 2007) — The line up for the 2007/2008 Season of Praise Concert Series at The Village Church at Shell Point Retirement Community has been announced by Randy Woods, minister of worship and music for The Village Church. This series of uplifting sacred music and gospel songs features eight acclaimed artists with a total of 11 performances. The artist roster and dates are as follows:

“The Season of Praise has been held for many years at The Village Church and continues to grow each year,” says Pastor Woods. “This year’s roster of artists provides a variety of presentations as well as musical accomplishment and is sure to be a delight for our audience.”

Tickets are currently on sale and are $5 each. To purchase tickets or receive additional information about the concert series, please call (239) 454-2147 or go to http://www.shellpoint.org/villagechurch/events.htm .

The Village Church at Shell Point is a ministry of the Christian and Missionary Alliance and serves a congregation of more than 600. The Village Church is located near the entrance to the Island at Shell Point and seats 1,000 people. Shell Point Retirement Community is a continuing care retirement community located in Fort Myers off Summerlin Road, just two miles before the Sanibel causeway. Shell Point is a nationally recognized leader in the retirement industry.

The Concert Schedule:

Celtic Artistry with The Blair Band
The Season of Praise will begin with The Blair Band in concert on Sunday Evening, November 11. The Blair Band is a Celtic, acoustic, folk group. The Blair Band is a passionate, high energy force with an innovative organic sound. The Band performs a combination of traditional folk and contemporary ballad style music with stirring original songs played on traditional Scottish and Irish instrumentals. When you see The Blair Band in concert you will not only be moved by their infectious energy and passion, but you will be inspired by the incredible musicianship of each band member.

A Christmas Celebration with duo pianists, Ovid Young and Stephen Nielson
A Festival of Keyboards & Carols will be presented by The Village Church Choir with virtuoso duo pianists Stephen Nielson and Ovid Young on Saturday afternoon, December 8 and Sunday evening, December 9. These noted Steinway artists are one of the best-loved Christian piano duos in the world because of their artistry and skill at the instruments. Throughout this celebration, the new and the old, the perennial and the unfamiliar are juxtaposed as the Christmas story is retold.

Tim Zimmerman and The King’s Brass
Again this year, Tim Zimmerman & The King’s Brass will begin the New Year with a concert on Sunday and Monday Evenings, January 6 and 7. As always, their concert will include classic hymn arrangements with a contemporary flair. The King's Brass features three trumpets, three trombones, a tuba, percussion and keyboards. These instruments blend together to create a time of innovative worship that will be enjoyed by all generations. Secular and sacred music critics alike applaud their concerts as "superb in every way" and "innovative and well played." "Truly, an unforgettable experience!"

A Night to Remember with the Collingsworth Family
Excitement, spiritual anointing, family-emphasis, and musical excellence are what you can expect to find when you step across the threshold of the auditorium for an Evening of Family Worship and Praise with The Collingsworth Family on Sunday Evening, February 3. Since their first engagement together as musicians for a church camp in Petersburg, Michigan in 1986 until now, the ministry God has given Phil & Kim has expanded and flourished until it is a full-time livelihood that involves them and their 4 teenage children. Their constant, persistent attention to cutting-edge arranging, musical excellence, and a proper balance of spiritual emphasis are the keys to success God has helped them tap. The Collingsworth Family is honored to have been named the 2007 NEW ARTIST of the YEAR by the Southern Gospel Music Guild.

God and Country Celebration with The Barbary Coast Dixieland Band
Back by popular demand on Sunday and Monday Evenings, February 17 & 18, enjoy the irresistible music of The Barbary Coast Dixieland Band. There's no sitting still at the back of the auditorium when the Barbary Coast Dixieland Band leads a church service. Right from the start, the familiar jazz melodies and gospel songs will set your toes to tapping to the beat of Dixieland jazz in this patriotic God & Country Celebration.

Sacred Praise with Ron and Gary Matthews
In sacred and classical music Ron and Gary Matthews are one of the most gifted and dynamic duet teams in North America. They are duo vocalists, pianists, organists and trumpeters. On Sunday Evening, March 9, with this combination of superlative talent, The Matthews Brothers will present a rare and uplifting musical experience, but most importantly a rich spirit of worship. Musicians par excellence, the brilliant and creative presentations of Ron and Gary reveal again and again their God given instrumental and vocal abilities. Each concert becomes a service of worship as these two men use musical gifts to praise the Lord.

Easter Celebration with the brass ensemble, Ars Ventus
The Easter Sunday Evening Celebration, on March 23, will include festive music for brass and organ presented by Ars Ventus. Founded in 2005, this five member ensemble is dedicated to bringing varied, exciting Brass Chamber music to audiences featuring repertoire spanning five centuries. Composed of some of the country's finest brass performers, Ars Ventus offers incredible diversity in its programming, at the highest performance standards. Ars Ventus performances are a combination of demonstration, audience participation, and traditional recital presentations creating a compelling blend of entertainment and inspiration, often using custom musical arrangements.

Classic Praise with The Wheaton Chamber Players (strings & piano)
The Wheaton Chamber Players ensemble is the newest group to emerge from Wheaton College’s well-known music conservatory. Comprised of the principal string players of Wheaton’s outstanding Symphony Orchestra and distinguished pianist and teacher, William Phemister, their energetic performance on Sunday Evening, April 6 will include the dramatic Brahms Piano Quartet in C minor as well as many profoundly beautiful classical and sacred solos, duets, and trios.