Yolanda Adams

PHOTO COURTESY OF ARTIST MANAGEMENT

Staff Report

MIAMI – Gospel legend Yolanda Adams will headline the closing concert for the 2016-2017 season of Free Gospel Sundays presented by the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County.

Known for her powerful vocals and pioneering blend of traditional gospel music with R&B and jazz, the multiple Grammy Award-winning artist will perform her chart-topping hits including “Open My Heart” and “Be Blessed” inside the John S. and James L. Knight Concert Hall on Sunday, April 9 at 5 p.m.

The soul-stirring concert will also feature performances by the Arsht Center’s resident ensemble, Miami Mass Choir and series ABC Local 10 news anchor Calvin Hughes will return as the evening’s MC.

Since her late 1980’s album debut “Just as I Am,” Adams has become a megastar in her own right. She has triumphantly carried the torch for contemporary gospel throughout 12 albums, and earned numerous accolades including the first American Music Award (AMA) for Contemporary Inspirational Artist and four Gospel Music Association Dove Awards.

In 1999, Adams released “Mountain High…Valley Low” garnering her first Grammy for Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album. The album also featured her crossover breakthrough hit “Open My Heart.”

Since then, Adams has received multiple Grammys for Best Contemporary R&B Gospel Album (“The Experience”), Best Gospel Song (“Be Blessed”) and Best Gospel/Contemporary Christian Music Performance (“Victory”).

In October 2016, Adams joined Houston’s new Amazing 102.5 FM for the “Yolanda Adams Morning Show,” with cohost Marcus Wiley. Adams released her first book, titled “Points of Power: Discover a Spirit-Filled Life of Joy and Purpose,” in 2010.

The Free Gospel Sundays series is made possible with the support of various donors and organizations.

Admission is free, but all first-access passes have been reserved. Patrons who do not have a first-access pass can join the stand-by line beginning at 4 p.m. outside the theater. Patrons in the stand-by line will be allowed into the theater at 4:45 p.m. if seats are still available.

To be the first to learn about the 20172018 Free Gospel Sundays season, visit www.arshtcenter.org to register and join the Arsht Center email list.