Gospel singer and Statesville native Shellem Cline is sending out a call to the community to stand up and make a difference, and he is contributing his voice to help it happen.
Five years ago, as an 18-year-old, Cline held the first of what he hoped would become annual gospel concerts at Troutman Elementary. The event has grown each year since, from 130 attendees in 2008 to 420 last year. Cline was forced to change the venue to South Iredell High’s gym in 2011 due to the number of people expected to attend.
In response to the support the community has shown him, Cline decided this year’s concert, called “Shellem Cline’s 5th Annual Gospel Singing Jubilee,” will benefit Gordon’s Hospice House in Statesville.
“It’s time to come together as a community and help out an organization that has helped so many people,” said Cline. “Hospice has helped so many families in Iredell County alone. I believe it’s our duty to say ‘thank you’ to them. It’s something that’s been on my heart.”
Cline, formerly a member of Brothers Redeemed, will perform as a solo artist at the jubilee. Crystal River, a progressive gospel trio, is also on the ticket. Admission is $5. The concert is at 6 p.m. Saturday at South Iredell High School. For ticket information call 704-881-0395.
Anywhere from 20 to 40 percent of the proceeds will go to Hospice, depending on how many people attend. The rest of the money will go toward the budget. It is a not-for-profit event.
Cline said he anticipated the night being “one of the biggest concerts in Iredell County.” A couple skits will supplement the performances, along with what Cline called “special surprises.”
“We’re going to have a lot of fun,” Cline said. “There will be laughter at one moment, crying at the next and shouting after that.”
The jubilee is also the kickoff concert for Cline’s 2012 Time to Stand Up tour. The tour currently has 29 stops planned throughout North Carolina, Tennessee and Kentucky during the year.
Cline said he would love to fill every seat in SIHS’ 500-seat gym at the jubilee, if only so people can spend an evening worshipping and enjoying life together.
“I’m ecstatic,” Cline said. “I can’t take any credit for myself. I have to give it to God. If there’s one thing I can promise, anyone who walks in that door … by the time they leave there, they’re going to get a blessing.”
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