Thug Life Army

The most inspiring musical tour of early 2005 takes place on February 1st in Columbus, Ohio with the launching of the Sisters in the Spirit tour. In celebration of February as "Black History Month," gospel music superstars Yolanda Adams, Martha Munizzi and RiZen join with R&B/pop icon Kelly Price and Sisters in the Spirit Musical Director Sheila E to honor the unique spiritual bond of women in all walks of life. Juanita Bynum, aka "The Prophetess," famed for her enlightening sermons and inspirational books on hope, strength and spirituality, will offer both music and message to the proceedings. Included in the Sisters in the Spirit program is health and fitness expert Donna Richardson Joyner, wife of "Fly Jock" Tom Joyner, who will impart tips contained on her successful video, "Sweating in the Spirit."

Sponsored by Southwest Airlines, the Sisters in the Spirit tour is promoted by Executive Producer Al Wash of ALW Entertainment. Wash is the promoter behind the highly successful "Hopeville" tour, which concluded its second outing in 2004. Previously, the tour enjoyed a well-received run in 2002. Wash comments, "The purpose of the Sisters in the Spirit tour is to show the unity and strength of women today in gospel music. Most people's New Year resolution is to exercise and work out. That's why, during Black History Month, we use the theme ''Mind, Body and Soul'' to make sure that people keep their resolutions. This combination of singers and ministry is the best of all the tours we have had under the Sister in the Spirit banner." Gospel music veteran Kirk Franklin, a participant in the "Hopeville" tour, will offer his insight as a stage advisor and will not perform.

Bynum comments, "The purpose of the Sisters in the Spirit tour is to give back a little bit, to think about YOU just for a day. As women take on a stronger role in leadership in both business, social and family decisions, we go through a period where we don''t have time to congratulate or commend ourselves on our own accomplishments."

Keeping with tradition, there is no one particular headliner for the Sisters in the Spirit tour. Instead, a sharing spirit of community will be the focus, as each artist will sing both solo and duets, backed by Sheila E's musical direction. While the uninitiated may wonder about the addition of Sheila E, she gained fame for her contributions to Latin jazz, and as a protégé of pop music star Prince. Both Wash and Bynum offer insights to the choice. Wash: "Since this is the third time for this tour, it's always been my dream to have an all-women band. To me, who else is a perfect choice to direct the musical efforts of this tour than Sheila E." Bynum adds, "Sheila E is the equivalent of Quincy Jones in terms of the breadth of musical knowledge she brings to the table. I also could not have chosen a better director for the various types of music this tour offers."

TOUR DATES for "SISTERS IN THE SPIRIT":
February 1 - Columbus, OH Main Auditorium
February 3 - Washington, D.C. Constitution Hall
February 4 - Philadelphia, PA Liacouras Center
February 5 - Baltimore, MD Lyric Opera House
February 6 - Charlotte, SC Ovens Auditorium
February 8 - TBA
February 10 - Richmond, VA Landmark Theatre
February 11 - New York, NY Christian Cultural Center
February 12 - Hampton, VA Coliseum
February 13 - Greensboro, NC Events Center
February 15 - Flint, MI IMI Sports Arena
February 17 - Chicago, IL Arie Crown
February 18 - Detroit, MI Fox Theatre
February 19 - Cincinnati, OH Taft Theatre
February 20 - Atlanta, GA Civic Center
February 22 - Columbus, GA Civic Arena
February 24 - Birmingham, AL Boutwell Auditorium
February 25 - Jacksonville, FL Performance Arts Center
February 26 - Lakeland, FL Carpenter Center
February 27 - Miami, FL James L. Knight Center
March 1 - Memphis, TN Orpheum Theatre
March 3 - Dallas, TX Next Stage Arena
March 4 - New Orleans, LA Sanger Theatre
March 5 - Houston, TX Verizon Theatre
March 6 - Austin, TX Frank Erwin Center

Additional Dates TBA. Dates are subject to change.
For more information, go to: www.alwe.com

INFORMATION PROVIDED BY:
BLACK GOSPEL PROMO, INC.
Website: www.blackgospelpromo.com