Wintley Phipps
The Fourth Annual Lee Norris Mackey Memorial Concert, will take place on Sunday, March 21, at 5 p.m. at the First Baptist Church Golden Gateway. The event is presented by The Chattanooga Choral Society for the Preservation of African American Song for which Dr. Mackey was a co-founder and director. Wintley Phipps, internationally acclaimed recording artist, will be the featured artist.
Mr. Phipps has been the featured speaker and performer for many notable occasions around the world. On Jan. 21, 2009 his celebrated rendition of “Amazing Grace” was performed for the 56th Presidential Inaugural Prayer Service attended by President Barack and First Lady Michelle Obama and Vice President Joseph and Dr. Jill Biden at the Washington National Cathedral.
Hosted by Congress, he has sung for Presidents Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, William Jefferson Clinton, and George W. Bush at annual National Presidential Prayer Breakfast events and other distinguished celebrations.
There will be a performance by former classmates and student singers who performed with or under the direction of Dr. Mackey. Alumni Choir members of Brainerd and Chattanooga High Schools are invited to join Conductor Emeritus, Roland Carter in the presentation to honor Dr. Mackey.
The Chattanooga Choral Society for the Preservation of African American Song, CCSPAAS, traces its roots to a 1974 performance under the direction of Mrs. Edmonia J. Simmons; however, it was in 1984 that the group was organized as a component of the then new Chattanooga Afro American Museum. CCSPAAS is a diverse group of citizens committed to sustain the mission of the group which is to collect, perform and promote the heritage of African American songs and composers. Wilma Boykin LeSure and Michael J. Mitchell, Jr. serve as associate directors.
The 2010 Lee Norris Mackey Memorial Concert is presented with grant support from The SunTrust Foundation of Chattanooga, Sam’s Club Foundation and the Tennessee Arts Commission. For additional information call Wilma LeSure 892-1439.
While a $10 donation is suggested, the concert is open to the public without charge. In addition to Sunday’s concert, Mr. Phipps will conduct a master class Negro Spiritual: the Legacy of an American Treasure on Monday, March 22, noon at the Lindsay Street Hall located at 901 Lindsay St.