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Grammy winner headlines gospel show at Maryland Theatre

March 01, 2008|By MATTHEW UMSTEAD

HAGERSTOWN - Karen Brockington drove 90 minutes "in the cold" Friday night to see CeCe Winans perform for the first time at The Maryland Theatre.

"I came from Hyattsville (Md.), just because I love CeCe," Brockington said of the Grammy award-winning gospel artist.

"I think she's an awesome example in the industry. She's a true anointed woman of God," said Brockington, who has seen Winans perform "quite a few" times.

Describing herself as "big supporter" of the singer, Brockington said she owns every compact disc the artist has made.

"I'm just waiting for the next one to come out," said Brockington, one of about 400 people who bought tickets for Winans' appearance, which came after performances by five other acts.

"It's so spiritually uplifting, no matter what you're going through," said Toni Banks of Cumberland, Md.

"The music will just uplift your heart. Once you hear her, you will be truly blessed," added Banks, one of five concert-goers waiting outside for the theater's doors to open a little more than an hour before the show.

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Evelyn Ford of Frederick, Md., said a special performance by her sister-in-law, Kerensa Gray of Waynesboro, Pa., brought her to the show.

"I'm her biggest fan," Ford said of Gray's contemporary Christian gospel ministry.

Also performing before Winans were Shannon Watkins of Cumberland, Kim Raquel, George Ann Skelton, Godfella and Andy Kramer.

The Rev. Darin Mency served as master of ceremonies.

Among those attending Winans' show were her nephew, Jeremy Winans, who said he is in his first year of music management studies at Marshall University in Huntington, W.Va.

Several members of the Winans family have pursued gospel music careers, including CeCe's brother, BeBe, who is part of her next project, a reunion album.

More information about upcoming performances by Winans is available on the Internet at www.cecewinans.com.

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