Contact:
Kimberly Buchanan
815-978-2385
kimberly@eventus4events.com
Sarah Kelly and Paris Bennett to Headline
Unity Concert at Coronado Theatre
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 14, 2011, Rockford, Illinois – The Diversity Council of Winnebago County is pleased to announce the First
Annual Unity Concert, presented by Harris Bank. This event, held at the Coronado Theatre on Friday, March 4, is a city-
wide family event established to celebrate our many diverse communities. With an American Idol Finalist and a two-
time Grammy Award nominee taking the stage, the Unity Concert is sure to be a night to remember. “On behalf of Harris
and all our local employees, it’s an honor for us to support and take part in The Unity Concert,” said Andrea Ward,
Rockford Regional President, Harris. “We hope this event becomes a celebrated tradition, and we thank Winnebago
County Diversity Council for helping to cultivate a sense of inclusion in our region.”
The momentous occasion is expected to bring together many people; with the overall theme of REBUILD, RESTORE, and
RENEW. The goal is for participants to walk away with new acquaintances and a renewed spirit of unity. “We invite
everyone to join us for one of the best musical experiences the area has to offer,” said Earl Dotson Jr., Winnebago
County Deputy Administrator. “Make the Unity Concert a family event. With a diverse selection of musical
performances, the Unity Concert features something for everyone to enjoy.”
2011 Unity Concert
Friday, March 4
Coronado Theatre
7:00 pm
Tickets - $10 at the Coronado Box Office
or online at coronadopac.org
PERFORMANCES BY:
American Idol Finalist – Paris Bennett
Grammy Award Nominee - Sarah Kelly
Walt Whitman and the Soul Children of Chicago
Boyce Hudson and the MLK Choir
Purpose Mime Ministry
Kantorei – The Singing Boys of Rockford
Harlan Jefferson Jazz Trio
Carl Hanserd and Friends
Justin Graves
Hosted by: Rockford’s Singing Powerhouse Lynn Penix and Carlton Coleman
Presenting Sponsor: Harris Bank
Supporting Sponsors: Hamilton Sundstrand, Rockford Park District, Rockford Career College, Chicago Rockford
International Airport, SwedishAmerican Medical Foundation, and Hinshaw and Culbertson LLP.
-more-
The Diversity Council of Winnebago County, Inc.
Mission
The Winnebago County Diversity Council’s mission is to promote and provide equal opportunities for all residents of
Winnebago County.
Vision
We believe our future rests in our collective ability to embrace change and influence diversity though our leadership,
employment, procurement and continued community support. We believe that diversity is critical to the County’s
growth, and will improve our competiveness and prospects for long-term success.
BIOS FOR HEADLINE ACTS:
SARAH KELLY
Two-time Grammy Award Nominee Sarah Kelly is a contemporary Christian artist from Rockford, Illinois. She was signed to Gotee
Records, a Christian label under EMI. Kelly is a two time Grammy Award nominee for albums Take Me Away and Where The Past
Meets Today in the category of Best Rock Or Rap Gospel Album. The Rockford-native is a major international talent, appearing in
media and on TV while selling more than 250,000 worldwide. She has collaborated with Jars of Clay and TobyMac. Kelly’s music has
been compared to mainstream artists Sheryl Crow, Janis Joplin, Norah Jones, Carole King, and Sarah McLachlan. Her new album,
Midnight Sun, was released in 2010.
PARIS BENNETT
Paris Bennett captured a national television audience when she became a contestant on the fifth season of the hugely popular
reality series American Idol. The Rockford, Illinois-born singer was a standout, capturing the audience’s and voters’ hearts with her
natural, full-bodied voice. Since the show, Bennett has released two albums; starred with Patti Labelle, Ciarra, and Lynn Whitfield in
Momma I Wanna Sing; and also starred in the upcoming film Baby Oh with Charles Durnin and Theresa Russell (release date TBA). In
2009 Bennett graced the stage of the Lab Theater in a three-month performance of the Broadway show "RENT". She is currently
working on her new album.
WALT WHITMAN & THE SOUL CHILDREN OF CHICAGO
Mr. Walter Whitman never intended to create one of the most inspiring stories in gospel music during the past two
decades. But with faith in God and a conviction to help childr en and motivate audiences, Mr. Whitman created one of
the most celebrated youth choirs in the world - The Soul Children of Chicago. During the past 23 years, he has utilized
music as a catalyst to develop the minds, hearts and souls of over 1000 children.
Under the direction of Mr. Whitman, the Soul Children of Chicago have produced five albums: We Are One (1988),
Generation X (1999), Growing Up (1996), Live and Blessed (1991) and This Is The Day (1996). The choir has performed in
Italy, Holland, Sweden, Switzerland and Israel and performed before 1.7 billion people at the opening day of the World
Cup and won the prestigious Stellar Award. Additional credits include recording with Public Announcement, R. Kelly
(World's Greatest), Century Men, Cherie Keggy, Neil Diamond (Christmas Album) and Mother Theresa (Tribute Album).
The choir has performed with Harry Belafonte, Neil Diamond, Gladys Knight, Celine Dion, Stevie Wonder, Whitney
Houston, Mariah Carey, Yolanda Adams and Garth Brooks. Mr. Whitman and The Soul Children have also performed at
The Democratic National Convention for President Bill Clinton and at the White House for President George Bush Sr.,
President Ronald Reagan and President Richard Nixon.
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