The 8th annual A Soulful Christmas, led by Creator, Artistic and Music Director J. Donald Dumpson, returns this winter with an inspiring and uplifting communal gathering of regional choristers, performing holiday spirituals and gospel favorites. The program culminates in a spectacular closing to the evening with a visually mesmerizing “Finale of Lights!” There is no better way to feel the love, joy, and excitement of the Christmas spirit!
Co-Hosts:
Patty Jackson, WDAS-FM 105.3
Fred Blain, Gospel Highway 11 Online
With Special Guest:
Kathy Taylor, Honoree
This year's special guest is accomplished National Recording Artist, Minister of Music, songwriter, producer, and community activist KATHY TAYLOR.
Well-regarded as one of Gospel music’s generals who consistently offers tried and true gospel music, Kathy Taylor, is an accomplished Minister of Music, songwriter, producer, and community activist. Her music, and the message she eloquently sings about inspires, encourages, uplifts, and heals the spirit.
Her musical gifts have brought her before both national and world leaders. She has ministered before Queen Elizabeth, former President Bill Clinton, Senator Hillary Clinton, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Cicely Tyson, Maya Angelou, and many others. Kathy has received resounding critical acclaim for her outstanding, soul-stirring, and inspirational performances.
This year’s program will feature the following Choirs, Churches, and Organizations (subject to change):
- Arch Street Presbyterian Church
- Reverend Carla Jones Brown, Senior Pastor
- Dr. J. Donald Dumpson, Minister of the Arts
- Deliverance Evangelistic Church
- Reverend Glen Spaulding, Pastor
- Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church
- Reverend Dr. Alyn Waller, Pastor
- Dr. Cassandra Jones, Conductor
- Evelyn Simpson Curenton, Organist
- Gospel Music Preservation Alliance
- Reverend Albert Morgan, Spiritual Advisor
- Serena Blanco, President
- Bethany White Morgan, Conductor
- Mount Carmel Baptist Church
- Reverend Donald Moore, Pastor
- PA Commonwealth C.O.G.I.C. Mass Choir
- Bishop Guy Glimp
- Reverend Daren Miller, Conductor
- Philadelphia Catholic Gospel Mass Choir
- Reverend Stephen Thorne, Archdiocese of Philadelphia Black Catholics
- Tonya Dorsey, Conductor
- Philadelphia Heritage Chorale
- J. Donald Dumpson, Founding Conductor
- Aaron White, Managing Director
- Praise Dancers
- Kristina Martin, Co-coordinator
- Tara Bligen, Co-coordinator
Advisory Committee
Dr. Rollo Dilworth
Dr. Valerie Gay
Norma Hughes
Dr. Cassandra Jones
Reverend Darren Miller
Leslie Tyler
Dr. Austin Woodlin