Chairperson: Frank Christie

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The West Tennessee Strawberry Festival with the sponsorship of Jones Companies, LTD is pleased to announce the artists for its 13th Annual Christian Concert. This year’s artists, back by popular demand, will be multi award winning and Gospel Music Hall of Famers, Sandi Patty and Larnelle Harris. The Christian Concert for the 71st Annual West Tennessee Strawberry Festival will be held on Friday, May 9, 2008 at First Baptist Church in Humboldt, Tennessee.

Both Sandi Patty and Larnelle Harris have previously performed during the Strawberry Festival, most recently in 2002 when they appeared together along with pianist Dino. Each of these artists has also performed solo concerts during the Festival with Larnelle appearing in 1995 and in 1999 and Sandi appearing in 2000. Sandi and Larnelle have appeared together over the years and are known for their Grammy Award winning duets of “More Than Wonderful” and “I’ve Just Seen Jesus.”

With 5 Grammy Awards, 4 Billboard Music Awards, 3 Platinum records, 5 Gold records, and 11 million units sold, Sandi Patty is one of the most acclaimed performers of our time. Sandi is the most awarded female artist in contemporary Christian music with 39 Dove Awards. She was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2004 and named an Indiana Living Legend in 2007. While her 30-year career is deeply rooted in the gospel music industry, Sandi has had many opportunities to extend her career outside this genre. When her rendition of the Star Spangled Banner was used during the rededication of the Statue of Liberty in 1986 and then broadcast on ABC’s special Liberty Weekend, she was introduced to the world. Her version of the National Anthem has become synonymous with patriotic celebrations including Washington D.C.’s “A Capitol Fourth.” For over 10 years Sandi has performed with Symphony Orchestras across the country and has recorded with the London Symphony Orchestra. Sandi has performed for four Presidents, appeared on “the Tonight Show,” the “Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade,” “Christmas in Washington,” and has played Carnegie Hall. Currently, Sandi is the featured artist for the “Women of Faith” Conferences held across the country. Sandi has recorded 25 records including her most recent Falling Forward which was released in April of this year. In music circles, Sandi is often referred to as “the Voice.” Sandi has inspired millions around the world with her soaring voice and humble character.

Admired by peers and fans alike in a career that spans over three decades, Larnelle Harris was one of the first Christian artists to cross racial barriers and build healing bridges with predominantly white churches who had never had a black singer on their platform. Larnelle Harris is a five-time Grammy winner and 11 time Dove Award winner including being named Male Vocalist of the Year three times by the gospel music community. Larnelle has also garnered nineteen #1 national radio singles and countless top 10 hits. On October 29 of this year Larnelle was formally introduced into the prestigious Gospel Music Hall of Fame. From the White House to the 38th Parallel, Larnelle has impacted audiences across the globe with his music. He was the first artist to perform inside the Kremlin after the fall of the Soviet Union. He is recognized for his song “Mighty Spirit” as the theme song for the longest running Public Service Announcement in television history. Larnelle has recorded 18 records including his latest recording entitled I Want To Be A Star, which has already garnered three top 20 radio singles. Billboard Magazine stated that “Larnelle’s vocal prowess and versatility only increase with time.” World renowned for his majestic tenor voice, one reviewer aptly declared: “ Larnelle could sing the phone book and inspire you.”

Tickets for the West Tennessee Strawberry Festival Christian Concert will go on sale in February 2008