Award-winning vocalist to perform at Gospelfest

NORTH CHICAGO – Powerhouse vocalist Tina Jenkins Crawley will perform live at this year’s free Gospelfest from 4 to 5:30 p.m. July 25 at Greenbelt Cultural Center in North Chicago.

”Bring the family for an uplifting, inspiring musical event,” said Angelo Kyle, president of the Lake County Forest Preserves. “Tina, with a mezzo-soprano voice, is influenced by multiple genres. She offers jazz-inspired and gospel messages through her singing style, lyrics and music.”

The Greenbelt Cultural Center is at 1215 Green Bay Road.

Admission and parking are free. All ages are welcome.

Concertgoers should bring a blanket or lawn chair and pack a picnic. No food or beverages will be available for sale this year.

The performance will be livestreamed and recorded at @YouTube.com/LCFPD.

Growing up in Springfield, Crawley sang in church with her mother. At 11 years old, Crawley began writing songs. In the sixth and seventh grades, she earned roles in school musicals. She entered music competitions in high school. Crawley studied music at Eastern Illinois University and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in communications.

In 2000, Crawley won the Gospel Music Association’s Music in the Rockies Award for songwriting. In 2015, she was voted Chicago’s Best Gospel Entertainer of the Year.

“The Longest Journey,” her debut album released in 2012, portrays Crawley as an inspirational gospel vocalist.

“Tina blends jazz and gospel and uplifting contemporary music together as a way of reaching wider audiences and to provide a positive influence to so many,” Kyle said.

Crawley has shared the stage with Cyndi Lauper, Celine Dion, Bad Company, Nelly and others. She appeared on Fox TV’s hit show, “Empire,” in seasons five and six.

For information about Gospelfest, call 847-968-3477. For information about other summer events at the Lake County Forest Preserves, visit www.LCFPD.org or call 847-367-6640.