Contemporary gospel artist CeCe Winans will bring heart-stopping pop, street-smart, R&B, and infectious dance-floor rhythms to Shryock Auditorium on Friday, April 7.  This has been an incredible year for Winans.  She won three Grammy categories, including Best Gospel Performance for “Pray” and Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album for “Purified.”  This concert is presented by Shryock Auditorium, with local sponsorship from The African American Museum of Southern Illinois, Magic 95.1, and a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency. 
 

     It’s virtually impossible to talk about CeCe Winans without acknowledging her artistic influence on an entire musical genre and the groundbreaking achievements she’s accomplished over the past two decades. Blessed with one of the music industry’s greatest voices, CeCe has crossed all stylistic, social and age barriers with her inspirational delivery and powerful music.
 

     Her industry accolades include eight Grammy Awards, 18 Gospel Music Association Dove Awards and several gold and platinum-selling albums. CeCe’s collection of Top Ten R&B hits include “Count on Me,” her powerhouse duet with Whitney Houston, from the multi-platinum Waiting to Exhale soundtrack. The multi-format smash single sold 2 million copies and hit the Top Ten on pop, R&B and adult contemporary charts. Her successful music career has also landed her in the national media spotlight with television appearances on “Oprah,” “The Tonight Show,” “The Rosie O’Donnell Show,” “Live with Regis & Kathie Lee,” the White House and many more.
 

Tickets to CeCe Winans are $32; $26 for senior citizens 60 and older and children 15 and younger.  Purchase tickets at ticketmaster.com/shryock, 866-646-8849, the SIU Ticket Office in the Arena (west entrance), the Student Center Ticket Office or any Ticketmaster outlet.